[LittleEarthquakes]

What was your experience with tapering off Paxil? I have been on 20mg for 4 years and have a plan with a psychiatrist to get off of it in 4 weeks, tapering 5mg at a time. Is this a reasonable amount of time or too short of a time?

[still_crazy]

I think it varies from person to person. Paxil can be rough, from what I've heard. Its very potent and has a short half-life.

Some websites recommend 10% per month tapers. Some also recommend certain supplements to ease the transition off of the drug(s).

I wish you well.

[*Laurie*]

I have tapered off a number of SSRI's, including Paxil. If you are switching from one SSRI to another you can just stop taking the former SSRI and begin the new one. If, however, you are completely going off an SSRI you do need to taper slowly. 4 weeks seems way too fast. I would say that after having been on the Paxil for 4 years, 8 weeks to taper off. Minimum.

By the way, I've found ibuprofen helpful with withdrawal symptoms.

[LittleEarthquakes]

I am switching to a new one, but don't feel comfortable with just stopping the other one. And four weeks seems fast to me too; all of the psychiatrists I've seen who have tried to get me off this med have wanted to do it fast, a lot of them faster than this new psychiatrist. And then look at me weird when I say that sounds really fast.

I tried to taper myself in the past, the same way the current psych is going to have me do, down 5mg. And I had brain zaps and a panic attack. Granted, this was a few years ago. But still I anticipate this being hard for me.

Day 2 and I'm fine -- but I guess we'll see after a week if I'm ready to go down another 5mg.

[*Laurie*]

Originally Posted by LittleEarthquakes

I am switching to a new one, but don't feel comfortable with just stopping the other one. And four weeks seems fast to me too; all of the psychiatrists I've seen who have tried to get me off this med have wanted to do it fast, a lot of them faster than this new psychiatrist. And then look at me weird when I say that sounds really fast.

I tried to taper myself in the past, the same way the current psych is going to have me do, down 5mg. And I had brain zaps and a panic attack. Granted, this was a few years ago. But still I anticipate this being hard for me.

Day 2 and I'm fine -- but I guess we'll see after a week if I'm ready to go down another 5mg.

Since you're switching to another SSRI I think 4 weeks to stop the Paxil should be fine.

[TicTacGo]

Varies from person to person-

The doctor would have either used the standard tapering rate, or adjusted it based on your case.

I would definitely say that it sounds about right. Sometimes, even if we want to be in control, we have to take a breath and trust the doc.

[LittleEarthquakes]

Okay sounds good. Thanks.