Paxil Evil

memphispanda, RN · Jan 7, 2004

What did your doc suggest?

Dave ARNP · Jan 7, 2004

Paxil and Prozac tie for the second place on SSRI's that are the hardest to get off of. First place would go to Effexor/XR.

It can be done, it just takes proper tapering, and occasionally a switch in medication to one that is easier to D/C.

Good luck!

Dave

RN-PA, RN · Jan 8, 2004

A number of years ago, I tapered off of 20 mg Paxil over a couple of months and experienced very few withdrawal problems with the following schedule. (My doctor didn't tell me much about weaning off of Paxil; I had been on a Paxil message board for a while and learned how important it is to taper slowly to avoid the potentially horrible withdrawal symptoms.)

First, get yourself a good pill-cutter.

Week 1: alternate days- 20 mg and 15 mg

Week 2: 15 mg

Week 3: alternate 15 mg and 10 mg

Week 4: 10 mg

Week 5: alternate 10 mg/5 mg

Week 6: 5 mg

Week 7: alternate 5mg/2.5 mg

Week 8: 2.5 mg

Week 9: alternate days with no Paxil and 2.5 mg.

Week 10: 2.5 mg every 2 days, then every 3 days, etc. etc.

Hope this helps!

renerian, BSN, RN · Jan 8, 2004

Per your docs orders.

renerian:D

sbic56, BSN, RN · Jan 8, 2004

Originally posted by RN-PA
A number of years ago, I tapered off of 20 mg Paxil over a couple of months and experienced very few withdrawal problems with the following schedule. (My doctor didn't tell me much about weaning off of Paxil; I had been on a Paxil message board for a while and learned how important it is to taper slowly to avoid the potentially horrible withdrawal symptoms.)

First, get yourself a good pill-cutter.

Week 1: alternate days- 20 mg and 15 mg
Week 2: 15 mg
Week 3: alternate 15 mg and 10 mg
Week 4: 10 mg
Week 5: alternate 10 mg/5 mg
Week 6: 5 mg
Week 7: alternate 5mg/2.5 mg
Week 8: 2.5 mg
Week 9: alternate days with no Paxil and 2.5 mg.
Week 10: 2.5 mg every 2 days, then every 3 days, etc. etc.

Hope this helps!

Wow, that's some amazing titration schedule. I had no idea it was that hard to wean off.

JDPARIS · Jan 8, 2004

Thank you all

Panda, My doc told me to temper over a six mnoth period.

Any other suggestions?

JD

memphispanda, RN · Jan 8, 2004

Well, my understanding is that you do what you have to do! If you can't tolerate weaning over a short period of time, then you draw it out as needed.

RN-PA had a good schedule listed!

RedRoses4Me · Jan 21, 2004

I went on Paxil from Prozac I did not like Paxil it made me stop eating and sleep alot but it did nothing for my depression, when I came off of it on my own I ended up staying up for two days everytime I was able to go to sleep I had horrible, horrible nightmares , now try to go thru that and still make it in to work.:imbar

PennyLane, RN · Jan 21, 2004

Originally posted by renerian
Per your docs orders.

renerian:D

Unfortunately, they often don't know about withdrawl and just say, "stop taking it". At least that's what happened to me. Phone calls to his voice mail telling him I felt like I was in the pits of hell went unanswered.

KarafromPhilly · Jan 21, 2004

Originally posted by JDPARIS
Hello everyone!
I have A big question: what's the best way to stop taking paxil (I alreadt talked to my doc, I am not so sure about his idea), I havr been taking Paxil for over 10 years, I am not happy with it at all. I tried to stop cold turkey on my own 6 years ago; IT WAS A BIG MISTAKE!
Would you please help me to do it the right way, without crashing like I did before?
I am about to start some Chinese herbs, anyone who knows a lot about it?
Thanks Everyone!
JD

What do you mean by "crashing", exactly?

What kind of Chinese herbs? Are you taking any other meds right now, and does your doctor know what you're planning to do?

JDPARIS · Jan 22, 2004

Thanks everyone....

What did I mean by crashing?, well , Hell, tried to kill myself feeling so miserable.....

Now, I am tapering off, feel fine so far, have those horrible nightmares, what's next;)?