Sarahbarah: second phase of Paxil taper

[Sarahbarah]

I had my first debilitating panic attack at age 3. From that point forward, every decision I made in my life was based on fear. Where I lived or worked, who and when I married, what I celebrated. Panic was many constant and faithful companion, and I did nothing without first consulting this companion.

 

In 1997 I had the opportunity to take a trip overseas. For fun! The problem was, I could barely make it across town without panicking, much less get on a plane and cross the ocean to a foreign country. Coincidentally, about that same time, I saw an ad for a psychiatric study on extended release Paxil. I thought, "This could be the answer. I just might be able to take this trip!" I was accepted to the study and stayed on it until it closed. Paxil changed my life. For the first time ever in my 35 years, I felt whole and free.

 

When I decided to begin my Phase I Paxil taper, I joined the Paxilprogress forum. That was several years ago, and the forum was invaluable in my successful taper. I had taken 40 mg for nearly 20 years and it seemed like too high a dose. Over the course of about a year, I was able to taper to 20 mg with few wd symptoms.

 

About 10 years ago, I developed a few ever so slight tremor symptoms. These symptoms increased, and in 2012 I began taking propranolol to control the tremors.

 

Today the meds do not control the tremors very well, and I am convinced the tremor is caused by the Paxil. I can either keep increasing meds to mask symptoms, or I can decrease meds and discover different methods to deal with the panic and tremors. I have chosen the latter. I haven't begun my taper yet, but I have stopped caffeine and started yoga. I want to be as equipped as possible, since I don't know what the future holds, as far as withdrawal. I'm kind of scared, but also really looking forward to being drug free!

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, Sarahbarah.  Thank you for completing your drug signature.

 

I'm glad you found us before you began your second phase taper.

 

Preparing to taper

 

At SA we recommend you taper at no more than 10% of your current dose every four weeks.  Some members need to taper more slowly.

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

The following link describes a method of micro tapering.  It was devised by Brassmonkey, one of our moderators, who successfully tapered off 40mg of Paxil.

 

The Brassmonkey Slide Method of Micro-tapering

 

These links explain the importance of tapering slowly.

 

Brain Remodelling 

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

This link explains how to make nonstandard doses of Paxil.

 

Tips for tapering off Paxil (paroxetine)

 

The slow taper we recommend is designed to minimize withdrawal symptoms.

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Glenmullen’s withdrawal symptom list.

 

 The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

You mentioned discovering different methods to cope.  This is important.

 

 Non-drug techniques to cope

 

You might find these links helpful:

 

Audio:  First Aid for Panic (4 minutes)
 

Audio:  How to Recover from Anxiety - Dr Claire Weekes
 

Anxiety Stuff - all kinds of stuff about anxiety attacks and things that help ...

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Please research all supplements first and only add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

This is your introductory topic where you can ask questions and post updates.

 

 

[Sarahbarah]

Thank you so much for the wealth of information and resources,  Gridley. I will read it all before I start the taper.

[Sarahbarah]

I began my taper Jan 19. I decided to microtaper right off the bat, so for week one, I've gone from 20 mgs to 19.5. It's difficult to measure such a small taper accurately, but I'm getting the hang of it. I got some empty capsules, and I'll put them to use this weekend. The pills dissolved in water are so bitter!

 

My plan is to divide the first 10% taper by 4 weeks, then hold for two. I'll do this for two six-week periods, then adjust based on how that goes. I'm really excited to be doing this. Feeling impatient, but I'm so afraid of horrible withdrawal that it's easy to rein myself in.

[Carmie]

Hi Sarahbarah, 

 

Welcome to SA from me too. I’m glad you’ve got a great plan of action. Best to go slow n steady. You don’t get anywhere faster going quickly as your withdrawal symptoms will get worse, and then you have to hold longer anyway.

 

All the best with your tapering💚

[Sarahbarah]

Thank you for your words of encouragement, Carmie. Wow and congrats to you for getting down to 7.5!!!