Thrive1: support for tapering Paxil

[thrive1]

Hi everyone, I am excited to have this group as support as I start to get off paxil!  

 

I had a history of several debilitating depressive episodes 1996-2001. Part of the depression may have been that I was developing untreated Hashimoto's - autoimmune thyroid disease.  I have not had a depressive episode since going on psych meds. I had no withdrawal symptoms from my multi year slow taper off lithium.

 

After so many years, and given the severity and duration of my depressive episodes, I am concerned about withdrawal from paxil and would like the support of a medical professional who has successfully helped many long term uses get off paxil. Where can I find a list of vetted, recommended professionals?

 

Thanks!

[getofflex]

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a volunteer-run community of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.  Congratulations for successfully tapering off of Lithium using a slow, controlled taper!  

 

Here is some important information about how these drugs actually work.  This explains why many of us get symptoms from going off of these medications, and why it's so important to taper slowly and carefully, and be very cautious about changing our doses: 

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

Tapering is best done extremely slowly, and we generally taper by 10% of the current dose no more than once every 4 weeks, so that the reduction becomes exponentially smaller.

 

 Why Taper by 10% of my Dosage  

 

Tips for Tapering Paxil

 

We don't suggest many supplements, but 2 that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. It is suggested to add one at a time, and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

Magnesium

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

We do have a list of medical professionals who are knowledgable about tapering and withdrawal syndrome in this link.  Good luck!  

 

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