BillyB: paroxetine 20mg to 25mg

[BillyB]

I'm increasing from 20mg to 25.

Been taking 25mg a few days now - and feeling woozy for the first time today.

How long will it take for my brain to adjust?

Thanks

[BillyB]

Paroxetine Taker - Feedback would be lovely

 

Perhaps this isn't the most appropriate website for my situation - as it seems to be all about coming off meds - which is not where I'm at.

 

But I just wanted some advice - and came across this website.

 

I've been taking 20mg of paroxetine for a long time - which has been fine.

 

I started a new job (teaching) in September.

 

It's been stressful - but I thought I had it under control.

 

Just now - I've finished my week off for mid-term break.

 

Golly - it was not relaxing at all - and made me realise I don't have things under control at all.

I've been having waves of anxiety/panic attacks and all that kind of thing - which is due, I guess, to the stress I've been under since September.

 

So now I'm increasing my does to 25mg in the hope it eases my anxiety and I can actually enjoy my breaks at the very least.

 

I've been on 25mg for a few days now - and I'm starting to feel that woozy feeling you get.

In particular - how long do you think it'll take my brain to adjust to the new dosage.

 

Any other feedback welcome too.

 

Thanks.

 

Edited October 30, 2022 by ChessieCat
added Intro topic title and spacing

[ChessieCat]

Hi and welcome to SA,

 

Yes, you are correct.  SA is a site for tapering off psychiatric drugs.

 

Paroxetine can be a difficult drug to get off once your brain has adapted to taking it.  I can take as little as 4 weeks for the brain to fully adapt to the drug.

 

It takes about 4 days for a dose to get to the full and steady level in the blood and a bit longer for it to register in the brain, so increasing from 20mg to 25mg after only taking it for a few days is not a good idea because it will not have registered fully in the brain yet.

 

If you want to stop taking the drug, then it might be better to stop it now.  If you are concerned about stopping it suddenly you could reduce by halving your dose each day.

 

If you decide to do this, please let us know how you are doing.  But please note that we are not able to assist you in finding the "right" antidepressant.

 

Post #1 of this topic has links to helpful SA topics:

 

Important topics in the Tapering forum and FAQ

 

I also suggest that you do your own research about drug side effects, interactions if you are taking other drug/s or supplements, and read up on antidepressants.

 

 

 

[ChessieCat]

Gwen Olsen was a pharmaceutical representative for 15 years and has experienced issues with psychiatric drugs herself as well as witnessing the bad reaction that her niece had:

 

Interview:  Confessions of an Rx Drug Pusher (51 minutes Gwen Olsen - ex pharmaceutical representative)
 

Video:  Ex-Big Pharma Rep:  We’re Trained To Misinform -The Drugs ARE Dangerous (6 minute video)
 

Video:  Ex-Big Pharma Rep:  Manipulating Doctors to Sell More Drugs (10 minute video)

[Shep]

1 hour ago, BillyB said:

I've been taking 20mg of paroxetine for a long time - which has been fine.

 

1 hour ago, BillyB said:

So now I'm increasing my does to 25mg in the hope it eases my anxiety and I can actually enjoy my breaks at the very least.

 

 

Billy, it sounds like you've reached what's euphemistically called "poop out." Please see:

 

Tachyphylaxis, Reaching Tolerance or as It's Lovingly Known “Poop-Out”

 

It's up to you if you wish to up your dose and continue taking this drug, but at some point, it's likely to stop doing anything for you and you'll be in a very difficult position as far as drug dependency goes. This link explains more on dependency: 

 

How psychiatric drugs remodel your brain 

 

Also, it's important to note that these drugs aren't fixing anything wrong with our brains. Please see:

 

Again, chemical imbalance is a myth. Stop the lies, please.

 

This is a recent article on Newsweek: 

 

Newsweek: Antidepressants Work Better Than Sugar Pills Only 15 Percent of the Time

 

And I'll leave information for you in case you're interested in seeing how to come off (this will be important information to keep if even if you wish to come off later). 

 

Tips for tapering off paroxetine (Paxil, Seroxat)

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

There are many ways of handling anxiety and stressors in life. Learning mindfulness, breathing techniques, exercise, proper nutrition, staying hydrated with plenty of water, etc. can all go a long way to helping us feel good. More ideas are here: 

 

Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms