Hannaht212: Finally here! Time to taper

[Hannaht212]

Hi gang !  I am here to use the summer of 2018 to taper off Paxil after taking it for Decades !!  I appreciate all the helpful suggestions and ideas thus far read. wishing you all a smooth transition.  I have stated by liquefying my dose..but may go to filing my tabs to the right dose using a scale...we will see.  wish me luck !

[Hannaht212]

Dhyssop, Dear, 

 

Where might I find this Taper Chart you mentioned in this post?  I am starting a long taper process from 40 mg of paxil, having been on it for decades....thanks in advance, and best wishes to you. 

[Gridley]

Hello, Hannaht212, and welcome to SA.  We do wish you luck.

 

Summer will get you off to a good start on your taper of 40mg Paxil, but it will take you longer to safely taper off.

 

At Surviving Antidepressants, it is recommended that a person taper by no more than 10% of their current dose with at least a four week hold in-between decreases.  The 10% taper recommendation is a harm reduction approach to going off psychiatric drugs.  Some people may have to taper at a more conservative rate as they are sensitive to even the smallest drops.

  

Before you begin tapering what you need to know

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Brain Remodelling

 

Tips for tapering off Paxil (paroxetine)

  

To give members the best information, we ask them to summarize their medication history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly.

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

This is your introduction topic -- the place for you to ask questions, record symptoms, share your progress, and connect with other members of the SA community.  I hope you’ll find the information in the SA forums helpful for your situation.  

 

 

 

[Madeleine]

3 hours ago, Hannaht212 said:

Hi gang !  I am here to use the summer of 2018 to taper off Paxil after taking it for Decades !!  I appreciate all the helpful suggestions and ideas thus far read. wishing you all a smooth transition.  I have stated by liquefying my dose..but may go to filing my tabs to the right dose using a scale...we will see.  wish me luck !

"
Welcome to the forum.  Glad you found us. Yes, summer is a vert good time to start, though keep in mind that  it does indeed take much longer than just a few months to taper off safety.  Don't give yourself a deadline to taper;  no need to rush.  The goal should be to remain stable while you taper and when get off.  The best way to ensure that is to taper 10% per month.  

[Hannaht212]

Madeleine,  

 

I will go very slowly as I had once before, years ago, been told by my doctor to stop one med and start another....the results were so scary that I am just now , ten years later, attempting to taper off the med. I still remember being so afraid that if I fell asleep, I wouldn't remember to breathe  - for three days until we added the Paxil back and I settled down ! 

 

Thank you for your concern.  I just felt Summer might be easier to start as winter really is darn depressing ! 

[ChessieCat]

This is the link:  Tapering Calculator - Online

[Hannaht212]

Thank you. I do not understand it all, but can make my own chart.  (It starts with .50.

 )

[Hannaht212]

I was kind of surprized that my doc was so relaxed about my stopping as he said here is a script for 20s (I am on 40s) AFTER my previous nightmare attempt to stop paxil!

I am disolving my 40s and taking about 37.5 for a bit. Will see how this goes before more adjustments.

Thank you for your kind direction.  Shame we must fend for ourselves in this world of great medical advances!!

[Hannaht212]

Dear Dhyssop1, 

 

Thought of you this morn as I was reducing my dose.  Was fortunate my husband ( oh he of little medical understanding) was present.  He asked questions and I gave him the info...first of many repeats, I am sure.  But I also asked him to watch over my general moods in case I start to burn and head to a crash!  Day five of reduced dose.  I think I will go on a seven day reduction and hold schedule. Have a good weekend.  hope allis GOOD with you ~ 

[Hannaht212]

Just this past weekend, I had some feelings that COULD be withdrawal related.  Nausea, poor sleep and less patience.  I am down to 33 mg +/- from 40.  Due to this possibility,  I am remaining at 33 mg for a second week. I also have had such a busy home life recently with company for 3 days and traveling and dealing with my blood clotted legs!  I do get moments of "all is well". I may just be honestly tired. 

Thank you for checking in with me 😊😊😊😊😊

[Hannaht212]

With this company, my entire routine and house is altered! And the kids' increased noise levels do get to this old gal! Sleeping well has been a challenge with leg and other body pains....and hubby's snoring! Yes, one more week at 33!🌞🌞🌞🌞

[Hannaht212]

Twiddlely Dee... How are Thee??  I am not a great poet for sure !   Thought I would check in with you and let you know I am CRANKY.  I have much going on, but do Feel some of my misery is the lessening dose of Paxil.  I feel my self seeing things in a different light, so to speak.  Not a happy one, either.  I am tired from life at the moment.  and am lucky to be going away with a friend on our yearly pilgrimage to the ocean for a girls only trip (3 nights, 4 days).  I am hoping to air out my misery and get a real check on my mental status.  Hope things are sailing smoothly for you :-)   Have you any safe suggestions of other antidepressants, or the like,  to use when Paxil is gone and something may still be needed ?  I have had my head in the sand for so long and out of the medical business, too, that I am not up on such stuff....and my doc usually lets me lead the way in my treatment ! He is a gem !  I am heading for a hip replacement and just learned there are newer types of surgical approaches !  I prefer my land of not knowing too much !

 

[mammaP]

Hi Hannah, I have moved the post above from Dhyssop's topic to your own introduction. Would you post any changes you make to your topic so that your history is in one place. THere is nothing wrong with sharing experiences but we need any updates on YOUR taper to be here in your topic.  We also need you to log any dose changes in your signature.   Can you update this topic, and your signature for us. We need the drugs you are taking, the doses and any changes to them. You can find instructions on what we need in your signature here... 

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/18343-please-put-your-withdrawal-history-in-your-signature/?do=getNewComment

 

[Hannaht212]

Aug 2018 

Dropped 3 to 4 mg of paxil each week since my beginning of the end of Paxil! 

Just recently,  I have noticed a bit more of being "snappy". Could it be the heat and humidity?? Could it be an overactive life with family and kids?  Could it be my thoughts of losing mother who is on hospice? Could it be pain from a bum hip? (Replacement in Sept. )

Could it be reducing the Paxil?  I know the answers....it could be any or a combo of all my stressors making me feel this way. 

So.... I am doing a pricey self help.  Am at the Jersey Shore on a yearly pilgrimage with a friend of long standing.  Hoping to clear, relax and reenergize my personal battery packs.

Next week will drop to +/- 17 mg of Paxil. 

[manymoretodays]

Hi Hannah,

I just moved several of your posts from Dhyssop's introduction topic to your own. 

Each person's Introduction topic is important to the site.  This is where we can keep track of how YOU are doing, as well as a place for you to ask questions regarding your own personal situation with your medication and tapering of.  Your introduction/journal is also a place for you to keep track of your own progress and a place for your history with tapering.

.....and there's no reason you can't continue to support Dhyssop as well as other members. 

It's just that I found some pertinent information and questions about you on Dhyssop's introduction and then did not see the same here.  Unfortunately.......I wasn't able to leave all your posts as were.......over at Dhyssop's page but wanted to get some of your more recent progress/questions moved over here.

Apologies for any inconvenience.

 

I'm seeing a probable hip replacement surgery coming up for you?  As well as some tapers done since your arrival here.

For now........if you could work on your signature, as mammaP directed that would be great.

 

Then I'll try and check back as soon as possible to see how we might help you.

 

Love, peace, healing, and growth,

mmt

 

 

 

Edited August 7, 2018 by manymoretodays

[manymoretodays]

Hi Hannah,

You certainly could be experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Please work on your signature for us.  Here's the link once again:  What to put in your signature

We recommend a 10% or less harm free reduction of your medication.  What that means is 10% off each previous dose, with a hold of at least 4-6 weeks between reductions.  (see Gridley's post for link shortly after your arrival)

 

 

Edited August 7, 2018 by manymoretodays

[manymoretodays]

On 8/5/2018 at 5:41 PM, Hannaht212 said:

Have you any safe suggestions of other antidepressants, or the like,  to use when Paxil is gone and something may still be needed ?  I have had my head in the sand for so long and out of the medical business, too, that I am not up on such stuff....and my doc usually lets me lead the way in my treatment ! He is a gem !  I am heading for a hip replacement and just learned there are newer types of surgical approaches !  I prefer my land

I'll include a link to mammaP's response here to you and Dhyssop. 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/18128-dhyssop1-prayer-helps/?do=findComment&comment=369941

I didn't move that whole post over as it was for the both of you.

Hope to hear from you soon Hannah and let us know how we can further assist with your tapering if that's what you decide.

 

[manymoretodays]

2 hours ago, Hannaht212 said:

Aug 2018 

Dropped 3 to 4 mg of paxil each week since my beginning of the end of Paxil! 

Just recently,  I have noticed a bit more of being "snappy". Could it be the heat and humidity?? Could it be an overactive life with family and kids?  Could it be my thoughts of losing mother who is on hospice? Could it be pain from a bum hip? (Replacement in Sept. )

Could it be reducing the Paxil?  I know the answers....it could be any or a combo of all my stressors making me feel this way. 

So.... I am doing a pricey self help.  Am at the Jersey Shore on a yearly pilgrimage with a friend of long standing.  Hoping to clear, relax and reenergize my personal battery packs.

Next week will drop to +/- 17 mg of Paxil. 

 

And hi Hannah again,

The retreat/pilgramage sounds great........yet..........if I were you I would strongly consider just holding where you are at right now with your dosage.......of, which I am not sure. 

However, it does appear that you arrived here, at survivingantidepressants on June 25th, on a dose of 40 mg. of Paxil.  And are now considering dropping that dose or increasing that dose in a pretty significant way.  This may result in further distress to your CNS and any stability that you might have found at this time. 

Here are couple links that might help you further educate yourself and understand:

Before you begin tapering

Brain remodeling

What is withdrawal syndrome

Just trying to help you to avoid what so many of us have gone through.

 

All my best,

mmt

Edited August 7, 2018 by manymoretodays

[Hannaht212]

Thank you for your suggestions.  I am hyper alert for any signs of rebellion from my body. 

I was on 40mg for years. Per my family doc, I have been dropping the dose 10% dose per week. Thus far, I am feeling  at least 90% ok. AND the 10% of me that doesn't feel great could be due to other stressors in my life. I didn't want to post my tapering as I saw it was faster than ones I have seen in this group. What is ok for me may not be for others. (Don't try this at home alone!!)

[Hannaht212]

mmt 👩‍🌾  I just read through the withdrawal symptom chart and thought you'd know more about me if I share the symptoms I have been feeling that MAY be paxil withdrawal related.  And I will slow my tapering after reading  this Info again.  Doc will prob humor me and since it will do no harm, let me slow thi gs down.

Symptoms (thankfully none are drastic)

* moody

* ever so slight bilateral hand tremors

* easily irritated 

* one episode of mental confusion....had to think really hard to recall which grocery store I was in shopping!

*various abdominal distresses (also have IBS)

* a few dizziness episodes a month ago

* my gait is not the best (hip?)

 

These symptoms are enough to convince me to hang out with 20mgs of Paxil a while.

 

Thank you again for your caring and guidance.

....Back to the ocean/food/pool/rejuvenation.....it is working.

[manymoretodays]

"Is my signature ok now? I am on my phone and having difficulty moving through the site."

Hi Hannah,

You could try and bookmark your introduction.  Look at the what to put in your signature link a few posts up and follow those instructions.  Dates, dosages.  Include your recent tapers as well.......date, dosage change.  You can leave out the increased font size so you don't run out of space.

 

Yes, these could most definitely be withdrawal symptoms.

5 hours ago, Hannaht212 said:

Symptoms (thankfully none are drastic)

* moody

* ever so slight bilateral hand tremors

* easily irritated 

* one episode of mental confusion....had to think really hard to recall which grocery store I was in shopping!

*various abdominal distresses (also have IBS)

* a few dizziness episodes a month ago

* my gait is not the best (hip?)

 

These symptoms are enough to convince me to hang out with 20mgs of Paxil a while.

I think you might be right about the hip.  Sometimes SSRI medications, like Paxil effect serotonin receptors throughout the body.  My understanding is that there are many such receptors in the gut.  That might explain some of your gut/abdominal issues on the medication and while tapering off.  Another whole adjustment that your body has to make.  Best to go slowly and give it time.

I'll include another link for you.......with a list of common withdrawal symptoms.  Dr. Glenmullen's symptom list.

You may want to print it off when you get back home and track symptoms throughout the month.  That can be helpful to see progress and improvement.

 

That's good.......I'm glad you will hold for a bit and give a chance for your CNS to adapt.  You've done a 50% reduction in a little over a months time.  My concern is that a big drop like that may catch up with you.   Withdrawal symptoms don't always appear right after a drop........sometimes they are weeks and even months out.   We really like to promote harm free reduction of medication.......in hopes you can avoid the struggle and suffering that can come with a too quick taper.  And especially after 20 years on a medication.

 

Love, peace, healing, and growth,

mmt

[Hannaht212]

I did screen shot the symptoms....because I get lost in the phone web site.

[miT]

Good luck in tapering paxil. From 40mg to zero is a long road. Be friendly to yourself, go slow.

[manymoretodays]

5 hours ago, Hannaht212 said:

I did screen shot the symptoms....because I get lost in the phone web site.

 

That's fine Hannah.  For you to look at symptoms.   Will you have access to a notepad or PC at some point so you won't feel so lost?

 

We could use a little more detail in your present signature.  We really can't tell from your present signature that you've done any tapering at all.  Signatures give us an update at a glance. 

 

On the signature ........could you just modify to something like this:

Approximate date of starting Paxil(just the year is fine for this).  Dosage.

Then you could jump to:  2018 June 25  Paxil  40 mg

Next would be the date of your first drop and dosage.

.......and so forth

Please include any history with other psychotropics(A/D meds and others) if applicable.

You can leave out yours in care and your user name.  You might just use a regular font size and basic black or grey as well.  If you'd like to leave your bear quote that's fine.

 

I hope that helps.  If you can access a PC or notepad after or during your "retreat"  you might find it easier to do.........as then you can see others signatures as well.  It took me awhile as well, when I first arrived to learn how to work the site.  Maybe when your retreat is over you can use another device?  No doubt you have some cog fog, as we call it, as well as the irritability you mentioned, which does make doing things a bit more difficult.

Here's a sample signature:

Example:

2001–2002 paroxetine 
2003  citalopram 
2004  paroxetine
2008  paroxetine slow taper down to 2016 Aug off paroxetine
2016  citalopram May 20mg  Oct slow taper down
2018  citalopram 13 Feb 4.6mg 15 Mar 4.4mg 29 Apr 4.2mg

Hopefully that will help.  And here's the link again:  Put your withdrawal history in your signature

 

Thankyou.  Love, peace, healing, and growth,

mmt

 

 

 

Edited August 8, 2018 by manymoretodays

[Hannaht212]

Dear MMT ~  

 

I finally got to the computer with a minute to fix my signature ! 

 

I am still holding at 20 mg of Paxil, BUT !!

 

I also found that many of my symptoms are from me having a C-Difficile infection in my colon ! this got so bad, that I consulted my GI doc who ordered appropriator test and voila ~ I tested positive for the condition.  Now on meds to knock the bad bacteria into place.  things are looking up at the moment  and I hope to keep this feeling...you have a name for it..waves?? I must find more time to read this site.  So much great helpful info here!   

[manymoretodays]

Thanks for the update Hannah.  I think it's a great idea to HOLD until you are free and clear of the C. Difficile infection in your colon.   How awful that must be for you.  

Get your body back into good health.......and then proceed to taper a bit more slowly.  

 

It appears that you've gone down by 1/2 of your dosage since the 25th of June.  You might want to consider continuing to HOLD for several months now.  That may have been a little fast of a taper for your central nervous system(CNS) to adjust to.  I expect that your CNS really could use some stability right now.

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

the 10% reduction is based on the previous dose

 

What is withdrawal syndrome?

The waves and windows pattern of stabilization

 

Tips for tapering off Paxil(paroxetine)

Important topics in the Tapering Forum

In the first post of this one ^ there are many links that may answer some of your questions once you prepare to taper again

 

Wishing you all the best in your healing.

Love and peace,

mmt

 

[Hannaht212]

On 8/21/2018 at 12:20 AM, Hannaht212 said:

Dear MMT ~  

 

I finally got to the computer with a minute to fix my signature ! 

 

I am still holding at 20 mg of Paxil, BUT !!

 

I also found that many of my symptoms are from me having a C-Difficile infection in my colon ! this got so bad, that I consulted my GI doc who ordered appropriator test and voila ~ I tested positive for the condition.  Now on meds to knock the bad bacteria into place.  things are looking up at the moment  and I hope to keep this feeling...you have a name for it..waves?? I must find more time to read this site.  So much great helpful info here!