anchal: Withdrawal even after slow tapering

[anchal]

I have been on Paroxetine CR for almost 2.5 years, after being diagnosed with OCD and depression induced by it. Cognitive Behavior Therapy also helped and I am completely free of any symtoms for the last 1 year. I had been on Paxil CR 12.5 for over 6 months when I, based on my doctor's recommendation, tried to get off of it. Unfortunately, as I found it out later, the tapering speed recommended by the doctor was not as slow as it should have been. I was off medication in about 5 weeks, following which I had severe withdrawal symptoms; nausea,  irritability, crying spells and whatnot. I had to resume medication (12.5 mg), and It's been six months again, I am completely fine and ready to taper off my medication again.
My question is: will I face the same withdrawal symptoms, and of the same intensity if I taper the way recommended on SA (10% rule)? I hear stories of people "still recovering" having taken their last dose as long as 3 years ago. Also, someone on the forum said that our original OCD symptoms will return after a few months you stop medication. Is that true? Will I have to live with my OCD forever? Someone please clarify. I will be really thankful.

[Erell]

Hello Anchal, 

 

and welcome on SA.

 

This site is run entirely by volunteer Administrators and Moderators, all have been through or going through withdrawal.

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On 5/9/2020 at 12:11 PM, anchal said:

Unfortunately, as I found it out later, the tapering speed recommended by the doctor was not as slow as it should have been. I was off medication in about 5 weeks, following which I had severe withdrawal symptoms; nausea,  irritability, crying spells and whatnot.

 

Unfortunately, as you discovered, doctors know nothing about how to taper carefully these drugs. I'm glad you found us : before attempting a new taper, please take the time to read some good infos : 

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/603-what-is-withdrawal-syndrome/

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/1024-why-taper-by-10-of-my-dosage/

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/405-tips-for-tapering-off-paxil-paroxetine/

 

 

On 5/9/2020 at 12:11 PM, anchal said:

 I had to resume medication (12.5 mg), and It's been six months again, I am completely fine and ready to taper off my medication again.

 

Great news ! It's very important to feel stabilised before continuing a taper. So you don't have symptoms left ?

 

On 5/9/2020 at 12:11 PM, anchal said:

My question is: will I face the same withdrawal symptoms, and of the same intensity if I taper the way recommended on SA (10% rule)?

 

Unfortunately, nobody can predict how will a taper goes, and which symptoms you'll have. However, the purpose of a very slow taper is to keep symptoms minimal and be able to go on with your life.

Some people find out they 10% is too much for them, but do fine with 5% or 3% drops. During this journey, we have to listen to our bodies

 

On 5/9/2020 at 12:11 PM, anchal said:

 Also, someone on the forum said that our original OCD symptoms will return after a few months you stop medication. Is that true? 

 

Yes, it is possible. Medication don't cure anxiety, it only hides it. Weaning off a drug also means learning new coping skills, non-drug coping skills (mindfullness, breathing, CBT, ...).

If you take a look at this section, you'll discover great tips :

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forum/8-symptoms-and-self-care/

 

 

--> Question : are you using tablets or liquid Paxil ?

 

 

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[Erell]

And another question : 

 

Are you taking anything else : supplements, benzo, ... ?

 

Take care ❤️

 

Edited May 12, 2020 by Erell