Stress Center Peer Support

Hi,
I've been in the process of weaning myself off paxil for about 4 weeks. Originally, per my doctor, I was to take one pill every other day for 4 weeks, and then one pill every third day for 4 weeks. Well, after a week and a half of awful dizziness I decided to take it a little slower. I would take my normal 10mg pill one day and then the next took half a pill. I did this for a couple weeks and was fine. Then, I cut back to a pill one day, and 1/4 the next. I have now just started to cut back to 1/8 of a pill on the "off" days and the awful dizziness is back! I think I am going to call my doc on Monday and see if there is something to counteract the dizziness?? I've heard of some ppl going on Prozac during the weaning off process which supposedly helps with the withdrawal effects of paxil, and then after coming off paxil they stop taking the prozac?? I am determined to get off these meds (also on 1mg of xanax per day) and at least give it a shot. If I have to go back on them then so be it. But I at least want to try. Any advise is greatly appreciated.
God Bless.

Hi lawgirl. I have taken myself off of paxil twice now. you are doing right by weaning off slowly, but there will come a time when you just have to say your done with this and commit yourself to about 3 days of feeling bad. I felt really awful, but was ok after about 3 days, and it was worth it. Make sure you have been cutting down slowly before doing this though. I'll be praying for you.

Hi Lawgirl - I too had bad withdrawl problems with Paxil...dizziness, shocking feeling, etc...but switched to another SSRI before I ever completely stopped the Paxil. Some of the other meds are not as bad with the withdrawls as Paxil. You may want to ask your Dr. about it if you just can't seem to get off of it.

I have weened myself off of Effexor in the past but unfortuantely had to go back on Prestique about a year later. It seems that I have to go on an anti depressant anytime I am in a job that is sedentary or does not give me an atmosphere of autonomy. Anyhow, I recently was feeling depressed and anxious even while on meds. I went to a health food store and walked around for about an hour and read up on things and questioned the owner regarding some products to help me feel better. I ended up spending quite a bit on herbs, amino acids, and vitamins along with a detox product and within three days of taking them felt remarkably better. So much so that people started commenting that I seemed happier than normal. Anyhow, I did read that you can ween yourself off anti-dpressants easier by taking St. johns Wart while you start reducing your dosage of anti-depressants. This is my next step. I do not like taking these drugs. First of all they have caused skin outbreaks on me. I hope this helps.

Update:

My dizziness is gone, BUT I am struggling with pretty high anxiety. I was wondering if this is because of withdrawals OR because my symptoms are coming back due to being on less of the medication. (I am now at one pill every other day).
Thank you so much for any advice or comments you can share.
God Bless.

HI.... I was on paxil about 7 1/2 yrs ago....slowly wean off them...i thought i was weaning off them slowly...but i guess not slow enough... I am taking xanax now. But only at night time to help me relax so I can sleep..I only take .05. Good luck and may God bless! Marie

hi lawgirl, you mentioned earlier that you take 1mg of xanax also. it helped me to get off paxil because i was taking .05 three times a day, and still am. i know we should try to get off of our meds, but i still feel the need for my xanax, and my doctor agrees. i'm so glad your dizziness is gone, and hope you can get your anxiety under control.

lawgirl, do you have the the program program? does this mean that it does not help you when you get off meds? because that is my goal.

discouraged...

imkay,
I just got my program in the mail today...haven't even opened it. So do NOT be discouraged!! I feel awful now that I didn't explain that. I've used this forum off and on for some time now but just this week ordered the program. I've heard great things so I'm sure it will help. Good luck to you.
Thanks everyone for your responses.
God Bless.

You just might have to take it forever.
Maybe you need a trusting caring Dr.
Tranxene can also help.Hang in there.

Marga