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Hopefulstill: 20+ years on Paxil


Hopefulstill

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Wow as a sleep aid. Doctors prescribe way too quickly. Yes I am married with grown children and retired. Do you notice a difference in your feelings when you reduce just by 2 mg?

1995 - 2003 - Lithium -(300 mg 2xday), Paxil - (20mg),  2003 - Stopped Lithium, Paxil eventually increased up to 50 mg  

 

beginning Paxil reduction:

October 14, 2017 46 mg., Jan 2018  42 mg., April  40 mg,  Feb 8, 2019  37 mg,  Feb. 23,  35 mg.(approx),  March 22,  40 Holding

 

Levothyroxin - 112/125 mcg, Profanone - 150 mg, Metoprolol - 25 mg Telmisartan - 40 mg, Altostatin - 10 mg , Calcium, Vitamin, Magnesium, Fish Oil

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I noticed a very big difference, it’s hard for me at the moment since my last drop a few weeks ago , today I cried slot and just felt like a failure of a mother and just couldn’t stop crying at one stage. It is really tuff to get off this but you you have no one to worry about and your not working it will be easier for you . I sometimes think maybe I should wait till my kids are out of home to then I can start this journey, but I’m 41 years old and have even had n this drug way too long already. 22 years and by the rate I’m going it will be 30 years. 

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

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One good thing is being very busy helps from staying in an emotion too long.  But then you have more stress to deal with too.

Maybe you just have to rest a bit longer at a level.    

 

I am taking a liquid form of Paxil.  It looks like such a little bit of liquid I am reducing, it seems like how in the world will this make any difference?  I guess its the build up over time.

 

Do you feel low all the time?  One thing I have noticed is I can feel very low, then later not.

1995 - 2003 - Lithium -(300 mg 2xday), Paxil - (20mg),  2003 - Stopped Lithium, Paxil eventually increased up to 50 mg  

 

beginning Paxil reduction:

October 14, 2017 46 mg., Jan 2018  42 mg., April  40 mg,  Feb 8, 2019  37 mg,  Feb. 23,  35 mg.(approx),  March 22,  40 Holding

 

Levothyroxin - 112/125 mcg, Profanone - 150 mg, Metoprolol - 25 mg Telmisartan - 40 mg, Altostatin - 10 mg , Calcium, Vitamin, Magnesium, Fish Oil

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I feel low Know because sometimes all your tapering can catch up with you and i think that is what probably happened to me this time. the last drop I did it took me 6 weeks to feel back to normal then after 5 weeks of feeling great i thought i would drop again by 1.5mg and now i'm suffering the consequences. I think the same how the hell can that little bit make such a difference, but boy it can. My advice to you is go very slow it just not worth the misery.

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

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I will take your advice.  You have been there so you know.  Maybe the best way to think of it is as a long slow train ride where sometimes we have to stop and get off now and then and catch our breath.  One day we will come to our destination and start noticing all the new feelings we will experience. 

Something I noticed is I feel a bit scatter-brained.  I guess I am, haha.

1995 - 2003 - Lithium -(300 mg 2xday), Paxil - (20mg),  2003 - Stopped Lithium, Paxil eventually increased up to 50 mg  

 

beginning Paxil reduction:

October 14, 2017 46 mg., Jan 2018  42 mg., April  40 mg,  Feb 8, 2019  37 mg,  Feb. 23,  35 mg.(approx),  March 22,  40 Holding

 

Levothyroxin - 112/125 mcg, Profanone - 150 mg, Metoprolol - 25 mg Telmisartan - 40 mg, Altostatin - 10 mg , Calcium, Vitamin, Magnesium, Fish Oil

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Yes, tapering can catch up to you. Ive had it catch up to me a few years ago when I tapered too fast. It took almost a year to catch up with me but boom 💥 it did and I crashed. 

 

I think when you have been on it for a very long time it just builds up in your system and it can take longer for it to get out of your system too.

 

Been on Paxil since 96”-97”, 40mg tried 3 times to get off and didn’t work, started a very slow taper Jan 2016, have only dropped down by 3 mg.. on 37mg currently.. have very delayed withdrawals. Last drop was in July 2017.. still have waves and windows. 

 

Magnesium 200mg, foilc acid 1 mg, vitamin d3 5000iu, Blood pressure meds-Verapamil & Irbesartan... Smoke cbd flower once in awhile. 

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4 hours ago, Hopefulstill said:

I will take your advice.  You have been there so you know.  Maybe the best way to think of it is as a long slow train ride where sometimes we have to stop and get off now and then and catch our breath.  One day we will come to our destination and start noticing all the new feelings we will experience. 

Something I noticed is I feel a bit scatter-brained.  I guess I am, haha.

That’s a perfect way of thinking about it

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

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1 hour ago, dreamspirit said:

Yes, tapering can catch up to you. Ive had it catch up to me a few years ago when I tapered too fast. It took almost a year to catch up with me but boom 💥 it did and I crashed. 

 

I think when you have been on it for a very long time it just builds up in your system and it can take longer for it to get out of your system too.

Dreamspirit. that’s what happened to me

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

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2 hours ago, dreamspirit said:

Yes, tapering can catch up to you. Ive had it catch up to me a few years ago when I tapered too fast. It took almost a year to catch up with me but boom 💥 it did and I crashed. 

 

I think when you have been on it for a very long time it just builds up in your system and it can take longer for it to get out of your system too.

A whole year then crashing?  What happened?  Was it severe depression or physical symptoms?  I have been lucky so far so I am probably in that camp.  The only real time I stopped was on 20 mg. for a few weeks cold turkey.  I remember saying I feel hope-less and so very sad.  No appetite, no care of anything just terrible sadness all the time.  Now I am distracted and have low days and then up days.  I like the up days they feel a bit different.  How do you feel now, dreamspirit?  

1995 - 2003 - Lithium -(300 mg 2xday), Paxil - (20mg),  2003 - Stopped Lithium, Paxil eventually increased up to 50 mg  

 

beginning Paxil reduction:

October 14, 2017 46 mg., Jan 2018  42 mg., April  40 mg,  Feb 8, 2019  37 mg,  Feb. 23,  35 mg.(approx),  March 22,  40 Holding

 

Levothyroxin - 112/125 mcg, Profanone - 150 mg, Metoprolol - 25 mg Telmisartan - 40 mg, Altostatin - 10 mg , Calcium, Vitamin, Magnesium, Fish Oil

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Everyone is different, you will find the pace thats good for you.

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

Link to comment

Nov. 25 2017 - I noticed I am feeling more awake in the world.  Like optimistic and getting more joy out of things.  This is very nice.  Still at 45 mg.  I am not reducing any more for now.  Will not be in any rush.

1995 - 2003 - Lithium -(300 mg 2xday), Paxil - (20mg),  2003 - Stopped Lithium, Paxil eventually increased up to 50 mg  

 

beginning Paxil reduction:

October 14, 2017 46 mg., Jan 2018  42 mg., April  40 mg,  Feb 8, 2019  37 mg,  Feb. 23,  35 mg.(approx),  March 22,  40 Holding

 

Levothyroxin - 112/125 mcg, Profanone - 150 mg, Metoprolol - 25 mg Telmisartan - 40 mg, Altostatin - 10 mg , Calcium, Vitamin, Magnesium, Fish Oil

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Nov. 25 2017 - Oh one more thing to note - I have been having headaches almost every day.  Have to take 1 sinus (without pain-reliever) and 2 extra strength Tylenol pretty much every day.

And also - been distracted, like I am not paying full attention to what I am doing. (I drove off without my drink at a drive-thru fast food place, forgot my underwear (lol!) going to the aquatic center (I wear a bathing suit under my dress). 

1995 - 2003 - Lithium -(300 mg 2xday), Paxil - (20mg),  2003 - Stopped Lithium, Paxil eventually increased up to 50 mg  

 

beginning Paxil reduction:

October 14, 2017 46 mg., Jan 2018  42 mg., April  40 mg,  Feb 8, 2019  37 mg,  Feb. 23,  35 mg.(approx),  March 22,  40 Holding

 

Levothyroxin - 112/125 mcg, Profanone - 150 mg, Metoprolol - 25 mg Telmisartan - 40 mg, Altostatin - 10 mg , Calcium, Vitamin, Magnesium, Fish Oil

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  • 1 month later...

I am here again to report how this decrease is going.  I am on 45 mg.  I have headaches every day.  Thought it was allergies but now I think it might be decreasing effects.  Lots of pressure.  I take 2 500 mg Tylenol and 2 Sinus pills and in 4 hours it is back again.  I take it again.  Have intense dreams.  Seems like headaches are not the usual symptom people get, more like zaps.  So I don't know.  Also its just 5 mg down since October.  I planned to decrease 10 percent on January 14th but should I wait till the headaches go away first?

 

1995 - 2003 - Lithium -(300 mg 2xday), Paxil - (20mg),  2003 - Stopped Lithium, Paxil eventually increased up to 50 mg  

 

beginning Paxil reduction:

October 14, 2017 46 mg., Jan 2018  42 mg., April  40 mg,  Feb 8, 2019  37 mg,  Feb. 23,  35 mg.(approx),  March 22,  40 Holding

 

Levothyroxin - 112/125 mcg, Profanone - 150 mg, Metoprolol - 25 mg Telmisartan - 40 mg, Altostatin - 10 mg , Calcium, Vitamin, Magnesium, Fish Oil

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  • 2 weeks later...

Me again January 14, 2018 I decreased again (after 12 weeks on 45 mg) to 40 mg.  So far, pretty good.  Still have headaches but some days I do not.  Will let you know how it goes on the 40 mg.  Hope everyone is doing good! 

1995 - 2003 - Lithium -(300 mg 2xday), Paxil - (20mg),  2003 - Stopped Lithium, Paxil eventually increased up to 50 mg  

 

beginning Paxil reduction:

October 14, 2017 46 mg., Jan 2018  42 mg., April  40 mg,  Feb 8, 2019  37 mg,  Feb. 23,  35 mg.(approx),  March 22,  40 Holding

 

Levothyroxin - 112/125 mcg, Profanone - 150 mg, Metoprolol - 25 mg Telmisartan - 40 mg, Altostatin - 10 mg , Calcium, Vitamin, Magnesium, Fish Oil

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I don't know if this is the decrease effect from Jan. 14, 2018 but it seems I am having strong emotions quite a bit.  Otherwise, okay.

1995 - 2003 - Lithium -(300 mg 2xday), Paxil - (20mg),  2003 - Stopped Lithium, Paxil eventually increased up to 50 mg  

 

beginning Paxil reduction:

October 14, 2017 46 mg., Jan 2018  42 mg., April  40 mg,  Feb 8, 2019  37 mg,  Feb. 23,  35 mg.(approx),  March 22,  40 Holding

 

Levothyroxin - 112/125 mcg, Profanone - 150 mg, Metoprolol - 25 mg Telmisartan - 40 mg, Altostatin - 10 mg , Calcium, Vitamin, Magnesium, Fish Oil

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  • 1 month later...
On 11/28/2017 at 8:44 AM, Mark said:

I understand what you say.

However I hesitate because almost all 2016 I was at 20 ou 15 mg, and I havent had really improvement... Sometimes I had 2, 3, 4, days a little better where I could get out, etc, but it was endless "waves"...

It was hell, and now is super hell.  If I reinstate again, then nothing happens like previously, so I prefer stay without and see if I obtain little improvements... :(

Added to my physical symptoms, this situation gives me anxiety, despair, feelings of panic, etc

As you said, I think you understand...

Hey Hopefulstil

I'm just chiming to see how your doing ?

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

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Hi there! It’s been 45 days since on 40 mg doing quite well. Total decrease is 10 mg since October 14 th. Headaches gone. Still don’t know if they were allergy related or from the decrease. Supposed to drop again April 14 th but may wait longer. Getting into the 30’s feels major. Hope everyone is doing good!

1995 - 2003 - Lithium -(300 mg 2xday), Paxil - (20mg),  2003 - Stopped Lithium, Paxil eventually increased up to 50 mg  

 

beginning Paxil reduction:

October 14, 2017 46 mg., Jan 2018  42 mg., April  40 mg,  Feb 8, 2019  37 mg,  Feb. 23,  35 mg.(approx),  March 22,  40 Holding

 

Levothyroxin - 112/125 mcg, Profanone - 150 mg, Metoprolol - 25 mg Telmisartan - 40 mg, Altostatin - 10 mg , Calcium, Vitamin, Magnesium, Fish Oil

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Yay! Good for you! I’ve been on Paxil for 21 years at 40mg. Currently on 37mg. Being in the 30’s is major for me too 🙂. Took me 2 years just to drop the 3 mg. 

 

I cant go any faster. My goal is just to get lower in the mg’s for now. I’m currently coming out of a wave. Had anxiety, headaches, some adrenaline rushes ugh! It’s slowly getting better. 

 

Congrats on getting into the 30’s !! 

 

Been on Paxil since 96”-97”, 40mg tried 3 times to get off and didn’t work, started a very slow taper Jan 2016, have only dropped down by 3 mg.. on 37mg currently.. have very delayed withdrawals. Last drop was in July 2017.. still have waves and windows. 

 

Magnesium 200mg, foilc acid 1 mg, vitamin d3 5000iu, Blood pressure meds-Verapamil & Irbesartan... Smoke cbd flower once in awhile. 

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That is great news hopefulstill?

big cheers 🥂 to you 

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

Hey ,

how are you ?

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

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  • 4 weeks later...

Hi Cheeky, 

How are things going with you?  My computer has been messed up so Ive been gone awhile.

Okay April 14th was the date I was supposed to reduce again from 40 to 36 or so.  I was hesitant because Ive been on edge a lot.  I have a dr appt. (gp) on the 23rd to have my thyroid checked.  I am thinking its too fast.  So in the meantime, on the 14th I measured out my usual 40 but when I take it I leave a little residue on the bottom of the measuring cup.  I have a milliliter shot glass type thing but it only goes in 5 increments.  Don't want to go to 35 just yet.  So that's what I do.

Note:  Today was beautiful and I was very up.  I have to say I felt a bit hyper.  But good.  So don't know what that means.  Probably the thyroid.  We shall see.  Other effects to note are I feel more confident and more becoming the way I used to be when I was at my best.  Who knows what that actually means.  Could be many factors, I guess.  Anyway, that is what I have to report today.  Hope all are doing well.  I haven't done any posting or replying on peoples posts because I don't feel qualified while I am titrating down.  Maybe one day.......

1995 - 2003 - Lithium -(300 mg 2xday), Paxil - (20mg),  2003 - Stopped Lithium, Paxil eventually increased up to 50 mg  

 

beginning Paxil reduction:

October 14, 2017 46 mg., Jan 2018  42 mg., April  40 mg,  Feb 8, 2019  37 mg,  Feb. 23,  35 mg.(approx),  March 22,  40 Holding

 

Levothyroxin - 112/125 mcg, Profanone - 150 mg, Metoprolol - 25 mg Telmisartan - 40 mg, Altostatin - 10 mg , Calcium, Vitamin, Magnesium, Fish Oil

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14 hours ago, Hopefulstill said:

Hi Cheeky, 

How are things going with you?  My computer has been messed up so Ive been gone awhile.

Okay April 14th was the date I was supposed to reduce again from 40 to 36 or so.  I was hesitant because Ive been on edge a lot.  I have a dr appt. (gp) on the 23rd to have my thyroid checked.  I am thinking its too fast.  So in the meantime, on the 14th I measured out my usual 40 but when I take it I leave a little residue on the bottom of the measuring cup.  I have a milliliter shot glass type thing but it only goes in 5 increments.  Don't want to go to 35 just yet.  So that's what I do.

Note:  Today was beautiful and I was very up.  I have to say I felt a bit hyper.  But good.  So don't know what that means.  Probably the thyroid.  We shall see.  Other effects to note are I feel more confident and more becoming the way I used to be when I was at my best.  Who knows what that actually means.  Could be many factors, I guess.  Anyway, that is what I have to report today.  Hope all are doing well.  I haven't done any posting or replying on peoples posts because I don't feel qualified while I am titrating down.  Maybe one day.......

Hey , great to hear from you hopefulstill,

I think it’s a great idea to hold for awhile and get your thyroid checked.

I had a difficult time at 35mg and am just st stable now after a 3 month hold. I know next drop I do  will be trying to drop by .25mg first and see how I am after that, I got pretty scared last drop, so Im a bit hesitant to drop again.

 It’s great to feel really good, enjoy every moment.

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

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I'm glad both of you are feeling good!  That is wonderful to hear!!! - Rosetta @Hopefulstill

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/16629-rosetta-ct-may-2011-too-fast-taper-feb-2017/?page=25

2001-2011 Celexa 10 mg raised to 40 mg then 60 mg over this time period

May 2011 OB Doctor's Cold switch Celexa 60 mg to 10 mg Zoloft sertraline (baby born)

2012-2016 - Doctors raised dose of Zoloft up to 150 mg

2016 - Xanax prescribed - as needed - 0.5 mg about every 3 days (bad reaction)

2016 - Stopped Xanax

Late 2016- Began (too fast) taper of Zoloft

Early 2017 - Trazodone prescribed for bedtime (doseage unknown)

Feb 2017 - Completed taper/stopped Trazodone

Drug free since Feb 2017

2017 - Unisom otc very rarely for sleep

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Dear Hopeful,

It sounds like you are feeling good--that is great! 

It sounds like you're going at a pace that feels good for you, and that you are not in a rush. 

I am using liquid Paxil also. Overall I've found it a convenient way to taper. 

 

 

2020: After 18+ years (entire adult life) on Paxil, a dangerous doctor-led "taper" in 2015, and four years tapering off the last 1 mg thanks to SA and the Brassmonkey slide, 

I AM COMPLETELY FREE OF PAXIL! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Forever.

 

2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. Making own liquid. 5-10% plus holds.

2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Current dose 47 mg. Hanging in, hanging on. Severe protracted PAWS, windows and waves. While I may not be doing "a lot" by outside standards, things are graaaaadually getting better

 

Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water; EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. (--> may need to be reminded of this.)

"You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." - Baylissa

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Thanks to everyone for their replies! I need to read up on how to reply to them other than just replying to my introduction post.  It sure helps having support!

I was wondering if you are on liquid paxil how do you judge such tiny drop-downs.  Do you have a specific measuring device?  Right now I have ml. measurements but just in 5 increments.  I can do 2.5 pretty well, but lower is difficult.  So I am taking 20 ml (40 mg) and then leaving a residue in the cup.  I just started the leaving of residue on April 14, 2018.  As I mentioned, I am very distracted and a bit scatter-brained of late.  Monday I see the dr. about my thyroid.  I have Graves Disease (treated with radioactive idodine a long time ago) but I think the thyroid med is too much for me.  Also, I tremble some and not just hands but inside too.  Hopefully it isn't something more serious.  We shall see.  In the meantime, for the most part I feel very good!!

Good Luck y'all on your journey!! 

1995 - 2003 - Lithium -(300 mg 2xday), Paxil - (20mg),  2003 - Stopped Lithium, Paxil eventually increased up to 50 mg  

 

beginning Paxil reduction:

October 14, 2017 46 mg., Jan 2018  42 mg., April  40 mg,  Feb 8, 2019  37 mg,  Feb. 23,  35 mg.(approx),  March 22,  40 Holding

 

Levothyroxin - 112/125 mcg, Profanone - 150 mg, Metoprolol - 25 mg Telmisartan - 40 mg, Altostatin - 10 mg , Calcium, Vitamin, Magnesium, Fish Oil

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Update:

Okay, so Ive been confused, distracted, nervous, on edge, etc.  So I went to the doctor yesterday.  I convinced him to do a blood test for my thyroid.  Today they called and sure enough my level was off the charts.  They said to stop my thyroid med now.  They called in a new prescription.  No wonder I was feeling strange.  Yay!!  So glad it wasn't something else. Go back for follow up in 6 wks.  Will continue on 40 mg of Paxil.   

1995 - 2003 - Lithium -(300 mg 2xday), Paxil - (20mg),  2003 - Stopped Lithium, Paxil eventually increased up to 50 mg  

 

beginning Paxil reduction:

October 14, 2017 46 mg., Jan 2018  42 mg., April  40 mg,  Feb 8, 2019  37 mg,  Feb. 23,  35 mg.(approx),  March 22,  40 Holding

 

Levothyroxin - 112/125 mcg, Profanone - 150 mg, Metoprolol - 25 mg Telmisartan - 40 mg, Altostatin - 10 mg , Calcium, Vitamin, Magnesium, Fish Oil

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  • 1 month later...

Update:

Dr. had reduced my thyroid med to 125 mg and test results were still abnormal.  He reduced it to 112 mg. recently.  Will stay on 40 mg Paxil for now.

 

Total of 10 mg. reduction of Paxil in 8 months.  Btw, noticed some ocd tendencies (might be from less Paxil) , but could be a thyroid issue.  Hard to say.

 

Wishing the best for everyone on their journey!!  Go slow!! ❤️

1995 - 2003 - Lithium -(300 mg 2xday), Paxil - (20mg),  2003 - Stopped Lithium, Paxil eventually increased up to 50 mg  

 

beginning Paxil reduction:

October 14, 2017 46 mg., Jan 2018  42 mg., April  40 mg,  Feb 8, 2019  37 mg,  Feb. 23,  35 mg.(approx),  March 22,  40 Holding

 

Levothyroxin - 112/125 mcg, Profanone - 150 mg, Metoprolol - 25 mg Telmisartan - 40 mg, Altostatin - 10 mg , Calcium, Vitamin, Magnesium, Fish Oil

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Your patience is to be admired. Keep letting us know how everything is going. ❤️

 

2020: After 18+ years (entire adult life) on Paxil, a dangerous doctor-led "taper" in 2015, and four years tapering off the last 1 mg thanks to SA and the Brassmonkey slide, 

I AM COMPLETELY FREE OF PAXIL! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Forever.

 

2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. Making own liquid. 5-10% plus holds.

2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Current dose 47 mg. Hanging in, hanging on. Severe protracted PAWS, windows and waves. While I may not be doing "a lot" by outside standards, things are graaaaadually getting better

 

Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water; EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. (--> may need to be reminded of this.)

"You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." - Baylissa

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10 hours ago, Hopefulstill said:

Update:

Dr. had reduced my thyroid med to 125 mg and test results were still abnormal.  He reduced it to 112 mg. recently.  Will stay on 40 mg Paxil for now.

 

Total of 10 mg. reduction of Paxil in 8 months.  Btw, noticed some ocd tendencies (might be from less Paxil) , but could be a thyroid issue.  Hard to say.

 

Wishing the best for everyone on their journey!!  Go slow!! ❤️

Wow that’s great,  your going nice and steady. 

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

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  • 3 months later...

September 23, 2018

 

Update on Paxil reduction:

 

I am still on 40 mg.  It is almost a year now.  Going from 50 to 40.  I have had thyroid issues, as mentioned.  They have had to adjust my thyroid meds up and down.  Perhaps the Paxil decrease affected the thyroid medication,.  Needless to say, I am afraid to reduce the Paxil any more.   I wanted to be paxil-free,  but now I don't know if I can ever reduce further.  Keep in mind I am soon to be 70 yrs old - aaaaah!!!!.  Well, we shall see.  Will keep you updated so other Paxil users might be helped.

 

 BTw, doctor told me to remember that Paxil is also for anxiety.  And it helps OCD.  I guess I forgot that.  I am having both those issues besides some depression. 

 

I hope all are doing well!!  Good Luck on your journey, however you decide to take it!!

   

1995 - 2003 - Lithium -(300 mg 2xday), Paxil - (20mg),  2003 - Stopped Lithium, Paxil eventually increased up to 50 mg  

 

beginning Paxil reduction:

October 14, 2017 46 mg., Jan 2018  42 mg., April  40 mg,  Feb 8, 2019  37 mg,  Feb. 23,  35 mg.(approx),  March 22,  40 Holding

 

Levothyroxin - 112/125 mcg, Profanone - 150 mg, Metoprolol - 25 mg Telmisartan - 40 mg, Altostatin - 10 mg , Calcium, Vitamin, Magnesium, Fish Oil

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On 9/24/2018 at 8:10 AM, Hopefulstill said:

September 23, 2018

 

Update on Paxil reduction:

 

I am still on 40 mg.  It is almost a year now.  Going from 50 to 40.  I have had thyroid issues, as mentioned.  They have had to adjust my thyroid meds up and down.  Perhaps the Paxil decrease affected the thyroid medication,.  Needless to say, I am afraid to reduce the Paxil any more.   I wanted to be paxil-free,  but now I don't know if I can ever reduce further.  Keep in mind I am soon to be 70 yrs old - aaaaah!!!!.  Well, we shall see.  Will keep you updated so other Paxil users might be helped.

 

 BTw, doctor told me to remember that Paxil is also for anxiety.  And it helps OCD.  I guess I forgot that.  I am having both those issues besides some depression. 

 

I hope all are doing well!!  Good Luck on your journey, however you decide to take it!!

   

I would be doing the same if I was your age. You don't want to suffer. 10mg is an accomplishment. Good luck to you.xxx

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

Link to comment

Thanks Cheeky.  Yeah, since there are other issues like my thyroid condition it makes it more complicated.  That, and having been on it for so long (23 yrs on Paxil).  For now, will stay at 40 mg. and concentrate on my thyroid hormone level getting stabilized.

How are you? 

1995 - 2003 - Lithium -(300 mg 2xday), Paxil - (20mg),  2003 - Stopped Lithium, Paxil eventually increased up to 50 mg  

 

beginning Paxil reduction:

October 14, 2017 46 mg., Jan 2018  42 mg., April  40 mg,  Feb 8, 2019  37 mg,  Feb. 23,  35 mg.(approx),  March 22,  40 Holding

 

Levothyroxin - 112/125 mcg, Profanone - 150 mg, Metoprolol - 25 mg Telmisartan - 40 mg, Altostatin - 10 mg , Calcium, Vitamin, Magnesium, Fish Oil

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On 9/26/2018 at 11:37 PM, Hopefulstill said:

Thanks Cheeky.  Yeah, since there are other issues like my thyroid condition it makes it more complicated.  That, and having been on it for so long (23 yrs on Paxil).  For now, will stay at 40 mg. and concentrate on my thyroid hormone level getting stabilized.

How are you? 

Yeah okay, I have gotten down to 30mg and will stay there till after Christmas as i

still have my day with that bad aniexty. 

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

Link to comment

Yeah, I hear you.  I seem to be anxious most of the time these days.  As far as depression,  it comes and goes every day.  You have done well reducing by 20 mg. altogether!  How are you re: depression?

1995 - 2003 - Lithium -(300 mg 2xday), Paxil - (20mg),  2003 - Stopped Lithium, Paxil eventually increased up to 50 mg  

 

beginning Paxil reduction:

October 14, 2017 46 mg., Jan 2018  42 mg., April  40 mg,  Feb 8, 2019  37 mg,  Feb. 23,  35 mg.(approx),  March 22,  40 Holding

 

Levothyroxin - 112/125 mcg, Profanone - 150 mg, Metoprolol - 25 mg Telmisartan - 40 mg, Altostatin - 10 mg , Calcium, Vitamin, Magnesium, Fish Oil

Link to comment
On 10/1/2018 at 11:23 PM, Hopefulstill said:

Yeah, I hear you.  I seem to be anxious most of the time these days.  As far as depression,  it comes and goes every day.  You have done well reducing by 20 mg. altogether!  How are you re: depression?

my depression is okay its the anxiety that is the problem.

we have to just solider on. Huggs

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

Link to comment
  • 2 months later...
On 10/1/2018 at 6:23 AM, Hopefulstill said:

Yeah, I hear you.  I seem to be anxious most of the time these days.  As far as depression,  it comes and goes every day.  You have done well reducing by 20 mg. altogether!  How are you re: depression?

 

Hi @Hopefulstill, I saw your post on Happy2Heal's thread so I thought I'd come over and see what's going on with you. I am also older (57) and was on Paxil a long time before I was switched to Lexapro which I just finally got off of.  both together, I was on SSRIs for many decades: 3? not even sure.

 

my memory is poor in general (no idea how much decades of those drugs contributed to that!) and I don't even remember if I had anxiety before or after I was put on pills. knowing what I know now, I suspect I only ever had a placebo "improvement" or perhaps I was so depressed that just feeling different, which the drugs did for me, made things "better". I will never be sure.

 

coming off all the drugs I feel like depression is always in the background, but front and center has been anxiety. nothing like panic attacks, but more of a low-level background noise that makes life....not very good. so I'm hoping things will get better.

 

anyway, I'm wondering how you are feeling in the new year?

Currently taking Ramapril (blood pressure) 5 mg twice a day

Omeprazole 10 mg AM and 20 mg PM  (the taper has gone nowhere after the first cut)

Famotidine   once a day (and I still needs tums sometimes)

magnesium 200 mg at night

as of yesterday 2 fish oil capsules "EPA-DHA 1000"

 

off Lexapro as of 5/2018  - last dose had been 5 mg every other day for a couple years

 

highest dose had been 20 mg at which point I was diagnosed with Bipolar II, which went away when I cut the lexapro down to 15 mg. 

 

I spent years on Paxil before Lexapro (can't remember dose), briefly on Effexor and Abilify and others I have forgotten. in fact, when I was diagnoses with BPII I was put on all kinds of things which made me feel so bad I stopped them cold turkey within maybe 3 or 4 weeks, thank goodness. since then I've known these pills were terrible and I weaned down the Lexapro with zero help or support over I'm not sure how many years. 

 

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