Posted by SLS on February 6, 2005, at 9:00:27
In reply to Re: effects of lowered Paxil dosage, posted by Emily Elizabeth on February 5, 2005, at 15:32:23
> When I was finally getting off I was taking 1/8 of a 10 mg pill!! Taking Ativan to take the edge off helped some.
This is great advice. This even includes the Ativan idea, although I would wait to try a modified taper first. I found that I reduced my discomfort by taking miniscule amounts *several* times a day - even the extended release version.
Going from 25mg to 12.5mg is a 50% decrease. That is quite a steep decline. At this point, however, I think I might opt to stick it out at 12.5 until the withdrawal syndrome lessens substantially before continuing to taper. If the withdrawal effects are too uncomfortable right now, try taking 1/3 of a 12.5 tablet three times a day. Then try taking smaller and smaller amounts (bite off pieces of the tablet if necessary). Towards the end of my discontinuation of Paxil, I purposely waited until the beginnings of the withdrawal syndrome appeared, and nibbled off minute pieces of medication until I was down to zero. I did it by "feel". You will notice that the time periods between the appearance of withdrawal symptoms will get longer and longer. It's sort of like using Paxil as a PRN whenever withdrawal symptoms develop; using the minimum amound necessary to do the job.
I used this strategy with Effexor also. With both Paxil and Effexor, trying to come off of it using a more "traditional" taper caused me to harsh experience withdrawal effects with the brain-zaps and everything, so it's not as if I am resistant to a discontinuation withdrawal syndrome with these drugs. Still, it must be understood that my strategy of discontinuing these drugs might not generalize to everyone.
Good luck. Please post of your progress.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:453665
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050202/msgs/453925.html