Date: Mon Apr 2, 2001 9:09pm Hi Everyone: I am new to the Board. I just started the tapering off of Paxil last week. I cut down to 10mg.from 20 mg. My doctor supports me on this and will assist me in the withdrawal process. I have already experienced a sample of the nasty withdrawal from Paxil a few times when I forgot to renew my prescription and stopped taking the pills for a few days - yuck!! It felt like electrical shocks were being adminsitered to me. Anyway, although I am sure I will not be a happy camper for the near future, I will try to make the best of it. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has withdrawn from Paxil Thanks for listening... Nancy Date: Tue Apr 3, 2001 10:22pm Response: Nancy, I'm not completely off Paxil yet, but I'm down to 2 mg/day. Ask your doctor to switch you to the oral suspension (liquid form) of Paxil, so you can slowly wean yourself off. I had my doctor switch me over when I was at 10 mg, so I can reduce my dosage at the rate that is comfortable for me. I've found that reducing 1 mg every 5-7 days is less stressful for my body, and I am in complete control of the amount I take. I spent 6 days in Paxil Cold Turkey Hell (see my story in the files section), and want to avoid revisiting as much of the severe withdrawal effects as possible, so I am taking my time! Even sympathetic doctors usually try to make you reduce your dosage much faster. But what do they really know, they usually haven't taken it themselves and experienced what we have! A lot of people seem to have problems when they hit the low doses, not to mention for a while after they're completely off -- I'm keeping my fingers crossed... Just be careful, take care of yourself, and reduce your dosage at YOUR rate! Good Luck, Renee Date: Tue Apr 3, 2001 11:46pm Renee and Heather: Thank you for your suggestion about asking for the liquid Paxil while tapering. I read some of the accounts in the Serotonin Files and some of them are really scary. Right now I am more fatigued than usual and a bit queasy. I am taking Bonine for the nausea and it works very well. I am also very prone to seasickness (I am an avid scuba diver) and I knew if it cured that it should help with the Paxil withdrawal. So far I haven't gotten the "zaps," although I do expect them when I taper down more. Again, thanks for your support! Nancy Date: Sat Apr 7, 2001 3:34pm Hi Everyone: Just wanted to give an update on my progress tapering off Paxil. Yesterday at work, I had an anxiety attack and my hands started to shake. My supervisor, who is my friend, was very understanding. She knows that I am tapering off the meds. I am still very fatigued, but so far not too bad. Luckily I am completing my work assignments, although under some duress. I am planning on staying on 10mg for at least another two weeks. I am sorry that Icee is having such a tough time - just hang in there. Nancy Date: Mon Apr 9, 2001 9:25pm Hi Guys: I am on my sixth day on 10mg (down from 20). I am experiencing a lot of fatigue, insomnia, some stomach upset, aches and pains like flu, and a general feeling of just feeling crappy. Since I have been expecting these things to happen, I am able to handle it. I am trying to keep my stress level down although working with lawyers sort of preempts that (lol). So far I am surviving. I might be one of the lucky ones, but it is too soon to tell. Anyway, I hope Christine is feeling better. Please let me know how you are doing. Nancy Date: Tue Apr 10, 2001 2:20am Response: Hi Nancy, It sounds like you're coping really well but just be careful that you are not withdrawing too quickly. It might be easier if you can get paxil in liquid form as you will be able to reduce it more gradually. Paxil is an awful drug to withdraw from and I don't want your withdrawal to be any worse than it has to be. Take care and let us know how you are doing. Ramo