Weaning myself of Paxil Cr - Anxiety Message Board

cassma · 03-29-2005, 09:25 AM

I've been on Paxil CR 12.5 for a couple of years now - for GAD - I have felt quite calm and happy for a while, so I thought I'd try to get off the paxil - esp. since now there is a delay in getting the CR. My dr. suggested taking a pill every other day, which I've been doing now for about five days. Is it psychological, or are my headaches on the days I take the paxil, caused by this? If so, maybe I should just stop altogether - on the days of no paxil, no headaches...

Suggestions, comments?

cassma · 03-29-2005, 02:35 PM

OK - no responses yet and in the meantime, I've been reading past posts on Paxil CR withdrawal.

A couple questions:
1) My dr. suggested a pill every other day and I read in a post someone's dr. suggested week1 - every other day, week2 - every 2 days and so on until week 7 - 1 pill. Is this how I should wean myself from my paxil cr 12.5?

2) I've been on Paxil CR 12.5 for 2 years now - never having to increase. This is the lowest dosage of CR (I believe), since it IS such a low dose, can I possible be spared from any major withdrawal symptoms?

So far, I've just had a headache on the days I'm taking paxil (and this is only 4-5 days into weaning myself) and I'm extra tired...

Paxilhead · 03-29-2005, 02:43 PM

Skipping days is not a good idea, It puts your brain on a SSRI roller coaster ride.. If your just on 12.5 CR, I would get a pill cutter and take a dosage of 6.25 for 2-3 weeks, then stop......( and no, It doesn't affect the time release by cutting them to even notice on a dose so small)...

97guy · 03-29-2005, 02:55 PM

switch to regular paxil and get a pill cutter. Then slowly lower your dose. There is no need to stick with CR if you ar cutting the pill. Every other day thing messes with your brain.

rucnateb · 03-30-2005, 11:48 AM

I did the sameb thing you are trying to do,and had major dizziness for a couple of weeks,that eventually went away.hope you can wean off without problems.