Paroxetine reduction

[Greenpapaya]

Hi, I am asking if any of you have had experience of reducing in part their Paroxetine dosage? I am hopeful to reduce my Paroxetine to a lesser dosage over time with the involvement of a psychiatrist . Do you have any information to share that would be helpful for me? With thanks.

[telephonejunkie]

You need to listen to your doctor about dosage reduction. I worked with this drug for the 10 years after it was launched. A patients response to dosage reduction varies. It also depends on which dose you are taking and for how long you have been taking the drug. Don't rush to withdraw your medication. Often we feel great as the medication has altered our brain chemistry and we try to stop the tablets only to have a rebound effect of symptoms. So don't rush take it easy and consult a physician.

[Blue-1321]

20 mg a day for me for the last few years. I tried to go down to 12.5 bit couldn't do it. I don't know how to get off these things

[KMBW]

I was able to reduce my dosage by gradually decreasing the dosage. I started by taking the desired dose every 3rd day for a couple - 3 weeks, then every other day for around the same amount of time, then I was able to take the desired amount from then on. You will need to be very self aware about how you are feeling, how your mood is, and if the change feels right to you.

[Kinlay]

This is one of the hardest antidepressants to get off of and is known for horrific discontinuation syndrome. I got off it years ago and it was a nightmare for me. Two strategies I wish I'd tried at the time were: 1. low and slow, going down the smallest amount possible (1/4 of the lowest strength, for example if you are on 20 mg, switch to 10 mg pills and take a full one and 1/4 of one so you only go down to 17.5 mg at first) and staying at that amount until your symptoms level, possibly a few months, before going any lower and then repeating in a similar manner until you get to the desired dose or 2. Going up on a different med (fluoxetine may be a good option as it's one of the easiest to wean off of in turn) while you are weaning down to help with the side effects. Talk with your doctor about what they suggest and good luck!