J
Hi, I'm John
April 22, 2026··
Hi. I’m John. After 23 years on 25 mgs of Paxil, I began tapering in April, 2023. My doctor put me on a linear taper of 5 mgs every 3 weeks. That led to an episode of severe, acute withdrawal. After updosing to 15 mgs, it took me about 10 weeks to mostly restabilize. After that, I began a hyperbolic taper of approximately 5% per month. I was symptomatic, but the symptoms were tolerable. In December, 2024, the symptoms became excessive. I updosed, but that didn’t help. I’ve been holding at 3.525 mgs ever since (16 months now). My symptoms have substantially improved, but I’m effectively disabled. I was quite active before, but now I’m limited to a gentle walk each day. I’m hoping to learn from other people’s experience. Are there ways to promote healing (other than the obvious), and is there a way to get safely off the last of the medication?
Paxil — 3.525 mgs — 26 years — actively tapering | without clinician
2 Replies
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Catina4mo ago
Community AnchorEffexor
Hi @John and welcome! You've been on Paxil a very long time. Unfortunately, most doctors advise a rapid linear taper that can cause significant disruption to a person's nervous system, especially a long-term AD user such as yourself.
Sometimes a slight updose can help relieve symptoms, but not always. I'm sorry you've had such a rough time. I can relate. I've had issues with trying to taper Effexor and with being on psych drugs for many years too.
It's a good thing you're holding steady at your current dose. I'm sorry it has affected your life so much. I can empathize. The fact your symptoms have improved is a really good sign that you're giving your body exactly what it needs right now.
Have you checked out the Learn and Metabolic Health sections? They both have fantastic information.
Here are a few other links that might interest you that are from the Symptoms and Self-Care section:
18 Ways to Regulate the Nervous System: https://taper.community/thread/ec72f5e5-39fe-4f0e-b3c9-083b3e99d1c3
Fatigue: https://taper.community/thread/16345bac-e9dc-417d-9bd3-a6e2a4cece42
Neuroplasticity (How the Brain Heals): https://taper.community/thread/26b781b7-f7f2-480c-8bc7-b893e9b6f802
Things to Avoid (or use with caution) During Withdrawal: https://taper.community/thread/57d0fb51-6e6e-4517-9d3d-1dd2f2e3880c
Here is some clinical info about Paxil: https://taper.community/drugs/paxil
When people get below 5 mg of Paxil they need to take things extra slow. You may need to make tinier cuts or hold longer between cuts. Are you using liquid or tablets?
We look forward to supporting you as best as we can. Please have a look around the site and let us know if you have any questions.
Catina 🩷
Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.92 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Levothyroxine - 25 mcg
“Your brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.”
Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.
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Community AnchorEffexor
Hi John and welcome, youve come to the right place.
I suggest filling out checkins over time to share how youre doing in real time and then we can zero in on some specific aspects.
As for your experience, unfortunately it is a common one in some regards. What I will say is that healing is miraculous and keep faith. If you are able I would look into some metabolic health interventions in the metabolic health tab.
All the best
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