Hi, I'm Masha

August 28, 2026

I was on Paxil for 21 years. I tried to taper and switched to Lexapro and I was on a schedule that was way too fast so I suffered severe withdrawal. I am now back on Paxil for three weeks and struggling to feel better.

Paxil — 20 mg — 20 years. Went off now back on — holding
Trazadone 25 mg
Buspar 5 mg two times a day
Ativan .25 at night

4 Replies

⭐

CatinaAug 28

Community AnchorEffexor

Hi Masha, welcome to Taper Community! Your nervous system has been through quite a bit of changes. It may take quite some time for things to stabilize. If it were me, I wouldn't make any more changes and just allow some time to pass until things level out a bit. How long were you on Lexapro? In the future, it might be best to do a slow Hyperbolic taper off the Paxil and not try to switch to another antidepressant. In the meantime, treat your body as well as you can. Feel free to have a look around the site as there is lots of helpful information. You're not alone in this. Hang in there, things will get better with time! Catina 💕

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.28 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Synthroid - 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.

MashaAug 28

LighthousePaxil · holding

Hi Catina. Yes I believe the taper was done poorly as so many people on here have described. I was on Lexapro 6 weeks but the Paxil Withdrawal Was too much. I had such a severe depressive episode I was in the ER. I got put back on Paxil. It’s only been 3 weeks on my original dose so though I do see some physical improvement, the emotional is a struggle. I’m hoping that a few more weeks makes a difference.

Paxil — 20 mg — 20 years. Went off now back on — holding
Trazadone 25 mg
Buspar 5 mg two times a day
Ativan .25 at night

⭐

CatinaAug 28

Community AnchorEffexor

"I’m hoping that a few more weeks makes a difference" — @Masha

Letting some time pass always makes things better. Hang in there!

MashaAug 28

LighthousePaxil · holding

I’ve had a few good days here and there so I’m Just looking forward to some consistency. Like I said it’s only been 3 weeks and they say at least 4-6.

Paxil — 20 mg — 20 years. Went off now back on — holding
Trazadone 25 mg
Buspar 5 mg two times a day
Ativan .25 at night

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