Hi @May, welcome!
I'm sorry you're having such a difficult time right now. Given that you've had so many dose changes, I'd be cautious about making another one. It takes time for the body to adjust to a new dose. Doctors automatically think that any issues will be resolved with increasing the dose of a drug, but more isn't necessarily better, especially in an already-sensitized nervous system.
You're already seeing improvement at the 25 mg, so that's a good sign that things are stabilizing.
https://taper.community/thread/ff7ce496-025a-4391-95b4-cdd0063f092b
Once things are stable, then as @Based said, you can do a slow Hyperbolic taper off of the Paxil.
There are also non-drug ways to manage PPD and PPA. These conditions are usually temporary conditions due to the hormonal changes in the body after childbirth. Using SSRIs will definitely create physical dependence and need to be tapered if and when ready to stop them.
Here are some things you can do to improve your sleep:
Start with the simplest things rather than adding supplements, especially while your nervous system is sensitive:
• Keep a consistent wake-up time every day.
• Get some morning sunlight/daylight if you can tolerate it.
• Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet.
• Avoid caffeine and nicotine later in the day.
• Start a gentle wind-down 1–2 hours before bed—dim lights, warm bath/shower, quiet music or reading.
• Gentle daytime movement can help, but don't push yourself if you're in a wave.
• If you're lying awake and becoming frustrated, get up briefly and do something quiet in dim light until you feel sleepy.
• Try not to watch the clock or pressure yourself to sleep.
I would be cautious with supplements and herbal sleep remedies. During withdrawal, people can be unusually sensitive to substances, and “natural” doesn't necessarily mean risk-free.
And remember that withdrawal insomnia can come in waves. A bad night—or even a bad stretch of nights—doesn't mean you've lost your ability to sleep. ❤️
I hope this helps! We're here anytime you need to reach out for support during this difficult time.
Catina 🩷
TaperCommunity
