Does anyone know the proper way to discontinue taking a prescribed medication?

Question

I know you have to do it gradually but I don't exactly know how to go about it.

I'm currently on 20mg a day.

Please don't answer unless you're 99.999% sure

Answer 1

doctors tend to be drug pushers. Don't expect the truth from them. Check what the internet has to say.

Answer 2

You really need to at least call your doctor and talk to him/her about it before changing your dosage at all.  Paroxetine is a chemical that alters the levels of specific neurotransmitters in your brain, and if you don't take it the right way or discontinue it the right way, it will cause nasty side effects.  I had to d/c my antidepressant (venlafaxine) a couple of years ago because I couldn't afford it, and even when I tapered very gradually, I was still affected by withdrawal for about two weeks (granted, it was one of the ADs notorious for withdrawal syndrome, but still.)  Your doctor is the only one who knows your medical history and your medication regimen, and can tell you how to safely stop taking your paroxetine.  Is there any reason you feel you need to stop it?

Answer 3

I am 100% sure that you should ask your doctor..

Answer 4

You CANNOT go off paroxetine without working with a doctor.  If you absolutely refuse to, you need to wean off over about a one-month period at minimum--no fooling--and literally shave off parts of the pills so that you are reducing by a tiny amount.  Save the shavings to take later.

If you do not, you can cause serious harm--I tell you this because that's what I did--I was actually having extreme anxiety attacks but still felt I could stop the paroxetine, and it has really bad consequences.  Check with www.askapatient.com and you will see that w/drawing too quickly is a very BAD idea.  

Also, tell people you are doing this.  If you have some sort of meltdown, they should know what to tell the doctor when they take you to the ER.  Please be careful.

There are state and county mental health programs that can help you to continue your meds while you are weaning off.  Sounds like you might qualify.

Answer 5

I am also 100% sure that you should check with your doctor before you do anything.  It may be a "harmless" med that you can decrease dosages to, but if you really need it for something serious, you should not just stop taking it.  What is the med and what are you taking it for? That would give people a better format for answering your question.