u/Alive-Airport5470

Hi guys. Ive been on 40 mg Paxil in order to treat severe Anxiety and Panic Disorder for 6 years now. I have just started seeing a psychiatrist to hopefully start new medication because I have not had health insurance for over 3 years and have been in desperate need of a medication change as the Paxil stopped working as well about 3 years ago. Unfortunately, in the US, insurance is ridiculously expensive and hard to come by, so I just stuck it out, paid full price for my meds, and stayed out of the doctors office. Now, I’ve been on these meds for 6 years and they no longer work, but I’m terrified of coming off them. I’ve heard horror stories about coming off Paxil and that it has some of the worst side effects. I’m meeting with my psychiatrist in a week to begin the tapering process but I’m really dreading this whole experience. If you have been on Paxil and gone through the tapering process, what was your experience? And what should I expect? Also, are there any recommendations on how to self soothe/regulate during this process as I am certain my anxiety levels will dramatically increase. Any advice is welcome. Thank you