A 45-year-old female has been taking paroxetine 40 mg daily for generalized anxiety disorder for the past 3 years with good symptom control. She now requests to discontinue the medication due to weight gain of 25 pounds and sexual dysfunction. She reports a prior attempt to stop paroxetine abruptly 1 year ago, which resulted in severe dizziness, electric shock sensations, irritability, nausea, and insomnia lasting 2 weeks. The PMHNP is planning a discontinuation strategy. Which approach is most appropriate?