Paxil Discontinued Posts

Paxil Discontinued Information

Questions and Answers

Has anyone lost who they once were ( feelings, creativity,etc.) after years on paxil? I have been free of paxil for 6 years and have noticd that I am not as creative like I used to be. I can no longer write the way I used to ( I used to be one hell of a writer. I can't focus at all. Has any one had this same experience years after discontinuing paxil? Please tell me your story if so

Dalton replied: "mabe you have add antidepressents work well sometimes with adhd meds you lose creativity and gain focus you couldd have depression and add"

Tim replied: "I don't know if this will help because I've never taken Paxil, but it is an antidepressant. It might just be being less depressed that's caused you to have less creativity. I've worked in a "creative industry" so to speak for a long time, and suffered from major depression for years (untreated). I was completely miserable, but put out all of my best work--work I really don't understand how I did--during those years. Things changed in my life and I became much happier, but my creativity turned to mush. It took me awhile, but I eventually found some new areas of life to act as my "muse," and started putting out better work. It's all about working to find things that inspire emotion (hopefully not sad) in you. When you lack depressed emotions--it's not necessarily that you're happy--you can be somewhat content or emotionless. For most people, emotions and sentiment can be huge factors in shaping creativity, and the bland stuff will produce...well bland stuff. It's all about finding a life style that brings something out of you. I hope this helps a little."

Gard23 replied: "Yes. There are others. Losing creativity on-drug seems fairly common - possibly linked to the emotional blunting. Afterwards, post-drug, there can be cognitive and concentration issues, you may have noticed that your grasp of grammar, accuracy of spelling and fluency of language have altered for the worse. You may/may not find that if you 'push' the focus/concentration envelope, you notice a physiological payback in the form of increased tiredness & further decreased clarity of thought... an increase in irritability may also be apparent."

Discontinuing Medications, Paxil vs Effexor...? People who have used Paxil or Effexor and have discontinued either one or both of them, which was the worsed or how bad was either one?

Chris J replied: "I can't say about Paxil, but transitioning from Effexor to Lexipro was pretty hellish for a few days. I had to cancel business meetings because I wasn't sure that I could safely drive. I had a lot of those "electrical spark" feelings that many people describe and there were a few times that I thought I was going to pass out for no reason. I think my experience might have been mild. I know a guy who just let his pre ion run out and he acted like the world was going to end. He kept saying he felt like he was going crazy and he was throwing up and having convulsions until he got the medication back into his system."

Tricia F replied: "Hi- Discontinuing any of these types of drugs is no picnic. Everybody has different side effects. I would suggest you check out the website It is a nutritional program that helps you tapr off all meds with less side effects (no, I am not affiliated with them). I have been using the program for a couple of months now to help taper off of Zoloft and Klonopin and it has been a pretty smooth process. They key is to cut your dose by a very minimal amount, stay at that amount for about 3 weeks, then cut again for three weeks, and so on until you are off. Good luck!"

jssrn replied: "It should only be done under the advise of your MD. Effexor made me feel bad while I took it (for about 2 weeks), but stopping it, even at a slow graduated pace was HORRIBLE. I actually thought I was coming down with the flu. I felt flush and achy all over, headache. Then it dawned on me what it was. I am sure it may be different for everyone, though. Whatever you do, don't just stop them on your own. That can be very dangerous, mentally and physically."

joaniebalonie replied: "I was on Paxil several years ago, and am on Effexor now. When I went off the Paxil, I did it very gradually, and it took me months to fully go off it. Even doing it the correct way, when I finally stopped completely, it was horrible for about a week. I got those electric jolts all over my body, even in my lips. But after that week, I was fine. I have been on Effexor for 5 years and have never tried to go off them, but I have forgotton to take them, and because I take them everyday at the same time, just felt like hell even just a few hours later, so I am scared to ever go off."

What would my withdrawal symptoms be like if I stopped taking paxil after about 9 years? So, when I was too young to understand why, in 3rd grade my parents started me on paxil. (It was because I was shy around people). Now I'm a junior in high school and I've been taking it since then. I want to discontinue paxil. My parents say I shouldn't, because without it I'm uptight and tense around people... but what's weird is, in 3rd grade before I took it I remember being fine, and I was shy, that's all. Now I'm always nervous and really uptight around people and that's when I've been taking it. I don't think paxil is helping me. I feel like I'm a zombie without emotions and my aunt told me that's what she felt like when she took it for 3 months and when she stopped the emotions came back to her. I want that to happen to me. I really think I never need paxil at all. What would my withdrawal symptoms be like?

anti_hitlers_sweet_stash replied: "You will feel again, just don't let anything get you down. Life is better when you have ups and downs, don't know why anyone would want to be an emotional zombie, unless you where bipolar, then its necessary."

Erin S replied: "well it sounds like you arent an addict. i would say for you to not stop it abruptly (cold turkey), and wein yourself off of it. Or, you could talk to your doctor and change your medication. But try it without first. Just talk to your doctor to be safe"

James P replied: "You are going to have to go to a Dr. and be weaned off of it. You can not just quit. little is going to be really hard if you have been on it since you were so little."

slammmguy replied: "Your best bet is to console your doctor. They are there to answer such questions. Remember medications have different effects on everyone. It may have help your aunt without any withdrawal symptoms but you may have them. You can risk going cold turkey or slowly stop taking it or getting lower dosage and completely be off paxil. again best bet is to speak with your doctor on this matter. and good luck to you."

Stephanie S replied: "DO NOT just stop taking Paxil....you need to ween yourself off slowly. cut your pills down to quarters and take a quarter less every 3 days. stopping cold turkey you could have seizures,vomiting, shakes, excessive sweating, extreme stomach cramps, headaches, blurred vision, heart palp's"

Alex replied: "Cut back your doses slowly (i.e. 1/2 for a week, then 1/2 every other day for another week). When I was on Paxil, I couldn't feel in general, and when I stopped taking it, it was like I could actually feel emotion (both good and bad). I stopped cold turkey off of Paxil (and Prozac...both very bad ideas) and I had what were called brain shivers, I couldn't focus, and I was exhausted."

Paxil Pooped Out; How long until Zoloft works? Hello again everyone, Wanted to let you all know what my Dr. said. Remember I was switching over from Paxil to Zoloft for the last six weeks. I'm up to Zoloft 100mgs for the past 2 weeks with minimal side effects. Last Friday I discontinued my Paxil (was down to 7.5mgs or 15mgs, can't remember) and starting Saturday and Sunday and felt horrible. Had extremely upset stomach, lots of bowel problems and extreme anxiety. Wasn't sure if it was due to my increase of Zoloft (went from 100mgs to 112.5 mgs past Friday) or my discontinuing of the Paxil. Well, I spoke to the Dr. before and he said it was much more likely that I was having a withdrawl from my Paxil. He said that since I took Paxil for the past 5 years my body probably needs more time to ween off of it. It makes sense to me but what do you all think? I've heard of some people taking two different ssri's or an ssri and an ssni but I would really appreciate your opinion. Maybe I'm better staying with the really small dose of Paxil (10mgs) until my Zoloft kicks in. What do you all think? If I started taking 100mgs. of Zoloft 2 weeks ago how long should it be until I feel better? I missed work yesterday and today (Monday and Tuesday) and really need to get back to work (need job and money to support family). Again, thank you all for your help, concern and advice, Steve Just wondering how long until the Zoloft will start working? Started with 12.5mgs, then 25mgs all the way up to 100mgs. On 100mgs for two weeks and still feel very jittery and don't want to really leave the house. When will I start to feel better? No horror stories please (lol). Thanks

LTD replied: "Steve...sounds like you need to remain on the Paxil a bit longer..(at your lower dosage), if your Dr is OK with that. Most medications such as Paxil, Zoloft and Prozac take a couple of weeks to "kick in"...it also sounds like you are on quite a high beginning dosage of Zoloft...it seems to me the Dr would have begun to lower your Paxil, while introducing Zoloft and then gradually decreasing one while increasing the other to the desired dosage. And, too, Zoloft may not be right for you...if you continue to have these problems, make an appointment to go in and SEE your Dr...I, personally, am on Prozac and have been for about 7 years (began with 20mg and am now at 60mg) and have had little to no side affects and have been able to keep my dosage low (I take it for anxiety, not depression)...however, I began taking it after witnessing my 2nd husband shooting himself and then was with him when he died several days later. Was experiencing "PTSD" (although I didn't want to belive it)...and have found Prozac to be a God-send for me..in all aspects of my mental health...It is what gets me going every day...like you, there are days that I almost can't make it out of bed...and there are many days I feel like crawling in a hole and pulling the hole in after me...(lol !)...it sucks, big time. Without help (Prozac) I think I would be just a big ol' blob of jello... I really feel if your Dr can get your dosage right, you will begin to feel better quite soon. I do know that with these meds, sometimes, it's a trial-and-error deal.. Good luck to you. There are more of "us" out there, than you know!"

Debette replied: "You need to continue to be closely monitored by your physician. Some meds can take up to 6 weeks to build up enough in your system to be effective. Everyones body and physicological makeup are so different, it is really difficult to judge your reaction and symptoms with someone elses. Sometimes when you get back into your normal routine, work, you feel better. Even tho you don't feel like getting up and going, once you are there and productive, it can take your mind off a lot of other things. Your choice though, you are in charge of the choices in your life. I like the Mayo Clinic website for researching. I have learned long ago I have to be my own best patient advocate, and for me, thats knowledge. Good luck to you ~ "

crap! replied: "The side effects you experienced were most likely caused from the abrupt withdrawal from Paxil...which you should NEVER do! Always ALWAYS wean yourself off of any of those type medications slowly. And typically, most antidepressants take a minimum of 4-6 weeks before they begin to take effect on the chemicals of the brain. Be patient, and just relax. Some people have to experiment with many types of antidepressants before they find one that works for them. Lucky for us, there are many types out there for us to try. Good luck!"

what could likly cause psoriasis, Paxil or celexa? I took Paxil for about 4 years ago, I took it for about 1 year and a half, then I discontinued it abruptly, shortly after I had blood in my sperm, then about a year later I developed psoriasis, as I was looking at the side effects of Celexa, I happened upon a extremely rare side affect of Psoriasis. but it was on some off web sight, I'm sure it would have said the same thing for paxil, Also, could my developing Psoriasis be a coincidence

Paxil CR during Second Trimester? I was on Paxil CR 12.5mg (lowest dosage available) for about three years before trying to concieve. I was very sensitive to it, and if I missed a pill one morning, would know it by the afternoon with anxiety symptoms. When I suspected I was in fact pregnant (a few days after presumed conception), I discontinued usage. Shockingly, I didnt feel any symptoms when I stopped. Perhaps the pregnancy hormones counteracted my chemical imbalances? Well, the first trimester has now passed, and now at 14 weeks pregnant, I am developing all of my old symptoms. I am at a point where I would want to be back on the Paxil CR. I will be talking with my doctor at my next appointment, but wanted to know if anyone knows about Paxil usage during the second trimester? I've ready that 1st trimester is associated with heart defects, and 3rd trimester is assosiated with breathing problems, but what about the 2nd? Also, is starting it in the middle going to be bad? Any and all advise/experience welcome

jm1970 replied: "Speak to your ob first...I don't know how bad off you are. I wouldn't do it unless you have to..they just don't know what it could do to a fetus."

MaryRose replied: "Well, in general, paxil cr is a category D drug for pregnancy, meaning that there is known potential harm to the baby but benefits may outweigh risks for some women. I don't know about the second trimester though. I haven't seen anything that talks about the second trimester either. But since you know it's a risk for the third trimester, you might want to talk to your doctor about other ways to manage your anxiety without it. You don't want to get used to taking it again and then have to stop in the third trimester."

Paxil Withdrawal Length? Dear All, I have been on 40 mg Paxil for 3.5 months when I started to tapering it off. It took me 3 months to go down to 2.5 mg where I am currently right now. Until now no serious problems, but lately I started to develop "fear of unknown" and very very upset stomach. Need your advice please. Was my taper too fast? Should I continue with my taper (i want to cut my pill to 1.25 mg) now or after symtoms will disappear. Are those - 'fear of unknown' and upset stomach part of w/d symptoms. How long symptoms will last after I will discontinue completely for being on paxil 3.5 months and tapering for almost same period of time. Kindly advise, Robert

PsyGuy replied: "It is best to contact your doctor or therapist. Paxil has a long half life which is the time it takes the drug to metabolize to half strength. That is why it takes an extended period of time to decrease daily doses. There is a possibility that your are experiencing rebound symptoms due to the medication that can be worse before you started Paxil. If you are tapering, I do hope you are doing this with a physicians guidance. It's probably the best solution to contact the prescribing doctor. Good Luck!"

I think I'm going through Paxil Withdrawal. Please help!? Hello everyone. About 3-4 weeks ago my doctor put me on Paxil. This is the 2nd antidepressant I have been put on, but not for depression, but anxiety and panic attacks. I had tried Setraline (Zoloft) but discontinued that after about 3 days because my entire body broke out in a rash. Now a year later, another doctor had me take Paxil. I took Paxil only for about 2 weeks but HAD to get off it. Even while taking the drug, I couldn't sleep; when I was able to get 2 or 3 hours of sleep, I had really crazy and bizarre dreams. This made the sleep worthless and I was tired ALL the time. Another thing, even though the I only used Paxil for a short time and low dosage (20mg), why am I having withdrawal effects? I seem to have everyone on the list...can't sleep, worsened anxiety/panic attacks, headaches and shaking, etc. etc. How long will these last? The sad part is the only thing that I've found that makes getting through these withdrawal symptoms is alcohol. I've read everywhere to avoid it because I'll be better in the long run, but I don't know if I'd still have my sanity if it wasn't for alcohol. Now I'm back to square one. I also take 1mg of Clonazepam at night. This has really helped in getting to sleep for the 2 hours I *might* get. My doctor said that Clonazepam just deal with my symptoms but doesn't cure panic attacks...where has Paxil and Zoloft have damn near almost killed me now. When will the madness end!? Any help is appreciated. Thank you! Thank you for the answers so far, I almost laughed the the lost keys one. But what causes my anxiety is factors outside of my control. I can find my keys sure, but I can't make my self go to sleep for example. I've tried excercise and all the other things you read at all the sources on the web. And thats what really triggers my anxiety. I know when it's time for bed, I will *not* be able to fall asleep. I try to stay positive, but I will just lay there for hours, then start to toss and turn. This is just magnifide 100x when on withdrawal from these drugs. I tried to be persistant with Paxil but my life was going down the tubes. I had to quit, and havn't told my doctor yet. I like the Clonzepam as when I'm just on that, it really calms me and I'm able to fall asleep. But back to withdrawal, its 2:20am, i'm getting cold flashes and obviously can't sleep. I'm going out of my mind trying to read or watch tv!! AHHH!

paulsfirstwife replied: "Did you quit on your own, or with your doctor's advice? Sometimes you have to go off pills slowly or you'll have side-effects. By drinking you're possibly defeating any good the other medicine can do. The "madness" will end, but you have to persevere with treatment and care enough about yourself as a person of worth to keep at it. Not everyone responds to treatment the same and there can be a lot of trial and error until you come across the right one. With anxiety and panic attacks, you could use a caring counsellor to help you as you go through this."

padge61 replied: "Drugs, drugs, drugs. An MD will tell you that your anxiety is caused by chemical imbalances in your brain. Then he or she will tell you there are these drugs that adjust for these imbalances. What is causing the imbalance in the first place? The answer will fall into two categories: Congenital and environmental. Can your doctor tell you which? I don't believe there's a way to determine. It is a mistake to assume that the cause is one or the other. I recommend you try to create peace within yourself. Our chemistry influences our moods, yet our moods influence our chemistry. We do have a limited amount of conscious control over our moods. When you are feeling anxious, take a moment to identify the trigger. Say you're going to be late for work, but you can't find your keys. Panic sets in. Now suppose your ongoing chemical state is such that this feeling is out of proportion. You think maybe you should call your job and tell them you might be a bit late. Panic sets in. What will you say? Tell the truth or fabricate something that doesn't seem as bad? How will you say it? I tell you this: You're ruminating. Stand up straight; take a deep breath. Take back ownership of yourself from your job. All they can do is fire you. It's not the end of the world. I guess what I'm saying is take back control of your mind, and keep things in perspective. It will take years of practice, but it can be done. It doesn't make anxiety go away completely, but anxiety isn't supposed to go away completely. It serves a function. But you can at least keep it in perspective. Every day when you get up, you enter a battle against fear. It must constantly be fought. If you allow fear to take some ground, guess what it does. That's right, it starts taking more ground. When you start to feel anxious, think: What do I have to DO? What is the SOLUTION to this problem? Not: What if I can't... Put yourself in action against the things that are triggering your anxiety -- just find your keys. Just knowing that you are now focused on the task at hand will give you some confidence in the outcome. Confidence crowds out fear. ----- All that being said, I'm not trying to tell you that drugs are not the solution. I do not know if they are the solution. But I do want to cast a healthy skepticism on your doctor's certainty that they are the solution. In fact, cast that skepticism right back in his face (politely), and ask about these things that I have suggested. He might not be a psychiatrist or a psychologist, but he is educated and he is human. You might be surprised at his answer. P.S. Your keys are probably on the floor near your coat, or wherever you normally keep your keys."

Strong headaches on Paxil ? I have been taking Paxil for about 10 days now and notice when I take it I get a severe headache only relieved by about 3 Ibuprofen. Has any else experienced this? Does it go away? What are some other side effects? (I have read the insert, would like to know personal experience.) I am thinking of discontinuing the medication.

awales6 replied: "Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: seizure (convulsions); tremors, shivering, muscle stiffness or twitching; problems with balance or coordination; or agitation, confusion, sweating, fast heartbeat. Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as: feeling nervous, restless, or unable to sit still; drowsiness, dizziness, weakness; sleep problems (insomnia); nausea, constipation, loss of appetite; weight changes; decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm; or dry mouth, yawning, or ringing in your ears. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome."

Rooster36 replied: "IDK about Paxil, but too much Ibuprofen can cause stomach bleeding.=d"

Jodi replied: "It is a very common side effect and it will go away. Just don't go off it cold turkey. The longer you're on it, the harder it is to get off it. It is a very effective medication so stick it out if at all possible. Good luck"

Nubian King replied: "I do not know anything about the effects of this med, but I did some research. You may want to check out this link. I hope this helps."

Numb face, tingling in upper arms, exhausted all of the time? In addtion to having a numb face, tingling (pins and needles) and itchy upper arms, I feeling exhausted all of the time, and unable to lose wt. I am completely miserable. I am 53, yes I am overweight, and yes I have tried to lose the wt. I was on paxil but thought that might have caused the problem so I discontinued using it. Please help.

jfff112 replied: "Well, i am not a doctor lol, it sounds like it could possibly be an allergic reaction, if it were me, I would probably consult a physician"

Alison M replied: "tingling in the face and arms (which feels like itching when blood flow is returning) translates to me as neurological problems. may be as simple as pinched nerves or something more serious, but definitely go get checked out. if you go to your regular doc, they'll probably refer you to a neurologist and run some tests. hope this helps."

ladyvamp1972 replied: "Could it be possible that you are suffering from Fibromyalgia? You should see your doctor or ask to see a specialist. "

Gard23 replied: "It's a Catch-22; but as well as being side-effects, these are also withdrawal effects. The weight, anecdotally, wouldn't be expected to start dropping off straight away; individuals tend to note a time gap (possibly related to the metabolism getting over the upset) before it starts to move."