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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
dry mouth and paxil withdrawl
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS.MD-AJ, Feb 02, 2000 12:00AM
when i went off paxil my symptoms lasted for about two weeks. They were: a splitting headache for about a week accompanied by blurred vision, nausea, cold sweats and bursts of adrenaline. My digestion was also upset for about two weeks. I felt some muscle weakness and was much more concious of free-floating anxiety.
For me, the withdrawl symptoms were much less disturbing than the side-effects i had when i first started the medication a year ago. so i was able to just talk myself through the first days of the withdrawl symptoms. i think i might have taken some asprin to deal with the constant headache.
I stopped my 20 mg dosage in December, after tapering for about a month. I don't feel as even-tempered as i did on the paxil -- i am much more aware of mood swings and anxiety, but the only persistent side effect is this damn dry mouth.
my advice is try to stick it out for at least another week and let other people know that you are feeling physically ill (because you are!) and, if you want, tell them why. also, rest if you can and maybe try exercise. i found it took some pressure off myself just to let people know why i seemed so distracted and inwardly-turned (monitoring my symptoms at every moment.) they were all understanding.
let me know how you are feeling. my best wishes,
megan
***@****
thanks, kim
I also have gained 15 - 20 lbs and have only been on Paxil for 6 months. Have you heard of anyone else who has gained weight? I want to eventually get off it but am a teacher and am worried about the withdrawel effects while I am in the classroom. One benfit of Paxil for me has been the elimination of severe monthly PMS and menstrual cramps. It's the first time in years that I am not having terrible mood swings and bloating and cramps every month. Idon't have any other side effects except the weight gain all around my waist, hips and I am only 5.3.
Anyone else out there gain weight?