ssri withdrawal

I just signed up to this forum.  I have never done anything like this before.  But, I really need help.  The irony is I am a master's level therapist, and have been for many years.  I believe I may be suffering so I can relate and better help my clients.  I am in practice with a psychiatrist, but have not told her of this.  I guess I am embarrassed.  Anyhow, approx. 3 years ago a physician friend prescribed PAXIL for my mild OCD symptoms, my own diagnoses.  Obsessive worries/somewhat irrational worries during a time of much stress.  It did help.  But, now I am ready to employ some exposure response prevention and willpower.  I have not even seen the physician in years.  Just got script with 10 refills.   Well now I am experiencing some horrific withdrawal symptoms  I was on only 20mg. for years.  Took 10mg.  for weeks.  Quit "cold turkey" approx 1 week ago.  You already know the symptoms.  Dizzy, head zaps, flu feeling.  My question is how long will I suffer.  I have read weeks to years.  Please tell me it is weeks.  Also, I really don't want to get back on any SSRI if possible.  I plan to just bite the bullet.  Please tell me how long before these withdrawal symptoms will go away???  

[Paxiled]

What kind of therapist?  First, you didn't have OCD because there was no C, you just had O.  Second, you quit Paxil without consulting a psychiatrist?  It can be murder or it can be easy or in between, everyone's different, but it should never be done without careful weaning with a psychiatrist who understands Paxil withdrawal, and most don't.  As to how long you'll suffer, nobody can tell you that because we all have different experiences and metabolisms.  You might try some fish oil to ease the zaps.  The physiological stuff should dissipate slowly, but you might get some emotional stuff that conditions your thinking.  That's why you do it slowly, with a taper, as long as you need.

[cj29]

Always taper down slowly...never quit cold turkey.  As far as having OCD, remember NOONE here is qualified to tell you if you have it or if you don't and no member should pretend to otherwise.

Medications can be tricky; each person will have a different experience, however withdrawals will and do subside.  In my opinion, the slower the better when weaning off of an SSRI like Paxil.

[Paxiled]

cj is right, I can't diagnose you.  I was more implying that you shouldn't be diagnosing yourself, and that OCD is being diagnosed way too much when the problem is obsessive thinking but not compulsive actions.  Another problem is bipolar 2, which many researchers believe was invented by pharmaceutical companies.  But cj is right, I'm not qualified to diagnose you, and he's right to clarify that.