Discontinuing Paxil

I have been reading questions on your site from participants who have discontinued or were in the process of discontinuing Paxil. I want them to know that I, too, have been weaning off the medication in the prescribed manner with serious side effects. I am experiencing a variety of symptoms including nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue and chills. There is not another medical explanation for these symptoms at this time. Please know that you are not alone, despite research that says Paxil has few side effects when discontinued. Everyone reacts differently to withdrawal.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

I agree. Paxil is very difficult to discontinue, and should be done as slowly as possible to minimize these nasty symptoms.

[llis]

are you quitting paxil or paxilcr I have heard that cr is much easier to start and quit?

[slbeck27]

I am now in the process of stopping Paxil cr and find myself not able to do it.  I have been taking 37.5mg since February and have weaned down accordong to my doctor's instructions.  I took 25 mg for 7 days and am now taking 12.5 mg for 7 days. I am now on my 3rd day of taking 12.5mg and am severly dizzy and have a bad headache.  Any suggestions?

[bestmom31]

I have been taking cr for 4 months now for panic disorder. Although it has been effectively controling this , I am becoming an alcoholic, I'm smoking more than ever, and have gained 14 pounds. My doctor told me to just stop taking it. I felt fine for the first 2 days. On the third day I experienced panic, confusion, dizziness...it was horrible! Needless to say I started taking the cr again because I'm scared to quit. I'm only taking 12.5 m and my doctor said I would only experience mild side effects like when I first started the drug, but it's much worse.I don't know what to do .