Stopping Paxil

I'm 17 years old and I've been on 20mg of Paxil since last March. My doctor diagnosed me with having Generalized Anxiety Disorder, so he decided to put me on Paxil. I've gotten better over the months that I have been taking Paxil, so like 5 days ago I just suddenly decided to stop taking the paxil without telling my doctor. I began to experience  flu-like symptons like nausea, brain zaps or shocks, sweating, and fatigue. I'm so confused, I don't want to be on Paxil, but I feel like I have to be on it to feel better. I took paxil today, and I feel so much better. I just don't want to be on paxil my whole life, and how am I suppose to stop paxil without it making me so sick?

[Cyn2008]

CAREFUL!  CAREFUL!  You have to ween yourself off or you will find yourself very out of control mentally.  Don't just stop.  I have tried it with a couple of different ones on my own and got suicidal. Talk to your parents and especially your doctor first.  Best wishes!  Don't feel bad if you need to stay on meds for anxiety.  Some of us just need that extra seritonin and neoproniphrine.  Good luck.
Cyndy

[hollyjolly]

oh no u cant just stop!! You have to do it gradually, otherwise u can have those nasty symtoms (symptoms)!! try just half for a couple days then break that in half. You dont have to be on it forever but u should talk to your doc.

[cecy1204]

hello....my goodness i thank God for finding this site.anyhow, i am deeply concerned as to what i am experiencing being i have been on paxil for about 2 yrs now for depression but subsequently, iv'e started hormonal therapy and decided to get off paxil altogether hoping my hormonal therapy will help with my depression. my concern is i started weaning off of it for about a week and then just quit cold turkey!! i am now experiencing the worst crying spells, vertigo, severe irritability, loss of reality, dizziness....i am scared but want to stick it threw hoping it will soon stop. my question is how long does all these side effects take?? and is it dangerous enough that something will happen to me; heart attack, seizures?? i have children and they don't know so they just see me going crazy as they say. please help! thanks..and many blessings!