Discontinuing Paxil prescribed for Stomach problems

[Cheryl]

November of 98 I was prescribed 10mg of Paxil for ongoing stomach problems. At the same time I was prescribed Synthroid for an underactive thyroid. I recently have become very worried about continuing the Paxil because of long term side effects. I didn't read the bottle and just stopped taking the Paxil. The first 3 days I was ok, but by the fourth I was getting dizzy and nauseus. Later that day I had a crying fit and felt very stressed out. I had to start it again. Of course with the holiday coming shortly, my doctor is AWOL, so I was curious what you would suggest? Everything that I have read about Paxil is for depression or social anxiety, nothing to do with the stomach. Do you have any suggestions?

[HFHS M.D-SW]

Dear Cheryl,

I am unaware of the use of Paxil for "stomach problems".  Perhaps, if the condition is stress related, than Paxil could have some benefit.
The average dose of Paxil is 20mg per day. When a physician wants to stop Paxil, he/she may cut the dose in half for 10-12 days than stop Paxil to avoid withdrawl symptoms. Withdrawl symptoms are not frequent, but it is safer to wean the patient off the medication.
You may be sensitive to withdrawl symptoms.  Therfore, consider reducing your dose to Paxil 5mg per day before stopping the medication.  
It is best to discuss your concerns with your prescribing physician.


Best Wishes,


HFHS M.D-SW

[Kristi]

Hi, I have been on Paxil now for 3 yrs, and my Dr. put me on it because I was depressed. I tried taking myself off the drug, but I had the same reactions as you have had Cheryl when trying to quit taking it. I told my Dr. about it and I also told her some other things that we have never discussed, and she increased my dosage to 40mg per-day.Three days ago I started having this strange stomach problem, and I haven't been able to stay out of the bathroom. I am not sure this has anything to do with the Paxil though.

Thanks Kristi

[Kristi]

Hi, I have been on Paxil now for 3 yrs, and my Dr. put me on it because I was depressed. I tried taking myself off the drug, but I had the same reactions as you have had Cheryl when trying to quit taking it. I told my Dr. about it and I also told her some other things that we have never discussed, and she increased my dosage to 40mg per-day.Three days ago I started having this strange stomach problem, and I haven't been able to stay out of the bathroom. I am not sure this has anything to do with the Paxil though.

Thanks Kristi

[Kristi]

Hi, I have been on Paxil now for 3 yrs, and my Dr. put me on it because I was depressed. I tried taking myself off the drug, but I had the same reactions as you have had Cheryl when trying to quit taking it. I told my Dr. about it and I also told her some other things that we have never discussed, and she increased my dosage to 40mg per-day.Three days ago I started having this strange stomach problem, and I haven't been able to stay out of the bathroom. I am not sure this has anything to do with the Paxil though.

Thanks Kristi

[Jaime]

I went on Paxil about 5 months ago.  I recently decreased my dosage and stopped taking it.  For the last week I have been dizzy and nausaus....and have the same numbness in my face and other extremities.  I feared it may be something other than the discontinuation of the Paxil.  My stomach is in a constant burning state and I feel like I could sleep for days.  Do you have any suggestions?  Is there something I can take for this dizziness.  I have such a disconnected feeling with the rest of my body.  Please help.

[John]

I also have had side effects discontinuing the use of Paxil

[Wendy]

What are the withdrawl symptoms of aropax if you go cold turkey?

[JG]

To all the dr's,pharms,and smithkline & beecham sales reps, I hope you all burn in hell for ignoring the torcher of paxil withdrawl. When I was presciribed paxil I wasn't told of the extreme withdrawl symptoms. Word of the withdrawl problem had long been heard of at the time of my dr. prescibing paxil. I'd rather go back to the panic attacks than deal with the nausea, diziness, headaches, nervousness, and the added anxiety of not knowing how long this nightmare will last. I've seen some postings about a class action lawsuit being implemented. Well, count me in. E-mail me if you know of any info regarding any treatments for the withdrawls or the lawsuit against smithkline & Beecham. e-mail (***@****)