Discontinuing Paxil

[Rho]

I recently stopped taking Paxil after using it for 10 months or more.  I went it off it slowly, decreasing for over 1 month.  I have been off it for over 1 month.  I have been experiencing dizziness, a strange numbness on my face upon touch and when I am on my treadmill, I feel as though my feet are not touching.  My balance and coordination are not as keen.  I am not a hypocondriac- I spoke w/someone else who has similiar symptoms? I went to an ENT specialist and was put on antihistamines and nose sprays- she said it could be sinus related.  I believe after browsing this site- it may be related to weaning off Paxil.  If so, is this normal and how long will this last?  I would appreciate a response as quickly as possible.  Thank you/

[HFHS MD_JM]

Rho,

   Discontinuation of Paxil is generally well tolerated when tapered appropriately as in your case.  Flu-like symptoms such as muscle and joint ache, nausea, fatigue etc... are sometimes experienced upon sudden cessation of Paxil.  Symptoms may persist for a few days or couple of weeks but I have never heard of withdrawal symptoms for a months duration.  The symptoms you describe are probably not part of a discontinuation syndrome.  I suggest further medical evaluation for a different etiology.

Sincerely,

HFHS MD-JM

Keywords: Paxil, SSRI discontinuation  syndrome

[E888*]

I'm an 18 year old girl who was on Paxil for approx. 3 months before deciding to discontinue it's use on my own judgement.I too experienced symptoms I assume are related to "sudden cessation". These lasted for about a month and were generally quite noticable although I opted not to seek medical advice.These included moderate anxiety , feeling as though I was in a daze,depression and slight tremors, although when I had my next scheduled appointment with my doctor she said there should be no side- effects. Mine were quite bothersome.There must be documentation on this.Anyways though I'd jump in.

[nancy]

My husband recently stopped his Paxil suddenly also.  He has been having some facial numbness, fatigue, nausea, and headache.  This has been going on for 4 or 5 days.  These symptoms all MUST be from Paxil withdrawal if all these people are experiencing the same thing!  Will I have to watch my husband go through this for an entire month?  He can't leave the house!!  Isn't there anything that can be done for these symptoms?

[Karen]

Oh yeah.  Sorry, Doc, but you are in denial.  These are many others are symptoms of Paxil withdrawl.  After all the reading and investigating, I have been doing, I practically consider myself an expert.  I am coming up on my 3rd week without Paxil, having tapered slowly.  I am so sick; I am practically unable to function in normal life.  I KNOW it is the Paxil.   I have all the symptoms of the above posters, at different times and intensities.  Paxil is evil.  When we called the company, they told us pretty frankly that they didn't have as many problems inthe controlled studies but now they are certain that many adverse side effecst exist when going off of it.  It acts very much like heroin does.

[nancy]

I agree.  I think all this is the Paxil.  My husband has now been off his Paxil for 3 weeks.  He still has continuous numbness daily.  He can't work or look for work because of "confusion" and fear.  He has anxiety attacks daily and is afraid to go out of the house.  He has had an exam by our doctor and a head CT yesterday just to rule out anything physical.  But, the doctor thinks his symptoms are caused by Paxil withdrawal and his anxiety disorder.  she recently started him on Celexa.  Anyone have any info on that drug?  She said it hasn't been approved for anxiety yet, just depression.  But, she said she has had positive results with it in a couple of her patients and it has fewer side effects than Paxil.  Anyone know of it?

[Stephen White]

If you are suffering from Paxil withdrawal, please visit my site at http://www.swhite.cwc.net/paxil/index.html. I hope it may give you some answers.

All the best
Stephen White

[stephiegirl]

I was wondering how long you should be off Paxil befor trying to become pregnant