Paxil Withdrawal?

[Sue_Bee]

I am a 20 year old, 5'2", 115lb. female and for the past year or so I've been on Paxil, but my entire experience with Paxil is that it makes me nauseous and shake no matter how long I take it for. My body can't seem to get over the side-effects, so for a while I was only taking the Paxil every three to four days (they were extended-release pills) and I seemed to be alright. But for the past few weeks I decided to try to get off Paxil completely. It honestly does more harm than good and I want it gone. So last week I cut the extended-release pill in half and took one half every three to four days. I seemed to be doing alright, aside from the dizziness from the withdrawal. Four days ago, my leg suddenly started hurting, like someone had tied a rope around the top of my leg so tight, there was no blood getting through to the leg. I watched for any discoloration, paling, redness or swelling, but nothing. It just hurt like hell. Plain and simple. After a few hours it seemed to go away. The next day I was fine and then last night, the pain was back full force, keeping me up most of the night. Needless to say I was having panic attacks like crazy (which I know doesn't help with the pain...) This morning, the pain was gone again, but the entire left side of my body would intermittently experience this electrical sensation, like only that side of my body was being electrocuted. I went to see my doctor today about it and she said it probably had to do with the fact that I was cutting extended-release pills, meaning that instead of the medicine slowly absorbing into my system, I was getting the full dose all at once, hence explaining the electric sensation and the pain.
Now, once again, before bed, my leg hurts! It's the same pain, in the same leg in the same spots! What my doctor told me somewhat makes sense, but can Paxil withdrawal really cause such pain?! I've tried looking it up and no one really seems to be having leg pains in accordance with Paxil withdrawal.
Can anyone give me some kind of insight as to what it might be? :( I'm such a hypochondriac and I keep thinking it's a blood clot or MS.

Additional information: my doctor said we had to get a small dose back into my system before weening off it completely, so she prescribed me with 10mg of non extended-release paxil (essentially 24-hour paxil) to take everyday, then to cut that pill in half to get 5mg and then a liquid paxil to keep going down 1 mg until I'm no longer taking it.
I've been suffering from anxiety/panic disorder for five years, have no other health issues besides heart palpitations (which i've always been told is from the anxiety)

[lynn57]

I can't say for sure , but it would definitely wreak havoc with your nervous system.  You were overloading your system when the xr slammed your system all at once.  It wore off equally as fast.  I would consult with your doctor on your taper plans.

[Sue_Bee]

yes I know that now. But does it explain my symptoms?

[lynn57]

You cannot cut extended release in half.