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PAXIL WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS MIMIC HEROIN WITHDRAWAL!

I am suffering from Paxil withdrawals.  Below is more information that the doctors won't tell you!!!

Tell your Doctors, and perhaps they will make the connection! How hard has it been for you to wean yourself from Paxil? It's as agonizing as coming off of heroin..and shares most of the same symptoms and long term effects! While researching an answer to all of the awful symptoms I experienced during my Paxil withdrawal, I was unable to find any medical resources listing Paxil as a source of these particular symptoms we all experience. Guess where I kept finding my search results directing me to? Heroin withdrawal. The symptoms associated with heroin withdrawal that are similar to Paxil withdrawal are: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, restlessness, and leg movements, or jerking. While heroin produces muscle and bone pain, insomnia, and cold flashes with goose bumps ("cold turkey"), which are not identical to Paxil withdrawal, the Paxil symptoms of headache, "electric shocks", dizziness and hot flashes as well as psychotic mental state (violent anger/hopeless depression, unwanted suicidal/homicidal thinking) are similarly debilitating and certainly result in the return to the use of the drug (paxil) in the same way that heroin produces that result! Most experts agree that the major withdrawal symptoms peak between 24 and 48 hours after the last dose of heroin and subside after about a week. However, some people have shown persistent withdrawal signs for many months. I think that most of us (the "experts" on paxil withdrawal!) would agree that, even with careful and lengthy periods of weaning off the drug, at least some of these frightening effects occur and are problematic in our lives for longer than the average heroin withdrawal duration of about a week! Most of us have found that, by the time a week has passed,off Paxil, the terrible sickness we feel has become so great, we are desperate to return to taking the drug again to alleviate the symptoms. And many often do return this way, again and again...simply because we can't afford to lose three weeks or more of work, withdrawing from a medication that Doctors routinely dismiss as not being a cause of such sickness (we all have a really bad case of the flu), or because we are so frightened by the strange, indescribeable physical and mental feelings of disassociation and nervous system "zaps" that we go back to the drug to restore clear thinking, fearing that we are "crazy"...especially since our doctors seem to have no understanding of any of these symptoms as relating to anything they have seen before.   I hope everyone who is serious about finding the truth about the drug Paxil and it's horrible withdrawal symptoms will be sure to notify their health care providers of all of the symptoms experienced with this drug and insist that the details be documented and reported to the manufacturer, distributors, pharmacists and anyone in the medical field who can process this information officially and end the notion that these symptoms are "hearsay", simply because the drug company has not chosen to make them "fact"! And the next time you feel, or someone tells you that withdrawing from Paxil is "not that bad", remember that you are in the throes of a withdrawal so severe. that few others, except heroin addicts, have experienced, and YES, IT IS BAD! But it can be survived!

: Shawn Allen
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Avatar universal
Jaime,

     I'm not sure if you have any questions for me but feel that you may be somewhat misinformed.  Paxil, an SSRI antidepressant, is generally a safe and well tolerated medication at the time of initian and cessation.  Also it is not an addictive substance.
      A serotonin "withdrawal" syndrome that consists of flu like symptoms can occur after the abrupt discontinuation of medication(SSRI) most often when taking higher doses.  In order to avoid such phenomenon, which most people do not experience, the medication should be tapered as slow as necessary--usually a few days to weeks.  Keep in mind that this is not a life threatening condition.
       This information is intended for general educational purposes only. Please consult your personal physician for specific health concerns.

Sincerely,

HFHS MD-JM

Keyword:  Paxil
Helpful - 3
Avatar universal
I have never been addicted to Heroine, Cocaine, or any other drug in my life.  But by
going through the withdrawals of Paxil in the last five days has made me thank god I didn't
ever get hooked on those "illegal" drugs.  

Three years ago, I was having some stomach problems, general nervousness when I would
go to my college classes.  After visiting multiple doctors who diagnosed and treated me
for Stomach ulcers, my physician called me a "worry wort" and put me on Paxil.  Needless
to say, I definetely began feeling better in about two weeks.  I was as happy as can be.
Did not get sick anymore.  Was quite at ease in any situation.  I continued on Paxil for
about 4 months.  At that point I tried quitting.  Thats when the problems started....

I have tried to quit many times since then.  Tried the weaning. Tried the cold turkey.
Never could cease the medication completely.  I am 27 now.  I have noticed an
uncontrollable increase in my weight over the past 3 years.  I am approximately 40lbs
overweight at this point.  Serious problems with Cholestorol and Triglycerides.  Hunger
for the fatty good foods.  I have been on Paxil 20mg Daily for 3 years now.  This past
week I have decided to quit cold turkey.  I would like to attempt to let everyone know
daily what has been happening:

Tuesday(Day 1:First day without taking Paxil the night before):  No serious side effects on
that day.  Did feel a little dizzy at moments but not too bad. A little fatigued.

Wednesday (Day 2):  Was extremely fatigued in the morning.  Could hardly pull myself
out of bed or conciously wake up for that matter.  Increasing dizzieness.  Achy feeling
began to set in.  Noticed more remembering of dreams I had the night before.

Thursday (Day 3): Once again, very fatigued in the A.M.  Began rollercoaster energy
level.  Remembered a lot of dreams.  Noticed the beginning of the leg jerks with the
flashes of dizziness. Light Nausea. Light Tinnitus(ringing in ear).

Friday (Day 4): Fatigued in the A.M. Very Sleepy.  However burst of
energy(rollercoaster).  Achy feeling constant at this point.  Very tired. Flashes of dizziness
with eye movement.  Some ending with the feeling like your going to pass out but don't.
Legs jerking uncontrollably in the A.M.  These jerking motions were in association with
the flashes if dizziness.  The feeling of turning into an introvert.  Frowning.  General nasty
feeling.  Snapping at the smallest things.  Achy flu symptoms.  Light Nausea now
constant, however never vomited.  Rollercoastering in moods.

Saturday (Day 5): Tinnitus is constant now.  Flashes of dizziness associated with eye
movement.  Even with eyelids closed.  Leg jerks at a minimum today.  Rollercoaster of
feeling ok one momoent, and then feeling sick, fatigued, and very tired the next.  Feeling
cold one second, the next second feeling hot, like hot flashes. Slight headache.  Increasing
appetite.  Never seem full really.  Feeling exhausted just going up a few stairs.  Inability to
concentrate long at times.  Must lay down at times.  

That is it for now.  Its Saturday night.  I am indeed afraid that this medication may of
caused permanent damage to my body. I am hoping to feel better in the next couple days.
This has been one of the worst things I have had to go through in my life.  I do not wish
this on anyone.  Well except maybe the Doctors that keep saying that there are no side
effects to this drug.  Sorry, just a joke.  I will try to keep everyone updated.  Thanks for
listening.....
Helpful - 2
Avatar universal
Joy
I have weaned off Paxil twice.  it is not easy.  However, it can be done if it is done very, very slowly.  If you are on 20 mg, cut a tiny piece off the end, the 'L' in PAXIL. That's about 17 or 18 mg  Take that 4 or 5 days; then cut the IL off, and take for about 5 days, and go down the line like that very slowly.  It should take about a month or five/six weeks. The last week should be about 3 mg every other day.  It can be done and you will be okay.  If you go down too fast, all those nasty symptoms including headaches will be upon you.  It can be done.  Don't worry.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
OK - this is crazy. I'm about to embark on yet another try to get rid of the dreaded drug. Until I found this site, I thought I was the only one having problems getting off Paxil. I too have gained 30 pounds, sweat like a horse when I sleep and am drowsy. I began taking the drug 2 years ago to curb my panic attacks. Now I'm thinking I would have been better off just taking Xanax when they occurred rather than take a daily drug. I pray that we can all live through this - I WILL get off this drug. Everyone's responses on this site makes me feel like it is IMPERATIVE to relieve my body of this pill. Let's do it!

Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
I was on Paxil for only 2 months and 8 days ago decided to quit because I am an artist and could not summon the motivation to work (I am self-employed). My dosage for 19 days before quitting was down to 5 mg. At this low dose I decided to quit outright. For a week I had only slight nausea but yesterday woke up with severe syncope (dizziness and low blood pressure to the point of fainting) and severe nausea. I vomited four times and lying down did not reduce the nausea or stop the room from swimming. I took Bonine for the dizziness and stayed in bed all day.

I also want to mention that I gained 10 lbs. on Paxil and have never before had a weight problem. (I am in my 50's.)

I am determined to never take this med again, even to alleviate the symptoms. Today I feel better although still fuzzyheaded and weak. I too wonder how long it will take before I feel good again. I would advise anyone who needed an anti-depressant to try any of them except Paxil. (it is the only one I have ever tried.) My heart goes out to all of us who turned to this drug in the first place to alleviate suffering. Hearing the stories of others has helped me, that's why I am writing.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Thank you, thank you, and again I say, thank you to those of you who have written.  I'm sitting here desperate for answers and insight into my Paxil withdrawals.  I started taking Paxil about a year and a half ago.  My health care provider started me on 10 mg daily and within a few months I was up to 60 mg daily.  Approximately 2 months ago I stopped working and went back to school, resulting in my being uninsured.  I have been weining (sp?) myself off of the Paxil (without the direction of my health care provider) simply because I cannot afford the $180 a month for the medication.  After 6 weeks, I gradually got down to 20 mg daily, and yesterday I took my last pill.  For weeks, I've been increasingly dizzy, specifically my peripheral vision is screwey, my jaw feels like it will break from clenching it, I'm nauseas, have diarrhea, have a headache, have massive adrenaline flows approx. every quarter hour, can't sleep (but YAY have dropped a lot of weight), sweat profusely and I feel on the verge of a panic attack. I am full of anger and vengeance, and I no longer can control the awful things that have been coming out of my mouth.  In short, I feel manic.  I am going to see a new doctor today (only because I have moved to a new location am I going to a new doctor - actually an F.N.P. - better bedside manner).  I too, have heard that Paxil withdrawals are non-existent, but those of us here know a different reality.  Thankfully, my F.N.P. has validated how difficult withdrawals can be and has told me in no uncertain terms that quitting "cold turkey" should not be done.  I feel acceptance over the fact that I need seratonin, much as the drug addict is okay with needing what they need to get through the day.  ("Just make the pain go away - PLEASE!")  I cannot and will not go through this any longer and my boyfriend has told me he will cover any medical costs to have me well and okay to cope with life again.  He misses the "me" that I should be.  It terrifies me to NEED something so badly that is not readily available to me at all times.  I have nothing to offer but thanks to those of you who have written, and support to anyone else who writes.  I cannot stop asking myself WHY WHY WHY do doctors/pharmaceutical companies make it so hard for people to be mentally well?
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
pd
I went on Paxil during the summer and I have decided to come off of the drug. The withdrawal symptoms are just terrible. I have never felt the way I am feeling right now. I do wish my physician had warned me about the side effects and withdrawal symptoms associated with Paxil. If I had known what I know now I would never have taken Paxil. To make matters worse I combined Paxil with Wellbutrin. I am still taking Wellbutrin but I did not realize that a side effect of Paxil and Wellbutrin is irritability. My level of irritability whilst on both antidepressants has prompted me to come off of Paxil. I think people should be well informed of the withdrawal symptoms of Paxil and I would like to list mine in the hope that this may be of use to someone else who is considering taking Paxil. My symptoms right now include: extreme dizziness to a point where I am no longer feeling safe behind the wheel of my car, headaches, difficulty getting to sleep at night, constantly craving liquids like water, sodas etc, extreme mood swings, tearful episodes, and big fluctations in body temperature (going from 'goose bumps' to sweating). I would urge anyone who is considering starting to go onto Paxil to think about these withdrawal symptoms and understand that they really do disrupt your life. I am 29 and I am an assistant professor. I have my whole life ahead of me and yet right now I am battling off thoughts of suicide, leaving my job etc.

Good luck to anyone else out there who is struggling with Paxil withdrawal, it is terrible, don't let anyone minimise your feelings because they are real, and until you've been on Paxil you cannot imagine what daily life is like when you're trying to come off of it.

PD.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
I stopped taking Paxil almost a year ago because of the sexual side effects (delayed orgasm).  It took three tries over several months before I had the fortitude to get off of it completely.  The first couple of weeks were rough with "brain strobes" and sudden "elevator falls".  My mood was terrible but did improve.  After about 2 months things leveled off.  I'll not take it again because of the side effects and the withdrawl.  My Dr. acknowledged the sexual side effects but said that the withdrawl symptoms were due to my depression still being presant, not quitting the drug.  I'm sure he knows more about it than I do but it really doesn't matter what the reason, it was not pleasant.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Lee
Jaime,
  Hi.  HFHD doc just responded to my attempts here with the same denial that your doc did initially: "Paxil cannot cause what you are describing."  I found evidence from many reputable places in England and Australia that "know better." and forwarded it to local mental health office.  I hope there is a bit of consideration from "official sources" here in the US soon.  This is all very...,  "silly...."
                  Keep the faith.  Lee.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Lee
greetings,  Below is a response to an HFHS "answer" posted 10/1 re: paxil w/drawal that the system would not accept ('syntax error').
The saga continues...:  


Hell-o  
   Respectfully, I once worked in a rehab
probram and had to read and listen to many
descriptions of 'coming off' amphetimines and
heroin.  The similie (speed) is naturally not
_precise_.  There are too many congruities to
be coincidence, though.  There are so many
describing the same things.  I understand that
medical norms in the US do not consider this
w/drawal scenario a serious possibility.  
Things are very different in the UK and
Australia.  Perhaps "myopia" is not only a
patient anomaly.  Your comments are
appreciated, as an attempt to ease the
concern, a bit, but I am just curious enough
to keep an open mind.   Keep the faith,  Lee.
  (I am, for example, acquainted with one
person who was in the "loony bin" for 7 years,
sedated, for "schizo...."  Finally, a curious
physician discovered that she was not hearing
"voices," but tinnitus.  She is now fully
functional and happy.  It happens.)
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Nik
I have found similar symptoms after abruptly stopping Paxil.
My docter switched me to another anti-depressive and assured me there would be no withdrawl, even though I told her the day after I stopped taking the Paxil that I was so dizzy I could hardly stand up. She did not agree that Paxil was the cause of my symptoms but had no other explanation.
In addition to extreme dizziness, I had fatigue and nervousness at the same time, and a "roller coaster" feeling between being exhausted and being unable to sit still. These symptoms went away after about 1 week, but I do believe that withdrawl to this drug is very real- as is obvious here- and should be taken more seriously by docters.
Thank you for speaking up on this matter
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
I have been on Paxil and Lamictal, low doses of both, for nearly 8 years due to being diagnose with mild BD. I have decided to finally come off these meds on my own. I have no insurance, but because i am a nurse making decent money i do not qualify for a discounted rate just to see the doctor to get another refill every three months. I have known for several years now the problems with coming off Paxil. When i had to change doctors away from the original prescribing doctor, the new one said i did not need my 20mg Paxil a day and that i needed to wean off of it and increase my low dose of 50mg Lamictal to 100mg. I think he did this over only a week or two. When i had no more Paxil i went for over a week with only a total of 15 hrs sleep, the zaps i always felt down my arms and hands when i missed a few days, my head was fuzzy and i could not concentrate, and i got annoyed and angry at the smallest thing. He finally relented and put me back on it. I was very depressed at the time since i had recently started what was a nasty divorce and know i could not have handled these withdrawals, especially since i was alone without family or friends. I am finally at a better place in my life and am ready to do this. After reading this, and other sites tonight i know it will not be easy. I have warned my kids, but know it won't be easy on them. I also did not know why i am always tired and with a lack of motivation to get up and do things. I just want to sleep whenever i am not working. Even after only being up for 5/6 hrs i am ready to go to sleep again. I know i am not being the mother for my kids that i know i can be and am determined to get off this poison! Tonight is my first night of taking only 3/4 of my 20mg Paxil. I won't work on the lamictal til i, hopefully, feel better after coming off the Paxil. I cannot afford to stay on it, yet am scared it could affect my job, as i am a pediatric homehealth RN for a young special needs boy. I don't have insurance, and don't qualify for medical leave or sick days at the agency i work for, but i have to do this for myself and my children. Please wish me luck.

Khrisia

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
This is the worst experience of my life. I have been on paxil for 11 months and now have quit cold turkey because I found out I am pregnant. Long story short I was in the er yesterday because I could no longer function at work. I have severe dizziness and feelings of being on an elevator that drops quickly. These feelings are almost happening at a constant rate. Diarrhea, anger, crying and nausea are all occurring as well. I cannot explain how horrible I feel and to describe the vertigo feeling of falling is almost impossible. I cannot work or get behind the wheel of my car. I am having severe nightmares and night sweats. I am exhausted yet cannot fall asleep. I feel as though I will fall over everytime I try to get up and walk. I want in on the lawsuit against glaxo-smith- Kline. I would not wish this experience on anyone but the doctors who prescribe it then maybe it would stop being prescribed.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am currently off paxil for about 2.5 weeks now.  I was only on 5mg.  Started at 20 went down to 10 and have been on 5mg for a year.  My head zaps are no fun as all I can do is lie down.

Dr.  I agree with Jamie.  Why don't you try it and then tell us your professional opinion
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
How much were you on to begin with? Sounds like you tapered too fast. You may need to go back up a bit. I do hope you check out paxilprogress. They are very helpful there and they do have some nurses who check the posts and get back to you. Good luck.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Me too, I am there with you.  I started tapering off two weeks ago and took my last 1/4 pill 4 days ago.  I guess it's really true that if you want to taper off, you will have to shave micrograms off over years to avoid what happens after you stop.  The nausea, ZAPS, and uncontrollable crying or urge to cry come and go, but when they come it seems like it will never end.  I even had to discuss with our HR director if I should take a medical leave of absence from work.  I may have no choice, I cannot see how I can run two departments in this condition.  If you will hang in there, so will I.  Maybe I'll see you over at paxilprogress
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Did you come off Pacil cold-turkey? I'm sorry you don't have any real support. You can always talk on here. I will try to stop by and check the forum every once in awhile. Try going to paxilprogress . org. They have great information and a lot of people to talk to.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i want to go back someone help me  i am over whelmed  i cannot stop crying my head hurts zaps dizzy. just when u think you might be getting better YOU NOT!!!!! by the way  anybody know that paxil and asprin can cause bleeding?gee ive been taking 81 mg a day for two years and having periods that were so bad clots the size of regulation baseballs were coming out and sometimes i would sit on the toilet and it would sound like i was pissing but it was blood!! i talked to a doctor about it more than once and was told to go on iron pills, WELL WELL   its my first period since i went off paxil and isnt it funny(not really) that i am having my first normal period in about two years!!!oh and by the way since starting paxil i gained 70 pounds...and gee isnt it funny(not really again)that i have already lost 9 pounds since going off it and believe me i have not done anything to warrent it because i am still too sick!!!!! theres so much more but i am just so sick of writing now i just want to crawl in bed and fade away.   i went on paxil for panic attacks,i would have rather found another way to deal than paxil if i was givin all the facts. i feel worse right now than i did when i went on it
scr_w the drug companies...its all about money!!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
this withdrawal really shows u who ur friends and family r. they have to go through this with u too. its not easy for them because u can become very cruel. i warned everyone and my kids said they would be there for me. one of them lasted 11 days and the other has never even bothered to show up at all,and i asked her to please help but i guess she is too selfish to care about anyone but herself. another person decided i was too much of a hassel so i guess until a person experiences the fallout from paxil or any other major personal catastrophe u never really know who cares enough to stick it out with u. remember the real friends and family may want to kill u sometimes but they will be there.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I may have found a good site. So I have been on Paxil Cr 6 yrs, I've been on 75mg of the **** for 3 yrs! Yes I said 75mg! I have read many sites and am finding no one has been on it this long or on such a high dose. HELP!!! The doctors know ****. I have been told by numerous docs that they don't know of anyone on this high a dose, yet do they help me get off it NO!!! So I have decided to go off it on my own, thank goodness I have my boyfriend! I decided to cut back by 1/2, so I am currently at 37.5 mg of this ****! I am on Week 2 of tapering. I don't know if I should go up 25mg and taper at the recommended (from the sites I've been to) of 12.5 mg every 2 weeks to a month or just ride this out. I can tell you that the 1st week wasn't too bad. But oh my, My head feels like it's gonna explode! I feel nauseaus and dizzy. And am starting to get the zaps! I am not working right now, thank goodness. but I am trying to take 2 classes. Speaking of which. If I don't leave now. I'm gonna be late to one. I will be back later to chat.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Will someone please email or call me.  I'm haven't taken my paxil for about 4 days and I feel so terrible, like the world is going to end.  I feel hopeless.  Please help.  619-504-8215. ***@****
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
gee!!!!!!!!! more withdrawl fallout!!!!! i am sooooo sick of this. there is so much anger inside me and i am taking it out on everyone.i feel so lost and helpless. when is this gonna go away. ive tried to be reasonable but i am so ****** up. im going through this why me self pity stage i think. all my life i have heard people tell me to let things go and i will feel better. thats a load of ****!!!!! the things that were done to me because i was either too niave or too sick,or too drugged up on paxil were not right and i want justice.   believe me i going to take these people to court..... probably wont do ****, but i have to try.  its the only way i can let people know what has been done to me and the only way to close this chapter.  i know i probably sound off the wall today, but life hasnt been easy for me and i cant forget the awful things i had to indure. someone needs to be accountable for this,and not just me!!!!!! i was too young to fight back and was taught to  that what i felt or believed was not important and that only athourity figures were right.  do u know how many untruths i believed because i knew that i couldnt possibly say anything that would be taken seriously. they actually made me believe that!!!!! im taking them to court and you better believe that the media will be involved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi I was on paxil for only 2 months for a couple of panic attacks from extreme stress . After 30 days of being on Paxil I felt like I wasnt myself anymore couldnt get moving to do anything  would take me 3 hours of telling myself to get up to take a shower  extreme muscle cramping nausea constantly  and this was while i was on the paxil so,,, finally i said enough ! Now im 3 weeks and 3 days off the drug im still not feeling 100% very emotional ,crying alot , weird feelings like up my spinal cord and the goes shooting off towards my arms and legs   Are these what you guys call "brain zap"? my lower back muscles constantly stiff and painfull, my legs are shaky when i walk .I have tried the omega 3 (fishoil) tablets that does seem to help because i ran out 3 days ago and i have the weird zappy feelings back . I feel like im fighting with everything ive got just to try to get back to being myself with no ailments but my one question is Will I feel better ?Will these feelings go away or will i be stick like this forever from this drug?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
sorry... missed a few days of writing.  i am still very dizzy and feel very sluggish    but i am 90% percent better than i was. i am very sensitive to things that were only a slight bother before, like spitting. when i see it i begin to gag. i have thrown up twice now....... once was because my dog threw up and it grossed me out and once because somebody said they had a seed from a grape stuck in the back of thier throat and i gagged and puked when they coughed to get it out,         i never had a sensitive stomach like that even before the paxil  so i figure the stomach sensitivity and the easy gross out factor is another withdrawl symptom.  even if i cough i feel like gagging. well, lets hope there are no more withdrawl suprises around the next corner!              cheers
Helpful - 0

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