Doctors prescribe paroxetine, better known by its brand name Paxil, to treat depression and other mental health issues. If you or a loved one has been taking Paxil but would like to stop, you should discuss your options with your healthcare provider.
Although Paxil is not considered a controlled substance, you can suffer from withdrawal symptoms, especially if you stop taking the medication abruptly. To best cope with discontinuing Paxil, seek advice from a medical professional and use this article to learn more about the withdrawal symptoms, timeline, and options for withdrawal treatment.
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Paxil (paroxetine) comes in two forms: immediate release (IR) and Paxil CR (controlled release). Although doctors have prescribed Paxil for the off-label treatment of Premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved paroxetine to treat:1
Generalized anxiety disorders (GAD)
Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
Panic disorder (PD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Considered a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), Paxil works by blocking the reabsorption of a neurotransmitter called serotonin in the brain. In doing so, Paxil increases the level of serotonin, which improves the transmission of messages between neurons in your brain that impact mood and anxiety.2
SSRI drugs such as Paxil have become some of the most widely prescribed medications both in the United States and worldwide. However, some wish to discontinue their use of Paxil because the adverse effects impact their quality of life, but doing so abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms.3
Paroxetine Side Effects
The most common side effects linked to paroxetine include drowsiness, dry mouth, loss of appetite, sexual side effects, lack of energy, and sleep disturbances. Other adverse effects include headaches, dizziness, tremors, chest pain, rash, constipation, and nervousness.1
In rare cases (especially if taken with other drugs that increase serotonin), paroxetine may cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. You should seek medical help if you develop a fast heartbeat, vomiting, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, loss of coordination, hallucinations, diarrhea, or nausea.4
More severe side effects of Paxil use may include birth defects and suicidal ideation.1
Common Paroxetine Withdrawal Symptoms
In addition to side effects you may encounter while taking paroxetine, you could experience discontinuation syndrome, causing withdrawal symptoms, especially if you try to discontinue use of Paxil abruptly. To minimize Paxil withdrawal symptoms, experts recommend that you seek Paxil tapering help to reduce your dose of Paxil gradually rather than quitting all at once.
About 20% of patients who take antidepressants experience withdrawal symptoms when they discontinue use, and you are at increased risk if you’ve been taking them for an extended period. Most frequent complaints include flu-like symptoms accompanied by anxiety and agitation, dizziness, and sensory disturbances.2
Discontinuation syndrome feels like withdrawal but without the common addiction marker of drug craving. Other common effects of Paxil withdrawal may include:5
Sleep problems such as insomnia, nightmares, and vivid dreams
Mood-related symptoms including confusion, suicidal thoughts and thoughts of self-harm, and panic attacks
Brain zaps or a buzzing feeling
Electric shock-like sensations
Headache
Fever
Nausea
Hallucinations
Tremors
Lethargy
Chills
Vomiting
Dyskinesia (impaired or abnormal movement)
Diarrhea
Irritability
Paresthesia (a “pins and needles,” tickling, or prickly sensation)
How Long Do Paroxetine Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
Anyone who takes a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like Paxil risks going through a discontinuation syndrome that causes withdrawal symptoms. The duration of withdrawal symptoms from paroxetine can vary, depending on how quickly your body eliminates the drug, how long you’ve been taking Paxil, and the size of your dose.
Typically, symptoms of Paxil withdrawal begin 1 to 2 days after your last dose. Withdrawal symptoms generally peak around day 5. While most individuals see their symptoms last no more than 2 to 3 weeks, some have experienced symptoms lasting 4 to 6 weeks.6
Experts have found antidepressants to cause a longer-lasting and more severe withdrawal timeline referred to as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS or PWS). Those affected by PAWS may see their symptoms anywhere from 1 to 8 weeks, months, or even a year.7 In all cases, you risk increasing your timeline if you don’t follow your medical professional’s advice for Paxil tapering help, use drugs or alcohol while tapering, or have experienced discontinuation syndrome with another drug.6
What Happens When You Stop Taking Paroxetine?
Abruptly stopping paroxetine can cause you to experience withdrawal symptoms, and in some cases those symptoms can be severe and last months. Even missing a dose can trigger withdrawal symptoms and cause your original symptoms to recur. So experts recommend you seek Paxil tapering help from a medical professional.7
Ways To Cope With Withdrawal Symptoms
Coping with withdrawal syndrome can be a challenge, especially if you suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms. You should always obtain medical advice and support and discuss all options with your healthcare provider.
In addition to seeking professional medical advice, you can:
Reach out to a support network.
Follow a healthy diet.
Get regular exercise.
Monitor your mood and warning signs.
Alternative to Meds Center has developed an arsenal of Paxil alternative treatments that safely and effectively restore and preserve natural mental health. Along with helping clients complete their paroxetine taper program, we offer other supportive services to address specific health issues relating to sleep, mood, energy level, and much more.
Withdrawal Treatment Options
Withdrawal from Paxil can be anywhere from uncomfortable to severe. To ease your withdrawal symptoms, discuss these options with your healthcare provider.
Therapy
Behavioral therapy can be effective when suffering from withdrawal and dependence. With the addition of behavioral therapy to your treatment program, you receive an individualized, customized approach to your health and well-being, allowing you to address your mental health needs while tapering from Paxil. Working with the advice of a medical professional, you can find the right combination of treatment you need.8
Tapering
Serotonin in your brain works to improve your mood, so when you have more serotonin in your brain, it can act to improve mood and social functioning. If serotonin gets reabsorbed, the reduced levels can lower your mood, for which doctors prescribe antidepressants.9
As a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant medication, paroxetine blocks serotonin reabsorption, but if you stop taking paroxetine abruptly, your brain has to deal with the shock of serotonin once again being reabsorbed. Paxil tapering help can minimize this shock.
Alternative Treatment
When you need to ease your discontinuation symptoms, discuss with your doctor whether any of these alternatives can help:
OTC treatment: Your healthcare provider can discuss whether any over-the-counter treatments, such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids can boost the production of naturally occurring neurotransmitters precursors and help ease withdrawal symptoms.
Diet: Discuss with a medical professional how cutting out or limiting caffeine and sugar can help you cope better with withdrawal symptoms.
Exercise: Although all exercise plans need to be approved by your healthcare provider, remember that even a short walk can benefit your recovery.
Seeking Support
Paroxetine can interfere with your daily life by creating possible side effects while you are taking the drug and the potential for withdrawal if you decide to stop taking it. If you need Paxil tapering help so that you can discontinue your medication safely or you need help dealing with withdrawal symptoms, discuss all of your alternatives with your healthcare provider.
If you need additional support and want to explore Paxil alternatives, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider and contact Alternative to Meds Center.
This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.
Dr. Samuel Lee
Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente. He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Pacific Union College. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
Diane is an avid supporter and researcher of natural mental health strategies. Diane received her medical writing and science communication certification through Stanford University and has published over 3 million words on the topics of holistic health, addiction, recovery, and alternative medicine. She has proudly worked with the Alternative to Meds Center since its inception and is grateful for the opportunity to help the founding members develop this world-class center that has helped so many thousands regain natural mental health.
Medical Disclaimer: Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.
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