... withdrawal!?
Anxiety - Has anyone been on Paxil for 20+ years? I've been taking it for 26 years & am unable to?
- Asked
- 11 Dec 2014 by Seve72
- Updated
- 1 March 2021 (6 days ago)
- Topics
- paxil, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, withdrawal, anxiety and stress
Answers (23)
chuck1957
11 Dec 2014
Morning Steve yes I was on paxil for at least that long the main reason was it was one of the newest and best at the time but it was a struggle but my doctor had me taking xanax 0.5 mg 3 or 4 times a day it got me by but it never did seem to help depression I also suffer from a handful of things agoriphobia,ptsd and on and on but i have fought this most my life i feel we have also a chemical imbalance which you well read and it seems like every 10 to 20 years if we are lucky we need like a tune up looks like it just might be your time right now im on clonipin,and Effexor xr seems to be holding for some time... good luck and remember for some the holidays has a impact on our condition also... best of luck my friend
Votes:
+2
balbanese
11 Dec 2014
If you're saying you want to stop you will need the help of the prescribing Dr and with that help over the next 8 to 12 months (months) begin the process, may also be necessary for behavioral/emotional counseling/support as well. The longer the wean down period, the less ugliness.
Votes:
+2
Seve72
11 Dec 2014
I've already tried withdrawal and been advised by my doctor that it will be impossible due to the length of time I've been on the medication:-)) Councelling hasn't worked neither has CBT!
balbanese
11 Dec 2014
Time for a new Dr because that's a crock, a total crock.
balbanese
11 Dec 2014
..and counseling alone will not help as this is a medical issue that the counseling would support.
Seve72
11 Dec 2014
I've had several Doctors! Their opinions seem to be that after 26 years the pros outweigh the cons! Unless you have taken the medication for a similar length of time, I don't think your in a position to overrule what 4-5 professionals have agreed!
balbanese
11 Dec 2014
It's an opinion, and you hadn't yet mentioned multiple Doctors. If you're being told your situation is beyond what the medical community can help you with there's not much strangers online can do. You're welcome, best to you.
Seve72
11 Dec 2014
Just seeing if anyone else is experiencing the problems that I'm having! My apologies I didn't realise you were a qualified GP!!!
8491sb
12 Mar 2019
I agree; a crock.
Dave Evans
31 Dec 2014
Hi Seve72
I have been on Seroxat - UK name for Paxil - for 15 years and hit what is called 'poop-out'. I was more ill taking it than before I started taking it, with lots of symptoms I could never have imagined, they are so horrible. I am now on liquid Paxil, reducing by a tiny amount every 4 - 6 weeks then suffering withdrawal for a few weeks until I stabilise. I am down from 20mg to 5mg after 19 months, and will slowly continue until I'm free of this evil poison. You cannot rush this or you will simply give up, return to your high dose and feel demoralised. Get liquid Paxil from your doctor and drop by 1mg every4 - 6 weeks. If you are on Facebook get help from one of the Seroxat or Paxil sites, because nobody, not your doctor or psychiatrist will admit this drug is as awful as it is. Research it on Google but remember, your hormone receptors are badly damaged and will take two years minimum to heal, and you cannot rush it. Softly softly is the ONLY way for folk like you and I who are badly affected.
Votes:
+3
Seve72
31 Dec 2014
Thanks Dave for taking the time to reply! I've tried the liquid version To no avail! Hopeless situation I don't even function! Unable to work-benefits etc... no life
Manipulate
13 Jan 2015
I Feel your pain, I was on Paxil for 19years up until 3 months ago . I tried Cymbalta , that didn't work and now on 100mg Zoloft any in still getting withdrawals from the Paxil . Paxil stopped working for me so my doctor thought it would be better to try something else. I feel terrible and the worst thing is doctors you its a return of aniexty snd depression symptoms , when I didn't feel like this ever in my life.
You must tapper slowly, they say by 10% every month, I say 5%. There's a good website called survivingantidepressants.com have a look at there forums . I wish the best for you.
gero67
13 Jan 2015
Hi Sev72,
I have been on seroxat for 20yrs now and have reduced from 20mg to 5mg in 7yrs approximately, am also taking Losec for GERD/acid reflux for 20yrs as well @ 20mg a day. Maybe this helps to avoid poop out, ie not staying on my 20mg dose and taking the lowest dose possible. May I ask what dose are you on now?
Dave Evans
13 Jan 2015
Hi again Seve.
I just wanted to mention that reducing with the liquid can be done at the rate of 1% a month if you want to, and though at first it can be a horrible experience, what is the option? Staying on the drug is murder and withdrawing is too, but withdrawing has an end where as staying on the evil poison doesn't.
What increments of reduction did you try? Dave.
gero67
13 Jan 2015
Hi Sev72,
I have been on seroxat for 20yrs now and have reduced from 20mg to 5mg in 7yrs approximately, am also taking Losec for GERD/acid reflux for 20yrs as well @ 20mg a day. Maybe this helps to avoid poop out, ie not staying on my 20mg dose and taking the lowest dose possible. May I ask what dose are you on now?
gero67
16 Jul 2015
Ive been on Seroxat for about 21yrs now and started tapering from 20mg to 10mg which took a year, now have gone down to 5mg this year, been on 5mg liquid but the last week been having anxiety attacks out of the blue, the butterflies that start in the chest and go up to your throat, kind of like palpitations. First I thought I may have had too much protein in one meal as this has given me palpitations before, now I am thinking that Ive been drinking milk teas for the past week or so and that may be affecting me and giving me palpitations? Not sure but it feels that once youve been on this stuff for so long that you really have to tipy toe your way out and \i havent even come off yet, some say for years afterwards you still get panic attacks and anger etc, some say that taking Magnesium helps with the anxiety of withdrawal, any ideas?
Dave Evans
12 May 2019
Can't believe it's 4.5 years since I wrote that reply. It ended up taking 36 months to extricate myself from Paxil/Seroxat, and I continue to get sporadic side-effects from it.
That drug stole years of my life and caused untold misery. I lost my relationship, my family, my career, now suffer bouts of terrifying suicidality, became an alcoholic, and went from being a person people liked to a rather solitary individual who is now largely a hermit. All this because of a prescribed drug which was exposed as having been released to market despite the manufacturers knowing that it was not safe. They used misleading and deliberately massaged results of scientific safety studies and trials to remove any potential hurdles in bringing it to market. Despite being fined several billion (with a 'B', not an 'M'!) dollars by countries such as China and the United States, GSK had profited enough from it to write a cheque and continue unabated.
You will find a wealth of reports online about this drug, and Youtube videos of things like the BBC Panorama current affairs documentaries exposing Glaxo's shenanigans.
I only mention all this to highlight what a seriously damaging drug this can be, and therefore how one has to wean off it EXTREMELY slowly. I was lucky to be off it in only three years of tapering, though I'll never regained what it cost me, physically, emotionally and financially.
Please ensure you get the liquid suspension so you can measure dosage using a syringe with great accuracy; don't bother cutting tablets in half or quarters, even if you weigh them very accurately, as pills do not contain uniform strengths of the active ingredients - one half may be stronger than the other. Also read the reports of Dr. David Healy about the drug - very helpful, though only those who've tried for years to free themselves truly understand it.
The drug has a half-life of less than 24 hours so bear that in mind when tapering. Read 'Seroxat: The Evidence However Is Clear' by Bob Fiddaman, as he describes in detail his fight and eventual success.
Finally, I'm told it is much harder to kick this drug than heroin or cocaine, so take your time to extricate yourself from it and realise this is a battle you can win, but it is not simple.
Hopefully I haven't transgressed the site's guidelines here. Everything I've said is in the public domain already, and Googling anything about this drug will take you straight to huge amounts of information on the murky marketing and corruption scandals that allowed this gigantic company to do this to so many already vulnerable people.
darylj1968
28 Oct 2016
I have been on paxil for 22 years and have just recently decided to get off.Gonna be hard but i am getting my life back..I just really want to feel life again.
Votes:
+1
Hilary123
28 Nov 2016
I have been taking paxil for 20.5 years. I have tried to get off of it twice and lasted 3 months both times. The withdrawals suck. I have accepted that I will need to be on antidepressants for the rest of my life. In the past couple of weeks I have started experiencing "poop out" symptoms. I'm hoping to change to a different category of antidepressants. Best wishes to you.
Votes:
+0
Charmaine7
24 Sep 2017
I have been on Paxil for about 25 years with occasional attempts a stopping it and occasional trials of other meds. I am off it now for a few weeks without tapering. I have experienced the negative withdrawal symptoms many times and know it for what it is. I intend to stick it out.
I am interested in finding out if I might actually begin to feel emotions one of these days.
Charmaine
Votes:
+0
vanquebec
23 Oct 2017
Hi, I have been on Paxil for 24 years. I tried to tapper to eventually stop it, but was having bad insomnia and crying. Not sure if this would have gone away in the long term, but having little support around me I went back on it even if parts of me doubt that it's working as well as when I first started it. Like trying to find a lesser of two evil. I'd like your feedback very much.
Votes:
+1
MDenman
3 Nov 2017
I have been taking Paxil since it came out in the 1990s. I have depression anxiety and SAD. I have also taken trazodone 50mg for sleep the entire time I’ve been on the Paxil. I too have tried getting off of it as well as switching to other antidepressants like Zoloft Effexor and Wellbutrin. I always go back to the Paxil because the other medications don’t produce that same sense of peace I feel on the Paxil. Although I do battle my weight on Paxil I have gotten a bachelor and masters degree while on the Paxil and gotten through the death of both of my parents and just recently my significant other of 14 years. In short I don’t see any reason to stop Paxil as long as it’s working and I can live with the side effects. Since it has gone generic it is also quite inexpensive. Hope this post helps those who are struggling with being on Paxil.
Votes:
+0
Debcol15
22 Mar 2018
Hi how long did the Paxil take to kick back in again . Once you went back on it please x
Joycef54
10 Jul 2018
I have been on Paxil for over 20 years. Twice I tried to go off it. The first time I went cold turkey. I was fine for about 3 months, but at that time my general anxiety started coming back, so I went back on the drug. It took about a month to get back to "normal". The second time I tried to go off Paxil, I cut my dosage in half, but in about a month or so the general anxiety started creeping back, so I went right back on my regular dosage. That time it was only a matter of a week before I felt back to normal.
Widget527
31 Oct 2018
I've been on Paxil 30-35mg a day for 22 years, along with Klonopin at night and Xanax ER during the day as needed. I decided I wanted to try a new med and the doctor switched me from paxil (no taper) to Viibryd. I felt good the first week on 10mg, then the dose was increased to 20mg for a week. Three days in to the 20mg I started having noticable tremors and diarrhea, I dealt with that because I was active and enjoying life again and I assumed the side effects would pass. I noticed I became occasionally teary eyed, talking a lot, easily excited. I was afraid I was becoming manic, then, on Wednesday of week 3 I suffered a full blown panic/anxiety attack. I've been anxious ever since. Extremely anxious. I called my doctor and he said go down to 10mg. I did that and did not have a panic attack but I woke up anxious. I stopped the Viibryd called the doctor and asked to be put back on Paxil 30 mg and started Remeron 15mg.
(I took Trenton for a short period of time, years ago when I got extremely anxious and the Paxil alone was'nt working. My thoughts are all over the place. I also have hypothyroidism and I'm on 25mg Synthroid. I use CBD tincture for pain and neuropathy associated with three back surgeries. I'm worried about withdrawal from Viibryd and how long the Paxil will take to kick in. I've never felt so all alone and frightened. I also feel a lot of stress because my first grandchild is due on December 6th. What if I'm still dealing with this crippling anxiety?
Social94127
11 Feb 2020
Hi, you’re lucky Paxil is still working for you. My problem I feel it is not (or almost) helps me anymore. My first 10 mg were a life saver!
During 20 plus years I “climbed “ up to 60 mg.
Additionally, take Wellbutrin. Would love to try something new; however, have a terrible experience quitting Paxil. Due to some new problems became severely depressed to the level of not leaving my apartment. Don’t know what to do. Not much support (or none) at home. Desperate
Scarletwitch
18 Jan 2018
I too have been on Paxil for a long time, 23yrs for panic disorder and Xanax occasionally. I felt that Paxil stopped working and I explained this to my doctor and she started to ween me off (but I think she did it at too quick intervals)and started to introduce me to Lexapro. I was always against and scared to try new meds, but I felt I needed to because i really wasn't feeling good and after so long gave in. Oh boy! That didn't last too long! I couldnt deal with the nasty withdrawals and thought I was losing it and tried to hold out as much as I could. Back to Paxil it is. I am interested in taking something else together with Paxil to give it a kick boost
Votes:
+0
Cinmom
10 May 2018
I have been taking paxil over 20 some years and have also been complaining that I don’t have feelings like I use too. I was telling my son that I feel like in the last 10 or more years I’ve noticed a big change in my thoughts and personally. I told him that sometimes I think I’m tuning into a sociopath. He told me that one of his friends was taking paxil and got off it because he basically said the same thing as me. Even though I was kind of joking with my son using the word sociopath, I started getting concerned.
I’m even more concerned that my doctor doesn’t seem concern about me being on it long term. Especially since I have recently asked her about it saying that maybe I should get off it because I don’t have depression like I did yours ago. I just stay bland feeling. She said I should stay on it due to my sometime anxiety issues.
So, after the discussion with my son I went to Google. After all the info I found it has scared me a little. I’m getting of this crap and pray that it’s not too late. There is some scary stuff out there on the internet. I much rather be depressed than a monster.
Social94127
11 Feb 2020
I would too like to find something to go along with Paxil.
Lucero331
3 Jun 2018
It's been very interesting to read everybody's comments. I've been on and off paroxetine for the past 20+ years. Started back in college when Paxil came out. It was like my life was returned to me and I was enjoying the things I used to enjoy once upon a time. Several months later I was feeling comfortable again with life, so I spoke with my doctor and agreed to lower the dose little by little until I was totally off. My life was mine to live and I did it... until... Due to family emergency I had to leave my life and move to a different state. Mi doctor advised me to take Paxil again until I was settle down. I didn't. Moving to a different state, different people, doing what I had to do to survive. My career unfinished, no time, no money to keep studying and working on jobs that were not my dream job. Long story short went pack to Paroxetine, the generic of Paxil. On and off for a while and totally on for the past 15 years.
Lately I've been feeling like Paroxetine is not working anymore. It's hard to fall asleep, I wake up few times at night and when I don't have to go to work I simply don't want to wake up. I feel that death is calling for me and I like the idea. Today I thought this might be meds not working and began doing my research and I found you guys. Maybe is time to look for a different antidepressant. Of course I will talk to my doctor, but this place has given me a different light to my problem.
Votes:
+3
Lucero331
3 Jun 2018
Steve I just realized It's been almost 4 years since your post. How are you doing? Are you still on antidepressants? Hope things are going better for you.
DamieN6347
14 Jul 2018
Was definitely in that same boat. however, I grew up with insomnia. But everything you've described is basically what I've been dealing with as well. Getting out of bed is NOT easy!! Aside from caffeine and possibly losing my job if I don't get of bed has helped. Only a little though
DamieN6347
14 Jul 2018
Hello everyone, I read through all your comments/responses and am relieved to know I'm not alone dealing with the withdrawal side effects. As of last week I was on 60mg of paxil for 6.5 years.
Kind of an odd time in my life when I started taking it; violent rage etc. Tried just about every AD I could and paxil was the only one that worked. The first time I dealt with the withdrawal symptoms was when I couldn't afford it.. The symptoms lasted 8 months until a kind friend helped me get me back on it. It wasn't until 2 weeks ago, when I was close to running out that I realized paxil hasn't worked for 3 months and I was only taking it out of habit in fear of the withdrawal symptoms. Talked to my head doc and I came to the conclusion that it's time to start a new pill. Prozac
Votes:
+0
Ian L14
23 Oct 2018
I weened myself off the Paxil after being on it for 21 years. It was the best decision I ever made. Long process that involved dizziness and brain zaps for about 6 months. I have been med free for about 3 years now and am not the same person. That stuff controls your thoughts and emotions, and it should really be illegal. The doctor wanted me to keep taking it so he could keep getting paid so I got off it myself. Plenty of information online about getting off it. If you have any questions just ask me. Good luck finding the new you.
Votes:
+0
bug8bunny
21 Nov 2018
Hi I am starting the weening off process as well. Been on 10mg for about 22 years. Not a big dose but while trying to get off entirely, my body is doing the withdrawal symptoms you’re describing. I was just curious how you weened yourself. How long were you on each dosage amount? I want to be off it entirely and go more natural routes if needed. :)
Llk71
20 Dec 2018
I was on Paxil for 15 years and have weaned off just shy of 2 years ago when I had experienced “poopout” I tried to go with nothing but lasted 1 1/2 months then put on Effexor which made me so sick so I stopped and was without meds for 2 months until I was so depressed that I was told I had to go on sertraline or my doc would put me into a mental health facility. I started sertraline until January 2018 when I decided I was tired of feeling so anxious everyday. I weaned off the next 6 months and now been free of meds for almost 5 months. It has been the worst 5 months of my life. The withdrawal symptoms have been almost unbearable. I have a Nutritionalist helping me with vitamins and minerals but even so it is beyond words difficult. My Nutritionalist believes these are still withdrawal symptoms from Paxil. How have you managed the past 3 years and is this nightmare of rage and “depression” ever going to leave before I lose everything and everyone? I would love to hear more from you. I need all the help I can get. I’m desperate.
Ian L14
3 Feb 2019
Seve72 I took paxil for 21 years and it is a very simple concept. You ween yourself off and any doctor that says you can't is a quack. My doctor told me how to do it but only after I threatened not to come back. First he gave me that " some people take this the rest of their life bs" but changed his tune when I said I was not coming back. All the doctors want is the money they make from your quick simple visit. Plenty of information online as well on how to get off the Paxil. It is poison. I have been off for 3 years now and feel much better and can finally think with my own brain without a drug clouding my decisions. Feels great. Every time you think of going to another doctor just pray instead for what God wants you to do. Doctors will just throw pills at you and that is it. If you don't want an answer from someone that beat Paxil then I guess you should not ask. Otherwise, keep popping pills and see where that gets you.
Virglucky70
3 Feb 2019
I’ve been on paroxetine for 25 yrs at a very low dose. My doctor told me I can stay on it for life. I think I will because this is a hard drug to wean off. I tried once and I got depressed again with lots of anxiety. I don’t want to go through that again , but then I also heard that the low dose isn’t doing anything anyway. I just hope it is safe to take forver
Votes:
+0
Rosey13
5 Feb 2019
I have been taking paroxetine for 18/19years.. I take 60mg .. I don't feel it works for me anymore my moods are up and down and also anxious inside a lot. I feel sluggish and find it hard to feel excited about anything anymore the last year I have been getting heaps of brain zaps.. I don't know if down to meds or stress. Soon to see a neurologist for this. The thought of changing drugs which I know I need to do freaks me out.. my husband though he tries does not really understand me and how I feel..
Votes:
+0
WildcatVet
6 Feb 2019
Hello! It's not at all uncommon for an antidepressant/anxiolytic to "poop out" after long term use. Unfortunately, the only option may be to change medications. In the meantime though it's an excellent idea to rule out any underlying cause for your mood swings and anxiety.
Best regards and good luck. Wild Cat
P.S. you're not alone! I don't think anyone besides my psychiatrist and therapist understands me.
Llk71
6 Feb 2019
I had constant anxiety, frustration, and simply felt like someone took over my body and mind when my Paxil stopped working for me.
Please seriously consider contacting TrueHope.com. I tried to come off the Paxil on my own and my doctor thought I could wean off in 4 weeks. Biggest mistake I made. I had to go back on only to have it not work or any other anti anxiety medication after that. It took me 6 months of slow weaning but not before I had built up my nutrition (vitamins - for the brain) with the help of TrueHope giving me all the guidance to do this safely. My support person has her own success story of coming off Anti anxiety meds.
TrueHope helped me to know what vitamins and minerals my body needed to lessen the side effects of withdrawal. The withdrawal was awful for me and I have become hyper sensitive to all changes because of the long term Paxil use. I used something as simple as drinking protein isolate to combat withdrawal.
Don’t give up you can do this. The sad part is only those who have actually experienced this understand.
fuglysmurf
11 Feb 2019
Hi Rosey13. I just read your answer and I am in the same place that you are. Been on paroxetine for a long time for GAD with panic. Doctor added buspar this year but still wake up each day with upset stomach and sense of unease. How are you doing?
Maurbor
16 Apr 2019
Very interesting post. I have been on Paxil since 2001 and am on a dose of 30 mg. I was diagnosed with major depression. I have fortunately never experienced any real side effects however I often wonder whether it would be possible to stop the medication. I have my ups and downs like everyone but am generally in a good place.
Votes:
+0
Hysterical
17 Apr 2019
Maurbor,
Thank you for posting your post . I started Paxil 12 days ago. I am tapering down on Effexcor which has been difficult . I have tried 12 meds to try and come out of my third recurrent depression that has lasted two and a half years with no relief . I’m very scared reading all these posts and I’m sure they are true because I’Ve heard about the withdrawals . But honestly, right now I’m just desperate to find something to give me some relief for now . Yours was the last post I read and it made me feel a little better . I have bad anxiety as well . I just hope it works . I’m just curious for all the people who were on it for years and went off ... did their symptoms come back ?
Maurbor
17 Apr 2019
Hope it works for you. I started at a lower dose but I've probably been on 30 mg for 15 years. At one point we added Wellbutrin which seemed to give me more energy and I have continued with that combination.
Further Information
- Paxil Information for Consumers
- Paxil Information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side Effects of Paxil (detailed)
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Thanks Chuck appreciate your reply life's a living hell at the moment :-((
Took Paxil for over 20 years and got off 100 percent 5 years ago. I will never poison myself with that garbage again. I take 0 meds and I do not even drink alcohol or caffeine. I exercise and eat healthy with hopes of getting some of the years back that were taken away from me from using Paxil. The withdraw from getting off that garbage lasted over 6 months. I had everything from brain zaps to nightmares that were so bad I flew out of bed and got hurt. In the end I decided that Paxil was so bad that I would rather just have a panic attack and I can say 5 years later I do not regret my decision. Doctors want to keep you on the meds so they can get paid. My doctor did not want to take me off the meds so I did it myself and it was the best decision I have ever made. I got my life back and am no longer a slave to a drug. That stuff controls your thoughts and you don't even know it. Pure evil.