Paroxetine and Withdrawal: What Users Say (Page 2)

• tri...
• March 22, 2013

Paroxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I was able to cope with people better, and it eased me from flying off the handle. The downfall was when I owed my Dr. money, and she refused to refill. The withdrawal is terrible, and now I am back to the anger issue."

• pax...
• December 15, 2011

Paroxetine for Depression "Thanks to Paxil, I'm still here to type this comment, it saved my life. I was started on 20 mg but had to go up to 40 mg (max dose) for about 3 years, after which I was slowly dropped down to 20 mg, then right down to 10 mg, which I was on for a while, then down to 5 mg and eventually went off the medication. The times I did miss my dosage, it was usually the second day when the zaps started along with the feeling of vertigo. The half-life of this medicine is very short, about 3 days, that's why people feel withdrawal symptoms so quickly, but I've found it quite tolerable for the good it has done for me. A wonderful medication!"

• Cg2...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 1, 2020

For Anxiety "From the age of 12, I've experienced intense anxiety and depression. When I was 20, I was at my lowest point. The doctor prescribed Seroxat. After a week of taking it, I felt more enabled and self-confident than I'd ever felt. I felt what it was like to not have this incapacitating anxiety and fear every day. Fifteen years later, I decided to try coming off Seroxat. I had a hard 9 months, where the symptoms became worse, they didn't ease over time. After trying other drug-free methods, nothing worked long-term. I didn't know if this was a long withdrawal or me returning to how I was before taking it. I feel it is the latter, as I constantly felt how I did when I was 12. I realized that I needed to go back on Seroxat, and the symptoms eased again. I have been on it for 20 years. After reading some of the horror stories, I sometimes wish I never started taking it. But then I don't know what my life would've been like if I didn't, as a lot of my anxiety and depression is firmly embedded."

• Joe...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 7, 2018

Paroxetine for Anxiety "I took Paxil for years for anxiety. The side effects got to the point I discussed with my doctor about getting off of it. He recommended tapering and starting Wellbutrin. I can say this: the Paxil withdrawal symptoms are purely awful. I would lie in bed for weeks. Couldn't stop vomiting. Dizziness still persists. While it did alleviate anxiety, I'd rather have anxiety than the awfulness it put me through. I would never recommend this to anybody."

• Per...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 22, 2013

Paroxetine for Depression "I went on Paxil a year after my father died 15 years ago. I was told it was non-addictive and started on a low-mid dosage, 20 mg. It helped, and I was on it for about 10-12 years. I just accepted that I needed it. Everyone is correct about not missing doses - if I missed 2-3 days, I'd get very emotional, cry at the drop of a hat, etc. - which I unfortunately took as proof that I needed to stay on it - I didn't understand it was the withdrawal effects! Over time, with ups and downs in my career, I gradually increased dosages, going to 40 mg/day. In late 2010, after being out of work for 2-3 years, I went back to my general doctor, and he prescribed 60 mg/day. Within a couple of months, I was in a downward spiral."

• Ang...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 7, 2016

Paroxetine for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I was on this drug for a long time, and the only thing I can report is that I felt like a zombie most of the time, was so tired that I could barely function (lost my job as a result of it), and had absolutely no desire for sex whatsoever. I rarely felt that I was thoroughly enjoying anything that was going on in my life, it completely numbed me out to a traumatic experience that I should have been dealing with, and as a result of being on it, I did not fully process that experience until getting off of the medication. That and the withdrawal symptoms were debilitating and terrible. Brain zaps are not a fun experience, and they were bad with this one."

• flo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 15, 2022

Paroxetine for Depression "Paxil took my feelings away. It didn't feel normal for me to not be sad about my sons' deaths. They died 15 months apart from each other, in their mid-20s in motorcycle accidents. I couldn't even cry while I took Paxil. I stopped taking it, gradually, of course. Withdrawal made me feel strange - I know that doesn't exactly describe how I felt, but it is the only description I can think of. Now I can cry, which is normal."

• ant...
• October 20, 2016

For Hot Flashes "This medicine has the worst side effects of any drug I have ever taken. I think it should be taken off the market. Although the hot flashes were diminished a bit, the terrible withdrawal symptoms are worse than the hot flashes ever were. The so-called 'brain zaps' are debilitating. I have them almost constantly. My doctor told me to wean myself off it, but since it comes only in capsule form and only comes in one strength, that is difficult to do. I went from once a day to every other day, then stopped. I realize the weaning process was too short, and this is likely the reason for the severe symptoms. I can't help but wonder if these will ever go away. Does anyone know how long this is going to last? I feel like I'm losing my mind."

• Anonymous
• November 21, 2011

Paroxetine for Anxiety "I've been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and have been taking Paxil for about 3 months. When I first began the medication, I completely lost my appetite. I dropped 10 pounds within the first 2 weeks without even trying. After about a month, it leveled back out. However, even after 3 months, I still don't sleep well on it. It has also taken a toll on my sex drive. I'm in the process of quitting Paxil to try something new. You do not want to quit this medication suddenly. You will experience terrible withdrawal symptoms. Even though I am quitting gradually, they are still quite intense."

• Amb...
• December 9, 2017

Paroxetine for Depression "I was on Paxil for a little over a year and am currently weaning off. I suffer from depression, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety. I started Paxil at 10 mg and went all the way up to 40 mg within the first couple of months. This drug did wonders for my panic disorder, PTSD, and anxiety, but made my depression worse! The reason I decided to stop taking it is that I didn't want to get out of bed anymore, and I gained about 60 lbs since I started taking it. Funny they call it an antidepressant when, in the end, it made my depression worse. I am trying Wellbutrin now, but I won't know how well that works until I'm completely off the Paxil in a couple of weeks. The withdrawal is awful, even while weaning."

• KTa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 9, 2019

Paroxetine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "If you are handed a prescription for this, please do your research first. Unfortunately, I started taking this as I was desperate to get my anxiety under control, and my GP didn’t want to prescribe me Valium anymore, so I thought, why not? After one year of being on this, I have gained almost 20 kg. I eat well and move around a fair bit, but the weight just keeps on coming. It did well for my social anxiety, that’s because I didn’t want to leave the house embarrassed with how much weight I had gained. Now, I am weaning off from 40 mg and am on 10 mg with the hope to be off completely. Withdrawal symptoms are comparable to having the flu tenfold. Detached sense of reality and agitation that normally wouldn’t be there. Even the sound of someone coughing is making me angry. Heightened sensory disturbances and insomnia have also come along. Avoid if you can. There are better SSRIs out there if you need some help. This stuff is awful."

• For...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 29, 2016

Paroxetine for Depression "I was prescribed Paxil for anxiety and depression when I was 13. Initially, it did all it was promised with few side effects. Over the years, it seemed to lose its effectiveness, but I was afraid to come off it for fear I would be worse off. Finally, I started the process of weaning myself off it when multiple reports came out saying it was DANGEROUS and had multiple long-term effects on teenagers. I had been taking it for nearly a decade. The withdrawals were the worst thing I have experienced in my life. Thought I was dying. My face and limbs didn't feel real. The 'zaps.' I was nonfunctional, and this lasted months. Please use extreme caution and have someone closely monitor you when you decide to wean off this medication."

• Jub...
• March 4, 2017

Paroxetine for Social Anxiety Disorder "Was on Paxil for 4 years because I could never handle the withdrawal symptoms. I had severe aches and electric shocks along with all flu symptoms. I finally slowly tapered off over 3 months with the liquid Paxil. I have been off of it now for at least 10 years. I have tried at least 100 different supplements and anti-anxiety treatments. I have tried them all, believe me. It is hell on earth when you can't provide for your family. I even spent $4,000 having all my mercury fillings removed. I had genetic testing of SNP polymorphisms that revealed MTHFR and MAO mutations. I found a genetic reason for my anxiety. In short, I can't make neurotransmitters, and when I do, I can't break them down, so they build up, causing social anxiety."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 21, 2025

For Anxiety "I was on paroxetine 30 mg to 40 mg for 20 years. I was 14 years old when I started, but it stopped working. Though it worked great for me, what I learned is the withdrawal can be really hard on some people. I found out that cross tapering from paroxetine helps withdrawal. It's when you drop paroxetine by 5 mg every 2 weeks and start a new SSRI. I went to 5 mg of Lexapro. I like Lexapro much better than paroxetine, but remember, go really slow. I hope this helps."

• Bec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2019

Paroxetine for Panic Disorder "I used paroxetine (Paxil) as an adjunct medication while weaning off diazepam. This drug may work for some, but it sure as hell didn't work for me! I suspect I had serotonin syndrome from just two doses of 10 mg. Yes, TWO DOSES. Therapeutic! I had insane body shivers, felt like a zombie 24/7 while on them, I couldn't do the most basic of tasks, I dry heaved non-stop and had persistent air hunger. The withdrawals are terrible and last 3 months or more. If you just have to have an antidepressant, try Celexa or Lexapro instead - they are much milder. I recommend exercise and natural methods/good dieting over ANY antidepressant. For the sake of your health, Paxil is just not worth it. If you are unfortunate enough to have started on this medication, get off while you still can!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 17, 2016

For Hot Flashes "This drug is awful. I have been thinking that I have been depressed for years after being prescribed this for hot flashes and the menopause. Every time I tried to stop, I had the most horrific withdrawal symptoms in the world: anger bordering on rage, vertigo and dizziness that make me feel I am going to pass out, sweats, bad dreams, depression, and suicidal thoughts off the scale. This drug is making someone a lot of money by underplaying how horrific the withdrawal symptoms are! It is highly addictive because you think you are ill when you try to stop taking it and go back on it! It's disgusting."

• str...
• November 26, 2017

Paroxetine for Depression "Ruined my nervous system and life. Have never recovered from the withdrawal after being on it 11 years. Diagnosed with M.E. / CFS 9 years ago. My stamina / physical abilities are severely limited as I withdrew far too quickly. Doctors do not stress the dangers of withdrawal. I have tried numerous recovery techniques, but management of my symptoms is the best I get. My life has changed forever. If you withdraw, do it very slowly. Learn from my mistake."

• Jen...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 18, 2024

For Anxiety "With 25 years of experience with this drug, I can safely say that with some mid-term tweaking of dosage, this drug is most effective. However, last year, for no known reason, it no longer does the job properly for me and as such, now, I am left struggling, as my health professionals here in the UK are unsure what to do. Coming off the drug is not an option due to the massive withdrawal symptoms, and which drug to mix it with, that will once again stabilize my condition. Any answers would be greatly received."

• Jen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 26, 2018

Paroxetine for Depression "I took this medication for depression and anxiety, it worked like a charm. However, the side effects were pretty crazy - firstly, I had trouble urinating on this medication, I had to concentrate really hard to pee, had sexual problems, couldn't get 'off.' I also gained 15-20 pounds in 3 months, had a dry mouth, and once I got off the medication, the withdrawals were really bad. Brain zaps, ringing in ears for 2-3 weeks after stopping the medication. Oh, and this medication caused me to get sleep paralysis. Never had this condition before getting on Paxil."

• Sam...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 13, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "This medication is effective, however, it causes weight gain, and the withdrawal is horrendous. I went off the medication because of the weight gain. I suffered horrible withdrawal, including panic attacks, chest pain, and depression. I lost 30 pounds fast but developed health anxiety and fear. I went back on the medication just a few months later. I felt better after a few weeks, but I gained the weight back, and it’s the one thing I hate about this medication, but it’s what works for me. I don’t recommend paroxetine as a first choice. Try other medications because, once again, the weight gain is unavoidable because the hunger pangs are constant. It also causes fatigue, but the fatigue isn’t overwhelming, and I never experienced nausea. Overall, it’s an effective medication."

• Exc...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 14, 2017

Paroxetine for Postmenopausal Symptoms "In July 2011, I had a complete hysterectomy, throwing me into spontaneous menopause. The hot flashes and night sweats were excruciating, but hormones of any kind made me completely crazy. I was so happy when I discovered Paxil. I started out on the lowest dose, which has been increased over the years to 60 mg a day. Three and a half weeks ago, I called in for a refill, but I didn't have any left. It took me three weeks to get in to see my doctor. I refused to go back on it because of the withdrawals I am still experiencing. First, all I did was sleep. Then, I started experiencing severe joint pain. After three weeks, I am starting to feel slightly better. I now just feel like I have the worst case of the flu and arthritis."

• Bud...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 14, 2017

Paroxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "Paxil is one of the few antidepressants that worked well for me. However, don't stop taking the drug when you start feeling better. Stopping Paxil abruptly made me physically ill. The Paxil withdrawal symptoms are similar to opiate withdrawal."

• Thb...
• May 16, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on this for 4-5 years, dosages between 10-40 mg depending on my stress/GAD. I have tried Pristiq (2 weeks) and Lovan/Prozac (3 weeks), but these increased my anxiety dramatically. Pros: It's the only antidepressant that's worked long-term for me. I found this medication to be really safe. I used to have anxiety every second day and just a nervous manner, but I don't now. I used to have insomnia for nearly a year before I started this med. Cons: There can be withdrawal symptoms, but mine weren't that bad (headaches and some depressed days), nothing that wasn't manageable. I did my tapering off over 2 months. I did notice slight sexual and emotional blunting when taking the higher dose of this. Nothing that would ruin my quality of life though or make me consider discontinuing this though."

• Mik...
• April 20, 2016

Paroxetine for Depression "DO NOT EVER TAKE THIS DRUG. Long story short, it can cause mania, depersonalization, mood swings, uncontrollable anger, suicidal thoughts and actions, and it can make your depression and anxiety 10 times worse. It also causes permanent damage to the brain by literally stopping your brain's ability to produce serotonin by itself. This is one of the oldest SSRIs on the market, and its short half-life makes withdrawals the worst thing ever. The withdrawals are similar to heroin withdrawals and last 3-6 months. If you want to seriously f*** up your life and your brain, take this drug."

• ama...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 27, 2023

For Depression "Started Paxil in 2013 for seasonal depression and anxiety - just feeling like things were getting worse and I could use a little help. I'm not sure that it ever did much for me, I never felt incredible. It did make me lazy, and I did gain weight. Here I am 10 years later, trying to come off of it, and I feel worse and more crazy than I ever have in my entire life. I thought the physical withdrawal symptoms were bad - they are not nearly as bad as the mental and emotional state you will be in. I cannot laugh, even though I know things are funny, I don't laugh. I don't want to be touched. I am angry - seriously angry and irritable. Feelings of hopelessness and crying. I'm just about to go back to it just so I can tolerate myself again. This is insane. Just don't take it."