home
RSS
September 21st, 2010
10:23 AM ET

How can I stop using Paxil without the side effects?

Every weekday, a CNNHealth expert doctor answers a viewer question. On Tuesdays, it's Dr. Charles Raison, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Emory University, and an expert in the mind-body connection for health.

Question asked by Sharon Reynolds of Tampa, Florida: I have been taking 10 mg of Paxil for nine years. I would like to get off of it but have heard of the many side effects associated with stopping it. Brain "buzzes" and various other frightening possibilities.

How can I stop Paxil without those side effects? I started taking it after a complete hysterectomy that resulted in extreme anxiety.

Expert answer: Dear Sharon,

There is good news and bad news about your situation.

The good news is that only about 20 percent of patients who take antidepressants experience these type of withdrawal symptoms when they discontinue the medications, and when experienced, these symptoms are usually mild and resolve in a week or two.

The bad news is that you have two risk factors for experiencing an antidepressant withdrawal syndrome. First you have been on your antidepressant for an extended period. Second, you are taking Paxil (generic paroxetine) which - because of its short "half-life" in the body - is especially notorious for causing withdrawal problems.

There are two very important things you can do to reduce your risk of having the type of symptoms you describe.

First, you should work closely with your health care provider. Second, you should never just stop the medication.

Probably the all-time best way to experience antidepressant withdrawal is to just suddenly stop the medication. Doing this is a shock to the nervous system, which has adjusted its neurotransmitter release based on the presence of the antidepressant.

In the case of medications like Paxil that affect serotonin, we believe most of the withdrawal symptoms are related to a sudden increase in serotonin activity for which body and brain are not prepared.

The first thing a good clinician will do is closely examine whether stopping the Paxil is a good idea in the first place. If you have been on the medication for 10 years and are emotionally stable, it might be the right thing to do.

Even if it makes sense to do this, a good clinician will be carefully watching, not just for withdrawal symptoms, but also for any sign that the psychiatric condition that prompted you to take the medication in the first place isn't coming back.

The most common symptoms of a Paxil withdrawal syndrome are feeling like you have the flu, often in combination with dizziness, sensory disturbances (like the buzzing you describe) and anxiety/agitation.

The trick to lowering your chances of having these symptoms is to reduce the dose of the antidepressant as slowly as possible. For people who are really sensitive it can take months to get off an antidepressant slowly enough to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

But remember that most people can stop an antidepressant cold and won't have symptoms. Whether you would be similarly fortunate or more unlucky is probably not a question you should test out. Rather, I recommend starting to work with your clinician to slowly lower the dose. If you feel fine you might try lowering the dose more rapidly as it feels comfortable.


soundoff (1,620 Responses)
  1. Facebook Proxies

    A further issue is that video games are normally serious in nature with the principal focus on mastering rather than amusement. Although, we have an entertainment feature to keep your sons or daughters engaged, every game will likely be designed to work with a specific group of skills or area, such as math concepts or scientific discipline. Thanks for your publication.

    https://dreamproxies.com

    January 29, 2021 at 03:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. frolep rotrem

    A person necessarily lend a hand to make seriously articles I might state. That is the very first time I frequented your web page and so far? I amazed with the research you made to create this actual submit incredible. Excellent activity!

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    January 29, 2021 at 08:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. frolep rotrem

    You are my aspiration, I possess few web logs and infrequently run out from post :). "To die for a religion is easier than to live it absolutely." by Jorge Luis Borges.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    January 29, 2021 at 13:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. 500 Dollars a Day Money System

    Earn 500 a Day With Our Passive Income System Doing These 3 Steps: Step 1: Get our ready made niche websites, Step 2: Setup your Paypal account. Step 3: Run our Unlimited Traffic System from our Free 850 sources of traffic and start earning your income in same day. More info: https://warriorplus.com/o2/a/gp8vk/0

    https://bitly.com/2EgbfPr

    January 30, 2021 at 07:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. Build Your Own Landing Pages

    Earn 500 a Day With Our Passive Income System Doing These 3 Steps: Step 1: Get our ready made niche websites, Step 2: Setup your Paypal account. Step 3: Run our Unlimited Traffic System from our Free 850 sources of traffic and start earning your income in same day. More info: https://warriorplus.com/o2/a/gp8vk/0

    https://bitly.com/2EgbfPr

    January 30, 2021 at 07:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. Gregorio Mazique

    Special offer, dont miss out on the Bitcoin craze, learn how to make money now!

    https://bit.ly/3j5JFYH

    January 30, 2021 at 10:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. free russian dating websites

    dating sites http://freedatingsiteall.com

    January 31, 2021 at 16:33 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. 우리카지노

    카지노사이트

    https://nextsetup88.com

    January 31, 2021 at 21:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. ChongNPrchal

    Amazing blog! Is your theme customized or have you download it from somewhere?
    A theme like yours by incorporating simple adjustements would
    actually make my blog shine. Please tell me in which you got your theme.

    Thanks a lot

    Feel free to visit my web-site – ChongNPrchal

    February 1, 2021 at 04:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. Elvis Hutyra

    This is a very interesting article. Please, share more like this!

    https://yt1s.com

    February 1, 2021 at 09:25 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. Caroyln Rodemeyer

    As I look at the major courses for both it seems that I can take screen writing and film courses as my general major elective as a English major. When I choose a minor which can be creative writing or film studies, I'm having a hard time because I want to pursue a career as a screenwriter for film as a secondary job for myself, but wouldn't Creative Writing help me with that?.

    https://twitter.com/straininfoonli1

    February 2, 2021 at 02:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. Monserrate Ra

    What are the best schools for a creative writing major?

    https://bookeworm94.tumblr.com/

    February 2, 2021 at 02:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. froleprotrem

    you are really a good webmaster. The website loading speed is amazing. It seems that you're doing any unique trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterpiece. you've done a excellent job on this topic!

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 2, 2021 at 10:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. BonusLikes Subscribers

    very interesting topic, great post.

    https://bonuslikes.com/product-tag/buy-followers-1000-twitter/

    February 3, 2021 at 03:39 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. Cheap Social Media Plays

    I’ve recently started a web site, the info you offer on this website has helped me tremendously. Thanks for all of your time & work.

    https://bonuslikes.com/tag/instagram-followers/

    February 3, 2021 at 20:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. Buy Social Media Subscribers

    Lovely just what I was searching for.

    https://bonuslikes.com/product-tag/500-facebook-likes/

    February 3, 2021 at 22:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. zortilonrel

    Glad to be one of several visitants on this amazing site : D.

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    February 4, 2021 at 05:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. frolep rotrem

    Great post, you have pointed out some excellent details , I also believe this s a very great website.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 4, 2021 at 07:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. all about trees az

    Keep Posting, I really enjoyed this! Beaver Tree Services, 2545 N 29th Pl, Phoenix, AZ 85008; (602) 671-0226

    https://www.google.com/maps?cid=3839338777019958220

    February 4, 2021 at 11:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. arbor care tree service phoenix

    Beaver Tree Services, 2545 N 29th Pl, Phoenix, AZ 85008; (602) 671-0226

    https://www.google.com/maps?cid=3839338777019958220

    February 4, 2021 at 11:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. EKONOM.XMC.PL

    Paul Getty Zwykle Twierdzil, ze Bezinteresowna przyjazń moze istniec tylko pomiedzy osobami o jednakowych dochodach. I ja sie po niekad z tym zgadzam 🙂 A ty ?

    http://www.xmc.pl

    February 4, 2021 at 16:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. Pianino Programy

    Hi Really good post note. God bless,cure,invention You writers

    http://www.pianino.xmc.pl

    February 5, 2021 at 14:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. Danyell Loque

    Earn $400/Day With Our Passive Income System – Best Autopilot income system 2021

    https://jvz6.com/c/289727/331373

    February 6, 2021 at 10:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. Porter Neumeier

    Earn $200/Day With Our Passive Income System – Best Autopilot income system 2021

    https://jvz8.com/c/289727/268840

    February 6, 2021 at 13:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. Metale Cechy

    Stanislaw Jerzy Lec utwierdzal sie w p[rzekonaniu, ze lepiej jest Podrzucic wlasne marzenia swoim wrogom, a moze zgina przy ich realizacji.

    February 6, 2021 at 22:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. Metale Pytania

    Gdy ktos robi Ci kazanie, wysluchaj, usmiechnij sie, skiń glowa, a potem podazaj wlasna droga. Jesli nie zyjesz po swojemu, to tak jakbys nie zyl wcale.

    February 6, 2021 at 23:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. Pianino Programy

    Just to let you know, this content seems a little bit strange from my android phone. Who knows perhaps it really is just my mobile phone. Great post by the way.

    http://www.pianino.xmc.pl

    February 7, 2021 at 01:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. Bryanida

    How to Meet Latin Singles Through Latina Dating Websites

    Latin dating websites are the ideal spot to fulfill Latino singles. These sites have the biggest Latin dating community and are the only sites where you'll find profiles of actual Latin singles. If you would like to date Latinos independently, then you can always imply that preference once you browse through profiles or sign up for free accounts. Whether for short-term meetups, casual relationships, or long-term relationships, each Latin dating site member is seeking a Muslim spouse. For people who reside in regions with many Latin singles, then they may not be aware of the number of free profiles they find on those sites.

    Many men and women wonder if it is safe to discover a relationship with someone from Latin America via a Latin dating site. Actually, there's absolutely no danger at all because you are dating and meeting an individual via the most convenient site accessible. There are literally thousands of Latin dating sites on the Internet and each of them has hundreds or even tens of thousands of Latino members, so there's no need to worry about being out of luck and beuatiful Latina women not finding anybody. Instead, simply ensure you are utilizing the best site you can find.

    Another benefit of joining a Latin dating web site is the fact that it permits you to have fun. Dating generally can get boring and monotonous. You get to pick your own dates and select your own partners, but you have to keep your private information concealed. However, with the help of these sites, you are allowed to express your personality, interests, as well as hobbies. You can also post a photo of yourself online should you desire. When you have the option between a boring profile on a typical website and one using a Latin dating profile, then you know which site to select.

    February 8, 2021 at 10:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. JaclynNPrest

    Hurrah! In fact I purchased a blog from which
    I be effective at the truth is take valuable information regarding
    my study and knowledge.

    Check out my web blog: JaclynNPrest

    February 8, 2021 at 11:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. froleprotrem

    Respect to article author, some excellent information .

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 8, 2021 at 14:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. Metale XMC

    Przeciwnosci, z ktorymi musimy sie zmierzyc, czesto sprawiaja, ze stajemy sie silniejsi. To, co dzis wydaje sie strata, jutro moze okazac sie zyskiem. – Nick Vujicic

    February 8, 2021 at 16:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. frolep rotrem

    Hello, you used to write excellent, but the last several posts have been kinda boringK I miss your tremendous writings. Past several posts are just a bit out of track! come on!

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 8, 2021 at 18:56 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. Obróbka Metali

    Zycie po prostu jest. Trzeba plynac wraz z nim. – Jerry Brown

    February 8, 2021 at 23:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. filofax finsbury a5

    You've made some excellent points there. I looked on the net
    for more info about the issue and discovered most people goes along with your thoughts about this website.

    Here is my page ... filofax finsbury a5

    February 9, 2021 at 02:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. https://europa-road.eu/hu/gepszallitas-arak-gyor.php

    The very crux of your writing while sounding reasonable originally, did not really sit properly with me after some time. Somewhere within the paragraphs you actually managed to make me a believer but just for a very short while. I nevertheless have got a problem with your jumps in logic and you would do nicely to help fill in those gaps. In the event that you can accomplish that, I will undoubtedly end up being amazed.

    https://europa-road.eu/hu/gepszallitas-arak-gyor.php

    February 9, 2021 at 03:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. Fókuszpályázat

    certainly like your website but you need to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very troublesome to tell the truth nevertheless I will surely come back again.

    http://www.fokuszpalyazat.hu/

    February 9, 2021 at 04:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. Eloy Goralski

    This was a great post. Thank you for sharing! https://cranberrytownshiplawnservice.tumblr.com/

    https://cranberrytownshiplawnservice.tumblr.com/

    February 9, 2021 at 09:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. XMC Polska

    I have study a couple of the articles on your site since yesterday, and I truly like your way of blogging. I tag it to my bookmark web site list and will be checking back soon. Please check out my web site also and let me know what you think.

    http://www.xmc.pl

    February 9, 2021 at 16:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. Socjologia.XMC.pl

    That is just to make certain that your does not end up in the garbage can after a couple of days.

    February 10, 2021 at 10:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. froleprotrem

    Thank you, I have just been looking for information approximately this subject for a while and yours is the best I have came upon till now. However, what about the bottom line? Are you positive concerning the supply?

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 12, 2021 at 10:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. froleprotrem

    I’ve read some good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you put to create such a great informative website.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 12, 2021 at 23:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. frolep rotrem

    I've been surfing online greater than 3 hours as of late, yet I never discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all web owners and bloggers made just right content as you did, the net will be much more helpful than ever before.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 13, 2021 at 18:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. Norwegia Bergen

    Prawdziwy Sukces polega na tym, ze dostajesz to, czego chciales :-). Szczescie na tym, ze chcesz tego, co dostales.

    http://www.norwegia.xmc.pl

    February 14, 2021 at 10:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. WWW.XMC.pl

    This web page is mostly a walk-by for all of the data you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse right here, and you’ll undoubtedly uncover it…

    http://www.xmc.pl

    February 14, 2021 at 11:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. hard wood floors installation Pittsburgh, PA

    Commenting on a blog is an art. Good comments create relations. You’re doing great work. Keep it up. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629

    https://g.page/prevent-floor-safety-systems

    February 14, 2021 at 13:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. Norwegia Oslo

    Wspanialy blog wiele przydatnych informacji zawartych w poszczegolnych postach, Dzieki Ci za to serdeczne, zapraszam takze do siebie...

    http://www.norwegia.xmc.pl

    February 15, 2021 at 13:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. Roofer Belleville, MI

    Really very happy to say,your post is very interesting to read.I never stop myself to say something about it.You're doing a great job.Keep it up. R 5 Roofing and Construction, 45041 Ecorse Rd, Belleville, MI 48111, (734) 215-6189

    https://posts.gle/8CZJFeoJc8x3JZQt5

    February 15, 2021 at 14:30 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. Buy Proxy Server

    After research a number of of the blog posts on your web site now, and I truly like your means of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site checklist and might be checking again soon. Pls check out my web page as well and let me know what you think.

    https://dreamproxies.com/tag/https-private-proxies/

    February 15, 2021 at 14:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. Cincinnati, OH Roofer

    I am really happy to say it's an interesting post to read . I learn new information from your article , you are doing a great job . Keep it up. R 5 Roofing and Construction, 4422 Appleton St, Cincinnati, OH 45209, (513) 434-6711

    https://www.google.com/maps?cid=11103776051495693845

    February 15, 2021 at 15:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. Norwegia.XMC.pl

    Cecha talentu jest niemoznosc pisania na zamowienie... Poza tym to Zgadzam sie z Toba w 100 i popieram w/w poglady w soposb preSubiektywny 🙂 E. Zegadlowicz.

    http://www.norwegia.xmc.pl

    February 15, 2021 at 20:38 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

Post a comment


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.