Paxil Withdrawal Symptoms

Paxil is the brand name for paroxetine, which is an antidepressant drug of the class Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). This drug was approved in 1993 by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) of United States. It is used for the treatment of major depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, post traumatic stress disorders, panic disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Like other SSRI drugs, paxil or paroxetine can also cause a number of side effects including nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, tremor, headache, agitation and sexual side effects. Paroxetine can also cause significant weight gain. But what is more important is that the sudden discontinuation of the drug and sometimes, even changes in its dosage can produce withdrawal symptoms.

Discontinuing Paxil

Discontinuation of all of SSRI drugs are known to produce discontinuation symptoms. The condition is usually referred to as SSRI discontinuation syndrome. Withdrawal symptoms of paxil can be more severe and even last longer as compared to the discontinuation symptoms associated with other SSRI drugs. This is because, paxil has a shorter half life, which means that it can be processed by the body much faster than other SSRI drugs. This is the reason why the action of this drug is much stronger. But, this drug can produce the withdrawal symptoms even when a dose is missed, or its dosage is reduced unlike that of half life drugs. The drugs with longer half life are processed by the body slowly and so, you may not notice any major discontinuation symptoms, even after missing one or several dosage. The withdrawal symptoms of this medication are likely to be more severe, if the drug is discontinued abruptly.

Paxil Withdrawal Problems

All individuals may not experience its severe symptoms. In fact, many people can experience mild to moderate symptoms, which can they can tolerate or manage with a little support from their family and physicians. The most frequently reported common withdrawal symptoms are:

• Nausea
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Bloating, belching and flatulence
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramping
• Sweating
• Fever and chill
• Flu like Symptoms
• Feeling of 'electric zap'
• Panic attacks
• Vivid dreams
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts
• Anxiety and irritability
• Aggression
• Confusion
• Vertigo
• Blurred vision
• Hallucinations

The duration of such symptoms can vary from person to person. In general, it has been observed that the symptoms can last for a few days. But many times, the withdrawal symptoms associated with its discontinuation can last for more than a month as well. In most of the cases, these symptoms can last anywhere from two to six weeks.

Usually, physicians recommend slow and gradual discontinuation of the drug, in order to avoid the severe withdrawal symptoms. However, it cannot guarantee that one will not experience these symptoms. The treatment for these symptoms mainly depends on severity.

Sometimes, severity of the symptoms may require further antidepressant treatment. In such a situation, physicians may suggest switching to a depression medication with longer half life and then discontinuing it gradually. Otherwise, the original antidepressant can be restarted and then its dosage can be reduced slowly and cautiously. Mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms can however, be managed with a little bit of patience, help and reassurance from the physician, family members and friends, a healthy and balanced diet and regular physical activities of exercises. But, if you feel that the symptoms are more severe to be managed in this way, or are becoming intolerable, then talk to your physician immediately.