Stopping Your Meds: Paxil Withdrawal

If you have been taking Paxil and are considering stopping you should be aware of the reported physical and emotional symptoms associated with Paxil withdrawal. Before making the decision to stop taking your medication, you should first consult with your doctor, as he or she will be able to offer advice regarding your preparedness, and he or she will be able to tell you what to generally expect. Paxil withdrawal symptoms are typically relatively minor, but they can be more severe in certain cases. Unfortunately, it is hard to predict what will happen to your mind and body when you discontinue taking the medication, but if the time is right, you should not let it stop you. Most people report that the emotional changes are more disheartening than the physical symptoms, but once you readjust to being medication-free, you will begin to feel like yourself again. Emotional Paxil withdrawal symptoms include a return of some of the depressive feelings that were present before taking the drug. Unfortunately Paxil doesn’t cure depression; it merely treats the symptoms. You can expect to feel a bit anxious while your brain is adjusting to the change in chemistry. As for physical symptoms, dizziness is a commonly reported symptom. Some people also report electric

impulse type feelings in their limbs, light sensitivity and changes in body temperature. Another Paxil withdrawal symptom is that of changes in the dream state. Many people who stop taking the drug report that their dreams are much stranger and even more aggressive when they are going through the withdrawal process. Withdrawal symptoms are typically rather minor, however, and most people cease to feel the effects within a matter of months. This depends greatly on an individual’s own reaction, and it unfortunately not very predictable. With the help of your doctor, you should be able to manage your Paxil withdrawal by slowly decreasing your dosage rather than quitting abruptly.