(There Is A Detailed List Of Withdrawal Symptoms. Make Sure You Read Those Also)

Please take this article very seriously. I did not. It almost killed me.

Paxil withdrawal symptoms are a serious concern in today’’s society. Paxil is a SSRI antidepressant manufactured by pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline. Paxil was approved by the FDA in 1993 to treat depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post traumatic stress syndrome. Paxil is one of the most popular drugs on the market today.

Of all the SSRI antidepressants available (including Zoloft, Prozac, and others), Paxil withdrawal symptoms are the worst. A short duration of action and the drug’’s intense impact make Paxil withdrawal symptoms so severe. Paxil has a shorter half life than other SSRI drugs making Paxil withdrawal symptoms occur sooner and more severely than withdrawal from other antidepressant medications.

The severe side effects from taking Paxil not only pose a serious threat to patients, but also make discontinuation of the treatment problematic. Paxil withdrawal symptoms can compound the adverse effects of Paxil. Severe side effects that occur because of Paxil use include, but are not limited to: extreme mania possibly involving delusions and hallucinations, the paradoxical effect of causing or making depression worse, intense anxiety and agitation, the development of compulsions and obsessions, and akathisia. Akathisia causes extreme agitation, discomfort and loss of motor control and is considered to be one precursor to the hostile, violent, suicidal and homicidal behaviors that occur with both Paxil use and Paxil withdrawal symptoms.

It is estimated that approximately four to ten percent of Paxil users will experience extreme adverse Paxil withdrawal symptoms, though others may experience more mild Paxil withdrawal symptoms. The onset of Paxil withdrawal symptoms usually occurs between one to three days following the discontinuation of treatment and can last for many months in more severe cases. A period of two to six weeks is the average time patients experience Paxil withdrawal symptoms.

Serious and common Paxil withdrawal symptoms can include, but are not limited to, the following: flu-like symptoms, intense insomnia, vivid dreams, debilitating fear, memory and concentration problems, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, severe mood swings, dizziness, the feeling of being shocked from head to toe, profuse sweating, nausea, slurred speech, difficulty walking, sensory disturbances, and more.

In 2000 charges were brought against GlaxoSmithKline for their failure to properly warn the public about the serious dangers associated with Paxil use and Paxil withdrawal symptoms. This lawsuit prompted both the FDA and Paxil’’s makers to include a warning on labeling regarding Paxil withdrawal symptoms.

While many symptoms of severe Paxil withdrawal symptoms are acknowledged by its manufacturer, more serious Paxil withdrawal symptoms, such as the increased risk of suicide and violent behaviors, are still not adequately disclosed to patients whose health and very lives are at risk by taking Paxil.

Other possible and reported symptoms can include the following (among others):
–Psychiatric Symptoms–
That mimic depression: Do not confuse the withdrawal symptoms for depression or any other mental illness. When in doubt go to the damn doctor and take this list with you because he might be a village idiot like my doctor. You might have to educate him/her. It shocks me to find how few doctors understand the withdrawal of these drugs. They always say “oh they are not addictive” I just want to smack them..

1. Crying spells
2. Worsened mood
3. Low energy (fatigue, lethargy, malaise)
4. Trouble concentrating
5. Insomnia or trouble sleeping
6. Change in appetite
7. Suicidal thoughts
8. Suicide attempts

That mimic anxiety disorders:
9. Anxious, nervous, tense
10. Panic attacks (racing heartbeat, breathless)
11. Chest pain
12. Trembling, jittery, or shaking

Irritability and Aggression:
13. Irritability
14. Agitation (restlessness, hyperactivity)
15. Impulsivity
16. Aggressiveness
17. Self-harm
18. Homicidal thoughts or urges

Confusion and Memory Problems:
19. Confusion or cognitive difficulties
20. Memory problems or forgetfulness

Mood Swings:
21. Elevated mood (feeling high)
22. Mood swings
23. Manic-like reactions
Hallucinations:
24. Auditory hallucinations
25. Visual hallucinations

Dissociation:
26. Feeling detached or unreal

Other:
27. Excessive or intense dreaming
28. Nightmares

–Medical Symptoms–

That mimic the flu:
29. Flu-like aches and pains
30. Fever
31. Sweats
32. Chills
33. Runny nose
34. Sore eyes

That mimic gastroenteritis:
35. Nausea
36. Vomiting
37. Diarrhea
38. Abdominal pain or cramps
39. Stomach bloating

Dizziness:
40. Disequilibrium
41. Spinning, swaying, lightheaded
42. Hung over or waterlogged feeling
43. Unsteady gait, poor coordination
44. Motion sickness
45. Headache
46. Tremor

Sensory Abnormalities:
47. Numbness, burning, or tingling
48. Electric zap-like sensations in the brain
49. Electric shock-like sensations in the body
50. Abnormal visual sensations
51. Ringing or other noises in the ears
52. Abnormal smells or tastes

Other:
53. Drooling or excessive saliva
54. Slurred speech
55. Blurred vision
56. Muscle cramps, stiffness, twitches
57. Feeling of restless legs
58. Uncontrollable twitching of mouth

They can start as early as Day 1 going off the drug or decreasing dosage or begin to appear later. Typically they begin Day 3-6. It’s different for everyone, and depends on the drug and dosage you are on.
You may want to look for a book called “The Antidepressant Solution”. I think it is supposed to help people safely reduce their dosage and come off if they want to and are ready.(I know it sounds like a plug — I don’t work for the publisher, I promise!)

Good luck, be careful and take care.