Posted by lmoore on December 7, 2002, at 22:38:00
I have visited this site for two years. I have always appreciated the insight and experience that members have shared with each other. I have never considered posting until now. I was hoping someone might give me insight into their own experiences regarding Paxil withdrawal symptoms. I understand tapering methods and the such, but my interest really lies in hearing that it does get better.
After a careful plan of tapering from a 37.5 mg Paxil CR dose over several weeks,to no Paxil for one week now, I have noticed disturbing symptoms. I have accepted my diagnosis of depression and have lived successfully since 1996 with the help of Zoloft and recently Paxil. It is acknowledged by myself and my excellent pdoc that Paxil was not helping me. I am in the process of switching to Remeron and am quite agreeable to finding a med that has both an antidepressant and anti-anxiety component.
But, my withdrawal symptoms after being off of Paxil completely for one week now have been quite frightening. I am dizzy all day long. I hear whooshing sounds in my ears constantly. My muscles ache and my throat is raw even though I am sure I do not have the flu or a cold. I forget things constantly which is uncharacteristic of me. I am either laughing hysterically at things that are only sort of humorous, or I am sobbing at things that are only somewhat sad. I feel such an anger at things that today I actually thought to myself, "Why not just quit, give in..., get rid of this intense pain". But, I also am able to rationally surmise that this intense emotion is directly related to the withdrawal and hopefully will soon pass.
I guess I am just hoping to hear from members who have also experienced Paxil withdrawal and are now overcoming the symptoms. I know I will always be on medication and I accept this. I just need some encouragement to get through this fork in the road by knowing that these symptoms have been experienced by others and have been gotten through successfully. Thanks for any input.
poster:lmoore
thread:130974
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021203/msgs/130974.html