... withdrawal!?
Anxiety - Has anyone been on Paxil for 20+ years? I've been taking it for 26 years & am unable to?
Question posted by Seve72 on 11 Dec 2014
Last updated on 6 January 2023
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
34 Answers Page 2
PaxilisEVIL1973
22 Nov 2019
Do others taking this medication feel like a misfire in your brain if you haven't taken it for 4 days ?? I've tried several times getting off this pill it's HELL !! I'm going to try a serotonin supplement to boost my serotonin to see if that's the answer to get off this pill ..
Zaneys
24 May 2019
Hi there ~ I have been taking Paxil for about 25 years after suffering from severe panic
attacks. I used to also keep a little prescription bottle of Xanax in my purse to use if
needed - which I rarely needed after the Paxil kicked in. I take 10mg of Paxil once a day.
I'm 66 years old. This is the ONLY medication I take which at my age I'm proud of. I'm on
such a low dose and recently discussed attempting to eliminate it but I know of the side
effects of attempting to eliminate it and the doc agreed that I'm in such great health that
if I feel great, and have felt great, while on it it's okay to continue. After reading posts here,
I've come away thinking it's a totally personal choice! Every body is unique and what works
for one of us may not work for another! Good health to all! : > )d
8491sb
12 May 2019
Dear Seve,
I was on Paxil for 24 years. When I decided to try tapering off -- to SEE, Do I still even nEEd this drug? -- I was at 40 mg daily. I tapered very gradually to zero over nine months. NEVERTHELESS, come the last half of that I began experiencing discontinuation syndrome effects, including body tremors from neck to feet at night; hot flashes; night sweats; &, headache (and, I rarely get headaches EVER).
The WORST, however, came about a week after I hit zero mg / was totally off the drug.
For THREE MONTHS, I had HORRIBLE withdrawal.
I experienced such ridiculous, awful ANXIETY that I lost seven pounds in three weeks: two & a half pounds dropped weekly even though I ate lOts (I eat when I'm anxious). My normally healthy-low pulse was so high I was worried I'd have a heart attack, and I was in CONSTANT TEARS.
I thought I was going crazy. If I hadn't read online from actual Paxil-takers who'd tried to quit that, all of the above is par for the course, I would have simply in desperation resumed the drug.
In addition to the crying jags & unbearable anxiety I was majorly irritable, could nOt sleep, & was terribly depressed.
Toward the end of my three withdrawal months I saw my primary doctor for a routine annual health check & she tried HARD to get me to go back on Paxil, arguing that it was "the best drug for anxiety" & nOt harmful. "It's a very good drug," she maintained. (RIGHT... [eyeroll])
A frustrated & teary puddle, I let her write me a new prescription but on the way home decided N-O, I did not come this far for nothing... Even though I was nearing the end of 90 days (which I've read is the maximum that withdrawal usually lasts with Paxil), and, I was starting to think that what I was experiencing was more than withdrawal -- i.e., symptomatic instead, of, inherent psych issues I had that nEEded to be treated with a drug? -- I wanted to "last the three months" that I'd read withdrawal can take, and so, I chose NOT to resume Paxil after all.
Well, guess what?
It's now May 12th; I've been Paxil-free since the last week of December, 2018; AND... Althoughit took me until the very end of March to stop having withdrawal symptoms (so, about 97 to 114 days), THEY DID STOP! ! ! [thumbs up]
To help increase my serotonin levels, I now use WALKING instead of Paxil or any other SSRI (or other drug) -- I do five, six miles four or five times a week (I'm a Fitbittter). I truly find that that helps -- PROFOUNDLY.
I STILL HAVE depression issues as well as the occasional anxiety hiccups, but I am trying to deal with them in no-drug ways: the walking; meditation; whatever works.
Psychiatric drugs are under-researched & over-prescribed. I URGE you to "make the break" if you can; YES. drugs ARE sometimes necessary, BUT: they should be a last resort, not a physician's first.
Kristiiru
12 May 2019
I have been on Paxil for 20 years. I started taking it for anxiety and panic attacks, which turned into a pretty good case of agoraphobia. I suffered for years before getting help with Paxil. At that point I think I was already doing somewhat better.
I was pretty miserable. I’ve been doing a lot better over the years so I started thinking about weaning myself off, also. I’ve been on 20 mg Er daily. I started taking half that. For months I did this..maybe even a year. Then I started taking that only every other day. Did this for many months. As long as I had even this little in my system I had no side effects. Then I would go 2 days for a while between doses. If I didn’t take a dose by the third day, I’d start having that light headed feeling. Maybe with the buzzes that people are talking about. I continued that for a while. I then thought that I might as well just quit taking them altogether at this point.
Then, and not really thinking about the med causing this, I got horribly agitated and nervous. It’s so hard to explain. I couldn’t make myself feel any better. My hubby even stayed home with me a couple of days. I couldn’t rest or sleep to make these feelings disappear for awhile. I wanted him to rub my back, but that then didn’t help either, almost making me more agitated. I happened to have 3 Xanax left from a prescription of 10 that was given to me years ago. I was saving them for ‘emergencies’ just in case. I finally took one and it eased my those horrible symptoms. I took another the next day. It’s so strange because I was wondering why I started feeling this way, then it finally occurred to me that it was the Paxil side effects! I started taking my half pill, 10 mg again, every other day. Sigh. I would appreciate any input or ideas. Thanks
WildcatVet
12 May 2019
The safest and most effective way to avoid discontinuation syndrome is a slow tapering of your dosage over several weeks on a schedule provided by your doctor with her/his supervision.
Maurbor
12 May 2019
Your reaction, although tapering off very slowly, is the very reason I hesitate to stop Paxil. I think in your case the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. You are only taking a very small dose and if it controls your anxiety, I think you should stick with it. For sure you should have a discussion with your doctor.
Maurbor
16 April 2019
Very interesting post. I have been on Paxil since 2001 and am on a dose of 30 mg. I was diagnosed with major depression. I have fortunately never experienced any real side effects however I often wonder whether it would be possible to stop the medication. I have my ups and downs like everyone but am generally in a good place.
Hysterical
17 April 2019
Maurbor,
Thank you for posting your post . I started Paxil 12 days ago. I am tapering down on Effexcor which has been difficult . I have tried 12 meds to try and come out of my third recurrent depression that has lasted two and a half years with no relief . I’m very scared reading all these posts and I’m sure they are true because I’Ve heard about the withdrawals . But honestly, right now I’m just desperate to find something to give me some relief for now . Yours was the last post I read and it made me feel a little better . I have bad anxiety as well . I just hope it works . I’m just curious for all the people who were on it for years and went off ... did their symptoms come back ?
Maurbor
17 April 2019
Hope it works for you. I started at a lower dose but I've probably been on 30 mg for 15 years. At one point we added Wellbutrin which seemed to give me more energy and I have continued with that combination.
Rosey13
5 Feb 2019
I have been taking paroxetine for 18/19years.. I take 60mg .. I don't feel it works for me anymore my moods are up and down and also anxious inside a lot. I feel sluggish and find it hard to feel excited about anything anymore the last year I have been getting heaps of brain zaps.. I don't know if down to meds or stress. Soon to see a neurologist for this. The thought of changing drugs which I know I need to do freaks me out.. my husband though he tries does not really understand me and how I feel..
WildcatVet
6 Feb 2019
Hello! It's not at all uncommon for an antidepressant/anxiolytic to "poop out" after long term use. Unfortunately, the only option may be to change medications. In the meantime though it's an excellent idea to rule out any underlying cause for your mood swings and anxiety.
Best regards and good luck. Wild Cat
P.S. you're not alone! I don't think anyone besides my psychiatrist and therapist understands me.
Llk71
6 Feb 2019
I had constant anxiety, frustration, and simply felt like someone took over my body and mind when my Paxil stopped working for me.
Please seriously consider contacting TrueHope.com. I tried to come off the Paxil on my own and my doctor thought I could wean off in 4 weeks. Biggest mistake I made. I had to go back on only to have it not work or any other anti anxiety medication after that. It took me 6 months of slow weaning but not before I had built up my nutrition (vitamins - for the brain) with the help of TrueHope giving me all the guidance to do this safely. My support person has her own success story of coming off Anti anxiety meds.
TrueHope helped me to know what vitamins and minerals my body needed to lessen the side effects of withdrawal. The withdrawal was awful for me and I have become hyper sensitive to all changes because of the long term Paxil use. I used something as simple as drinking protein isolate to combat withdrawal.
Don’t give up you can do this. The sad part is only those who have actually experienced this understand.
fuglysmurf
11 Feb 2019
Hi Rosey13. I just read your answer and I am in the same place that you are. Been on paroxetine for a long time for GAD with panic. Doctor added buspar this year but still wake up each day with upset stomach and sense of unease. How are you doing?
Virglucky70
3 Feb 2019
I’ve been on paroxetine for 25 yrs at a very low dose. My doctor told me I can stay on it for life. I think I will because this is a hard drug to wean off. I tried once and I got depressed again with lots of anxiety. I don’t want to go through that again , but then I also heard that the low dose isn’t doing anything anyway. I just hope it is safe to take forver
Ian L14
23 Oct 2018
I weened myself off the Paxil after being on it for 21 years. It was the best decision I ever made. Long process that involved dizziness and brain zaps for about 6 months. I have been med free for about 3 years now and am not the same person. That stuff controls your thoughts and emotions, and it should really be illegal. The doctor wanted me to keep taking it so he could keep getting paid so I got off it myself. Plenty of information online about getting off it. If you have any questions just ask me. Good luck finding the new you.
bug8bunny
21 Nov 2018
Hi I am starting the weening off process as well. Been on 10mg for about 22 years. Not a big dose but while trying to get off entirely, my body is doing the withdrawal symptoms you’re describing. I was just curious how you weened yourself. How long were you on each dosage amount? I want to be off it entirely and go more natural routes if needed. :)
Llk71
20 Dec 2018
I was on Paxil for 15 years and have weaned off just shy of 2 years ago when I had experienced “poopout” I tried to go with nothing but lasted 1 1/2 months then put on Effexor which made me so sick so I stopped and was without meds for 2 months until I was so depressed that I was told I had to go on sertraline or my doc would put me into a mental health facility. I started sertraline until January 2018 when I decided I was tired of feeling so anxious everyday. I weaned off the next 6 months and now been free of meds for almost 5 months. It has been the worst 5 months of my life. The withdrawal symptoms have been almost unbearable. I have a Nutritionalist helping me with vitamins and minerals but even so it is beyond words difficult. My Nutritionalist believes these are still withdrawal symptoms from Paxil. How have you managed the past 3 years and is this nightmare of rage and “depression” ever going to leave before I lose everything and everyone? I would love to hear more from you. I need all the help I can get. I’m desperate.
Ian L14
3 Feb 2019
Seve72 I took paxil for 21 years and it is a very simple concept. You ween yourself off and any doctor that says you can't is a quack. My doctor told me how to do it but only after I threatened not to come back. First he gave me that " some people take this the rest of their life bs" but changed his tune when I said I was not coming back. All the doctors want is the money they make from your quick simple visit. Plenty of information online as well on how to get off the Paxil. It is poison. I have been off for 3 years now and feel much better and can finally think with my own brain without a drug clouding my decisions. Feels great. Every time you think of going to another doctor just pray instead for what God wants you to do. Doctors will just throw pills at you and that is it. If you don't want an answer from someone that beat Paxil then I guess you should not ask. Otherwise, keep popping pills and see where that gets you.
DamieN6347
14 July 2018
Hello everyone, I read through all your comments/responses and am relieved to know I'm not alone dealing with the withdrawal side effects. As of last week I was on 60mg of paxil for 6.5 years.
Kind of an odd time in my life when I started taking it; violent rage etc. Tried just about every AD I could and paxil was the only one that worked. The first time I dealt with the withdrawal symptoms was when I couldn't afford it.. The symptoms lasted 8 months until a kind friend helped me get me back on it. It wasn't until 2 weeks ago, when I was close to running out that I realized paxil hasn't worked for 3 months and I was only taking it out of habit in fear of the withdrawal symptoms. Talked to my head doc and I came to the conclusion that it's time to start a new pill. Prozac
Lucero331
3 June 2018
It's been very interesting to read everybody's comments. I've been on and off paroxetine for the past 20+ years. Started back in college when Paxil came out. It was like my life was returned to me and I was enjoying the things I used to enjoy once upon a time. Several months later I was feeling comfortable again with life, so I spoke with my doctor and agreed to lower the dose little by little until I was totally off. My life was mine to live and I did it... until... Due to family emergency I had to leave my life and move to a different state. Mi doctor advised me to take Paxil again until I was settle down. I didn't. Moving to a different state, different people, doing what I had to do to survive. My career unfinished, no time, no money to keep studying and working on jobs that were not my dream job. Long story short went pack to Paroxetine, the generic of Paxil. On and off for a while and totally on for the past 15 years.
Lately I've been feeling like Paroxetine is not working anymore. It's hard to fall asleep, I wake up few times at night and when I don't have to go to work I simply don't want to wake up. I feel that death is calling for me and I like the idea. Today I thought this might be meds not working and began doing my research and I found you guys. Maybe is time to look for a different antidepressant. Of course I will talk to my doctor, but this place has given me a different light to my problem.
Lucero331
3 June 2018
Steve I just realized It's been almost 4 years since your post. How are you doing? Are you still on antidepressants? Hope things are going better for you.
DamieN6347
14 July 2018
Was definitely in that same boat. however, I grew up with insomnia. But everything you've described is basically what I've been dealing with as well. Getting out of bed is NOT easy!! Aside from caffeine and possibly losing my job if I don't get of bed has helped. Only a little though
Scarletwitch
18 Jan 2018
I too have been on Paxil for a long time, 23yrs for panic disorder and Xanax occasionally. I felt that Paxil stopped working and I explained this to my doctor and she started to ween me off (but I think she did it at too quick intervals)and started to introduce me to Lexapro. I was always against and scared to try new meds, but I felt I needed to because i really wasn't feeling good and after so long gave in. Oh boy! That didn't last too long! I couldnt deal with the nasty withdrawals and thought I was losing it and tried to hold out as much as I could. Back to Paxil it is. I am interested in taking something else together with Paxil to give it a kick boost
Cinmom
10 May 2018
I have been taking paxil over 20 some years and have also been complaining that I don’t have feelings like I use too. I was telling my son that I feel like in the last 10 or more years I’ve noticed a big change in my thoughts and personally. I told him that sometimes I think I’m tuning into a sociopath. He told me that one of his friends was taking paxil and got off it because he basically said the same thing as me. Even though I was kind of joking with my son using the word sociopath, I started getting concerned.
I’m even more concerned that my doctor doesn’t seem concern about me being on it long term. Especially since I have recently asked her about it saying that maybe I should get off it because I don’t have depression like I did yours ago. I just stay bland feeling. She said I should stay on it due to my sometime anxiety issues.
So, after the discussion with my son I went to Google. After all the info I found it has scared me a little. I’m getting of this crap and pray that it’s not too late. There is some scary stuff out there on the internet. I much rather be depressed than a monster.
Social94127
11 Feb 2020
I would too like to find something to go along with Paxil.
MDenman
3 Nov 2017
I have been taking Paxil since it came out in the 1990s. I have depression anxiety and SAD. I have also taken trazodone 50mg for sleep the entire time I’ve been on the Paxil. I too have tried getting off of it as well as switching to other antidepressants like Zoloft Effexor and Wellbutrin. I always go back to the Paxil because the other medications don’t produce that same sense of peace I feel on the Paxil. Although I do battle my weight on Paxil I have gotten a bachelor and masters degree while on the Paxil and gotten through the death of both of my parents and just recently my significant other of 14 years. In short I don’t see any reason to stop Paxil as long as it’s working and I can live with the side effects. Since it has gone generic it is also quite inexpensive. Hope this post helps those who are struggling with being on Paxil.
Debcol15
22 March 2018
Hi how long did the Paxil take to kick back in again . Once you went back on it please x
Joycef54
10 July 2018
I have been on Paxil for over 20 years. Twice I tried to go off it. The first time I went cold turkey. I was fine for about 3 months, but at that time my general anxiety started coming back, so I went back on the drug. It took about a month to get back to "normal". The second time I tried to go off Paxil, I cut my dosage in half, but in about a month or so the general anxiety started creeping back, so I went right back on my regular dosage. That time it was only a matter of a week before I felt back to normal.
Widget527
31 Oct 2018
I've been on Paxil 30-35mg a day for 22 years, along with Klonopin at night and Xanax ER during the day as needed. I decided I wanted to try a new med and the doctor switched me from paxil (no taper) to Viibryd. I felt good the first week on 10mg, then the dose was increased to 20mg for a week. Three days in to the 20mg I started having noticable tremors and diarrhea, I dealt with that because I was active and enjoying life again and I assumed the side effects would pass. I noticed I became occasionally teary eyed, talking a lot, easily excited. I was afraid I was becoming manic, then, on Wednesday of week 3 I suffered a full blown panic/anxiety attack. I've been anxious ever since. Extremely anxious. I called my doctor and he said go down to 10mg. I did that and did not have a panic attack but I woke up anxious. I stopped the Viibryd called the doctor and asked to be put back on Paxil 30 mg and started Remeron 15mg.
(I took Trenton for a short period of time, years ago when I got extremely anxious and the Paxil alone was'nt working. My thoughts are all over the place. I also have hypothyroidism and I'm on 25mg Synthroid. I use CBD tincture for pain and neuropathy associated with three back surgeries. I'm worried about withdrawal from Viibryd and how long the Paxil will take to kick in. I've never felt so all alone and frightened. I also feel a lot of stress because my first grandchild is due on December 6th. What if I'm still dealing with this crippling anxiety?
Social94127
11 Feb 2020
Hi, you’re lucky Paxil is still working for you. My problem I feel it is not (or almost) helps me anymore. My first 10 mg were a life saver!
During 20 plus years I “climbed “ up to 60 mg.
Additionally, take Wellbutrin. Would love to try something new; however, have a terrible experience quitting Paxil. Due to some new problems became severely depressed to the level of not leaving my apartment. Don’t know what to do. Not much support (or none) at home. Desperate
vanquebec
23 Oct 2017
Hi, I have been on Paxil for 24 years. I tried to tapper to eventually stop it, but was having bad insomnia and crying. Not sure if this would have gone away in the long term, but having little support around me I went back on it even if parts of me doubt that it's working as well as when I first started it. Like trying to find a lesser of two evil. I'd like your feedback very much.
Charmaine7
24 Sep 2017
I have been on Paxil for about 25 years with occasional attempts a stopping it and occasional trials of other meds. I am off it now for a few weeks without tapering. I have experienced the negative withdrawal symptoms many times and know it for what it is. I intend to stick it out.
I am interested in finding out if I might actually begin to feel emotions one of these days.
Charmaine
Hilary123
28 Nov 2016
I have been taking paxil for 20.5 years. I have tried to get off of it twice and lasted 3 months both times. The withdrawals suck. I have accepted that I will need to be on antidepressants for the rest of my life. In the past couple of weeks I have started experiencing "poop out" symptoms. I'm hoping to change to a different category of antidepressants. Best wishes to you.
Related topics
paxil, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, withdrawal, anxiety and stress
Further information
- Paxil uses and safety info
- Paxil prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Paxil (detailed)
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