Paroxetine and Withdrawal: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2020

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I was prescribed this about 10 years ago, and I cannot remember why I was taken off it and put on Sertraline. However, since then, my social anxiety has been debilitating even on the highest dose of Sertraline. I was thinking and trying to remember a really relaxed, happy time, and I remembered the paroxetine period. My whole life since then has been gripped by fear, anxiety, and fear of scrutiny. I rang my doctor and asked if I could try it again. He was a bit reluctant because of the withdrawal problems but agreed. My goodness, I am SO thankful. Within a week, the anxiety, constant fear, and tension had gone. It is amazing, and I have my life back again! My heart is singing with joy, and the release is so fantastic. THANK YOU PAXIL, I have a future!"

• Loo...
• October 23, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "If you are reading this comment, it means you have a problem, and it's not going to disappear by itself. So don't worry about withdrawal because you'll take it forever because it will work. The starting side effects last a month. Take some time off your schedule. It is the strongest of its category."

• Cor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 6, 2015

For Anxiety "Paxil is better than other medicines I have taken for my anxiety by far. But, there are flaws with it. Being forgetful, I forget to take my medicine sometimes, and if I forget, I will get sick due to withdrawal. I am also a very skinny person and a picky eater already, and with taking Paxil, I have an extreme loss of appetite. Eating to me is now a chore and my body will not tell me when I am hungry until I go into shock due to malnutrition. But, all of this is worth it to get rid of my terrible anxiety. It is extremely worth it."

• JNo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 18, 2014

For Anxiety "I took Paxil for 5 years for severe panic attacks and anxiety. I got to the point where I could barely leave the house without anxiety. I was on 20 mg once a day and it worked wonders for me. I felt 'normal' for the first time in years. HOWEVER... I gained 50 lbs. I decided to get off and weaned myself very slowly but still had withdrawal symptoms: brain zaps, severe headaches, dizzy, restless, faint, weak, and the list goes on. I have been off for 5 months now and still have symptoms."

• Ice...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 31, 2024

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This medication doesn't help me with depression or social anxiety, but it is a godsend for generalized anxiety. Before Paxil, I was a nervous wreck, especially with driving. Paxil took a couple of months to have an effect, but afterward the fear evaporated and stayed away. I can now handle inner-city driving without much anxiety. Feels like the generalized anxiety is simply gone, as are the panic attacks. Yay! Therapeutic dosage will vary for everyone. I started at 10mg, but had little improvement. Now at 20mg with very good improvement in generalized anxiety. Few if any side effects, but note: withdrawal is murder. Don't skip, and wean off very slowly. Again, Paxil had no effect on depression, and little to none on social anxiety. Greatest improvement was with generalized anxiety disorder after a few months of usage."

• Sou...
• May 7, 2016

For Hot Flashes "I started with horrific hot flashes, sweating all night, no sleep. Sweating in meetings, going out. Couldn't wear any makeup. I started taking Brisdelle about 6 months ago. I did my research. This medication is a lifesaver. It's expensive as hell, I found a coupon for it, and I only pay a quarter of what it costs. There was someone saying how terrific the withdrawal symptoms are, you need to be weaned off. Not every medicine you can just stop cold turkey. Read all inserts of medicines you are prescribed. Some meds take a while to get over side effects. This has been a lifesaver."

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 10, 2013

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I was on Paxil for PTSD, social anxiety, and depression. It worked wonderfully for me and all my issues. However, I ran out over the weekend and had to wait until Monday to see the doctor and get my prescription filled. The problem with Paxil is it leaves your body in 25 hours. So, 25 hours after your last dose, TERRIBLE withdrawals kick in. I felt so angry for absolutely no reason. I got ready in the morning and broke my hair dryer, straightener, and brush. While waiting in the doctor's office, I felt like I was going to scream, cry, or assault random people in the waiting room. So that is what Paxil withdrawal was like for me. None of this is normal for me. When I'm in a low point, I usually just feel sad and extremely anxious about being around people."

• Nhc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 18, 2013

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I have been on Paxil now for 10 months. I am on a high dose of 40 mg. However, it is working wonders for me. I love how I feel, and my anxiety is a lot lower than it used to be. I feel like I can operate in a normal fashion, be it at work or out in a social situation. The drawback is do not run out of your prescription, always be on top of it. I ran out of it, and the withdrawal side effects are not fun. For me, I got really depressed and crying, and the headaches are horrible. I realize I will be on this prescription for a very long time. But for those who may not be, make sure you listen to your doctor when getting off of it. It is not fun when it is not in your system. Again, love, love how I feel."

• Pet...
• August 6, 2015

For Anxiety "Have been on paroxetine twice. It worked very well both times. Only side effects were increased anxiety at first (went away after a week) and heart palpitations (also went away). Only reason I would recommend trying something else first is because the withdrawals make coming off this drug very difficult."

• dee...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 17, 2021

For Anxiety "I have been taking Paxil for 27 years. It really helped me with depression and anxiety. However, after menopause, I felt I had too much in my system-i.e., no emotions-so I started to wean off very slowly. 5 mg every 3-4 months to avoid withdrawal symptoms. I successfully got down to 10 mg. I tried lowering to 5 mg but got very bad anxiety. So I went back up to 10 mg. This seems to work fine, and I will stay on this dosage for now. I did gain about 50 lbs after taking Paxil-although part of that was bad eating! Since then, I have lost a good chunk of the weight through healthy eating and exercise. So overall, the drug has worked well for me-but it took over a year to go from 20 mg to 10 mg very slowly, so I didn't have bad withdrawal symptoms."

• Anonymous
• October 9, 2012

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Paxil was an absolute life changer for me 8 years before 'pooping out' last year. Alcohol abuse was almost certainly the cause of its ineffectiveness, and I have learned my lesson. Many negative reviews on the web describe the severe withdrawal symptoms. I count myself lucky that Paxil worked wonders for me WITHOUT any withdrawal periods. Not everyone experiences this withdrawal, so if you're here reading experiences and worrying about possible future withdrawal, don't assume it will happen to you. I am now on mirtazapine, which is okay, but I really miss the feel-good 'boost' and confidence that Paxil gave me. I used to call this my 'serotonin high.' I hope to find another SSRI that worked similarly to Paxil for me. Zoloft and citalopram failed."

• A19...
• February 12, 2014

For Anxiety "After trying a few medications, my psychiatrist put me on Paxil. I felt like it did help with my anxiety and depression, but that came with a price: drowsiness, huge loss of libido, and horrible withdrawal symptoms. I was always lethargic and never wanted to go out and do anything, but I felt less anxiety and depression. I would literally go 7 days without sex (with my partner of 3 years) because I just didn't feel like it, and I could definitely feel the negative toll it was taking on our relationship, but luckily he stuck with me. After getting fed up with the intense side effects, I quit cold turkey-a huge mistake. I felt like I had the flu, and the brain zaps were never-ending."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 15, 2013

For Anxiety "I have taken Paxil for years, my insurance company stopped paying for it, and the pharmacy put me on the generic, the worst thing that could have happened. In three days, I was a hysterical wreck (I was taking the generic). I started thinking of suicide. Someone else pointed out above something very important: if you miss a couple of days, the side effects (withdrawal) are awful. I was never so sick in my life. If you can take the generic, great, otherwise, it is very, very expensive, and NEVER forget to take it."

• Twi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2020

For Depression "I suffer from anxiety, depression, and OCD. I was on the lowest dose of Paxil for a month and almost immediately developed twitching and a vocal tic that comes with the twitch. I had withdrawals after tapering off for about a week (per my doctor's instructions), so I had to redo the taper over a month period of time. I’ve been off Paxil for 6 months and continue to have the twitches and vocal tics. I worry this is now a lifelong issue. It’s embarrassing when I’m in public and keep twitching or making involuntary sounds. I wish I never went on Paxil."

• Not...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 27, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Was prescribed Paxil at a young age for generalized anxiety. Eventually, it moved into panic attacks and depression. When this medication works, it works well, but when it quits, it’s the worst thing you can imagine. It quit working (Paxil poopout), and I had tremors, severe depression, derealization, depersonalization, panic attacks, bad thoughts, crying, lost 20 lbs. I’ve been withdrawing for almost a year now from this medicine. The withdrawal from this is similar to heroin. Please steer clear of this medication. It’s not worth the horrible withdrawal it will give you."

• Cel...
• January 14, 2017

For Anxiety "I'm currently 18, and I have been on Paxil for a few months. It's my first try on an SSRI or any medication for anxiety. It works really well, I'm on 20 mg, and it's not that I'm never anxious, but my life feels livable, and that's what matters to me. Despite at first always being super sleepy, it was nothing compared to thinking, wow, this is how life is mostly supposed to be. For me, it works, but falling asleep a lot was poo, and there are still certain triggers that I still don't/can't stand, but it's much better now. Please note, people, that you don't just quit an SSRI! You have to talk to a doctor about getting off of it, or else your brain will be like, what is going on? Thus, the side effects of withdrawal and so on."

• Chr...
• January 29, 2010

For Depression "Paxil saved my life. I was depressed and could not climb out. Tried Effexor, but it made my heart beat rapidly and made me really nervous. Paxil has been amazing. I feel like a regular person. I have highs and lows, but the lows aren't as low as they used to be... and they only occur when there is a real reason to be sad. The bad: the withdrawal symptoms are horrible! I didn't try to get off Paxil, but I forgot it once on a vacation trip. Got very lightheaded, dizzy, and I had the 'zaps.' It was like being shocked at random moments. I'll probably never get off Paxil... but it is worth it. My quality of life improved in the last 3 years, and it is worth any long-term effect this drug has on me."

• Can...
• May 1, 2017

For Depression "I have been on Paxil for 19 years, the side effects are becoming too much to bear, so recently I attempted to wean from it. I became so physically ill and mentally disturbed that I had to be hospitalized and put back up a dose to stop the withdrawals. Now I have to take the liquid to slowly wean off, it is worse than heroin withdrawal and methadone withdrawal, both of which I have overcome cold turkey. I cannot get off this medication, and it is sad because I want to have children, but pregnancy is a no-no while on Paxil. I'm 34, I've been on it since I was 15. I was put on it and never told anything about the addictiveness and withdrawals or any of the problems associated with it. It was a band-aid solution that has become a lifelong addiction."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 26, 2024

For Depression "I was prescribed Paxil over 20 years ago (10mg) for GAD. I've tried over the years during the good times to try to quit. I'm sure everyone knows about the horrors of withdrawal. It lost its efficacy so now on 20mgs. Other than the withdrawals, it works for me. Along with nighttime RX for RLS and sleep."

• Nat...
• August 10, 2016

For Anxiety "I am 21 years old, and I have had severe anxiety and OCD for 5 years. I almost didn't graduate high school and almost lost my job because I couldn't even get out of bed or leave the comfort of my own home, so I resorted to medicine. I was also dealing with slight depression at the time, and so my doctor recommended Paxil to me. For 2 years, I have been on the 10 mg dose, and it works wonders! The only negative thing that I have to say about it is that I don't feel like I have a lot of energy, and it made me gain 50 lbs. I attempted to get off and, with counseling, deal with my anxiety on my own, and went through extreme withdrawals (brain spasms, mood swings, depression). I love this stuff, it changed my life, but it sucks coming off of it."

• Usn...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 15, 2016

For Social Anxiety Disorder "Started on 10 mg. It helped my anxiety a lot, but I would have to take naps during the day or I couldn't function. That improved after several months. I upped the dose to 20 mg. I forgot what it was like to have social anxiety. It was wonderful. The downside to this is that I gained 45 pounds in those 11 months. I'm 5'5. I went from 115 to 160. I've never had issues with weight. I've always had trouble gaining weight. I didn't want to gain this much. No change in my exercise routine or eating habits. I had to go off of it because it was destroying my self-esteem and causing depression. The withdrawals were hell, but I'm gradually losing the weight I gained now that I'm off of it. I'm so disappointed, but hopefully I can find another med."

• Fre...
• December 11, 2019

For Anxiety "This drug works, but not without consequences. It took 17 years of my life. Taking this drug put you in the gray zone. It masks all your feelings and all the side effects. I also used 1.5 years tapering off this awful drug, every time I reduced my dosage, the withdrawal came. Now I'm older, I know I will do anything to not be dependent on such drugs."

• dc1...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 3, 2013

For Anxiety "I am trying to increase my Paxil dosage from 20 mg to 30 mg. I started in February, and it still hasn't kicked in. The doctor gave me Clonazepam 3-1/2 months ago, and it helped, but I stopped cold turkey per the doctor, and I have been dealing with withdrawal side effects since then. Hopefully, Paxil will fully take effect soon. Each day is a struggle, and it has worn me down waiting on the Paxil. I don't intend on taking any new medications if I can help it."

• HHA...
• June 27, 2016

For Anxiety "I had a pretty good experience while taking this drug. I decided to pursue a career that would need me to not be on any medications and talked to my doctor about it. She slowly started to take me off the medications, and that took about 2 months total to get off. About 4 days after I stopped taking the medication completely, I began shaking uncontrollably, was nauseous, and my depression/anxiety was through the roof. I went to the ER, and they said it was withdrawal. These side effects lasted about 2 months total, but weren't as severe the whole time. It's been about 5 months since I went off, and I feel great!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 23, 2019

For Anxiety "I took Paxil for 1 year for anxiety and depersonalization, it did not help with my depression, but it helped a lot with anxiety. I did not gain weight, but I had trouble sleeping during the first few days taking it. It made me feel sleepy during the day. No sex drive. It’s not a miracle pill, but it helped me a lot with carrying on with my life and getting my stuff together. Withdrawal symptoms were the worst!"