How Long Does Withdrawal From Paxil Last?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsOverviewTimelineSigns & SymptomsCoping & ReliefPaxil Withdrawal WarningsPregnancyLong-Term TreatmentResources

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Overview

Timeline

Signs & Symptoms

Coping & Relief

Paxil Withdrawal Warnings

Pregnancy

Long-Term Treatment

Resources

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What is the most important information I should know about withdrawal from Paxil?Do not stop taking Paxil without talking to your physician first.Stopping antidepressant use can cause depression to return, making it important to watch for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

What is the most important information I should know about withdrawal from Paxil?

Do not stop taking Paxil without talking to your physician first.Stopping antidepressant use can cause depression to return, making it important to watch for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

It is not uncommon for someone to experience withdrawal symptoms for up to six weeks when attempting to stop using Paxil, with some having symptoms much longer.Keep reading to learn more about withdrawal from Paxil, including the symptoms you might expect and what you can do to cope.

Overview of Withdrawal from Paxil

More than 40 million people in the U.S. take antidepressants.Many received their prescription from a family doctor rather than a psychiatrist.SSRI withdrawal symptomshave been well documented in medical literature,but prescribing physicians without psychiatric expertise sometimes neglect to tell their patients what to expect.

Many people taking Paxil and other SSRIs for a long enough time experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit or reduce their dose. About 50% of people on antidepressants have been taking them for over five years, and one in four has been on them for ten or more years.

More than 56% of people who quit antidepressants experience withdrawal symptoms.Unfortunately, Paxil is notorious for being among the hardest antidepressants to quit.Due to its short half-life, Paxil withdrawal can hit hard and fast.

Changing or stopping your dose of antidepressants also increases your risk of a recurrence of themood or anxiety symptomsit was treating.

Paxil Withdrawal Timeline

Paxil has a relatively short half-life of 21 hours.This means withdrawal symptoms often develop fast, typically within two to three days.

A 2023 review of published data reports that most people who experienceantidepressant withdrawalhave symptoms for up to six weeks.However, some people may have symptoms for months or even years.

While several studies have looked at paroxetine withdrawal specifically, determining a timeline for symptoms has been difficult because many people re-start the drug for relief.This makes it hard to know how long withdrawal actually lasts.

Signs & Symptoms of Paxil Withdrawal

Symptoms associated with withdrawal from SSRIs include the following:

While it is possible to experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping any antidepressant, some are notoriously worse than others. Paxil is among the worst offenders. This is to some degree due to its half-life, which means the amount of time it takes for half the drug to effectively leave your body.

Paxil withdrawal symptoms can range from mildly bothersome to severe and incapacitating. TheDiscontinuation-Emergent Signs and Symptoms Scale(DESS) is a checklist you can use to evaluate your symptoms and their severity. This checklist should serve as a reference only; your clinician will use this or something similar to diagnose you.

Coping & Relief for Paxil Withdrawal

Paxil withdrawal can be distressing, but there are things you can do to lessen the blow. Healthcare providers often recommend switching to a long-acting SSRI, like Prozac (fluoxetine), before attempting to quit. Once you are stabilized on a dose of Prozac, you can attempt to slowly taper your dose.

Research suggests a slow taper that continues down past the therapeutic dose until your dose is nearly 0 milligrams.

Additional coping strategies include:

Social Support

Informing your friends and family about potential withdrawal symptoms, such as agitation, may help prevent interpersonal conflicts.

Sleep Aids

If you aredealing with insomnia, a prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) sleep medication may be helpful.

OTC Medications

You can use OTC pain relievers, like Tylenol and Advil, to help with aches and pains or Pepto-Bismol to help with nausea and vomiting.

Always talk with your healthcare provider first to make sure these medicines are safe for you.

Relaxation Techniques

Meditation, yoga, andbreathing exercisesare all good ways to reduce stress and agitation.

Exercise

Aerobicexercise helps improve your moodand boost energy. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise four times a week.

Diet

A diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can helpkeep your body energizedduring your withdrawal experience.

Mindfulness

One of the best ways to cope with withdrawal symptoms is to recognize that what you are feeling is a result of your antidepressant withdrawal—and is only temporary.

The Best Mental Health Apps

Whencoming off antidepressantslike Paxil, there is a risk that your depression or anxiety may return. Studies have shown that, overall, compared to people on antidepressants, people quitting antidepressants are more likely to attempt suicide.

Although changes in mood and behavior often occur when going on and off antidepressants, it is important for friends and family to keep an eye out for signs of serious distress. Signs that you or someone you love is suicidal include the following:

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Pregnancy and Paxil Use

If you become pregnant while taking Paxil, it is important to talk with your physician as soon as possible because you will have some decisions to make. Your care provider can help you weigh the risks and benefits of continuing on your medication or stopping it.

Further, women with depression who discontinueantidepressants during pregnancyare about five times more likely to have a relapse than women who continued taking them.

Long-Term Treatment Options After Paxil Discontinuation

Your long-term treatment plan will depend on your initial diagnosis and your current symptoms. It is best to work with your physician to make a plan that fits your individual needs.

If you didn’t tolerate Paxil well but are still experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, your care provider may want to introduce a new medication or combination of medications. If you no longer wish to take medication, they may recommend alternative therapies, such as psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is an evidence-based treatment for depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that can help relieve and prevent depression. Research suggests that psychological interventions during antidepressant tapering can be an effective alternative for relapse prevention.

Complementary and alternative therapies include:

If you feel your physician isn’t helping sufficiently with your condition, seek a second opinion or, consider finding a new psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist in your area. TheSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)has a searchabledirectoryof qualified providers. You can also call them at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

If you have health insurance, you can also search the company’s list of local providers who accept your insurance. The main thing to remember is that help is available, so you don’t have to face depression or antidepressant withdrawal alone.

12 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Horowitz MA, Framer A, Hengartner MP, Sørensen A, Taylor D.Estimating risk of antidepressant withdrawal from a review of published data.CNS Drugs. 2023;37:143-157. doi:10.1007/s40263-022-00960-yPratt LA, Brody DJ, Gu Q.Antidepressant use among persons aged 12 and over: United States, 2011–2014. National Center for Health Statistics.Villalobos-Madriz JA, Serrano-Arias B, Arguedas-Chacón S, et al.Prescribing trends in psychotropic medications among outpatients of a Latin American healthcare setting: a five-year retrospective study.Cureus. 2023;15(4):e37832. doi:10.7759/cureus.37832Davies J, Read J.A systematic review into the incidence, severity and duration of antidepressant withdrawal effects: Are guidelines evidence-based?Addict Behav.2019;97:111-121. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.08.027Nevels RM, Gontkovsky ST, Williams BE.Paroxetine-the antidepressant from hell? Probably not, but caution required.Psychopharmacol Bull.2016;46(1):77–104.Food and Drug Administration.Paxil (paroxetine hydrochloride) tablets and oral suspension.Fava GA, Gatti A, Belaise C, Guidi J, Offidani E.Withdrawal symptoms after selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor discontinuation: A systematic review.Psychother Psychosom. 2015;84(2):72-81. doi:10.1159/000370338Horowitz MA, Taylor D.Tapering of SSRI treatment to mitigate withdrawal symptoms.Lancet Psychiatry.2019;6(6):538-546. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(19)30032-XPalmer EG, Sornalingam S, Page L, Cooper M.Withdrawing from SSRI antidepressants: advice for primary care.Brit J Gen Pract. 2023;73(728):138-140. doi:10.3399/bjgp23X732273National Institute of Mental Health.Frequently asked questions about suicide.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Paroxetine (Paxil).Breedvelt JJF, Warren FC, Segal Z, Kuyken W, Bockting CL.Continuation of antidepressants vs sequential psychological interventions to prevent relapse in depression: An individual participant data meta-analysis.JAMA Psychiatry. 2021;78(8):868-875. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2021.0823

12 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Horowitz MA, Framer A, Hengartner MP, Sørensen A, Taylor D.Estimating risk of antidepressant withdrawal from a review of published data.CNS Drugs. 2023;37:143-157. doi:10.1007/s40263-022-00960-yPratt LA, Brody DJ, Gu Q.Antidepressant use among persons aged 12 and over: United States, 2011–2014. National Center for Health Statistics.Villalobos-Madriz JA, Serrano-Arias B, Arguedas-Chacón S, et al.Prescribing trends in psychotropic medications among outpatients of a Latin American healthcare setting: a five-year retrospective study.Cureus. 2023;15(4):e37832. doi:10.7759/cureus.37832Davies J, Read J.A systematic review into the incidence, severity and duration of antidepressant withdrawal effects: Are guidelines evidence-based?Addict Behav.2019;97:111-121. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.08.027Nevels RM, Gontkovsky ST, Williams BE.Paroxetine-the antidepressant from hell? Probably not, but caution required.Psychopharmacol Bull.2016;46(1):77–104.Food and Drug Administration.Paxil (paroxetine hydrochloride) tablets and oral suspension.Fava GA, Gatti A, Belaise C, Guidi J, Offidani E.Withdrawal symptoms after selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor discontinuation: A systematic review.Psychother Psychosom. 2015;84(2):72-81. doi:10.1159/000370338Horowitz MA, Taylor D.Tapering of SSRI treatment to mitigate withdrawal symptoms.Lancet Psychiatry.2019;6(6):538-546. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(19)30032-XPalmer EG, Sornalingam S, Page L, Cooper M.Withdrawing from SSRI antidepressants: advice for primary care.Brit J Gen Pract. 2023;73(728):138-140. doi:10.3399/bjgp23X732273National Institute of Mental Health.Frequently asked questions about suicide.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Paroxetine (Paxil).Breedvelt JJF, Warren FC, Segal Z, Kuyken W, Bockting CL.Continuation of antidepressants vs sequential psychological interventions to prevent relapse in depression: An individual participant data meta-analysis.JAMA Psychiatry. 2021;78(8):868-875. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2021.0823

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Horowitz MA, Framer A, Hengartner MP, Sørensen A, Taylor D.Estimating risk of antidepressant withdrawal from a review of published data.CNS Drugs. 2023;37:143-157. doi:10.1007/s40263-022-00960-yPratt LA, Brody DJ, Gu Q.Antidepressant use among persons aged 12 and over: United States, 2011–2014. National Center for Health Statistics.Villalobos-Madriz JA, Serrano-Arias B, Arguedas-Chacón S, et al.Prescribing trends in psychotropic medications among outpatients of a Latin American healthcare setting: a five-year retrospective study.Cureus. 2023;15(4):e37832. doi:10.7759/cureus.37832Davies J, Read J.A systematic review into the incidence, severity and duration of antidepressant withdrawal effects: Are guidelines evidence-based?Addict Behav.2019;97:111-121. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.08.027Nevels RM, Gontkovsky ST, Williams BE.Paroxetine-the antidepressant from hell? Probably not, but caution required.Psychopharmacol Bull.2016;46(1):77–104.Food and Drug Administration.Paxil (paroxetine hydrochloride) tablets and oral suspension.Fava GA, Gatti A, Belaise C, Guidi J, Offidani E.Withdrawal symptoms after selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor discontinuation: A systematic review.Psychother Psychosom. 2015;84(2):72-81. doi:10.1159/000370338Horowitz MA, Taylor D.Tapering of SSRI treatment to mitigate withdrawal symptoms.Lancet Psychiatry.2019;6(6):538-546. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(19)30032-XPalmer EG, Sornalingam S, Page L, Cooper M.Withdrawing from SSRI antidepressants: advice for primary care.Brit J Gen Pract. 2023;73(728):138-140. doi:10.3399/bjgp23X732273National Institute of Mental Health.Frequently asked questions about suicide.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Paroxetine (Paxil).Breedvelt JJF, Warren FC, Segal Z, Kuyken W, Bockting CL.Continuation of antidepressants vs sequential psychological interventions to prevent relapse in depression: An individual participant data meta-analysis.JAMA Psychiatry. 2021;78(8):868-875. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2021.0823

Horowitz MA, Framer A, Hengartner MP, Sørensen A, Taylor D.Estimating risk of antidepressant withdrawal from a review of published data.CNS Drugs. 2023;37:143-157. doi:10.1007/s40263-022-00960-y

Pratt LA, Brody DJ, Gu Q.Antidepressant use among persons aged 12 and over: United States, 2011–2014. National Center for Health Statistics.

Villalobos-Madriz JA, Serrano-Arias B, Arguedas-Chacón S, et al.Prescribing trends in psychotropic medications among outpatients of a Latin American healthcare setting: a five-year retrospective study.Cureus. 2023;15(4):e37832. doi:10.7759/cureus.37832

Davies J, Read J.A systematic review into the incidence, severity and duration of antidepressant withdrawal effects: Are guidelines evidence-based?Addict Behav.2019;97:111-121. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.08.027

Nevels RM, Gontkovsky ST, Williams BE.Paroxetine-the antidepressant from hell? Probably not, but caution required.Psychopharmacol Bull.2016;46(1):77–104.

Food and Drug Administration.Paxil (paroxetine hydrochloride) tablets and oral suspension.

Fava GA, Gatti A, Belaise C, Guidi J, Offidani E.Withdrawal symptoms after selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor discontinuation: A systematic review.Psychother Psychosom. 2015;84(2):72-81. doi:10.1159/000370338

Horowitz MA, Taylor D.Tapering of SSRI treatment to mitigate withdrawal symptoms.Lancet Psychiatry.2019;6(6):538-546. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(19)30032-X

Palmer EG, Sornalingam S, Page L, Cooper M.Withdrawing from SSRI antidepressants: advice for primary care.Brit J Gen Pract. 2023;73(728):138-140. doi:10.3399/bjgp23X732273

National Institute of Mental Health.Frequently asked questions about suicide.

National Alliance on Mental Illness.Paroxetine (Paxil).

Breedvelt JJF, Warren FC, Segal Z, Kuyken W, Bockting CL.Continuation of antidepressants vs sequential psychological interventions to prevent relapse in depression: An individual participant data meta-analysis.JAMA Psychiatry. 2021;78(8):868-875. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2021.0823

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