Paxil (Paroxetine) Withdrawal: Symptoms, Duration, & How to Cope

What Is Paxil (Paroxetine)?

Paxil (paroxetine) is FDA-approved for treating the symptoms of depression and OCD, among other conditions.¹ It is available in oral tablets, controlled release, and suspensions and is taken once daily as prescribed by a doctor.

Paxil belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) class of drugs that works by regulating serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in improved mood and emotional well-being.²

Paxil is FDA-approved to treat the following conditions:¹

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Panic disorder
• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

What Is Paxil Withdrawal?

Paxil should be taken as prescribed by a doctor and skipping a dose can be dangerous to one’s health. Discontinuing your medication without consulting your physician can lead to withdrawal symptoms.³ After using Paxil for some time, a person’s body becomes adapted to the presence of the drug in their system. Therefore, suddenly stopping Paxil results in a state of chemical imbalance, leading to negative physical and mental effects in the form of withdrawal.

Paxil Withdrawal Symptoms

Paxil withdrawal symptoms can be intolerable and dangerous to your health. When you stop your Paxil medication, especially abruptly, you will likely experience headaches, dizziness, and mood changes. The severity of symptoms varies depending on a person’s health condition, age, or if the medication was tapered or replaced suddenly.

Paxil withdrawal symptoms usually begin within one to two days of cessation, with symptoms typically reaching their maximum intensity on the fifth day.⁴ However, if these do not resolve within two to three weeks, it is advisable to seek assistance from a doctor.

Paxil withdrawal symptoms may include:⁴

• Increased anxiety
• Sleeping problems
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Nightmares
• Irritability
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Sweating
• Mood changes
• Changes in appetite
• Vomiting
• Restlessness

Severe symptoms of Paxil withdrawal that may require immediate medical attention include:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Engaging in self-harm 
• Persistent headaches
• Persistent sweating

Causes of Paxil Withdrawal

After starting a Paxil prescription, your body will gradually adjust to the presence of the drug in your system. However, stopping or switching your medication without consulting your doctor can result in withdrawal. Before you consider doing so, it is imperative to reach out to your doctor.

Relapse of Depression Symptoms

A relapse in depression symptoms may occur following Paxil cessation. Several factors, including previous depression episodes and unstable remission, can put you at higher risk for relapse.

Noticeable signs of depression relapse may include:⁵

• Noticeable mood changes
• Changes in social interactions
• Lack of interest
• Increased irritability
• Sleep disturbances

Below are ways to help prevent depression relapse:

• Take medication as prescribed
• Engage in physical activity
• Maintain a healthy diet
• Maintain a healthy sleep schedule
• Seek therapy

Discontinuation of Paxil While Pregnant

Pregnant or breastfeeding women are discouraged from taking Paxil. Pregnant individuals are at risk of experiencing preterm labor. Those who are breastfeeding may pass the medication through breast milk to their infant. Before considering Paxil, talk with your doctor to understand the risks associated to ensure your and your baby’s safety.¹

Paxil Withdrawal Timeline

Typically, withdrawal symptoms emerge within the first week of Paxil cessation.⁴ Should withdrawal occur, symptoms usually last between two and three weeks. If you continue experiencing withdrawal after this window or symptoms become severe, you should reach out to your doctor.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Suddenly stopping your Paxil medication can be dangerous to your health. Talk with your doctor about safety concerns before considering doing so. This may help prevent or reduce withdrawal symptoms.

Questions to ask your care team about discontinuing Paxil include:

• Is it dangerous to stop taking Paxil?
• Are there other risks of stopping Paxil?
• When should I expect to experience withdrawal symptoms?
• Who should I call and what should I do if my symptoms worsen?
• Would starting a new medication help reduce withdrawal symptoms?
• Can my depression worsen after stopping taking Paxil?
• Are there any conditions that affect the severity of withdrawal symptoms?
• How long do withdrawal symptoms last?

How to Cope With Paroxetine Withdrawal Symptoms

Several coping strategies can help relieve Paxil withdrawal symptoms, such as getting quality sleep and exercising regularly. Adopting healthy coping mechanisms can be very important, as they help you address the stressors and emotions that may be worsening your symptoms.

Below are strategies to help relieve symptoms of Paxil withdrawal:

Get Adequate Sleep

Many things, including depression, can affect your sleeping patterns and result in sleep deprivation. This can worsen both depression and withdrawal symptoms, so it’s important to maintain a healthy sleep routine and schedule.⁶

Engage in Physical Exercise

Studies show that engaging in regular physical activity positively impacts mental health. As Paxil is gradually removed from your body, an imbalance in serotonin levels can occur. Exercise can help regulate these levels and improve your withdrawal symptoms.⁷

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Consider changing your diet by eating more nutritious and healthy foods, as this can help increase energy and overall mood. Along with exercise, healthy eating habits are beneficial when coping with Paxil withdrawal.⁴

Seek Alternative Treatments

If Paxil does not work for you, your doctor can provide a taper schedule to help you safely stop your prescription. This way, the medication is slowly removed from your system, reducing the risk for withdrawal symptoms. Alternatively, a physician can recommend a different medication to Paxil that better suits your needs.

Support Groups

Engaging in a support group can help you connect with others who have experienced similar situations. In these settings, you can share your struggles with Paxil withdrawal and learn healthy tips for coping with it from peers.

Final Thoughts

Paxil is an effective medication for relieving symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other health conditions. Withdrawal can occur after stopping Paxil, but withdrawal symptoms can become severe after immediate cessation. For this reason, be sure to discuss associated risks and side effects with your doctor before doing so.