ADVICE
This advice is based on the experience of many people who have dealt with the Paxil withdrawal issue, their relatives, and doctors. It is intended for helping patients reduce symptoms and adjust dosage properly.
Tips
- Stay in touch with your physician for as long as you are going to take Paxil. Should you feel bad or notice any changes in your condition, reduce the dose or cut down on the medicine and consult him/her.
- It is advisable to take Paxil when you are not too busy. Take a leave and get your children to do their own little businesses and to let you focus on your health.
- Warn all your loved ones and friends about the possible consequences, which withdrawal may give you.
- Make sure there are no stress factors, because they can make symptoms worse. If you feel bad, try to recall some good thing and thus fuel your mood. Reading books, watching films, going for physical work, exercise, recreation, etc., will distract your attention from nasty sensations and help you get through the hard time.
- Do not take any drugs or alcohol!
- Even if you feel really bad, you always know that this will end one day. Think about the best!
- You can run a diary and thus keep track of your condition. Stay in touch with your doctor.
Withdrawal Guides
- Protocol for the withdrawal of SSRI Antidepressants - Dr. Healy
- Practical Tips for Tapering Off - SSRI withdrawal guide from About.com ( some ads)
- SSRI Withdrawal procedure - Guide for accupuncturists
Other Useful Recommendations
Paxil is a psychotropic prescription drug, which should be administered under close supervision. Unfortunately, not all doctors are conscientious enough to thoroughly research patients and ensure it will not harm them. As a result, patients who use Paxil eventually get into even more trouble, as they have to deal with serious withdrawal symptoms.
- If used improperly, Paxil can inflict damage comparable to that of alcohol and other addictive drugs. This can be very painful and, in some cases, life-shattering. However, most people, who have bad experience with Paxil withdrawal, say there is hardly another way to get over it but cold turkey or fast-taper.
Do not panic if you have side effects, particularly visional, auditory, and other types of hallucinations. This is something you can hardly avoid during withdrawal.