some food for thought

SSRIs should always be discontinued under the supervision of a medical professional. Abruptly stopping these medications can result in a relapse of anxiety symptoms and serotonin withdrawal symptoms including trouble with coordination, tingly sensations, vivid dreams, flu-like symptoms, anxiety, and depressed mood. To avoid these serotonin withdrawal symptoms and the possibility of relapse, SSRIs should always be gradually tapered off.

What is SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome?

SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome occurs within 24 hours to one week of cessation of Paxil or similar SSRI drugs. The syndrome is connected to a drug's "elimination half-life", the period of time necessary before a pharmaceutical agent is completely out of a patient's system. Paxil has a particularly long half-life and a higher incidence rate of SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome.

While SSRIs like Paxil have been touted as non-addictive, the withdrawal syndrome mimics some typical facets of withdrawal from addictive drugs such as alcohol or opiates and creates powerful symptoms including:
* Gastrointestinal disturbances, including nausea or diarrhea;
* Mood disorders, such as suicidal ideation (suicidal thoughts), tearfulness, mania, irritability and aggression;
* Sensory and movement disorders, such as vertigo, trembling, dizziness, tingling and numbness, difficulty moving or walking, and ringing of the ears (tinnitus); and
* Sleep disorders, such as fatigue, narcolepsy, insomnia or vivid dreams.

Since the withdrawal symptoms of Paxil can be so strong, patients are encouraged to speak with their health care provider before going off the drug and are advised not to stop the drug suddenly. An experienced Paxil doctor can help you ramp down your dosage in appropriate amounts, tapering the dose off until you are no longer on the drug; however, Paxil tapering has not been proven to prevent the symptoms of SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome.