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Getting Relief From Paxil Withdrawal Symptoms
Paxil (paroxetine) is a popularly prescribed antidepressant classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Health experts consider it non-addictive because it doesn’t induce euphoric feelings. However, people who stop taking the drug abruptly will still experience withdrawal symptoms, also known as discontinuation syndrome. The onset of these uncomfortable effects is a surefire indicator of dependence.
Health providers regularly prescribe SSRIs, such as Paxil, to individuals in recovery from substances if they have psycho-emotional disorders, such as depression or anxiety. Co-occurring mental health issues are common among those with substance abuse problems, so they often go undiagnosed and unaddressed for an extended period.
For addicts in recovery whose depression results from serotonin deficiency, Paxil can relieve some withdrawal symptoms while improving brain chemistry and emotional wellness.
Paxil Withdrawal Symptoms and Detox
Paxil’s primary function is to inhibit the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain. Doing so improves this neurochemical’s ability to elevate mood and relieve depressive symptoms. But, unfortunately, for many individuals who use Paxil, the drug, at some point, becomes ineffective.
Discontinuing the use of an SSRI such as Paxil isn’t usually as challenging as recovering from recreational drug use. Symptoms tend to be mild and are typically managed by gradually tapering the dose. That said, abrupt discontinuation of Paxil or another SSRI can cause rebound depression and anxiety, and this re-emergence of mood issues tends to be very distressing.
The following are common Paxil withdrawal symptoms:
Irritability
Dizziness
Anxiety
Extreme depression
Headache
Insomnia
Flu-like symptoms
Vertigo
Nausea
Confusion
Excessive dreaming
Suicidal ideations
Even gradually decreasing the dose of paroxetine can produce depressive feelings, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. If symptoms get more severe, individuals are urged to notify their health provider immediately—fixing the problem is frequently as simple as temporarily increasing the dose.
Physicians also sometimes prescribe fluoxetine (Prozac), an SSRI similar in effect to paroxetine but with a shorter half-life. Fluoxetine may lead to comparatively milder withdrawal symptoms when discontinuation is nearing.
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If you or a loved one need help with substance abuse and/or treatment, please contact Just Believe Recovery at (888) 380-0667. Our specialists can assess your individual needs and help you get the treatment that provides the best chance for long-term recovery.
Paxil Withdrawal Timeline
How long symptoms last and their intensity are dependent on the person’s unique features, the amount and frequency of the doses being administered at the time of cessation, and the duration in which the patient has been using the medication. Withdrawal symptoms will typically onset within the first 24-48 hours of dose reduction and peak in severity between 4-5 days.
For most individuals, withdrawal symptoms abate entirely after 2-3 weeks. Nonetheless, new evidence suggests that it can take as long as 90 days before the brain has become fully accustomed to the absence of Paxil. During this time, the person and their doctor must closely monitor fluctuations in symptoms.
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms
Symptoms of discontinuation syndrome related to Paxil are most intense and problematic when doses are stopped abruptly. Accidentally missing one or two doses can still instigate the onset of withdrawals. Moreover, an individual who has been administering large and regular doses of paroxetine will, on average, experience more severe withdrawal symptoms than a person who has been using smaller amounts.
For example, Paxil doses range from 10-60 mg in general. Persons who have been taking 50 mg or more for at least a year will inevitably take longer to taper off of Paxil than an individual who has been taking doses at 30 mg or less.
When doses are stopped suddenly, the most effective way to manage and relieve symptoms is to return to the use of the prescribed dose and gradually taper doses from this point. However, individuals are urged to avoid abrupt Paxil cessation without consulting their health provider and devising a plan for discontinuing the medication altogether.
Exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet can also be beneficial for managing withdrawal symptoms. Eating plenty of dark, leafy greens and supplementing with probiotics can help relieve anxiety symptoms. Exercise can also help normalize metabolic activities and decrease cortisol, a stress hormone.
Seeking Help While Transitioning From Paxil
A health provider who has been prescribing Paxil is the person most equipped to provide support and guidance during the discontinuation phase of the medication’s administration. Although transitioning from Paxil may be relatively simple for some, it can be challenging for others.
Moreover, some individuals who use Paxil for mental health disorders and wish to discontinue the medication may find it difficult, and it’s not uncommon for those with emotional issues to turn to the use of other substances as a means of self-medication. Unfortunately, this is seldom effective. Those struggling to get off antidepressants, illicit or prescription drugs, or alcohol will likely benefit from professional treatment.
Just Believe Recovery Center offers integrated treatment that addresses drug dependence, addiction, and mental health disorders. Our programs include services clinically proven beneficial for the recovery process, such as behavioral therapy, counseling, group therapy, peer support, aftercare planning, and more.
We Believe Recovery Is Possible For Everyone.
If you or a loved one need help with substance abuse and/or treatment, please contact Just Believe Recovery at (888) 380-0667. Our specialists can assess your individual needs and help you get the treatment that provides the best chance for long-term recovery.
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