Hi guys,
I just posted on the main forum page, too, but I read the most recent topic here and you guys have already given me hope. Maybe you can give me some more! I lowered my dosage of Paxil from 20 to 10 mg a week ago (my first 10mg dose was on last Wednesday night). i felt fine at first, but on Christmas day and yesterday, I was dizzy. I was also feeling like i was getting sick. I went online to see if these were withdrawl symptoms and I found a million horrible stories on paxil withdrawl that sent me into anxiety overdrive. Today I feel fine. The 10 mg has made me so much less tired than the 20 mg, and I am hoping that my sex drive will get back to normal, too. Still, after reading those scary stories that people posted about paxil withdrawl (such as suicide and turning violent), I am still nervous, even though I feel great. Please help me through this. Share your experiences with me, and maybe a few words of encouragement? I could really use it!

Withdrawal from Paxil feels like the flu.

However, if you taper off too quickly you can feel brain "zaps" and mood swings.

I would talk to your doctor about tapering off the drug properly to avoid any terrible side effects. Tapering off too soon can be a major problem with SSRI's.

I wasn't on Paxil very long at all. Maybe 2 months and the highest dose I took was 5mg.
I never felt any withdrawal or "zaps" or anything for that matter.

I really would suggest you talk to your doctor.

I was on the paxil withdrawal board for quite a while while I was trying to get off of it. It took me 4 months to do it. I never had the violence or suicidal thoughts in those 4 months. Some people never have any side effects and some experience just some dizziness. From what I went thru, you will know within 3-5 days if you are going to have any of the symptoms. I'd say you are one of the lucky ones. I'd also say to go to 5 mg and try that for a few days and if you don't have any of these odd symptoms then just get off of it. You are going to be fine. BTW, reading those posts really can cause anxiety like it did for me when I first came across them. Good luck. doodles

Thanks for your replies. I am feeling more confident right now. i plan to stay on 10 mg for a while, and i have a call in to my dr. to see what she thinks about me lowering my dosage (I can't imagine she will be too happy with me!). I am feeling better today- not dizzy at all. I have only been on Paxil for 6-8 weeks, so that probably makes it easier for me to adjust to a lower dosage. Thanks for your help with this- it is scary, but I am getting through it, as I know you all are too. I will stop scaring myself by reading such scary things. This board is much more satisfying and makes me feel better about myself.

Hi There,

I was reading your post and you finaly hit the nail on the head with how my head feels or what these symptoms are...BRAIN ZAPS! I am not on any meds (was on effexor about 7 months ago for a year). My anxiety and depression has crept back into my life and I am getting these awful brain zaps that feel like I am having frontal lobe sesures or something???? Very scary, feel like I am going nuts and my skills that I have learned are not helping me here.

Do you have "brain zaps"? If so any coments on them would greatly comfort me. I am actually going to the doc on the 3rd to discuss going back on meds and to get his opinion on my head and this anxiety/depression.

I am only 25. I need some guidance. My life can't continue like this! I am expressing this not to feel sorry for my self but to put out the word to anyone that reads this " I NEED HELP"! I want to live again......

Best wishes always,

Mr. Brain Zap




[This message has been edited by Brandon (edited 12-29-2001).]

Hey Brandon,

I am only 24 and I keep thinking "I am too young! This can't start now!!! I have a life to life, damnit!" BUT, anxiety does not care who we are or how old we are! Anyhow, about the brain zaps, it feels like I am getting mildly electrocuted! It does not hurt but it is annoying. I hear that this is a symptom of paxil withdrawl. It makes me dizzy sometimes, too. I don't think you have anything to worry about- I have read that such sensations are part of anxiety, too. It can do really screwy things to you. THe more you pay attention to the zaps, the more they will come (or at least that is how it seems to work for me!). Dont' get too bugged out by the sensation. Just let it do its thing and try to ignore it. You are not the only on that this happens to. GOod luck at the dr. If you have to go back on meds to get you through the next few months or even just weeks, don't be disappointed in yourself. At least you know that A) you are not alone and anyone on this forum will be here to help you out whenever you have questions or are scared B) it WILL go away. Anxiety does not last forever if you are willing to work at it. That included meds as far as i am concerned. I don't see it as a cop out, especially because of how hard it is to make the decision to go on it in the first place. Good luck to you, don't freak out about the zaps, they are more annoying than anything once you get past being afraid of them! You are not the only one going through this, remember that. I would love to help you out again if I can...