Effective Paxil Withdrawal Treatment and Support
Paxil is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the US. Like other antidepressant medications, sudden discontinuation of the drug can lead to Paxil withdrawal treatment. Now, can Paxil withdrawal kill you? It is not likely. However, it can cause serious discomfort as well as long-term damage if not treated properly.
More than 40 million Americans take antidepressants. When taken per the recommendation of a healthcare provider, Paxil can be a very effective medication in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Like other medications that impact the central nervous system, Paxil can cause drug dependence, which then leads to the development of withdrawal symptoms. In fact, a 2020 study found that paroxetine, the generic version of Paxil, was commonly associated with the development of withdrawal in those taking the prescription medication.
Studies have shown that up to 80% of patients who abruptly stop using antidepressants can develop what is known as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. In other studies, research found that up to 7% of patients who stopped taking the medication Paxil experienced withdrawal symptoms.
Understanding Paxil
Paxil or paroxetine, is an antidepressant medication belonging to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRI’s work by regulating serotonin levels in the brain. Studies have found that mood disorders such as depression and anxiety are related to low levels of serotonin. Increased and balanced serotonin means improved mood and emotional well-being.
It is FDA approved to treat the following conditions: major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Withdrawal: Can Paxil Withdrawal Kill You?
No. Paxil withdrawal cannot kill you. However, it can be really uncomfortable both physically and emotionally. Abruptly stopping medication use can lead to antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. Also referred to as Paxil withdrawal symptoms.
About 50% of people who take antidepressants have been taking them for over 5 years. Antidepressant medications are one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the US. More than 56% of people who eventually quit antidepressants have experienced withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal occurs when a drug that your body has become dependent on is suddenly stopped. Serotonin levels begin to drastically drop causing the brain to scramble to readjust. This sudden shift in serotonin levels causes withdrawal symptoms.
How long does Paxil Withdrawal last?
Paxil’s half-life is generally around 21 hours. This means after drug cessation, withdrawal can occur within 2-3 days. Over the following 5 days or so, patients will experience withdrawal symptoms that can last anywhere from 3-6 weeks. In some severe cases of dependence, withdrawal can last as long as a year.
Withdrawal Symptoms
- Worsening of anxiety
- Irritability and mood changes
- Restlessness
- Changes in sleep habits including insomnia and the development of nightmares
- Headache
- Sweating and other flu-like symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Brain zaps
- Shaking and tremors
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea and cramps
- Panic
- Worsening of depression leading to suicidal thoughts and behavior
- Muscle tension
- Difficulty controlling speech
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Effective Strategies for Paxil Withdrawal Treatment
Navigating through Paxil withdrawal can be uncomfortable. The drug Paxil is often notorious for being among the most difficult antidepressants to come off of due to its shorter half-life, which leads to a quicker onset of intense withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can become so intense that they begin to disrupt daily life and well-being.
Discontinuation of the drug without the right approach can do more harm than good. Firstly, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before stopping drug use. Abrupt cessation of the medication will lead to withdrawal symptoms. Sometimes even under the supervision of a physician, quitting can become dangerous.
Gradual Taper
It is highly recommended to medically taper off Paxil over a period of 6-8 weeks. A gradual taper slowly reduces the drug dosage over time to allow the body to adjust to lower levels of the drug. The tapering method can also be individualized to each patient.
Tapering an antidepressant medication can help minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms and make them more manageable.
Other Lifestyle Strategies
- Social support through friends and family. Build a support network. These people can help you through rough patches, keep you grounded and give you a sense of community and purpose.
- Professional support through counseling and therapy.
- Over-the-counter medications to treat certain symptoms.
- Sleep aid medications to treat insomnia and sleep disturbances. Develop a healthy sleep routine. When the body is able to sleep and rest, it will be able to reset itself.
- Consider integrating and practicing relaxation and mindfulness techniques. This includes deep breathing exercises that can help reduce anxiety and help users focus on emotional balance.
- Regular exercise and physical activity. Regularly exercising naturally boosts endorphin levels, which can promote a more positive mood.
- Maintain a nutritious and healthy diet. Healthy foods will provide the necessary vitamins and nutrients the body needs in order to fight off diseases as well as mental health disorders.
- Explore other holistic types of therapies such as yoga or acupuncture. These practices can address discomfort and promote relaxation and enhance overall well-being.
Reach out to Hotel California by the Sea
We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Antidepressants like Paxil work by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. This helps treat conditions such as major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and other types of mood disorders. Many people get their prescriptions from their primary care physicians rather than a psychiatrist. Because of this, they can be unaware of the dangers when coming off this type of psychiatric medication.
In some cases, coming off antidepressants can result in worsening of existing mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Some studies show that those going through antidepressant withdrawal are more likely to attempt suicide or have suicidal thoughts and ideation compared to those who are not taking antidepressants. Professional behavioral programs such as Hotel California by the Sea provide treatment for substance withdrawal as well as substance addiction.
We offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilized evidence-based treatment methods like CBT, DBT and EMDR therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping clients reach their goals of sobriety and overcome their addiction.
References:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/paxil-withdrawal-symptoms
https://www.verywellmind.com/paxil-withdrawal-symptoms-timeline-and-treatment-4769771
https://www.choosingtherapy.com/paxil-withdrawal
https://addictionresource.com/drugs/paroxetine-paxil/withdrawal
https://neurishwellness.com/paxil-withdrawal-symptoms/
https://www.talkspace.com/blog/paxil-withdrawal/