I stopped taking my 10mg of Paxil 3 days ago?

Question

I started taking Paxil about 4 1/2 weeks ago for anxiety. I noticed I wasn't waking up with chest pain any longer and the anxiety has been diminished. Problem is that I was now seriously depressed almost suicidal. I questioned my dr and she said that it was an anti-depressant and I thought it's probably because I am not focusing on the anxiety. I don't like the way this med. makes me feel. I quit taking it and am now worried about the withdrawal. I just don't think it is good to be on this medicine. I did feel dizzy when I got up from a lounge chair and had to stand there for a minute until the dizziness went away. I don't feel suicidal at all now but what will come? I can't take this medicine because it provided more problems than I needed. Does anyone have advice because I am done with this?

Answer 1

Paxil is an antidepressant medication known as an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor).  SSRIs take several weeks to become effective.  These medications can cause depression to get worse at first, which is probably where the suicidiality came from.  You should never abruptly stop taking medications without talking to your doctor first.  SSRIs are drugs that cannot be abruptly stopped, especially if one with a shorter half life---such as Paxil.  Your dizziness and any flu like symptoms are most likely do to this.  You have messed up your body's neutrotransmitters and they just need to get back in order, usually taking a week or two.  However, Paxil is not an anti-anxiety drug, but if it was helping, perhaps you could try another SSRI?  You should discuss this with your doctor.  

Answer 2

Paxil is one of the antidepressants that has been known to cause suicidal feelings and depression. You did the right thing by going off of it.  If you went off of it cold turkey, you will have a few side effects, of dizziness, and wozzie head, but it will pass. You may get a headache also. If you still need a med for anxiety, there are others that can help you.