If you've been on paxil for a little over four years,?

Question

after you get off it how long does it take for your serotonin system to go back to how it used to be?

also, is it true that until then you can be poisoned by your own serotonin until then??

Answer 1

Sometimes if you stop taking Paxil suddenly. (like cold turkey) you will get sick from the seratonin. usually your doctor will slowly lessen the dose so that doesnt happen.

Answer 2

Paxil is cleared quickly by the body so if you stop cold turkey can have a wuthdrawal syndrome which is usually described as flu like symptoms and 'pins and needles' feelings in your extremities. Most docs will taper you off slowly, maybe 1 to 2 weeks, to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

While you are on serotonin medications like Paxil, you are increased risk of something called 'Serontonin Syndrome' which is usually caused by being on multiple medications that raise serotonin levels. Serotonin Syndrome is characterized by fevers, spastic muscles, and confusion. Its fairly rare, but can be fatal so you have to be careful with medications like tramadol, amphetamines, and monoamine oxidase inhibtors.

If you want to get off of your Paxil, I would talk to your doctor. We usually recommend being on antidepressants for 1 year after resolution of symptoms. Stopping your antidepressant is associated with about 50% risk of relapse if you've had 1 depressive episode, 80% risk if you've had 2 depressive episodes and 90% if you've had 3 depressive episodes. The more times you have been depressed, the more liekly you'll relapse after discontinuing your antidepressant.