Stress Center Peer Support

I guess I am just needing some support and comfort. I am currently weaning off of Paxil CR and feel incredibly anxious and physically terrible. I have nausea every five minutes which seems unbearable and the anxiety is out of control. I actually broke down in tears this afternoon because my mom was leaving, which meant I would be spending the evening alone. Why did this bother me so?

I just want to know if these are "normal" feelings of withdrawal from the Paxil. I am getting incredibly worried that this is how I am going to feel forever off of the medicine. I know that it seems irrational, however I just can't fathom feeling this way for much longer. It is such a struggle and it has only been for the last week or so. I have gone from 25 to 12.5 every other day. (This has actually been for about 2 weeks now, but the feelings of uncontrollable anxiety and yuck have only started this past week).

Again, I just think I need some feedback and a little input that this might have happened to others before. I just want to have the hope that this is actually going to stop feeling so terrible and it really isn't "my" anxiety, but rather the withdrawal that is causing it. Prior to going off the Paxil, I was feeling great and had been for a while. I just can't let myself believe that it is really all me.

Just struggling, any encouragement or advice would be appreciated. Thanks everyone!

Cocoa27

I weaned off Paxil (10mg) last May and I remember feeling like crap for some time. I remember going to a amusement park with my husband and kids and although a ride we went on didn't help, I was soooo nauseous and my head felt 'heavy' and weird. I went home and slept in the middle of the afternoon (which is sooo not me) and just plain out of it. That was the physical part. Mentally, I wondered and 'what-if'd' about being able to successfully go off it. I will speak for myself only-I was emotionally addicted to it. I started to doubt if I could do it, even after going thru the program. But, I kept listening to my tapes (especially self-talk) and of course, coming on here to read other's successes and stuff. You can do this and yes, you will feel weird and horrible at times. I would really take it slow and float through every horrible feeling you get. Tell yourself, no matter if it's 'your' anxiety or from withdrawl, you'll work thru it. Ultimately, recovering and kicking anxiety's butt is in your mind and thoughts. And remember-everybody has anxiety-it's how you deal with it-don't give it any power. Good Luck.

Coca,
I dont know how long youve been on paxil. But, several years ago i was on paxil for 8 months. After feeling emotionless for so long, i decided on my own to wean off..
I read some articles about weaning.. I found if you will drink lots of water, take showers often and when you feel the symtpoms, like maybe the zaps, go lay down and rest as often as you need to... The withdrawals do go away, Try not be scared, because you know what this is and they will pass... mine took two weeks, but they were only real bad about a week... My husband helped me by understanding what i was doing and why... So it didnt bother him that i would have just say, i need to go take a shower or go lay down for awhile, very often the first days of withdrawal... drinking water, cleanses your system but also hydrates you... I wish you well:) Nelly

Hi Cocoa! I went off of Paxil a few years ago, and I did it gradually too, but the withdrawl I had was short lived, and gradual too and not really severe. I did the weaning with the doctor's help and weaned a little at a time. Your feelings will pass just like Karmerri, and Mello said. Just keep doing your deep breathing, and the program, and give yourself positive affirmations! "This too shall pass"

Take care

I cried when my family left for Sunday evening services and I stayed home b/c I felt horribe. I can't stand to be alone. I guess they are my safety net and your mother is probally yours. I have never been on Paxil. Wish I could help you there. Beverly