4 Years after Paxil still withdrawal?

Posted by mountainviews22 @mountainviews22, Feb 9, 2023

I did a very fast taper off of Paxil over 4 yrs ago. I went from 40mg to 0 in not even 8 weeks. I felt great for a few months then my life took a horrible nose dive in early 2019. Chronic fatigue, body pain, horrific anxiety, paranoia. I was told this could very well be protracted withdrawal. I was on the Paxil for 10 years. I am currently on Zoloft 75mg, started taking it in the fall of 2020. I want this med gone out of my life but I know I cannot do a fast taper like I did with the Paxil. I'm struggling so much, it's almost like I had a "silent breakdown". I am no longer the same woman I was 4 years ago pre- Paxil taper. I felt like I truly died 4 years ago. I'm grieving for my old self and my old life. I have utter panic and unbearable fear that these symptoms are permanent. I am no stranger to psych meds, not just SSRIs but benzos, antipsychoics the last 20 years. Paxil seems to be the greatest evil out of these drugs. Has anyone or know of anyone who has gone through horrible withdrawals from Paxil lasting years? Success stories?

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bani | @bani | Feb 10, 2023

I took Paxil for about 20 years (25 mg. time released). I tapered quite quickly and stopped with no difficulty. I stopped because it was causing low sodium problems for me. I would love to be able to take it again. I am wondering if there is anything else going on in your life in terms of medications, health issues (either physical or psychological), or other stress that could account for
the difficulty you are having in not taking Paxil.