Paroxetine / Seroxat withdrawal symptoms

Posted , 41 users are following.

after being on the anti depressant Seroxat for 21 years, I am now coming off it, my doctor says must do this gradually. I am now taking 10mg every other day for 1 month then hopefully continue with maybe two 10 mg each week.

However I am having symptoms of withdrawal, I feel like I have a bees nest in my head, continuous buzzing then occasionally a feelin like an electric shock with a definite ping sound. 

I do not have this when lying down at night but I cannot lay down all day!

Has anyone else sffered this and if yes then how long will it last?

5 likes, 147 replies

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  • Posted

    Dear tillycd, I've been "watching" your post about a year now. It seems you have done incredibly well coming after Seroxat. You should be proud of yourself for that!

    i'm still not in a position to cut down my dose. But when I do, I shall take inspiration from you

    • Posted

      Hi Purpleheather thank you for your comment on my progress. I am proud to say I did it but maybe only because of my determination that after 20+ years on this drug I felt like a robot especially emotion wise so desperately wanted to come off it. When you are desperate  for something determination should motivate you but sadly the withdrawal is a nightmare worse for some also and very difficult but the alternative to stay on this evil drug is worse especially if there are no reason for it. 

      Hope if you do decide to come off it your journey won't be bad and you succeed xx

    • Posted

      Is diarrhoea a common withdrawal symptom?  I am having very bad diarrhoea one week after i stopped seroxat and now its the third week, still have motions so bad after i eat anything and they are unstoppable sad is this alarming and what should i do about it? 
  • Posted

    It is quite alarming, hearing all these tales regarding withdrawal of Seroxat. My story may be a bit different, as I asked my Dr originally for them (rather than her recommend). In 1994 I was on a tricyclic anti-depressant, which had little or no affect. I had severe OCD & depression/anxiety. I did my own research and discovered Seroxat. It worked better than I could ever imagine! Took 60 mg.

    I am still on it - maximum 60 mg. But I did cut down to 40 mg for several years, without any problem. Increased to 60 mg again 3 years ago after a major breakdown (also took Mirtazipine for a year, but got off them). The hospital I was under at the time, weren't keen on Seroxat (most people seemed to be on Sertroline), but decided to keep me on them as it had worked for me. Hope to go down to 40 mg again, when I'm able. But think I may be on them the rest of my life. Never want to be crippled with OCD again! I don't know how effective they are (compared to other SSRIs) for depression, but they definitely help with anxiety and OCD.

    The withdrawal symptoms mentioned by people here, I have had whilst TAKING Seroxat (rather than withdrawing). The electric shock sensation and bees nest, I know well. Seem to get them whenever I am ill with a high temperature, however slight. The vivid dreams I have had ever since I started on Seroxat. Also talking/shouting in my sleep, which I had never experienced before. I am guessing that means I go into a deeper sleep than I used to, which for me is a good thing.

    Just thought I should mention some of the positive things regarding Seroxat. For those of you withdrawing, I wish you all the best of luck. You will get there eventually, then you'll be able to judge whether you need anything at all. If so, then maybe Sertroline may be one to consider. Do not take tranquillisers (benzodiazepines) INSTEAD of anti-depressants. They ARE addictive, and very hard to withdraw from. They do have their uses though in moderation, for short periods.

     

  • Posted

    Hi, I have just found this internet site and following the chats I found myself agreeing with everything said and also really relating .  For myself and hope I was prescribed Seroxat 20mg's back in 1999 to help control severe panic/anxiety attacks brought on by work pressures that sometimes left me housebound and unable to go out or if I did not very far, 2 years ago my dosage reduced to 10mg's and so did the occasional anxiety/panic but lying down and trying to relax helped but left me exhausted/sleepy. I spoke to my Doctor about withdrawing completely, he said I should try by missing a dosage every other day or by halving the dosage daily, but  he made no mention of possible withdrawal symptoms.  So,  for the last two weeks I have been on 5mgs daily and  have already experienced the "electric shock and click" in my brain which reminded my almost of a signal nerve trying to reconnect.  Vivid dreams have also returned, usually just before waking up. Plus occasional tingling, nausea, palpitation and heightened emotions and waking up during the night with a feeling of dread.  I am still going to try and work through this phase by keeping occupied during the day to get physically tired and really  wish you luck. 

     

    • Posted

      Oh my goodness poor you Dave,

      Your story is very similar to mine, I was on seroxat for 20 years (20mg) 

      Ten years later decided to go down to 10mg by myself overnight, no problem..

      Then realised seroxat was doing me no good whatsoever and was told it would've stopped working a few years ago and I was just getting the negative side effects of this drug. Severe memory loss, increased appetite, more colds/flu, OCD! 

      On 5mg I went through 3 weeks of hell. Then that stopped! I am now currently on 2.5mg (in liquid form) 

      That transition was much easier than the 10 to 5mg!   I felt no difference going from 5mg to 2.5mg but I'm still scared, scared that it'll hit me later or some form of panic or something?  Especially as my Dr has told my pharmacist not to give me any more seroxat when I put in for my repeat prescription as I am weaning off.

      So I only have 1 and a half bottles left then no more!! It all seems too fast to me! They try and get you to come off it far far too quickly and we all end up so unwell there must be a better way from the medical experts! 

      I don't think most Drs understand just how vile and dreadful the withdrawal symptoms are from this evil drug.

      I promise you that you stick with this, stick with the 5mg for another month or as long as it takes then when you come down to 2.5mg it will be a much easier journey, because remember 5mg is only a therapeutic dose according to the Drs so it will be easier.  You CAN do it! We can do it all of us!! 

  • Posted

    Hello guys,

    I'm 33 years old, started Seroxat 5 months ago, and now off for 3 days.

    Beside the electric noisy vibration thing in my head, hopefully it goes off soon.

    But also I have now premature ejaculation since the l started to get lower dose (12.5) and now more clear since I got off.

    Is that normal? How long should this last ?

    Thanks for your support in advancesmile

    • Posted

      Don't think PE is caused by Seroxat detox alone.  There may be other factors involved. 

      Stay off Seroxat if you can and your body will adjust in two to three months. 

      Best of luck. 

    • Posted

      Well, you only worry me more now sad

      I was on Seroxat, Lamictal and remeron.

      And I stopped the 3 at once.

      The PE started the next day I stopped the 3 medicines.

  • Posted

    Hi there

    I've been on  Seroxat for 20+ years too.  Now I'm trying to come off it.  My idea of trying an anti-depressant free life went down like a lead balloon with my current psychiatrist.  i've been on anti-depressants since 1979 so I know I'm in for a bumpy ride.  However I didn't know how bumpy.  Coming off Seroxat is a roller coaster ride.  Soary soary highs and dippy dippy lows.  Uncontrollable weeping, nightmares and wetting the bed, constant hay fever and allergies, including not being able to use deodorant and usual washing powders etc.  Thumping heart, and all sorts of numbness, pins and needles, bodily sensations etc.  Weird pain behind my eyes etc etc...  Of course my gp is helping, but even he was astonished at how not ok I was last time he saw me.  He wanted me to increase my dose.

    I began on 60mg, got down to 30mg, went down to 20mg and then recently tried 20mg but have had to increase to 15mg which is much better.  So I'm staying on 15mg for now to stabilise and have a bit of a "rest"!  Yes, it really is hell.  But I oh so want a go at living without anti-depressants.

    Recently all my past has been coming into my head, which is horrendous.  But, it is my life, and I'm entitled to it.  And to feel it.  Anti-depressants have made me flat, and vague, and missing, and empty.  I want me back.  Tears, issues and all.  One day I'm hoping to persuade the medics to get me some counselling so I can work out the issues that got my on anti-depressants in the first place.  I'm sure that's the way forward.  

    I'm a grafter, so I'll work at it.  But I never thought It'd be this hard.  So well done to everyone on this forum for all the effort and sharing.  I thought I was quirky.  That no one else had this roller coaster ride.  But it seems we all do.  We Seroxat sufferers.  I can't believe that people who are supposed to help end up getting me into this state!!!  Never mind I'll do my best to realise my dreams.  

    Thanks everyone for your comments and ideas and tips, and experiences.  Thank you.  And I'd love to post again.  It seems it might be a long haul!!!

    • Posted

      Switch straight from 20mg paroxetine to 20mg fluoxetine. Side effects are negligible - unfortunately I had a viral infection shortly after switching and mistook those symptoms for withdrawal symptoms.

      Remain on fluoxetine until you feel stable and then start reducing. Because fluoxetine has a longer half life than paroxetine, it builds up in your system and therefore even if you suddenly stopped one day, you don't get that sudden sensation of discontinuing that you get with seroxat.

      I was on seroxat for over 20 years and tried multiple times to come off, without success. Until now. It doesn't have to be a problem for anyone - simply switch to Prozac and withdraw from that instead.

    • Posted

      Thanks for your comments and advice.  I did once take Prozac as an antidepressant and found it didn't suit me so had to come off it which is why I went onto Seroxat.  So do you think I will be able to change over to Prozac to come off Seroxat in view of this?

    • Posted

      I switched from seroxat to Prozac with no difficulty whatsoever. I previously tried switching from seroxat to venlafaxine but had such an awful time that I went straight back to seroxat. I thought there was no possibility of being able to switch to Prozac successfully but wanted to try...and it has been absolutely fine.

      I know we are all different, and that what works for me may not work for you, but if you want to come off seroxat, I would definitely try switching to Prozac and then, after a certain period of time - your GP can advise - start withdrawing from that. Hope all goes well.

    • Posted

      Thanks for your reply about the change over from Seroxat to Prozac.  It was most interesting, and encouraging.  I'm seeing my gp on Monday so I will certainly discuss this as it might be an excellent way forward.  I know it's hard to say what might work for me, but thank you so much for your information and for sharing your experiences.  It helps such a lot to know what someone else has done etc.  

      Thanks for wishing me well too!  I hope you are doing great now as well.

  • Posted

    I started on this at 10mg in 2012 and every time I went back to my GP instead of talking they just kept upping the dose. I’ve been taking 50mg daily until recently when everything became too much and I was suicidal. I ended up seeing an emergency psychiatrist and this resulted in the social services being called because I have young children. It felt so wrong because my children are the very last people I could ever harm. I was told to go to my GP and when I did( a GP I hadn’t seen before) she was horrified that not only was I given this drug but put on such a dose. It got to a stage that really bad things happened but I was so numb to emotions that I looked like I didn’t care even when I was torn up inside. Anyway, the new GP I have has really helped me just by actually paying attention and listening. I’m down to 30mg at the minute. Yes I’m experiencing side effects like you wouldn’t believe but I have total faith that I’m in good hands now. If you don’t mind I’ll keep you posted.

    • Posted

      Hi Aaron,

      I found this forum yesterday and am experiencing withdrawal symptoms too - although not nearly as badly as you were. Just wanted to wish you all the best and hope the you're continuing to feel better.

      Very best wishes,

      Jonathan

    • Posted

      Hi Jonathan

      Hope your withdrawal symptoms subside as you go along.  I'm sure it makes life hard for you if you feel a bit short tempered at the moment.  The other things are a pain too, but I hope it all works out for you in the end.  It might take all of us some time before we are ok again, but let's hope we all make it.  Glad you are going to keep posting as it will be great to know how you are getting on.  I can only say it's quite dire trying to come off Seroxat, but this forum certainly helps.

      Best wishes

      from Lesley

    • Posted

      It's very scary - you have had a terrible experience, I'm so sorry. And you're right, a good GP who listens and understands makes all the difference.

      I have written in this thread about changing from 20mg seroxat (after 20+ years) to 20mg Prozac. I haven't had any side effects. My next task is to reduce the Prozac, but this should not be as difficult as reducing seroxat, as Prozac has a longer half life.

      You CAN get off seroxat - I never thought I would, but I have. And you can too. Ask your GP about changing to Prozac and withdrawing from that instead.

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