How to Stop Paroxetine for Anxiety Without Severe Sedative Effects?

I am trying to get off my antidepressants paroxetine. I started taking them 2 years ago due to a burnout with a lot of anxiety. It helps for the anxiety but at the same time it gives an extremely sedative feeling that i cant deal with anymore. I tapered down and last week i tried to stop. I was off of them for 12 days and the sedative feeling was less but then around day 9 i spiraled into panic attack and took the medication again. But now i just cannot deal with the sedative feeling. I dont know what to do. I feel like i cant do anything, like someone is holding me back. I havent eaten in 5 days

7 specialists answered

Thank you for sharing what you’re going through. It’s clear that you are experiencing a very difficult time, and it’s normal to feel lost in this situation. Here are some reflections and suggestions that may help you:

Recognizing the challenges of withdrawal: Stopping antidepressants like paroxetine can be a complicated and sometimes difficult process, especially after two years of treatment. The sedative feeling you are experiencing is a common side effect, and it’s essential to discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional.
Consult a professional: If you haven’t already, I recommend consulting your doctor or a psychiatri...st to discuss your desire to stop the medication. They can guide you through a more gradual withdrawal process that may reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and panic attacks.
Assessing your current situation: You mentioned not having eaten for five days. This can worsen your physical and emotional state. Try to consume small amounts of food, even if it seems difficult. This can help stabilize your energy levels and mood. If you need support with this, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional or a nutritionist.
Stress management techniques: In addition to your treatment, it might be helpful to explore relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. These practices can help alleviate anxiety and promote overall well-being.
Emotional support: Having a support network is crucial. Talking about your feelings with close friends or family members can lighten some of the emotional weight you carry. You might also consider joining a support group for people going through similar situations.
Avoid self-isolation: Although this is difficult, trying to stay connected with others can make a significant difference. Even minor social interactions can help reduce the feeling of isolation you’re experiencing.
Plan for regular follow-ups: Regular follow-ups with a healthcare professional can provide you with a safe space to talk about your experiences and get advice on managing your symptoms.
Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and it is possible to find solutions that will help improve your quality of life. Take care of yourself and don’t hesitate to seek the support you need. Read more

Carine Duray-Parmentier
Psychotherapist

Namur
You have to check up with your psychiatrist!

Mihai Albu
Psychotherapist, Clinical psychologist and Art therapist

Brussels
In these cases, medical treatment should be combined with psychotherapy. Slowly, the drug consumption is reduced, until it is completely eliminated, but the psychotherapy is to be continued.

Mirela Oancea
Psychologist

Soignies
Did you try psychotherapy ?

Francis Mwami
Psychomotor therapist - Biofeedback therapist - Ademtherapeut

Gavere
It can mean that either you're experiencing a withdrawal reaction, or that you need a longer lasting treatment because your disorder, whatever it is, is not resolved. You should ask your psychiatrist for a less sedating SSRI (eg escitalopram) and to add a psychotherapeutic approach.

Christian Gilles
Psychiatrist

Bertrix
Hello there.
Thank you for your courage to openly present your experience.
When it comes to giving up antidepressants, it is a more gradual process rather than just stopping them off. While antidepressants like Paroxetine can treat the symptoms of anxiety, burnout, they do not always address its causes. This is why they're usually used in combination with therapy.
I would strongly recommend talking to your doctor before you stop taking antidepressants as it is important that you do not stop taking antidepressants suddenly. Usually, the process involve reducing your dose gradually over several weeks – or longer, if you have ...been taking them for a long time as this will help prevent any withdrawal symptoms you might get as a reaction to coming off the medicine.
The role of the mentioned antidepressant is to increase the serotonin levels throughout the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) involved in many processes throughout your body, from regulating your mood to promoting smooth digestion…this is why a low level or serotonin would influence mood disorders, fatigue, digestion problems.
A way to increase serotonin in your body, among the gradual process of stopping antidepressants and, as possible psychological support / therapy, would be to introduce in your program some activities that you need to practice for at least 2 weeks in row to see some effects in your mood and digestion. Those activities could be:
1. Adjust your diet. (adapted to your potential medical condition , for a better digestion, time of your meals…etc..)
2. Get more exercise.(even a 30 minutes walk per day would make a difference)
3. Try vitamins – check with your GPst want is good for you.
4. Try any type of massage therapy.
5. Try breathing exercises.
6. Manage emotions and stress levels (easy to write, difficult to apply 😊….all above can help and as well a psychological support would help you going through this more smoothly).
Take good care of you. Psychologist Luminita Rusu, Read more

Luminita Rusu
Psychologist

Braine-Le-Château
Hello,

Stopping an antidepressant should only be done with the indications of a medical psychiatrist and done progressively. I would recommend to contact a psychiatrist for this procedure.

In parallel, contacting a therapist to analyze what is at hand during the panic attacks would be useful to help with the prevention and treat the underlying anxiety.

Choosing your therapist will depend of your personal preferences (brief systemic therapy, psycho analysis, cognitive behavioural therapy…)

Frederik Haspeslagh (Deactivated account)

Psychologist

Woluwe-Saint-Lambert