Paxil Withdrawal Symptoms
Paxil is one of many brand names for Paroxetine and also commonly known as Seroxat. It is used widely throughout the world since its release in 1992.
It is one member of the huge family of SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These were a new class of antidepressants that were found to be mostly better prescribed compared to their ancestors, the tricyclic antidepressants.
Paxil in particular was so popular that in 2006, it was the fifth most prescribed medication in the US with nearly 20 million prescriptions.
This is because Paxil does a very good job in general and has benefitted a great number of people with mental illness.
Unfortunately, it also has a number of side effects that have been reported widely amongst those who are trying to come off their medications. Compared to all other SSRIs, Paxil has the most reports, so much so that the term “Paxil Withdrawal Symptom” has been used to describe it.
Sufferers have said that when they wean themselves off the drug, they experience what are described as “electric shock” sensations in the head. Also reported are cases of suicidal thinking in children and adolescents.
A whole raft of legal cases against the manufacturers, GSK, have taken place since the first reports of Paxil withdrawal symptoms.
The best advice for someone on Paxil who wants to come off it is to consult their doctor who may prescribe a secondary SSRI to assist in coming off Paxil.