Can Paroxetine Be Stopped Cold Turkey?

Posted on Mon, 21 Sep 2015

Question: I am worried my doctor's going to suddenly stop my paroxetine anxiety very high

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (56 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
in which dose and since when are you taking paroxetine?

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for writing to us.

Paroetine is an SSRI drug. It should not be stopped suddenly if taken for at least 8 weeks. It may cause drug discontinuation symptoms.

- Please tell me in which dose and since when are you taking paroxetine?

- Why does your doctor want to stop paroxetine suddenly?

I will be happy to help you further after your response.

Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (17 minutes later)

He hasn't said he will, I have access to online surgery and I read the status on my repeat prescription and have convinced myself he will stop it. I am so scared at the moment .
I am on 40mgs daily after starting on them many years ago at 20mgs

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
do not be anxious , confirm directly with your doctor

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for response. You forgot to mention the dose and duration.

In my opinion genuine doctor/psychiatrist will not stop medicine without informing and discussing with patients about consequences.

You might have misunderstood your online information.

If feasible consult/call your doctor and clear your doubts.

And at last if at all he is going to stop for any reason he will explain you as well as will take care that you would not have any problem.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (8 minutes later)

Thanks I feel like a drug addict this interferes with my life I hate these thoughts

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
no it is not addiction

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

No, taking SSRI for long term does not mean that someone is drug addict. It is just like taking regular medicines for diabetes or hypertension for long probably lifetime.

When you stop SSRI there will be drug discontinuation symptoms rather than withdrawal symptoms. And many of the patients do not feel any drug discontinuation symptoms.
If you have some problem (like anxiety or depression) and you are better with some SSRI medicine, you should continue as per guidelines and stop gradually. So understand these facts and try to come out of thoughts of drug addiction.

Hope this answer will be helpful.

Wish you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (15 minutes later)

I will try but it's so hard. I hate my life at the moment. I go back to work tomorrow after 6weeks off as I work in a school don't know how i will do it to be honest .

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes it is hard but not impossible

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I appreciate your attitude that you will try.Most of the patents with this attitude succeed to overcome their problem.

I can understand your situation. Do not think actively that what will happen at school.Just start and carry on.

I am not aware about your problem in detail but from discussion I think that CBT can help you a lot.
In psychotherapy CBT- cognitive behaviour therapy is very useful for depression-anxiety.
In CBT psychiatrist/psychologist helps person to identify his/her automatic thoughts and faulty behavior which would ultimately be modified by person with active efforts and help of therapist. It also includes time management, daily sleep, meals and exercise timing.

All the best.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar