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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Facial Twitching After Weaning Off Paxil?

I was diagnosed with anxiety as I went through menopause and took paxil for 5 years. The last 6 to 8 months I weaned myself down to 10 mg a day and then went off completely. However, during that time I started having several facial twitching, including eyes, mouth, large jaw muscles. This has continued for 12 years and only grown worse. at the time I thought it was due to dry eyes, but it never goes away. I also take .5 mg of klonopin daily as a sleep aid and have been doing so since 1999.
Fri, 24 Jul 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Paxil is Paroxetine and the drug is a SSRI drug. You have been using the drug since last 5 years and then weaned off the drug gradually over 8 months. The twitching on face, eyes, mouth, jaws etc is occurring most likely due to relapse of anxiety symptoms. You have weaned the drug gradually so the risk of withdrawal is very low. Klonopin use on SOS basis can help to control this twitching but if the twitching is persisting then there is need to consult your psychiatrist again.

For this episodic anxiety either the drugs like beta blockers as Propranolol can be used on SOS basis or other SSRIs should be started. Please consult your psychiatrist for re-evaluation and prescription.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi,
Psychiatrist.
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What Causes Facial Twitching After Weaning Off Paxil?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Paxil is Paroxetine and the drug is a SSRI drug. You have been using the drug since last 5 years and then weaned off the drug gradually over 8 months. The twitching on face, eyes, mouth, jaws etc is occurring most likely due to relapse of anxiety symptoms. You have weaned the drug gradually so the risk of withdrawal is very low. Klonopin use on SOS basis can help to control this twitching but if the twitching is persisting then there is need to consult your psychiatrist again. For this episodic anxiety either the drugs like beta blockers as Propranolol can be used on SOS basis or other SSRIs should be started. Please consult your psychiatrist for re-evaluation and prescription. Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, Psychiatrist.