anxiety and meds

I wanted to post what I'm dealing with and to see if anyone has dealt with it. Two weeks prior to getting my pm via the ER I was feeling lightheaded and dizzy at times. I went to my gp who said I may either need a pm for bradychardia or I may be experiencing symptoms of anxiety. I was 47 and due for a midlife crisis I guess. So I opted for Paxil. The medication was very helpful following the operation(I had my first panic attack afterwards), but now I have decided to go off it after 7 months.
I have read some tough stuff about withdrawals from paxil and lately they are extreme. Lots of lightheadedness, lack of focus and fatigue. But, like the pm, it will get better. I do at times feel like my pm is skipping a beat and it feels uncomfortable. I hope this is withdrawel also.
I'm thankful for the help the medicine gave me but I wish, once again, that the doctor had given me more info on it. I may have said no, or asked about something else.
Take care friends,
Rusty

1 Comments

Discontinuing Paxil

by amanda - 2007-10-24 02:10:23

Rusty, Paxil is a medication that needs to be withdrawn gradually over a period of time, often months, depending on the dose you have been taking. This helps minimise the effect of withdrawal to a level that is more comfortable for you. . I suggest you disscuss this with your doctor so you have some support while you are going through this process which may last from weeks to a few months depending on the individual. Your doctor should be the best person to provide you with information on what to expect . Hope this helps.

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