Anxiety and Paxil free

Hi everyone,

It's taken about 4 months, lowering my dosage 2.5 every month, but I finally did it, I am Paxil free! The weaning helped so much, thank you to everyone who gave me advice on the correct way to do that.

It's been about a week now, and the last few days have been difficult. I didn't take Paxil for anxiety, but now I feel like it has left me struggling with anxiety issues. I felt so nervous today, like my heart was beating really hard. I felt myself holding my breath alot, and I was just at home watching tv!Being at home is very hard...I am single and live alone and I just feel like my house it uncomfortable and full of negativity. I can't stand being here. I went to Barnes & Noble, and I felt as if I had had a drink or two - but there was nothing pleasant about that buzzed feeling. I felt so lightheaded. And people seemed very loud and alien. I feel really exhausted now.

I am not sure how to relax. I can't find comfort anywhere. My stomach hurts too..and I feel thirsty all the time. Water doesn't help, my mouth feels so dry. It's almost similar to the feeling I had when I started taking it.

I hope this passes soon..I really would like to enjoy my weekend. Is there pretty typical? Do I have anxiety issues now? I hope not... I guess the silver lining is I don't feel depressed anymore. The Paxil made my depression 10x worse.

It is comforting to know that other people can relate to this. It's hard to explain to someone who has never experienced..

[Iksfreundin]

Hey, for the dry mouth, try sucking on a peppermint. It's also good for the stomach.

Just like the withdrawal itself, it is going to take a little time to get back to yourself again. Don't get discouraged - it takes different amounts of time for all of us. It might be like this for awhile - but it may not. From what I see on here, there are larger and larger windows of good time that open up. But with the anxiety - that is masterable, as awful as it might be. I've had that alien feeling too, where everything seems bigger and louder, and it seems like there are too many people and they just don't LOOK right.

One thing that helps me is to find a bathroom, go in a stall, and breathe. For as long as it takes. Get comfortable, and then out you go. Happens again? Back to the bathroom. But if you can't get it under control, leave. This is still a delicate time.
Feel better.

[Katesmom]

That last dose of paxil is just the beginning of the recovery process. I really believe that a nice, slow taper does shorten the length of that recovery, but it does still take some time. What you are experiencing is very typical and it does pass.

[LCrawford67]

Congratulations on being Paxil free! That's a HUGE step in the healing process and you'll do just fine! You may experience a little discomfort, but it's obviously not anything you can't handle. You're well on your way to a wonderful life Paxil free!