Paroxetine (Seroxat) - Withdrawal information

If you are stopping taking medication it is advisable to reduce the dose gradually, as it is difficult to predict who will have problems withdrawing. It is worth getting as much information and support as you can, and involving your doctor wherever possible.

These drugs may cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms in some people, and you should not stop taking them suddenly, but withdraw gradually over a period of weeks.

David Healy Halting SSRIs.pdf
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Mind booklet: Making sense of coming off psychiatric drugs

Withdrawal problems occur more commonly with paroxetine than with the other SSRIs. It is probable that these problems are associated with the fact that paroxetine has a short half-life, which means that it is metabolised and cleared from the body in a relatively short time. Withdrawal from drugs which have a long half-life (including Prozac) is naturally slower and more gradual than with those with a short half-life, and so causes fewer problems.

In the past 10 years the CSM has received 1281 reports of withdrawal problems with paroxetine, and 91 with fluoxetine www.socialaudit.org.uk/43800047.htm

Withdrawal symptoms include: dizziness, sensory disturbance (such as pins and needles), anxiety, sleep disturbances (including intense dreams), agitation, tremor, nausea, headache, sweating and confusion, numbness, tingling and sensations that resemble having electric shocks.

In order to minimise the chance of withdrawal problems, it is suggested that paroxetine should be withdrawn very gradually by reducing the dose very slowly over a period of weeks, or months in cases where the symptoms are severe.

Paroxetine is normally dispensed in the form of tablets, but it is also available as a liquid. This could be diluted, and may be used to help withdrawal, since successive dilutions can make withdrawal very gradual. A pharmacist may be able to advise on this.

The seroxat users group website is at www.seroxatusergroup.org.uk

Personal experiences and resources

If you are stopping taking medication it is advisable to reduce the dose gradually, as it is difficult to predict who will have problems withdrawing. It is worth getting as much information and support as you can, and involving your doctor wherever possible.