Can you stop Paxil after one week? (9 risks)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we aim to answer the query: “Can you stop Paxil after one week?” Furthermore, we will discuss the related research findings, withdrawal symptoms, proper tapering process, and alternative treatments.
Can you stop Paxil after one week?
You should not stop taking Paxil after one week. If you do so, you may experience withdrawal symptoms or even a relapse of the illness for which Paxil was prescribed. The intensity of withdrawal symptoms depends on the dose of Paxil. If you were taking a lower dose of Paxil, there may be only mild effects.
However, if you were taking a higher dose, you may experience some severe effects. Some patients want to discontinue Paxil due to its early phase side effects and without waiting for the antidepressant to adjust, they suddenly stop taking it. If you have stopped taking Paxil and experiencing some side effects, start taking it again and consult your doctor.
The withdrawal symptoms may differ in their severity among individuals, and they may also subside on their own after a few weeks or your doctor may recommend other medications to deal with them. Therefore, never stop taking antidepressants abruptly because they are associated with some serious withdrawal symptoms (1).
What does research suggest about Paxil discontinuation?
A study conducted in 2006, suggested that patients who experienced side effects in the early phase of treatment are more prone to have withdrawal symptoms on discontinuation.
Additionally, Paxil when stopped suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms, especially in young patients. This study suggested that Paxil should be discontinued gradually to prevent the adverse effects related to the discontinuation of Paxil (2).
Another clinical study indicated that SSRIs such as Paxil, and Lexapro may cause a condition of withdrawal, known as discontinuation syndrome. The symptoms of this syndrome may start to appear within a few days of stopping the medication.
If you start taking the antidepressant again, these withdrawal symptoms may go away within two days. The altered levels of serotonin on abrupt discontinuation are the main cause of these withdrawal symptoms (3).
What are the withdrawal symptoms related to Paxil?
The withdrawal symptoms on sudden discontinuation of Paxil may include:
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Vertigo
- Nausea
- Flu-like symptoms
- Vivid dreams
- Nervousness
- Stress
- Agitation
The above-mentioned withdrawal symptoms of Paxil may subside on their own, but if they worsen or persist, you should immediately reach out to your healthcare provider (4).
What is the proper tapering process for discontinuing Paxil?
The proper tapering process of discontinuing Paxil may involve gradually reducing the dose to a minimum therapeutic dose throughout 2 to 4 weeks. Patients are vigilantly monitored during this tapering period.
After these 4 weeks, Paxil may be completely stopped and alternative antidepressant treatment may be started according to the specific needs of an individual. In this approach of gradually reducing the dose of Paxil, the risk of withdrawal symptoms is minimized (5).
What alternatives can be considered when discontinuing Paxil?
While discontinuing Paxil, your doctor may evaluate your current symptoms, and suggest alternative antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac and Zoloft, and tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil can be prescribed by your doctor depending on your specific needs.
Each of these medications has its safety and efficacy profile. The choice of antidepressants depends on various individual factors such as current symptoms, family or medical history, and response to the medication. It is important to have clear communication with your doctor to choose the best treatment for you (6,7,8).
Conclusion
In my opinion, when you stop taking Paxil after one week of treatment, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms may be due to the medicine discontinuation or due to the return of illness.
The symptoms may be severe in some individuals and they have to start Paxil again. Therefore, you should not discontinue Paxil and always seek guidance from the medical practitioner.
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References
1.-
Shrestha P, Fariba KA, Abdijadid S. Paroxetine. 2023 Jul 17. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30252278. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30252278/
2.-
Himei A, Okamura T. Discontinuation syndrome associated with paroxetine in depressed patients: a retrospective analysis of factors involved in the occurrence of the syndrome. CNS Drugs. 2006;20(8):665-72. doi: 10.2165/00023210-200620080-00005. PMID: 16863271. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16863271/
3.-
Haddad P. The SSRI discontinuation syndrome. J Psychopharmacol. 1998;12(3):305-13. doi: 10.1177/026988119801200311. PMID: 10958258. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10958258/
4.-
Belloeuf L, Le Jeunne C, Hugues FC. Syndrome de sevrage à la paroxétine [Paroxetine withdrawal syndrome]. Ann Med Interne (Paris). 2000 Apr;151 Suppl A:A52-3. French. PMID: 10855379. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10855379/
5.-
Horowitz MA, Taylor D. Tapering of SSRI treatment to mitigate withdrawal symptoms. Lancet Psychiatry. 2019 Jun;6(6):538-546. doi: 10.1016/S2215-0366(19)30032-X. Epub 2019 Mar 5. PMID: 30850328. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30850328/
6.-
Kroenke K, West SL, Swindle R, Gilsenan A, Eckert GJ, Dolor R, Stang P, Zhou XH, Hays R, Weinberger M. Similar effectiveness of paroxetine, fluoxetine, and sertraline in primary care: a randomized trial. JAMA. 2001 Dec 19;286(23):2947-55. doi: 10.1001/jama.286.23.2947. PMID: 11743835. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11743835/
7.-
Bandelow B, Behnke K, Lenoir S, Hendriks GJ, Alkin T, Goebel C, Clary CM. Sertraline versus paroxetine in the treatment of panic disorder: an acute, double-blind noninferiority comparison. J Clin Psychiatry. 2004 Mar;65(3):405-13. doi: 10.4088/jcp.v65n0317. PMID: 15096081. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15096081/
8.-
Bird H, Broggini M. Paroxetine versus amitriptyline for treatment of depression associated with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, double blind, parallel group study. J Rheumatol. 2000 Dec;27(12):2791-7. PMID: 11128665. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11128665/
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