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What Causes Dizziness After Stopping Paxil Intake?
Question: I stopped taking 20mg Paxil about a week ago, due to the fact I continue to gain weight. Now I am very dizzy, sick at my stomach, can't concentrate and very sluggish. I also got overheated about a week ago and have been blaming that on my above conditions. I did not talk with my physcian about stopping Paxil. I'm afraid to drive because of the dizziness. What is your opinion of my situation? Have I caused myself added problems?
Brief Answer:
Please see details below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I read your query and can understand what you might be going through.
You had been on paxil (paroxetine) which is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used for anxiety disorders and depression. Somehow you haven't mentioned the reason for which you were started on paroxetine. In case it was for anxiety, stopping it would definitely cause rebound increase in anxiety which seem to be responsible for your current set of symptoms.
Regarding gaining weight with paroxetine, yes it can do so. But it seems that somehow it was also taking care of the anxiety that you have had. Gaining weight could have been neutralised by exercise and dietary modifications. Even then, if you were gaining weight, it would be preferable that some drug for your condition which doesn't cause weight gain, like Bupropion can be started and paroxetine could have been tapered off.
I would recommend that you let your doctor know about the current situation and take further step either to re-initiate paroxetine or shift to some other medicine accordingly.
I do hope that i was able to answer your query. Please feel free to as any more questions that you might have.
Best wishes,
Dr. Sunil Gupta
Please see details below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I read your query and can understand what you might be going through.
You had been on paxil (paroxetine) which is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used for anxiety disorders and depression. Somehow you haven't mentioned the reason for which you were started on paroxetine. In case it was for anxiety, stopping it would definitely cause rebound increase in anxiety which seem to be responsible for your current set of symptoms.
Regarding gaining weight with paroxetine, yes it can do so. But it seems that somehow it was also taking care of the anxiety that you have had. Gaining weight could have been neutralised by exercise and dietary modifications. Even then, if you were gaining weight, it would be preferable that some drug for your condition which doesn't cause weight gain, like Bupropion can be started and paroxetine could have been tapered off.
I would recommend that you let your doctor know about the current situation and take further step either to re-initiate paroxetine or shift to some other medicine accordingly.
I do hope that i was able to answer your query. Please feel free to as any more questions that you might have.
Best wishes,
Dr. Sunil Gupta
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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