Can someone tell me what would happen to your body if you one was taking paxil and all of a sudden just quit it? I doubt there would be physical withdrawl or anything but was wondering about emotional outcome?

No, there is actual physical withdrawl. It has been known to even cause seizures, but mostly the person has a total relapse of whatever they were taking it for - times about 20. I stongly recommend contacting a doctor for instructions on weaning - many people who suddenly stop psychoactive medications have problems they cannot control on their own.

The best thing is to check with your doctor, since everyone is different.

I have, however, taken myself off of anti-depressants several times. Usually I space out the dosage the last month or 2 weeks.

Your state of mind afterward would depend on a lot of factors.
If you have a chemical imbalance, you may need to resume medication.
If the problems are primarily psychological, your state of mind would depend on the progress you have made in resolving them.

But again, check with your doctor in case there are any medical complications to be considered.

Godspeed! --Mitzi

I have to echo what NY has to say about antidepressants. I was taking one and felt right down insane when I stopped abruptly. I tapered and finally stopped, not without awful effects though. I finally did stop the medication it and did myself the worlds largest favor. I felt like myself again.

Don't do this alone as I did. I tried several times to get off that antidepressant only to find the results so unbearable that I took another dose to feel ok again.

Talk to your doctor and get off this medication as he/she suggest. Don't expect it to be totally painless though. You are very apt to feel increased anxiety levels and the drug is dropping from your system.

[This message was edited by Wildflower63 on 09-02-02 at 11:32 PM.]

I had decided to go off of this drug and when it ran out I just didn't get it renewed. My doctor has been switching my meds anyway trying to find one that works for me and I have been wanting to quit them anyway. So when I ran out thought that was a good time as any to start.

Tho, I have noticed different things going on but, don't know if it was from the drug or lack of in this case or not. I am not going to start back on it now just to wean myself off of it, when I am already off of it.

I know I have been much more tired and anxious. Also find myself having lots of dreams/nightmares and waking up crying or what ever.. Most of the time I don't even know what they were about.

I guess things will get better the longer I am off of them and they are more and more out of my system.
By the way it is a chemical imbalance.. Maybe I can take a herb or something to help out this time. anyway thanks guys.

[This message was edited by samantha on 09-03-02 at 12:39 AM.]