Stopping Abruptly Paxil Known to Cause Withdrawal Syndrome

Paxil is part of a group of antidepressants called Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRI. Like all of the drugs in the SSRI group, Paxil cannot be stopped right away; a patient must take several steps before discontinuing the drug.  A Paxil settlement is being sought after by individuals who claim that the drug causes several side effects and birth defects which led them to want to discontinue taking the medication.
 
First of course you must first inform your doctor about your wish to discontinue Paxil.  Your doctor may place you on a smaller dosage or give you another antidepressant. An important note is that to stop taking Paxil your dosage will first be decreased slowly since Paxil is known to have withdrawal syndrome amongst its users. Also known as discontinuation syndrome, withdrawal syndrome occurs when a person suddenly stops taking or reduces the dosage of some types of medications, the risk of a discontinuation syndrome occurring to a patient increases with dosage and length of use of Paxil.
 
A medical panel met in Phoenix, Arizona in 1997 and concluded: "SSRI discontinuation symptoms... may emerge when an SSRI is abruptly discontinued, when doses are missed, and less frequently, during dosage reduction. In addition, the symptoms are not attributable to any other cause and can be reversed when the original agent is reinstituted, or one that is pharmacologically similar is substituted. SSRI discontinuation symptoms, in most cases, may be minimized by slowly tapering antidepressant therapy, but there have been several case reports where symptoms occurred consistently even through repeated attempts to taper therapy. Physical symptoms include problems with balance, gastrointestinal and flu-like symptoms, and sensory and sleep disturbances. Psychological symptoms include anxiety and/or agitation, crying spells, irritability and aggressiveness."
 
Similar to the other drugs in the SSRI drug group, Paxil cannot be stopped sudden because of danger of withdrawal syndrome, if you would like to stop using Paxil consult with your doctor first. If you think that your Paxil use has caused you harm or injury in anyway then taking legal action could be your next step.  Many Paxil lawyers will have more information for you on your legal options, many will give you a free consultation and most will not charge you unless you see compensation in a court of law.