What Causes Night Sweats And Fatigue While Weaning Off Of Paxil?

Posted on Sat, 10 Feb 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 10 Feb 2018 Answered on

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been on Paxil for 15 years,I have stopped 2 weeks ago.I took 1 every Rotherham night to wean myself off for 2 weeks.I have terrible sweats and feel weak like i’m dehydrated.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Soujanya (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
They seem to be withdrawal symptoms of Paxil.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Sweating and dehydration are definitely the withdrawal symptoms of Paxil. So, to avoid these withdrawal symptoms or discontinuation syndrome, it must be weaned off gradually in two weeks.

It can be weaned off to half the dose for 1 week, and then to half of that for another week, and can be stopped thereafter.You can consult your doctor regarding the tapering of your dose.

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Soujanya (1 hour later)

So should I go back on it for two weeks at half the dose?I haven’t had any for two weeks already.when will it be gone out of my brain?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Soujanya (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Yes, it is better to be on half the dose for 2 weeks,considering its withdrawal symptoms.

Then taper down to half of that, for one more week and can stop. So, it would take around 2 weeks usually to wean off completely, but in your case it would be little more, considering your withdrawal symptoms and duration of usage.But, nothing to worry, anyhow it would be weaned off completely.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Soujanya,
Psychiatrist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T