Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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Katie12345 02/02/2009

Has anyone gone of Paxil or a similar drug cold turkey? Are there serious side effects to this?

deleted_user 02/02/2009

No . . .but I generally think its not a good idea. Better to taper down.

meandthebeast 02/02/2009

I have before but usually side effects dont get me as bad as most.. Its not a good idea though.. When I did, I immediately became well depressed... I guess that would be a side effect.. I wouldnt do it.. Its recommended not to..

deleted_user 02/02/2009

I would never encourage going cold turkey on prescription medicine.

Always talk to a consultant/GP before stopping.

ThePepperMan 02/02/2009

Yes, talk to your doctor. They can't force you to keep taking it (without a court order). Even if they advise against going off the meds, they are still your doctors, and they need to advise you of what side effects to expect, which ones you can dismiss, and which ones require medical attention.

Bistro 02/02/2009

I went cold turkey off effexor. I was at 600mg (I hear that's twice the max dose). Friggin squirrely!!!! Vertigo, depression, insanity. It can be done, but I agree with everyone esle here - taper with a doctor's help.

I had a friend who took her Paxil "as needed" (that was her term - obviously you don't do that), and her personality followed the wild swings. Yep - taper 'fer sher'!

ZAZAS 02/02/2009

I came off prozac cold turkey..........I don't suggest it for anyone else, I became suicidal, quick.

ZAZAS 02/02/2009

see Bristo's post...........and it took almost a year to get my meds straiten back out.

deleted_user 02/02/2009

I didn't get bad side effects but my depression did come back.

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