Q: I have been on antidepressants for some time now. I am taking Paxil.
I heard that it may be addictive. Do you have any suggestions? Will I
get withdrawal symptoms if I stop taking it?
A: Discontinuing Paxil too quickly can lead to some unpleasant
withdrawal symptoms, including headaches, shakiness or increased
nervousness and agitation. Some of my patients have described an
“electric shock” type of feeling going through their nerves.
Your body gets used to having the Paxil and makes adjustments. When
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you stop taking it, your body has to readjust. This phenomenon is known
as psychotropic withdrawal syndrome.
The drug’s makers, GlaxoSmithKline, have recently been the subject of a
class action lawsuit in the United States. This has made everyone more
aware of psychotropic withdrawal syndrome, which can be avoided by a
gradual discontinuation of the drug. GlaxoSmithKline suggests you
decrease it in steps of not more than 10 percent a week for 10 weeks.
The company has put together a kit called Step-Wise to help
patients discontinue the drug.
There are also problems associated with two antipsychotic drugs. The
anti-schizophrenia drug, Risperdal, should be used with caution in
treating elderly patients, especially those with Alzheimers’ or other
forms of dementia. They are more susceptible to strokes. Another drug
used in the treatment of schizophrenia, called Olanzepine, can raise
the blood sugar levels in healthy people and diabetics.
Clare Rowson is a medical doctor with a practice near Belleville, Ont.
Her columns are intended for general information only. Individuals are
encouraged to also seek the advice of their own doctor regarding
medical questions and treatments.
