Paxil (Paroxetine) Withdrawal Timeline

Published by Joseph, EditorCompiled from cited sources · not yet medically reviewedUpdated Oct 26, 20264 sources

Need help now? SAMHSA’s National Helpline is free, confidential and open 24/7 in English and Spanish: 1-800-662-4357. In a mental health crisis, call or text 988. In an emergency, call 911.

For information only, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before stopping or changing any medication. Medical disclaimer

⚠ Medical warning

Don’t stop your antidepressant suddenly or change your dose without talking to your prescriber. A gradual taper lowers the risk of withdrawal symptoms. If you have thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 now.

Quick answer

Paroxetine (Paxil) has a half-life of about 21 hours, according to its FDA label, and RCPsych lists it among the antidepressants with the highest potential risk of withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal can start quickly, often within 1 to 2 days of a missed dose. The FDA label lists nausea, sweating, low mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, electric-shock sensations, tremor, anxiety, confusion, headache and insomnia, among others. The NHS says your doctor will reduce the dose gradually over several weeks or months.

Paxil withdrawal timeline at a glance

When did you last use or take it?

⚠ Medical warning (read before using this)

This places the typical ranges from this article's sources on your date. It is not a prediction or a diagnosis, and being past a phase does not mean symptoms or risks are over.

A rough guide from published sources, not medical advice. Everyone is different.

Phase	When	What you may feel	Severity	Red flags
Onset	Within 1 to 2 days of a reduction, stop or missed dose; building over a few days	Dizziness; Nausea; Irritability, low mood; Electric shock sensations	Moderate	Thoughts of suicide or self-harm: call or text 988 now
Acute withdrawal	First 1 to 2 weeks for many people	Dizziness, ‘brain zaps’ (electric shock sensations); Anxiety, irritability, mood swings; Vivid dreams, poor sleep; Flu-like feelings, nausea; Headache	Moderate	Thoughts of suicide or self-harm: call or text 988 now; Severe agitation, confusion, or feeling unable to stay still (akathisia)
Longer withdrawal (some people)	Weeks to months, occasionally more than a year	Mood and anxiety symptoms; Dizziness, sensory symptoms; Sleep problems	Moderate	Thoughts of suicide or self-harm: call or text 988 now

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Symptoms, phase by phase

The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) says withdrawal symptoms normally start soon after a dose is reduced or stopped, sometimes within one or two days or even after a single missed dose, and usually take a few days to build. They’re different for everyone: some people have mild symptoms that pass quickly, while others have more severe symptoms that last much longer, sometimes months or more than a year. A 2019 systematic review (Davies and Read) of 24 studies found withdrawal rates of 27% to 86% (weighted average 56%), and among people with symptoms, 46% rated them at the most severe level offered. The Paxil label lists discontinuation symptoms including nausea, sweating, dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, sensory disturbances (such as electric shock sensations), tremor, anxiety, confusion, headache, lethargy, emotional lability, insomnia, hypomania, tinnitus and seizures.

Onset: Within 1 to 2 days of a reduction, stop or missed dose; building over a few days

Dizziness
Nausea
Irritability, low mood
Electric shock sensations

Acute withdrawal: First 1 to 2 weeks for many people

Dizziness, ‘brain zaps’ (electric shock sensations)
Anxiety, irritability, mood swings
Vivid dreams, poor sleep
Flu-like feelings, nausea
Headache

Longer withdrawal (some people): Weeks to months, occasionally more than a year

Mood and anxiety symptoms
Dizziness, sensory symptoms
Sleep problems

What makes withdrawal longer or shorter

How long you’ve taken it. RCPsych says people who’ve taken antidepressants for many months or years usually need a slower taper.
Dose and speed of stopping. Abrupt stops are most likely to cause symptoms.
The specific medicine. Shorter-acting antidepressants tend to cause symptoms sooner; fluoxetine leaves the body slowly, so symptoms can start days or weeks later.
Past withdrawal. If you’ve had strong symptoms before, plan a slower taper.

When to see a doctor or get help now

Before stopping or reducing your antidepressant.
Call or text 988 for thoughts of suicide; call 911 if you’re in danger.
Symptoms are severe or not easing. RCPsych says symptoms usually improve quickly (in days or even hours) if the antidepressant is restarted, and a prescriber can then plan a slower taper.
You’re unsure whether it’s withdrawal or your depression or anxiety coming back. RCPsych says withdrawal usually starts within days, while relapse typically takes weeks or months.

Not sure where to start? Call SAMHSA’s free, confidential helpline at 1-800-662-4357, 24/7. See Get Help.

Tapering

The label says to reduce gradually rather than stop abruptly whenever possible, and the NHS says a doctor will reduce the dose over several weeks or months. Some people need very gradual steps; liquid forms can help with small reductions if your prescriber agrees. We don’t publish dose-by-dose schedules. Your prescriber should set your plan, and adjust it if symptoms appear.

Tips for getting through it

Plan the taper with your prescriber, and tell them about any symptoms, as RCPsych advises
Don’t skip doses, as even one missed dose can cause symptoms
Move your head slowly if zaps are triggered by turning
Avoid alcohol while you’re still taking it: the NHS says drinking can increase side effects
Tell people close to you so they can support you

Frequently asked questions

Why is Paxil withdrawal so hard?

RCPsych lists paroxetine among the antidepressants with the highest potential risk of withdrawal symptoms, and the label gives a half-life of about 21 hours.

How long does Paxil withdrawal last?

Often weeks; RCPsych says some people have symptoms for months.

Should I switch to another antidepressant to stop?

RCPsych notes that if your antidepressant isn’t available as a liquid, you may need to change to a similar one that is, to make small reductions. It’s a decision for you and your prescriber.

Next steps

Talk to others going through it. Share your experience or ask questions on the Antidepressants & Other Prescriptions board in our community forum. Forum posts are personal experiences, not medical advice. Please read the community guidelines.

Sources

Last reviewed: October 25, 2026. Researched and written by Withdrawal Timelines from the cited sources. This article has not yet been reviewed by a medical professional. See How We Review and our Medical Disclaimer. This is general information, not medical advice.

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