My dose was decreased from 40 to 20mg for seven days and then from 20mg to 10mg for seven days. Near the end of the first week, I started getting what others have described as electrical shocks. Initially, they only occurred when I would turn my head all the way to one side or the other. I did not understand what was happening to me. The shocks got a little worse as I was reducing my dosage. I also noticed that during the time I was reducing my dosage, that I have been sweating more and I have been having more headaches, and at times have had trouble with my vision focusing, as if things at a distance were a bit blurry.

Two days ago, my second week was up and I felt that I did not need to be on any medicine for depression, so I did not start my new medication. The first day, I really did not notice a difference. I still had the electrical shocks, but only when I turned my head all the way one way. The second day, I did not notice an increase in the problems until around noon. At that point, the electrical shocks started increasing. I only had to turn my head a little ways and I would receive the shocks. I was becoming more and more nauseated and dizzy. It was becoming harder and harder to function. I ended up in bed watching TV and sleeping. As far as the shocks went, I was OK as long as I did not move my head or eyes and looked straight ahead. Ringing in my ears now accompany the electrical shocks. I am sweating profusely. I have a constant headache and I am dizzy and nauseated. I took some ibuprofen for my headache and it did nothing to stop the pain. Now, on the third day, which is unfortunately Sunday, I am in bed, dizzy and unable to function. I have slept most of the day away and I am sweating profusely. I will be talking with my doctor tomorrow about this.

I have read of other people's problems with withdrawal and I would not have believed it if I have not endured it first hand. I did not see the 20/20 story on this, but if they need someone else to tell them about the withdrawal effects, I will be happy to explain it to them. I strongly urge anyone not to take any drug without research, and ask questions before committing to this hell of withdrawal. I have trusted and still trust my doctor, but she is a general physician and probably knows very little about these drugs. I urge you not to take Paxil and avoid the hell I'm going through.