Reinstating Paxil after 7 months off

14 years on Paxil, I did a 5 month taper last year from 20mg to 0mg. I've had all the usual WD symptoms one typically gets while coming off a SSRI. As many know the symptoms come in windows and waves. One set of symptoms comes on, fades and then a new set replaces them. My latest symptom has been anxiety attacks/panic/dizziness and this is the first time I felt like I am not in control. I have come a long way off of Paxil and it would be heartbreaking to get back on it after making it this far. But my plan would be to reinstate Paxil (perhaps at 10mg) and stabilize a few months and trying a new taper, this time much slower and with 10% drops. The other option is to ride out these symptoms as all my other symptoms came in waves and have left me after a few weeks or months. But the dizziness can put my life or family's life in danger if I am behind the wheel and get an anxiety attack like I did today. So there's that.
My doctor suggested I use the occasional xanax instead of reinstatement, to see if this goes away soon.

Has anyone ever reinstated after several months out? How did that work for you?
Any advice I would be thankful for.

Post Edited (Toulouse) : 4/11/2016 2:08:33 PM (GMT-6)

Thanks Scardey, my GP just got back to me and recommended me to do what I've been doing for the time being, and use a xanax if the anxiety hits me hard (like today when I was driving). He said try this and avoid getting back on Paxil but if need be, a different longer acting SSRI, as he put it.

I'd really rather not be on another SSRI as I've gone through quite a bad journey and have made it this far.

My Psychiatrist wants me to come in to discuss, but in email he suggested right off the bat, getting back on Paxil. At first I was angry he said that, but later, after another attack and with low morale, am thinking he may be right.
I really would like to fight through this symptom as all my other symptoms have come and gone, each lasting from weeks to a couple months each. I've never had anxiety issues like this prior to taking Paxil (I never should have been on it in the first place).

That's funny you should say that. I read a great article yesterday regarding people trusting their gut instincts. My gut says ride it out, even if I have to temporarily deal with taking a xanax.(by the way, I'm only taking half of the .25 pill, so I'm not taking a whole dose, as I find half is enough to settle me).

But I think if it comes to the point where I need to take one every day for a week or two, then it's probably time to revisit the SSRI idea.

Thank you so much, Scaredy. You have been there for me whenever I have sought help here. I wish you the best too.

Thank you super. Actually, I just realized I am 9 months off. I finished my taper in August last year.

I will not reinstate, I spoke to my integrative doctor today and he told me never to touch paxil again. I will deal with the anxiety naturally. It will be worth the bumps in the road than to get back on the ssri treadmill. I got off because of huge averse reactions after almost 14 years on and had to no choice but to go off. I feel better now than I have in years - aside from the anxiety / panic that just started.