It is very common to experience temporary withdrawal symptoms like headaches when tapering paroxetine. Fortunately, side effects like weight gain and ankle swelling typically resolve once the medicine is fully cleared from your system. For alternatives with a lower risk of these side effects, your doctor might consider selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like escitalopram or sertraline, which generally have more favorable metabolic profiles. Alternatively, buspirone is an effective anti-anxiety medication with minimal side effects and no association with weight gain. Please consult your healthcare provider to discuss these options and to establish a safe, gradual transition plan to minimize your withdrawal symptoms.