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Paroxetine User Reviews & Ratings

Brand names: Paxil, Paxil CR, Brisdelle

Paroxetine has an average rating of 7.1 out of 10 from a total of 1,507 reviews on Drugs.com. 63% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 20% reported a negative experience.

Condition Avg. Rating Reviews Compare
Anxiety  
7.2
376 reviews for Anxiety 52 medications
Depression  
6.6
295 reviews for Depression 76 medications
Anxiety and Stress  
6.9
168 reviews for Anxiety and Stress 6 medications
Panic Disorder  
7.5
144 reviews for Panic Disorder 18 medications
Generalized Anxiety Disorder  
7.4
123 reviews for Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 medications
Social Anxiety Disorder  
7.6
108 reviews for Social Anxiety Disorder 6 medications
Hot Flashes  
7.2
103 reviews for Hot Flashes 19 medications
Major Depressive Disorder  
7.3
56 reviews for Major Depressive Disorder 50 medications
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder  
7.2
47 reviews for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder 9 medications
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder  
7.0
46 reviews for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 2 medications
Postmenopausal Symptoms  
6.5
12 reviews for Postmenopausal Symptoms 157 medications
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder  
8.1
11 reviews for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder 49 medications
Postpartum Depression  
5.9
8 reviews for Postpartum Depression 9 medications
Trichotillomania  Off-label
9.3
3 reviews for Trichotillomania 3 medications
Borderline Personality Disorder  Off-label
7.0
2 reviews for Borderline Personality Disorder 28 medications
Persistent Depressive Disorder  Off-label
4.5
2 reviews for Persistent Depressive Disorder 9 medications
Dysautonomia  Off-label
8.0
1 reviews for Dysautonomia 53 medications
Premature Ejaculation  
9.0
1 reviews for Premature Ejaculation 2 medications
Body Dysmorphic Disorder  Off-label
5.0
1 reviews for Body Dysmorphic Disorder 9 medications
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Reviews for Paroxetine

  • Jacob
  • January 19, 2017

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety and Stress "For all of you writing your bad experiences on here really need to rethink the purpose of your post. Writing about an experience that is short of something you would see in an exorcism movie (head spinning, projectile vomiting, sweating, hyperventilating etc.) Be careful. You are posting in a forum of people who have diagnosed anxiety and they turn to the Internet and read these posts, that more than likely are exaggerated, breeding greater anxiety or worse making someone not take the medication. The medication was prescribed for a reason with hundreds of millions of dollars in research spent in studying it. Ranging from bacterial study to small animal study to large animal study to human trials etc. This medication is very safe."

10 / 10
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930 Report
  • LongT...
  • August 9, 2018

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "Took 6 to 8 weeks for this to kick in fully. I suffered from severe generalized anxiety and agoraphobia. It was hard to do anything. I was in constant fear of my heart rate going high, not being able to get medical attention in certain situations and overall anxiety levels through the roof. I've tried Citalopram (Celexa) 20, 40 and 60mg and didn't work, Effexor and didn't work, Buspar and didn't work. Xanax helps and Klonopin helps. Out of those two I prefer Klonopin but they aren't meant for long term and only used them when I was really desparate. I've been on 20mg of Paroxetine (Paxil) for 4 months now and it's like I never had anxiety. I'm able to go on trips planes, cab rides, busses. I'm able to go outside and enjoy myself. I started golfing again which I love. I'm able to go to the gym and exercise and not freak out that my heart rate is high and start having a panic attack. I'm able to just live life without being in constant fear state."

10 / 10
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690 Report
  • Hope
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • September 26, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "I took Paxil for 19 years and it relieved my anxiety and depression. I gained 40 lbs over those 19 years but I was happy. In May I decided to try Lexapro and sure enough I've lost 25 lbs. But at the expense of anxiety and depression returning. My Dr increased dosage from 10 -20 mg 5 weeks ago and now I can't sleep. I'm going back to Paxil, I'd rather be fat and happy, than skinny and depressed!!"

9 / 10
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518 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Trish
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • November 11, 2018

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "Was so anxious about taking this medication due to all of the horrible reviews. It seemed like I couldn’t stop Goggling about it because I just wanted to find someone that had a good experience. Well I have! I went on Paxil for almost two years and it helped me not only get back to myself but a better self. I never gained weight because I exercised few times a week and I never had the crazy side effects. If your thinking of going on Paxil I would highly suggest it. I also did not get the horrible side effects while weaning off. My anxiety was a little high but nothing crazy. I am hoping this helps someone out there because I understand the frustration of reading all of these horrible reviews for the mediation your trying to go on :-/ I did have a bad experience with a medication but I was only on it for two days and got off It right away. You need to do what your body tells you. Never stay on something that makes you feel crappy."

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  • Nik
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • April 19, 2021

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "On this medicine, I feel like I'm actually living for the first time in 24 years. I was worried to try it, but am so grateful I did. For the first month I would take it at night and would wake up from nausea every night. I suggest taking it during the day! Sometimes I get a little dizzy, especially if I forget to take it, but don't mind that too much. My perfectionism and social anxiety was destroying my work and relationships, and now I am productive, focused, and so stable!! If you are considering, try Paxil out! I couldn't be more thankful that I did."

9 / 10
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241 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Chris_m
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 15, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "Hi everyone. I have a question. I feel very sad, depressed and above all anxious... I went to the ER here in my country because I was convinced something was really wrong with me At the ER they checked my heart, my blood pressure and everything was fine. My doctor wants me to start Paxil, I took it for three days already, and I have Xanax for when it gets worse. My question to you all is; how do u cope until the Paxil starts to work? Thank you in advance."

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264 Report
  • Kjls
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • February 4, 2020

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "I started Paxil over 15 years ago after an unexplained bout with extreme anxiety and depression that did not respond to hypnosis, yoga, nothing!!! After trying a few other meds that didn't work, my dr suggested Paxil. When I first started it I also took Klonopin for the horrible anxiety. Within about 6 weeks I totally felt the dark cloud disappear so I went off Klonopin. I have never had to increase my dose!! I'm still on 10 mg, 15 years later. I tried weaning off of it 3 times already and each time I would get really weepy and depressed, so I've decided to stay on it!! Yes, I've gained weight but that is nothing in comparison to how I was feeling prior to being on Paxil"

9 / 10
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251 Report
  • Tyres...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 6, 2021

Paxil (paroxetine) for Depression "This medication has been very potent to improve my anxiety/depression disorders. No more suicidal thoughts, fear, mood swings, shaking, sweating, anxiety(SAD & GAD), and the list goes on. If you're suffering from severe anxiety and depression, then take the Paxil. I am taking 40mg max dose with no side effects. I added BuSpar on top of Paxil and my anxiety has reduced “tremendously”. Some people do have problems with BuSpar but I have great results and I’m loving it. I take 20mg/a day. Life is so great, don’t let your anxiety/depression ruin your life. You’re strong and brave. Please get help. ❤️"

10 / 10
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199 Report
  • Leeh
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 20, 2021

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety and Stress "I started taking paroxetine 10 mg 2 weeks ago, and I am so happy that I did because I feel like my self again. I was on paroxetine 15 years ago due to a difficult time in my life. I did go off of the medication after 8 years, and felt fine. Back on it now due to some life stressors, and it has worked wonderful with my anxiety, panic episodes, and mild depression. I had very minor side effects in the first 1 week. So, I am so grateful for this medication because it truly has helped considerably, and I am hoping to see more results within the 4-6 week period. Best Luck!"

10 / 10
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201 Report
  • bbm
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 17, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "I've been prescribed and taking Paxil for about 3 months now. At first I was nervous about because of the reviews on it saying there would be no sex life and I'm currently in a relationship and have been for 2 years. I'm taking Paxil for anxiety. My sex life hasn't changed at all. Paxil has completely taken away my anxiety and I feel awesome. Give it a shot."

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460 Report
  • Kenad...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 17, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) for Depression "I have always felt like something was wrong for as long as I can remember. I think my depression is just normal to me and I've probably been depressed for many years without even knowing, just a feeling that something isn't right. A failed relationship a while back, heightened my realisation that something is wrong and the pain of losing someone close was like a final straw for me. I guess it might be true that everyone comes into your life for a reason, even if it is only meant to be for a short time. After countless months and days googling and doing tests online, trying to figure out what might be wrong with me, I finally got the courage to go see my doctor. After a few visits, he prescribed me Paxil and thinks this might help get me on the right track. You see my depression isn't the usual in that I try to go about my daily life as normal as I can, it's called walking or smiling depression. Behind it all though, I'm crippled with self doubt, negative thoughts, anxiety and constant feeling of sadness. I feel guilty a lot, distance myself from my family and friends regularly and sometimes feel so down I cry for what seems like no reason at all. I put on brave face to people and go about daily life as best I can, but behind the mask I am suffering. I never really felt like I fit in and it's like I have to try to act to be happy in every day situations. It's hard to describe, but it's almost like I'm standing behind my shadow. I always look at other people and wonder what it's like to be just happy. I could never bring myself to telling anyone how I really felt, I guess it's only the last year or so that I became more aware and really accepting that something isn't right. It's been so long that I have felt this way, I really don't know what normal is anymore. I have lost 2 girlfriends largely due to my low self esteem and low confidence finally taking its toll on the relationship, it's like I just expected them to leave, who would want to stay with a loser like me is how I portrayed myself to them.. That's probably the hardest pill to swallow through all this. I know if I was mentally stronger, I could have held on to something good. I know I have it in me to go change my life around. Everybody sees it in me, but I feel trapped in my own body and mind. I have a lot of trouble concentrating and I seem to always be so indecisive about what action to take. I guess I'm wondering what I can expect from taking Paxil. I know I'm the only one who can physically make changes, but can I expect to regain some self confidence and motivation, energy etc? I really don't know what to expect from this drug and am apprehensive about what it can actually do for me. I guess part of me just wants to try do everything by myself, but I really don't want to waste another second of my life. I feel like I haven't properly lived for at least the last 5 years of my life. Thank you for reading."

7 / 10
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417 Report
  • magcook
  • August 8, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have always suffered from anxiety and obsessive thoughts,but with in the last year it took a turn for the worse. I had a job loss and couldn't sleep for almost two weeks and in turn starting getting panic attacks. Then intrusive thoughts, I truly thought I was losing my mind. I was scared all the time and hopeless. I went to a therapist and this did help, I also got out on effexor 70 mg daily. I never thought I was going to get better. I started paxil three weeks ago, 20 mg. It has truly changed my life. I feel like me again. I'm writing this in hopes that someone who reads this that feels hopeless and scared doesn't give up. There is help, hang in there. If I could do it, so can you."

10 / 10
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420 Report
  • Jesus...
  • March 6, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "I've been on Paxil 10mg for 18 years, I used to have severe panic attacks and general anxiety disorder. This has helped me live my life, anxiety is a debilitating sickness that interferes with everything you do in life, but only the people who have it can understand that, I recommend it to anyone who has anxiety."

10 / 10
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424 Report
  • Anonymous
  • February 22, 2010

Paxil (paroxetine) for Depression "In the sea of negative reviews which I read before starting Paxil, I saw few positive ones even though I know that there are many, many people for whom this drug has worked wonders. I am one of those people. Diagnosed with severe depression and generalized anxiety disorder, my doctor started me on 10mg/day and despite minor, minor nausea for the initial 2 weeks, I have not had side effects. My anxiety and depression were vastly improved within that 2-4 week window and I began to feel like my old self. I have experienced no discernible effects on my sex drive, which is a big negative side effect for many reviewers. This drug seems to have been tailor-made for me, I am thankful for its availability, and hope this review helps someone!"

10 / 10
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508 Report
  • Ken
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • November 5, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "After years and years of trying and failing with different medications, my doctor finally recommended paroxetine for my anxiety. No side effects unless I DON'T take it, no groggy feeling or haze over my memories anymore. I can function without feeling tired out half way through the day, I don't get dry mouth, I don't gain weight on this medication. All of which have been an issue with other meds in the past. Im very grateful to have found this."

8 / 10
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193 Report
  • Feeli...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • July 27, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "I developed an extreme anxiety disorder inside my own home. Every day, my anxiety was at a constant 8/10, and if an 'event' occurred, it would become an anxiety attack (10 /10). I was prescribed Klonopin & fluoxetine (which I'd successfully taken before for depression). This lasted NINE MONTHS. My therapist was giving me useful tools to use to conquer the anxiety, however my symptoms were too high for them to be effective. My prescribing doctor switched me to Paxil/paroxetine and it changed my life. Within 2-3 weeks my constant anxiety leveled out to a 3 or lower and I was better able to use the tools to conquer any spike in anxiety. Paxil helped me to take back control of my life. Anxiety no longer owns me!"

8 / 10
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346 Report
  • Irish...
  • November 24, 2013

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "Let me start off by saying that NOT EVERYONE reacts the same way to the same medication. NOW that being said, Paxil was a LIFE SAVER for me! I am 30 now, and I started taking Paxil when I was 19. The first medication Dr. tried for me was Zoloft, which made my Anxiety get SO much worse! I was terrified to being with feeling CONSTANT WORRY, fast heartbeat, racing thoughts. So after 3 days of Zoloft I quit, went back to my doctor and we tried Paxil. IT SAVED MY LIFE, I felt the unneeded worries of the world lift off of my back, racing thoughts stopped, my heartbeat slowed, I could organize my thoughts. It was like I had calmed down for the first time in my life AND IT WORKED IN HOURS FOR ME(don't expect same results, but you never know!)."

10 / 10
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356 Report
  • Aano
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 22, 2020

Paxil (paroxetine) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Saved my life, literally. I have very high functioning anxiety and my mind would never stop, and I had come to conclusion after trying several antidepressants that was just who I was. Then I developed SI, depression, and found no pleasure in anything. I was miserable and I tortured myself constantly. At my breaking point with SI when I could no longer trust myself, I talked to my PCP and was prescribed Paxil 20mg. My entire life has changed. I have never known a quiet mind my whole adult life. I am happy and peaceful for the first time ever. I have to exercise a lot to combat sugar cravings, but I do not dread exercise and enjoy it now. I still have trouble sleeping, which I always have had, but other than that, this drug has been a miracle for me."

9 / 10
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153 Report
  • Hope4u
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 15, 2013

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "About 6-8 weeks ago my doc prescribed 10 mg paxil (Now up to 20 mg) & 0.25 Xanax. The first few weeks I was very, very fatigued! But since I was depressed, I was okay with sleeping the rest of the day after returning home from school. I did experience headaches, nausea, increased anxiety (Xanax helped alleviate anxiety). Within the last 2 weeks, I haven't taken Xanax, my anxiety has dramatically decreased! Depression has also decreased. A few months ago I was scared to leave the house, be around people, an emotional wreck, no motivation to work out. Now I'm happy to go to school, exercise, and be social again. Keep praying and hang in there! "

8 / 10
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329 Report
  • TJano
  • August 1, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) for Social Anxiety Disorder "Paxil has been life-changing. I've suffered crippling social anxiety for as long as I can remember. I've been on all kinds of combinations of SSRI's from age 16 to about 25. After a couple years on nothing, I decided to give it another try. My doctor put me on Paxil. I started on 10mg for two weeks, then upped it to 20mg for a two weeks then 30mg and 40mg. After a couple weeks on 40mg I was starting to give up hope. After about 12 weeks, I decided it didn't work and was ready to stop usage. I knew the withdrawals were pure hell, so I wanted to taper off very slowly, then one night I woke up and had this incredible sense of well-being. It was like all my anxiety and depression had suddenly disappeared. Since that moment all my anxiety has been gone. I have no idea why it took 3 months before I noticed anything, but when I did, it was profound. The drug has saved my life. I'm so glad I didn't stop before that 12 week mark. I would have never known the miracle this med has given me."

10 / 10
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168 Report
  • jlynnej
  • April 27, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety and Stress "At first, I was a little bit afraid to try Paxil after reading some reviews but I thought to myself anything has to be better than the daily stress and anxiety that I was dealing with. I've been on it for a month and I can absolutely say it's been a life changing experience! I no longer have daily panic attacks and I can go out in public without a care! Before Paxil, I struggled in public situations. I would often feel anxiety and if everyone was staring and judging me. But now I don't even think about it. I just go on with my business and enjoy my days! If you're struggling with daily panic attacks and anxiety like I was, I highly recommend at least giving it a try!"

10 / 10
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268 Report
  • Maddie
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 15, 2021

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "I’ve been on Paxil (10mg) for about five weeks. I take it for PTSD and anxiety. After a terrible experience on Lexapro, I was scared to try Paxil. I am so glad I gave it a go because it’s really starting to help. I’m sleeping better, no longer having racing thoughts or panic attacks. And the only side effect I’ve noticed is some minor daytime drowsiness. If you try one SSRI and have a negative experience, don’t give up hope!"

10 / 10
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103 Report
  • Fluff...
  • January 16, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety and Stress "Paxil has worked wonderfully for me. I now have a life due to it. I no longer feel like I'm being attacked by the world, so I no longer attack back. I finally have a life and I am finally happy with myself as well."

10 / 10
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277 Report
  • Sharub
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • December 11, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "First of all, I never realized that I had OCD until I told my doctor I couldn't sleep because I couldn't control my thoughts. I thought OCD only manifested itself in physical rituals. Paxil has literally saved my life. It broke a 14 year cycle of racing, uncontrollable thoughts/insomnia/anxiety/depression. I have been taking Paxil for 15 years now."

10 / 10
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254 Report
  • trini...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • August 11, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "I have been taking Paxil for the past 5 years and it makes me feel great I do not get any anxiety attacks since I started one thing that helps me is the support of my husband and exercise and good eating habits. Theses things assist with living a more richer and happier life. I do not intend on stopping because the good out ways the bad."

9 / 10
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261 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.