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Paroxetine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

Brand names: Paxil, Paxil CR, Brisdelle

Paroxetine has an average rating of 7.1 out of 10 from a total of 1,511 reviews on Drugs.com. 63% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 20% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Paroxetine

  • heave...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 4, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "I have always had anxiety ever since Iwas young but this past summer I was so bad I couldn't go anywhere or do anything. I was even at the point I didn't want to leave the house I was so depressed. I didn't know what I was going to do and I was ruining my daughters and husbands life so I went to the doctor and she put me on paxil 30 mg. I didn't want to take it cause I never take pills not even for a headache and was scared how it was going to make me feel. But I took it and it changed my life after about a month I could go places and enjoyed life again with God and my family's help I am doing so much better I still have some days I don't feel good but i don't let it get me down so if anyone is struggling with anxiety there is help out there"

9 / 10
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  • Red
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • January 2, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "I used Paxil for 7 years for anxiety and it works fine , it’s not that you don’t have any anxiety but it does diminish it . Last year I decided to quit because I thought I don’t need it anymore and started taking half dose ( 10 ) and then a quarter . Everything was fine till 15 days after I had quit totally . My anxiety came back and the negative thoughts were on the run . So I get back on it , 15 days now and am felling better . It takes at least a month to fully work , but in the meantime anxiety is there . Only the people who suffer this can understand how overwhelming this constant fear can be . I think this will be forever or until something really awesome and new came to market . You can not live in fear ."

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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 19, 2024

Paxil (paroxetine) for Panic Disorder "I took Paxil years ago for severe panic attacks and anxiety, and it literally took away the attacks. I even came off the medication. However, I just had a loss, and the attacks came back. I started on Zoloft. NEVER EVER AGAIN!!! I got back on Paxil 10mg, and I’m getting better already. Today is day 2 with no Ativan. I’m praying it works just as good as the first time. I’m so thankful for this medication. I can literally function."

8 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Hopeful
  • January 25, 2016

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety and Stress "I was on paxil 40mg for 13 years and decided ( like an idiot ) that I didn't need it anymore, withdrew from the paxil and it was hard!!! 3 months later was in a whirlwind of emotion, anxiety, panic, and fear!!! Didn't leave my house for 4 months!!!! I used to go to the beach to destress all of the time, couldn't even do that! Went to Dr, and he tried me on lexapro, effexor, and prozac, horrible 3 months of my life with all the side effects! Finally decided myself to go back on paxil! Within a months time I'm back to working 2 jobs, my family is more happy, I AM WAY LESS STRESSED, and the anxiety is 3/4 gone!!!! Please if anyone fighting with stress and anxiety or panic take the paxil!!! I did great for me both times"

10 / 10
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  • Chilled...
  • December 15, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety and Stress "Been taking Paxil at low dose 5 mg. I like Paxil because my doctor said it helps with sleep. With other SSRIs I tried, I woke up throughout night. Doctor said if I stay at low dose, may not experience the weight gain, we’ll see. Trying to eat healthy and exercise daily too. Hope this helps, so far so good.. anxiety can be terrible.."

10 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Anonymous
  • July 14, 2009

Paxil (paroxetine) for Social Anxiety Disorder "Paxil is amazing. I was a person with severe social anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder. I was unable to leave my room at college. I never wanted to go out with my friends or stay in the library to do my work. It was extremely difficult. I began Paxil and within a few weeks I was literally crying of happiness because I am such a different person now. I'm able to go anywhere and do anything I want without a huge anxious feeling. I fully support it for anyone in my same situation. "

10 / 10
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  • Cymro
  • May 23, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "This really works. Been on it for a week and now feeling much less anxious. My anxiety was pretty bad, couldn't get through the work day without an anxiety/panic attack. Saw a Dr and since then this medicine has really helped."

10 / 10
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  • Ethan
  • January 23, 2017

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "I don't understand why people quit after 3 days starting it. It made them too anxious or depressed - isn't this why you are taking it? It doesn't work overnight. I too am very impatient and would prefer a quick fix. But the first 2 weeks are rough but if your persevere the benefits outweigh the startup. I'm into my 3rd week and it's working really well it is like a lightbulb moment. I gave a 9 because for the life of me I cannot orgasm but I'll take that over the suicidal thoughts and feeling lifeless anyday... remember give it time your brain needs to adjust... stay strong x"

9 / 10
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  • faded...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 30, 2013

Paxil (paroxetine) for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have had a good experience with Paxil thus far, and I wanted to put it out there because I think it's usually the bad experiences that prompt folks to write these reviews! I'd tried other SSRIs (Wellbutrin, Lexapro, Celexa), with bad results, so I was hesitant. I started on 10 mg/day for two weeks then went to 20mg. At first I didn't notice much, but by the third week my obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety were greatly quelled. I feel a general sense of well-being and satisfaction with life, yet I'm still productive/creative/ME. No ill side effects whatsoever. I hear the withdrawal is a bear, and I'll cross that bridge when I get there, but, so far so good."

9 / 10
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  • Lolo
  • March 10, 2018

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety and Stress "I'm writing this because I was initially scared to start taking Paxil after reading a lot of negative reviews online, and I wanted to put a positive one out there. I'm currently on week 6 day 2, on a 10mg dose (I'm a small female). When I started, I had gone over a month barely eating or sleeping, and had lost over 15 pounds in the previous few months due to anxiety/depression. I was struggling with every aspect of my life, and felt like I didn't have the strength to pull myself through it. Today I feel strong, capable, I have my appetite back and my sleep has improved. I am back to my real joyful self and not just a shell of a person. The only side effects I have experienced are exhaustion in the first few weeks, and some jaw clenching at night. All manageable. So, if you're considering Paxil, don't be scared by all the info out there. Every body is different, and you never know: it might be just what you need to help you through this time in your life and find yourself."

8 / 10
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  • Life...
  • June 15, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) for Panic Disorder "Look, Paxil is a game changer. For sure. People listen up, to start, you’re going to have some side effects. Ears ringing, sleep issues, “brain zaps”, sexual dysfunctions, dry mouth, I could go on. But, one day I woke up after taking it for about six months and wouldn’t you know it, no more panic attacks. And these weren’t mild panic attacks, these were almost driving off the road on the way to work in the morning because you can’t breathe, your shaking like a leaf, throwing up, and can’t see straight type attacks. Severe. I’ve been on 60mg a day for around a decade, and I can’t believe how one little pill can completely change your life in the way it has changed mine. This is so so sooooo much safer than benzodiazepines, and it’s nonaddictive. But, if you stop taking it you can rebound quick. Just trust me on that one. So I’m never coming off of it. It’s a small price to pay right? Thanks!"

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 4, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety and Stress "I tried everything from Zoloft, Xanax, Valium Cymbalta. After a severe rollover accident and 3 surgeries I had infections in my stomach which led to h pylori then 2000mg of antibiotics which led to Barrett disease then severe debilitating anxiety and depression. I am sensitive to all medication. Paxil low dose of 10mg after 6 months has saved my life and God of course. Please don't give up"

9 / 10
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  • Ashle...
  • August 15, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) for Social Anxiety Disorder "I have grown up my entire life not knowing how to talk to people, being told I was shy, sweating, and getting red faced whenever I would talk in front of people. "I would never try anything new and would get nervous and upset when I would have to change plans or be around people. I have been on Paxil for over a year and I tell everyone how it has saved my life. Now, I do not think that Paxil completely changed me, I have also been going to school and building up my confidence. Paxil was the push I needed to get out, be social, and network. As I become more educated I am more and more confident and I thank paxil, and God, everyday. I wish I could be a Paxil Spokesperson!!! It has literally changed my entire life and helped me branch out!"

10 / 10
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  • Britt...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • March 5, 2013

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "I took Paxil for a total of 10 years for anxiety and panic attacks. I was put on it at a young age, but I don't see how I could have gotten through those ten years without it. Paxil is great and works wonders for anxiety, but I didn't want to be on it my whole life. I'm now 20 and doing great without it. I think the medicine gave me a sense of confidence after a while that made me realize I could get through my anxiety on my own. A confidence that helped me find my own coping mechanisms for my anxiety so that I no longer needed to rely on the Paxil anymore. I highly suggest Paxil to anyone with anxiety disorder looking for a medication to help."

10 / 10
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  • Ss868
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 25, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety and Stress "I have been on this medicine for a week and a half now and I have regained my life back! The first 4 days on it are hell, but if you just hold on through it, you will notice a world of difference. I can wake up in the mornings feeling like my old self again and go through the day without feeling scared or hyped up. I would definitely recommend it."

10 / 10
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  • Ssimply
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 11, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "I have been on this medication for one week, I have mild jaw pain and a bit dizzy but I will take that over the madness I felt a week ago. Suicidal, anxious, crying needless to say I was a mess! I still have a few intrusive thoughts but this is one week and I am grateful I went through 3 medications before finding this one and I am glad to say the least I can get back to being a mother and wife."

9 / 10
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149 Report
  • Anonymous
  • September 8, 2023

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "I don't know what to say except this drug saved my life. I suffered for 45 years, I am cured. Please, if you need treatment for anxiety, try it. I am a smart, professional, successful person. Paxil has 10000% changed my life."

10 / 10
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  • Skye
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 6, 2020

Paxil (paroxetine) for Depression "Seems like a lot of people have a good experience with Paxil and I really wish I could say the same. I took it for about 2.5 months and had chronic diarrhea the whole time which only seemed to get worse as time went on. And of course the usual sexual side effects that come with SSRIs. I couldn't handle it anymore, having diarrhea for that long just left me feeling very sick all the time. So I tapered off which is where things have gone from bad to worse. I've never had a problem coming off of any type of medication in my life but this is HORRIBLE. Brain zaps, nightmares, highly increase depression and crying spells. This stuff is freaking poison to my body. I would never recommend this to anyone."

1 / 10
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  • Panic...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • March 18, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "I have taken Paxil on and off my entire adult life. I have always stuck to a low dose at 10MG a day. I do not have depression, I am just a very sensitive especially in times of high stress, and panic attacks start to take over my life. I had to put my degree on hold, I missed out on vacations with my family, and my professional life suffered as well. Paxil calms my nerves. It keeps me in check so I don't freak out in times of stress. The side effects do exist, but keeping a low dose helps. My libido is affected a bit, I do get dizzy from time to time, and I also have dry mouth. At 10mg a day, once I feel like I am in control again (usually 8 months to a year of being on the medicine) I can stop without any of the bad withdrawals."

9 / 10
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  • LadyM...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 1, 2017

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "I started on 10mg Paxil 2 months ago, and my life is changed. I was able to recognize how amazing life is without the shadow of anxiety which caused my depression. I came back to myself. My therapist recommended doing a trial of 20mg to see if my remaining anxiety issues could be subsided as well. I just started today and I feel a little more lethargic than I'd like to and I fear for my sex life. I'm going to try it for a while until my body adjusts and if I still feel out of sorts, I'm going to drop back down to 10mg. The first week or two of symptoms was pretty terrible, I was yawning excessively. VERY nauseous, tired often...but as soon as my body adjusted, an amazing sense of clarity came over me--first time in 15 years. Life changing."

10 / 10
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  • Kuntal...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 15, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Many of us think that SSRI's completely cure your anxiety. That is over expectation. Give enough time to your medicine and remind yourself if you don't have some anxiety that's mean you are dead. Paxil or any SSRI's lessen your symptoms, so you don't have severe panic attacks with it. Moreover you enjoy your life with out worrying much. You still have anxiety because you are human but that doesn't affect your quality of life . Please do understand. Seretonin affects the mood - it is not laughing gas."

7 / 10
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  • Jo67
  • January 5, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "Taken this medication on and off for over 20 years . Few side effect when going on medication . Never had any withdrawal symptoms even when I forgot to take and when I stopped taking medication Totally cured my anxiety/depression ."

10 / 10
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93 Report
  • College...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 30, 2012

Paxil (paroxetine) for Social Anxiety Disorder "Paxil has changed my life! Before: paranoia about people watching me, extreme anxiety walking or being in public places, such as cafeterias, college campus, small groups of people. Mind blankness during conversations, or "social lock up" - inability to interact with others due to severe anxiety. Always woke up feeling tired even if I had a full nights sleep. Side Effects (lasted 2 weeks): 20mg daily. Severe fatigue/sleepiness. A little dizziness if dose was taken late. Headache the 1st two days. Now: Began working really well 7-8 weeks in. No more social anxiety, I feel normal walking around & talking to people. Also I sleep better than ever. Overall anxiety level has gone down & I no longer ruminate/worry constantly! Paxil rocks!"

10 / 10
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  • Old_P...
  • May 5, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) for Anxiety "I used to be a paratrooper but as I aged I developed anxieties that eventually interfered with my daily life. For example I became terrified of flying, driving in winter, or crossing bridges. I got to the point where I would cross a bridge and even though I knew my fears were irrational, I felt like I would pass out when crossing one and would drive many miles to avoid them. I was talking to a total stranger and mentioned my irrational fear of driving in winter and he suggested Paxil. He was a rough neck hunter who developed a fear of climbing tree stands which made him unable to hunt. I figured if it worked for him I should try it! Thank goodness I did! Game Changer! I cross bridges and am amazed I ever feared them!"

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 28, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) for Social Anxiety Disorder "I literally thought there was 0 hope for me. My anxiety has increased drastically as I've gotten older and has led to social anxiety. Going out in public would depress me, I constantly thought people were plotting against me and talking about me. I have been on Paxil for about a month. Thank God. My work days are MUCH better, I don't analyze the hell out of everything and I'm not afraid of people. I can now get out of bed and look forward to the day, not dread it."

8 / 10
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144 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.