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Paroxetine for Social Anxiety Disorder User Reviews

Brand names: Paxil, Paxil CR, Brisdelle

Paroxetine has an average rating of 7.6 out of 10 from a total of 106 reviews for the treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder. 71% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 14% reported a negative experience.

Paroxetine rating summary

7.6/10 average rating

106 ratings from 108 user reviews.

Compare all 11 medications used in the treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder.

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32%
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24%
8
15%
7
3%
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5%
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4%
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4%
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3%
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3%
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Reviews for Paroxetine

  • TJano
  • August 1, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "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
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 17, 2020

Paxil (paroxetine) "I was prescribed this about 10 yrs ago and I cannot remember why I was taken off it and put on Sertraline. However since then my social anxiety has been debilitating even on the highest dose Of sertraline. I was thinking and trying to remember a really relaxed happy time and I remembered the paroxetine period. My whole life since then has been gripped by fear and anxiety and fear of scrutiny I rang my Dr and asked if I could try it again. He was a bit reluctant because of the withdrawal problems but agreed. My goodness, I am SO thankful, within a week the anxiety and constant fear and tension had gone. It is amazing and I have my life back again !!! My heart is singing with joy and the release is so fantastic. THANK YOU PAXIL, I have a future !!"

10 / 10
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87 Report
  • Anonymous
  • July 14, 2009

Paxil (paroxetine) "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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226 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Ashle...
  • August 15, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "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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144 Report
  • College...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 30, 2012

Paxil (paroxetine) "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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166 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

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

Paxil (paroxetine) "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
  • MaryMac
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 5, 2020

Paxil (paroxetine) "I’ve been taking Paxil for almost a year now. I struggled with social anxiety all my life, but it was manageable. But when I started college, it got really bad. It got to the point where I couldn’t order food at a restaurant or buy a bag of chips at the gas station without feeling nauseous. My doctor thought Paxil would and put me in 20mg. And it really has made a huge difference. I can function like a normal human now. I’m not suddenly a social butterfly or anything, I’m still a rather shy person. This drug won’t change your personality, but it does help alleviate anxious symptoms associated with social situations."

10 / 10
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69 Report
  • TaraB_B
  • March 13, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) "Started on Effexor. Lost my mind. Was put on Celexa (20mg) and lived my life. Things were okay. I had anxiety still, but it was controlled. Didn't care much about anything. But my anxiety was controlled. That went on for 2 years. Just over a month ago, I saw a new doctor (insurance changed and previous doctor didn't accept it). She pushed me to try Paxil. I replaced my 20mg of Celexa with 10mg of Paxil for 2 days, then went to 20mg Paxil. No issues at all. I am so happy I did it. I am a completely different person. When I say anxiety was controlled on Celexa, I'll tell you I have NO anxiety on Paxil. I haven't thought about it at all. I leave, drive, hang out with my friends, go do everything that not even Celexa allowed me to do."

10 / 10
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123 Report
  • Happy...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 9, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "Suffered with social anxiety/depression/panic for a good while now! Currently taking 10mg Paroxetine (lowest dose and it is working great). First few days, stomach upset a bit of insomnia, it diminishes day after day until you get used to it. It has done me wonders, able to go out without my heart rate going crazy, not worrying about others looking at me and able to enjoy things in life. Give it time, if it doesn't work for you there are many other options out there. Best of luck to you things will work out for you."

10 / 10
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68 Report
  • Molly...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 6, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "Paxil has changed my life for the better. I am 39 years and up until a mobth ago I had been dealing with major social and personal anxiety along with bipolar depression and agoraphobia. I had been prescribed a variety of prescription medications by different doctors over the years until last month by chance a new doctor (a general practitioner) suggested Paxil. It has now been a month and I am a whole new person. I have full of confidence and clear thinking. My thought process is in a positive direction and I'm constantly looking for was to improve my mind, body and spirit. I now have a new job after being on SSI for 4 years I thought I would go to my grave on government assistance. PAXIL SAVED MY LIFE!!!"

10 / 10
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106 Report
  • Youmg...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 28, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "You guys. I am a new person. Paxil has completely changed my life. I've been on 40 mg for 2 months and everyone has noticed a change. I can go shopping alone, greatly improved my work life, and I actually want to be social."

10 / 10
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102 Report
  • tazly
  • July 26, 2017

Paxil (paroxetine) "I've always had social anxiety but manageable as I would avoid social situations and worked independently for the most part. I was promoted to a management role and things started getting out of control. I couldn't speak to anymore for any longer than 10 minutes. I would shake uncontrollably and have panic attacks. I thought I would have to quit the dream job I worked towards my whole life. I spoke to my doctor and she put me on Paxil. I'm at 37 mg for 7 weeks now and my life has changed. I can hold meetings within my team. I can speak without having panic attacks. I love this drug. It has saved me from losing my job and my social life."

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77 Report
  • Harry...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 2, 2016

Paxil (paroxetine) "O M G Where has this drug been my whole life? I have only been on it for little over a week and already I am feeling "more than functional"! So functional in fact that I am re-enrolling into school and getting my drivers license back. I feel like there's hope for me and i do in fact have a future, and people who love me. like i said, i've only been on it for over a week. I hope this keeps rolling the way it is now! but definitely 10/10 Other drugs I have tried that were NOT helpful: zoloft, escotalopram, effexor. Not saying you should disregard them though. i'm supposing that different drugs help different people for different reasons. *shrug"

10 / 10
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80 Report
  • ktttt
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 8, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "This really does work. I've never been more confident and happier. Even my family and friends said something has changed. I also don't get as nervous in intimate situations. Give it a try if you're skeptical."

9 / 10
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85 Report
  • John
  • October 23, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "I've been taking Paxil since I was 9 years old. I'm now 19. Paxil has changed for the best. As a child I missed 4 months of school because I was so scared and nervous, I would puke until my parents told me I didn't have to go then I would instantly feel better. I tried in middle school to stop taking Paxil but I became scared, nervous, and edgy. It has just given me a little balance and control over myself, I'm very thankful for Paxil and that medication has come so far and has offered neurological help and relief to those who need it"

10 / 10
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73 Report
  • MissJ...
  • October 26, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have been depressed with major social anxiety for over five years. I've always been scared to try any medication. Lately it's been unbearable. I have too much social anxiety that I can't even sit through job interviews or simple things like going shopping alone. I'm 25 and have been on Paxil for less than a month. The first two weeks were bad. I'd wake up at odd hours of the night and be wide awake. I'd feel like puking throughout the day along with being very drowsy. Don't worry. It does subside. I feel like going out more and I'm not too worried as I usually am about people judging me or looking at me. I participate in small talk with strangers. I am free to go out without worrying. I'm content."

8 / 10
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79 Report
  • nrcan...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • September 19, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have taken paxil since 1995 after having a nervous breakdown. I also weaned myself off of paxil for 13 months in 2000 so that I could get pregnant. In 2001 I experienced post postpartum depression with no anxiety and went back on the paxil. Paxil is best suited for patients with Anxiety and MDD. It is a very potent SSRI. On dealing with the side effects: Weight gain can be prevented with proactive exercise. Constipation can be prevented by diet, suppository etc Sexual side effects can be reduced by reducing the amount of paxil prior to sex (cut your dosage in half that day). SAD can be minimized by adding vitamin B12 in the fall and winter."

10 / 10
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72 Report
  • Jade-...
  • October 12, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) "I've been on Paxil close to a week now. It took the doctor close to two month for me to agree to trying it. I tried everything to overcome my anxiety naturally and I really felt like I hit breaking point. Because I have two young children, I knew it was important that I gave this a go...even though I'm in early days my mind seems content. I'm still trying to get used to it though. After stressing about trivial stuff for so long its strange to feel that I have my life back."

6 / 10
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72 Report
  • shv
  • February 25, 2017

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have been taking paroxetine for about 2 yrs. I had dealt with social anxiety and depression my whole life and I'm 51 now. I could deal with it, but when I got a promotion and needed to facilitate mtgs, training etc. I would have panic attacks and it was horrible. I had tried a couple other meds. (lexipro, Prozac and they didn't help). I feel like a new person.. I actually feel ok for the first time in my life. I don't worry about what people think of me and I can actually be happy. I am so thankful to God and this drug!!"

10 / 10
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57 Report
  • Man...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • August 29, 2013

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have been on Paxil for about 15-16 yrs now. I have probably had social anxiety problems since grade school. It just got worse. Paxil is a good medicine for me but not sure at this point that 30 to 20 mg was a good weaning action. My social anxiety in AA has now increased due to decrease in medicine. When I look at the "good" Paxil has done, it far outweighs the "bad". Having social anxiety is something that can isolate a person. I am not perfect in that regard, but this medicine has definitely been a positive thing in my life. It's not perfect, as I have to work on myself constantly, but it has helped me!"

8 / 10
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72 Report
  • Rebor...
  • January 22, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have been taking Paxil CR for a few months. My doctor and I tried many many things. I think an entire year of my life was spent on playing with medications and dosages. I am currently taking 37.5 + 12.5 and have been for a while now. I haven't felt this "steady" in years. I can leave my apartment feeling "Free" now. I used to be borderline agoraphobic. I still have a long way to go but Paxil has done NOTHING but GOOD for me. Good Luck!"

10 / 10
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69 Report
  • Anonymous
  • June 14, 2011

Paxil (paroxetine) "It has really made living life easier for me; but the only downside is that you become so un-shy that you can end up getting yourself into a lot of trouble. You care much less about the usual aspects of life such as school work or deadlines. It basically made me more prone to risky behavior."

9 / 10
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79 Report
  • working...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 1, 2013

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have had bad social anxiety from a very young age. It has affected my ability to obtain and maintain employment. I have tried Zoloft also, but it did not work near as well as Paxil does for me. Since taking Paxil, I have been working a new job for two months. I only give it a 9 because of the minor side effects, which I have been able to find a way around anyway. If your social anxiety is so bad that it affects your ability to support yourself, I would recommend Paxil. I am on 20mg. When I was taking 30mg the side effects were enough to make me switch to Zoloft for a while, but 20mg of Paxil is working great for me."

9 / 10
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65 Report
  • Abx
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • November 25, 2022

Paxil (paroxetine) "A gods drug. Paxil saved my life. I use to be a very shy guy always walking around with my head down in school, and work etc, all because of fear of people. I just couldn't cope being around people. Been on paroxetine (Paxil) for 2 and a half years now and man this is the best thing to happen to me! I’m so social, always happy, love meeting new people. I’m the confident one now and can see all the other people who are in the position that I used to be in. Since this drug kind of messes with your sexual things for men, just save sex for your partner. On this drug I can go forever in bed lol."

10 / 10
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13 Report
  • Bano
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • April 1, 2020

Paxil (paroxetine) "It has been many years since I took Paxil. I took Paxil as a child to help me with my anxiety, specifically social anxiety. I would have terrible stomach aches before and during school because I was so crippled with anxiety. I had a few friends, but never made an attempt to meet anyone new. I was prescribed Paxil and my life made a 180! I became very social and made a lot of friends very fast. I loved the life I was having! The downside and ultimately why I stopped was because I didn't have a care in the world and the hurt my schooling. I started to get behind on homework which hurt my grades."

9 / 10
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27 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.

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