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Paxil for Depression User Reviews (Page 2)

Paxil has an average rating of 6.4 out of 10 from a total of 180 reviews for the treatment of Depression. 51% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 27% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Paxil

  • CP15856
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 12, 2012

"After about one week I was out and active. Engaging with others again and doing much better at work. I also do not have the desire to sleep all day. I have lost weight also due to increased exercise and a minimal loss of appetite. Side effects are minimal, but sex is impossible. I take Paxil 40mg once a day and Xanax 1mg twice. I am a new person! I tried Prozac, Effexor, Seroquel and Lamictal with few benefits. Paxil is by far the best medicine I have ever tried. I am nervous however when I read about the horrible side effects of missed doses and stopping Paxil. "

9 / 10
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100 Report
  • Mtoa
  • April 3, 2016

" In few words - Life changing All negative thoughts change to positive ones And that is a life changing pill I was born depressed really ,with a wierd point of veiw, very critic of everybody, now I am a happy ordinary guy with a beautifull family Something I could not have achieved with out paxil, I take one every day for 23 years The effects goes out just after a glass of wine , so be carefull , quiting the pill in a fast way will cause " rage" yes , you would not recognized your self kind of rage so be carefull. You ar"

10 / 10
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  • Curio...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • May 19, 2013

"I had taken Paxil when I was younger and it worked wonders with my depression and social disorder. However, this time around it is different, but still better with than without. My husband has been on it for close to 5 years. He used to be so angry all the time about everything, this helped him. It helped us because I am a person who does not do well with yelling and arguing. He did try to stop a few months back and it was terrible because his aggressiveness and irritability was off the wall, scarey. His mood swings came on quick and he realized he was better off staying on the Paxil. We are both on 40 mg a day. "

7 / 10
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90 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • mike-...
  • March 26, 2008

"This was the best medicine that covered a wide variety of mental disorders. I took this pill 60mg for 6 years. I was then hospitalized on an unrelated matter and the doctor had me taken off of this, abruptly. That was the wrong thing to do, I fell into a deep depression that stayed out of control for 3 weeks. The longest 3 weeks of my life, I could not function at all. BE CAREFUL WHEN STOPPING THIS PILL!!!!!!!!!"

10 / 10
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115 Report
  • Aeros...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • March 21, 2014

"Been taking Paxil 40mg since November 2007, works absolutely fine. Treated my major depression without any complications, did not affect my sex life, at first its hard to have an orgasm, but over time, its as fast as you want them. Medication however did cause some minor hair thinning and hair loss in my front head area, treating it with Minoxidil 2.5mg once a day. Otherwise medication works absolutely great for major depression mostly. Doctors have advised that its hard to get off this medication on your own, do not attempt to discontinue the medication on your own once you've been on it for a long period, consult with your doctor."

10 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • oppy
  • January 30, 2010

"Have taken Paxil 10mg/daily for the last 9 yrs off and on. I have very few side effects. I do get the dry mouth and hot flashes the first month of starting and hot flashes after missing a couple of doses. The side effects are different for everyone, I actually lose weight on Paxil because without it I am a nervous eater. Paxil does help with my concentration and memory. I tend to worry about all the "what-if's?" which clogs up my mind. Paxil helps me put things in prospective, I don't sweat all the small while I take it. Works well for me."

10 / 10
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  • D Tex
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 20, 2014

"Paxil helped me get my life and emotions back on track after depression linked to a divorce. I had been feeling more down than ever before, and couldn't shake it despite every effort through talk counseling, relaxation, and exercise. For the first 3-4 weeks, initially at 10 mg and then at 20 mg, I felt that Paxil was having no effect on me. But as it kicked in, I felt happier, more myself, and more alive than in years, sustained now for 3 months. It's been a very natural feeling, as if a fog has lifted rather than any medicated fakeness. Only side effect has been gaining 15 pounds (after losing 10 pounds from depression), even while training for and running a half-marathon. No difficulty cutting dosage to 15mg, and will soon cut to 10mg."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • September 20, 2019

"Listen! Depression is the evil period! Paxil helped me treat my depression but as soon as I determined my symptoms of depression was due to ADHD I decided to get off of it. It's been like living in the depths of a dark pit. Paxil helps you but destroys you. Please please please please please weigh your options. I've been on it for awhile and getting off of it is WORSE! I can and can't suggest this medication or any antidepressant. I urge you to determine what is causing your depression and treat that underlying problem. It will save you from these types of medication that will develop a strong dependence and the minute you do not need them and decide to go off them, it's going to be an absolute WAR! It is possible stay strong, stay positive. Always get second opinions never assume because you owe it to your life. Keep your head up follow your gut instincts and it will all work out for the best!"

5 / 10
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  • March...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • May 26, 2015

"I began taking Paxil 'by choice' 15 years ago; when my panic and anxiety was out of control. I didn't realize I had always suffered from depression until I took this medicine.The very fist day I took the 20 mgs. I felt a calmness like never before.The first couple of weeks or so I felt a little zoned out; perhaps more depressed seeming. Looking back I think my depression was left on its own. It took a couple of weeks to improve that but it did. I was on it for 2 years before weaning off due to weight gain and thinking I was better. I fell back into severe depression and panic. Went back on it, tried to wean again. Same response. A third time put me in the hospital. 7 years later I still have to take meds but nothing has helped since paxil."

10 / 10
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67 Report
  • MikaBBB
  • April 20, 2016

"DO NOT EVER TAKE THIS DRUG. long story short, it can cause mania, depersonalization, mood swings, uncontrollable anger, suicidal thoughts and actions, and it can make your depression and anxiety 10 times worse. It also causes permanent damage to the brain by literally stooping your brains ability to produce serotonin by itself. This is one of the oldest SSRI's on the market, and its short half-life make withdrawals the worst thing ever. The withdrawals are similar to heroin withdrawals and last 3-6 months. If you want to seriously fu** up your life and your brain, take this drug."

1 / 10
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61 Report
  • Marc...
  • October 29, 2013

"Bipolar, ADHD, OCD, etc. Many of the symptoms overlap and crossover into each other and others as well. Depression is found in each condition, and I find for myself that depression is by far the most debilitating condition of all. I first tried Paxil 12 years ago for depression and anxiety. The Paxil worked great. The side effects included a little nausea (which is basically eliminated by eating something with or soon after taking the med) and some sexual issues (which I believe can be negotiated after you get used to the Paxil). I quit taking it when I switched insurance and because of the perceived stigma I had with taking anything for conditions I didn't want to even acknowledge. Now I'm back on it and will keep it up!"

10 / 10
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69 Report
  • Lola...
  • May 17, 2013

"I had been placed on depression pill upon depression pill and I seemed to be on an emotional roller coaster, then I was put on 20 mg Paxil. I have been on it now for almost four years and it has helped me through some down times. I was able to get through it the past years and am so grateful for it."

9 / 10
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70 Report
  • Sarax...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 27, 2012

"Took this med for a month at 20mg and I was one of those who began to notice positive effects overnight. It improved my mood exponentially and since I've never had a sex drive (from depression) I actually gained one while on Paxil. Sex was much more pleasurable. Unfortunately I thought I could find a med that was even BETTER, so was put on Cymbalta and Abilify, but have had miniscule improvements. Tomorrow I'm going to start back up on the Paxil."

10 / 10
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73 Report
  • Anonymous
  • March 13, 2008

"This drug has been out there a long time, but it's tried and true. I've evened out my ups and downs and don't have as bad of temper as I did before starting Paxil. I've taken it for 4 years on the advice of my Gastro doctor. My daughter says that she has REALLY noticed a difference and I feel much better. I just wish I had found it earlier in life. No side effects unless I forget a dose and then I get a little achy."

10 / 10
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94 Report
  • 18530...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 21, 2016

"Very good medication I took and in 3 days my mood improved also I found my self being more social , joking around alot more but it also made me very hyper in extremely talkative now im on the road to recovery"

8 / 10
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56 Report
  • Detac...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 15, 2020

"Paxil 37.5mg CR suddenly disabled my sexual functions...completely. No one warned me, I wasn’t aware it could be permanent. There are a growing number of men and women who are destroyed by Paxil. There are better options with side effects that aren’t in the hundreds. I had nearly all of them in a 4 month span. This is day 3 of abruptly stopping. Being alive and in control isn’t easy. It sucks a lot for everyone, make your choice sooner than later, SSRIs can permanently damage your ability to love. Is there a worse side effect than that? I would rather be dead"

1 / 10
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33 Report
  • Anonymous
  • April 6, 2012

"While this medicine may not be for everyone, it's helped me immensely. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and depression. I was having intense mood swings where I'd alternate between being so anxious I couldn't sleep for days and then so depressed I couldn't get myself out of bed in the morning. I felt like I didn't matter anymore and that I could stay in bed all day since no one would realize I wasn't there. I started out on 10mg of Paxil for 4 days before increasing to 20mg. After a few weeks the effects started to wear off and I fell into a deep depression, so my dosage increased to 30mg a day. I take it before bed, and all my insomnia problems have gone away. It's done wonders for me. I have my life back."

10 / 10
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70 Report
  • 4UBUD
  • June 26, 2008

"I have chronic mild depression and have been on Paroxetine for 5 years and it has the least side effects. Tried Prozac, Effexor, Wellbrutin and Lexapro. With Lexapro and Wellbrutrin, I had horrible insomnia, I was up all night. With Paroxetine (Paxil) I sleep like a baby."

8 / 10
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85 Report
  • Anonymous
  • June 30, 2008

"I've been on Paxil for 2 weeks and can already notice a difference. I've been suffering from depression for 3 years now. I've tried lexapro, zoloft and effexor and none of them really worked for me. I'm feeling optimistic about Paxil. If you suffer from severe depression, even feeling a little bit better makes a huge difference."

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  • rmaxw...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • October 15, 2012

"If you read the other reviews, they are all correct in saying you must NEVER stop taking this medication suddenly. Coming off this medicine was one of the most difficult things. You must do it very slowly and possibly add some other medications to ease the side effects. It's so important to have a good doctor to guide you. "

1 / 10
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64 Report
  • buc
  • July 20, 2010

"I was severely depressed before deciding to try this medication. I recently graduated (May 10) with my second B.S. I am also a mother. I knew before that I wasn't happy like I should be. I never ever was proud of my accomplishments, it was difficult for me to do daily tasks and play with my daughter. I was never happy. When I graduated with my bio degree, I sunk really low, the weight above my head felt like a building was being held on top of me. A friend suggested depression. I decided to talk to my doctor about it and we gave Paxil a try. I felt better almost immediately. Within 1 week I can honestly say the weight was gone and I felt better than I have in a REALLY long time. It has changed my life! Highly recommend!"

10 / 10
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  • Monas...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • September 1, 2017

"I have been taking 10-mg of Paxil for over 20 years and began taking it after surgical menopause in my late 30's. Having dealt with depression/anxiety on and off since I was young, this really transformed my life. My career was very demanding and I was able to have a successful career until retirement a few years ago. I am a professional who worked under very strenuous circumstances and without this medication could probably not have done so. I did not gain weight but have been an exerciser most of my adult life which, incidentally, also helps a great deal with depression. Everyone is different and so is their reaction to medications. This is why it is so important to have a Dr. who continues to follow you."

10 / 10
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40 Report
  • Missy...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • December 22, 2015

"I've taken 40 mg of paxil for anxiety and depression for 14 years and it was life changing. Slowly it hasn't been as effectIve and recently I felt as though I hadn't been taking anything at all. Now I'm back to where I was before paxil and feeling like an emotional mess. My Dr just increased my paxil to 50 mg and then if that doesn't work, she may have me try something else. I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this?"

8 / 10
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47 Report
  • JJano
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 7, 2019

"I was prescribed Paxil for depression. The drug made me feel severely disoriented and like I wasn't in control; it gave me severe anxiety and made my dark feelings worse. I ended up attempting suicide after taking it. I have since learned that there are thousands of people who had the same experience with this drug. I warn people against taking it, due to the side effects - it nearly cost me my life and was the source of pain and humiliation for many years."

1 / 10
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30 Report
  • Stres...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • April 11, 2014

"I experienced severe postpartum depression after my twins were born, actually it started after I stopped breastfeeding them. My hormones were all over the place. I was sleep deprived and suicidal. Paxil worked great on my depression, but I had negative side effects. First of all, it really flattened my emotional response. Nothing much upset me, but nothing made me excited either. I had zero sex drive and could not achieve orgasm at all. I also gained a lot of weight in a very short amount of time. Also, I had trouble falling asleep. I switched to Wellbutrin, and actually lost weight. I would still have difficulty coping some days, but it was manageable, and no negative side effects."

7 / 10
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52 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.