[Shifty]

quote:Originally posted by blownaway2005

My doctor put me on Paxil for post-partum depression and it worked extremely well with very few side effects. I was only on it for about 8 weeks when my father-in-law died and I missed a few doses. I honestly thought I was having mini-strokes or I had a brain tumor or something. My lips and tongue kept going numb, I would have horrible tingling in my hands and feet, the dizziness was driving me crazy and on top of all of that, the withdrawals kept me so off-balance I fell three times in less than a week. I am terrified of trying something new, but the thought of the post-partum depression coming back scares me more! Anyone have any thoughts?[?]

Amy

Amy, I think you should take the Paxil again. Many doctors recommend that when you quit paxil, that you lower your doses gradually instead of quitting cold-turkey. (much less side effects)



---

I am currently taking 20mg of Paroxitine HCL (Paxil). I have tried 25mg CR, 20mg, and 40mg.

My side effects are delayed orgasm and lack of motivation.

The Paxil seems to cure my anxiety in low stress situations, but makes it worse in high-stress situations.

The side effects on the 40mg were more intense. In addition to the above listed side-effects, I got minor headaches and a much more sedated feeling with no additional benefits.

Ask me anything, I would love to help you with my experiences.

Shifty

[Kendra]

This is a great article featured in the Washington Post this past weekend.

"Looking At The World Through Paxil-Colored Glasses."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...7.html?sub=new

It discusses the "need" for Paxil, but also the side effects including weight gain.<center></center>

[Casey55]

Kendra,

I am afraid weight gain and sexual side effects are common side effects with all the SSRI's. This is nothing new. I have been on SSRI's for 10 yrs and it was very known back then as well. It does not happen to everyone. I was on two of them together for 5 yrs and I lost 40 lbs. If weight gain is an issue for someone on an SSRI, they alone must evaluate the benefits of the meds for depression or OCD against the weight gain. I know many people on them for OCD who have gained significant weight but say the meds are helping so much, that they choose to continue on them anyway because they got their life back which their disorder had completely robbed them of.

For those taking SSRI's for depression, there are many other good anti-depressants, other than the SSRI's, that can be tried if side effects are an issue. Apparently, the person who wrote this article opted to stay on them. I didn't notice where she got treatment for her OCD, meds alone hardly ever help OCD alone.

Casey

[Shifty]

Kendra, let's remember that people take Paxil because they are crazy, not the other way around. It was a great article about somebody who suffers from OCD and blames it on Paxil because she took it once. Totally misleading in my opinion.

We all want someone to blame and isn't Paxil an easy target?

The truth is we don't understand exactly whats wrong with us nor do the doctors. They take a shot in the dark and prescribe something and hope it works. We happily pop the pill in our desperation, but not everyone gets better.


---
New signature: I just switched from Paxil CR 20mg to Lexapro 10mg cold turkey.
Day 1: 12/01/05 Flying high!
Day 4: 12/04/05 I'm feeling like Lexapro is working better than Paxil with less side effects for me. My delayed orgasms went away, which is strange. It usually takes a week off of Paxil for a recovery like this.
Day 9: I think I was "premature" with the delayed ejaculation news. It's still delayed. I must have been on a sexual peak or something. I've been experiencing the normal ravenous appetite usually experienced with Paxil withdrawal.

---

I am currently taking 20mg of Paroxitine HCL (Paxil). I have tried 25mg CR, 20mg, and 40mg.

My side effects are delayed orgasm and lack of motivation.

The Paxil seems to cure my anxiety in low stress situations, but makes it worse in high-stress situations.

The side effects on the 40mg were more intense. In addition to the above listed side-effects, I got minor headaches and a much more sedated feeling with no additional benefits.

Ask me anything, I would love to help you with my experiences.

Shifty

[Casey55]

shifty,

&gt;&gt;&gt;Kendra, let's remember that people take Paxil because they are crazy, not the other way around. It was a great article about somebody who suffers from OCD and blames it on Paxil because she took it once. Totally misleading in my opinion.&gt;&gt;&gt;

I don't understand what you are saying, can you please clarify. Do you really believe people take Paxil because they are crazy??? Also, you state it is a great article followed by it's misleading. Which is it, or am I not reading this correctly?

BTW, there are things you can do to help with the sexual side effects of SSRI's. Have you tried any of them?

Casey

[aquamarine]

quote:Originally posted by Casey55

shifty,

&gt;&gt;&gt;Kendra, let's remember that people take Paxil because they are crazy, not the other way around. It was a great article about somebody who suffers from OCD and blames it on Paxil because she took it once. Totally misleading in my opinion.&gt;&gt;&gt;

I don't understand what you are saying, can you please clarify. Do you really believe people take Paxil because they are crazy??? Also, you state it is a great article followed by it's misleading. Which is it, or am I not reading this correctly?

BTW, there are things you can do to help with the sexual side effects of SSRI's. Have you tried any of them?

Casey

I don't understand what this person means by saying that people take Paxil because they are crazy either. That is not true at all. I took Paxil for around 4 months over 4 years ago and I wasn't crazy. Severely depressed but not crazy. I have been off of it for almost 4 years now. I wish this person would clarify what he/she is saying too.

[countingbackwards]

I didn't take Paxil because I was crazy at all. I just wanted to try something to help me with my shyness. It absolutely turned my life UPSIDE DOWN. I haven't been the same since. Then my dumb ass listened to another doctor and took it again months later. Messing with people's brain chemistry can make them crazy and I'll never take another SSRI in my life. There is nothing wrong with my brain chemistry, so there is no need to take something to alter it. It made me hate my husband, it changed my relationships with everyone, and when I took it the second time I truly wanted to die. When I stopped the death wish went away, but to this day over 4 years later my marriage is still ruined. Maybe it just made me see things like they really are, but I was happier being oblivious and having my family together.

Jennifer

[Shifty]

quote:Originally posted by Casey55

shifty,

&gt;&gt;&gt;Kendra, let's remember that people take Paxil because they are crazy, not the other way around. It was a great article about somebody who suffers from OCD and blames it on Paxil because she took it once. Totally misleading in my opinion.&gt;&gt;&gt;

I don't understand what you are saying, can you please clarify. Do you really believe people take Paxil because they are crazy??? Also, you state it is a great article followed by it's misleading. Which is it, or am I not reading this correctly?

BTW, there are things you can do to help with the sexual side effects of SSRI's. Have you tried any of them?

Casey

I believe the article has an artistic quality which many of us can relate to, which makes it a great article. I also believe that the author is looking for a scapegoat to blame for the issues of mental problems.

Crazy is an overstatement, but you wouldn't reach for the drug if you didn't have some kind of a problem, right?

The sexual side effects aren't bad enough (yet) to cause me to seek treatment. Truth be told, the delayed orgasms can be frustrating, but eventually lead to incredibly intense orgasms, which I really enjoy.

I'm lucky enough to have a patient wife who is understanding.


---
New signature: I just switched from Paxil CR 20mg to Lexapro 10mg cold turkey.
Day 1: 12/01/05 Flying high!
Day 4: 12/04/05 I'm feeling like Lexapro is working better than Paxil with less side effects for me. My delayed orgasms went away, which is strange. It usually takes a week off of Paxil for a recovery like this.
Day 9: I think I was "premature" with the delayed ejaculation news. It's still delayed. I must have been on a sexual peak or something. I've been experiencing the normal ravenous appetite usually experienced with Paxil withdrawal.

---

I am currently taking 20mg of Paroxitine HCL (Paxil). I have tried 25mg CR, 20mg, and 40mg.

My side effects are delayed orgasm and lack of motivation.

The Paxil seems to cure my anxiety in low stress situations, but makes it worse in high-stress situations.

The side effects on the 40mg were more intense. In addition to the above listed side-effects, I got minor headaches and a much more sedated feeling with no additional benefits.

Ask me anything, I would love to help you with my experiences.

Shifty

[Shifty]

quote:I don't understand what this person means by saying that people take Paxil because they are crazy either. That is not true at all. I took Paxil for around 4 months over 4 years ago and I wasn't crazy. Severely depressed but not crazy. I have been off of it for almost 4 years now. I wish this person would clarify what he/she is saying too.

I think we should all clarify what we mean by crazy. Me first:

Crazy: "A state of exhibiting symptoms which require treatment by anti-depressants, counseling, or other mental health professionals."

American Heritage:
Crazy: "Affected with madness; insane."
Insanity: "Persistent mental disorder or derangement."

If you have a persistent mental disorder, you are insane, crazy, whatever you want to call it. In other words, all of us.

Good day

---
New signature: I just switched from Paxil CR 20mg to Lexapro 10mg cold turkey.
Day 1: 12/01/05 Flying high!
Day 4: 12/04/05 I'm feeling like Lexapro is working better than Paxil with less side effects for me. My delayed orgasms went away, which is strange. It usually takes a week off of Paxil for a recovery like this.
Day 9: I think I was "premature" with the delayed ejaculation news. It's still delayed. I must have been on a sexual peak or something. I've been experiencing the normal ravenous appetite usually experienced with Paxil withdrawal.

---

I am currently taking 20mg of Paroxitine HCL (Paxil). I have tried 25mg CR, 20mg, and 40mg.

My side effects are delayed orgasm and lack of motivation.

The Paxil seems to cure my anxiety in low stress situations, but makes it worse in high-stress situations.

The side effects on the 40mg were more intense. In addition to the above listed side-effects, I got minor headaches and a much more sedated feeling with no additional benefits.

Ask me anything, I would love to help you with my experiences.

Shifty

[Shifty]

quote:Originally posted by countingbackwards
I didn't take Paxil because I was crazy at all. I just wanted to try something to help me with my shyness.

Your shyness was a persistent mental disorder or you wouldn't have seeked medication. You are also crazy. See above post for definitions.

quote:
Maybe it just made me see things like they really are, but I was happier being oblivious and having my family together.

Now the truth comes out. Did it feel good to admit that? I think you suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder and I'd be willing to bet that even though you deny it, you are probably depressed. Is your life really turning out the way you planned Jennifer? I know mine isn't and it is the leading cause of my Major Depressive Episode.

I hope you don't turn out the way I did, but denial is only going to allow it to sneak up on you.


---
New signature: I just switched from Paxil CR 20mg to Lexapro 10mg cold turkey.
Day 1: 12/01/05 Flying high!
Day 4: 12/04/05 I'm feeling like Lexapro is working better than Paxil with less side effects for me. My delayed orgasms went away, which is strange. It usually takes a week off of Paxil for a recovery like this.
Day 9: I think I was "premature" with the delayed ejaculation news. It's still delayed. I must have been on a sexual peak or something. I've been experiencing the normal ravenous appetite usually experienced with Paxil withdrawal.

---

I am currently taking 20mg of Paroxitine HCL (Paxil). I have tried 25mg CR, 20mg, and 40mg.

My side effects are delayed orgasm and lack of motivation.

The Paxil seems to cure my anxiety in low stress situations, but makes it worse in high-stress situations.

The side effects on the 40mg were more intense. In addition to the above listed side-effects, I got minor headaches and a much more sedated feeling with no additional benefits.

Ask me anything, I would love to help you with my experiences.

Shifty

[countingbackwards]

Well you missed my point, which is that Paxil caused more problems for me than I had to begin with. And the only stretch of the imagination that could make anyone say that I am crazy is the attitude that everyone is crazy. That is like saying no one is normal, which is also correct. I took it because I saw the commercials and wondered if maybe my shyness was due to social anxiety and my doctor said it was worth trying it out to see. (The word you should have used instead of "seeked" is "sought", by the way.) I am not depressed at all and have never been diagnosed with being such. Possibly the denial going on here is people believing it is okay to use drugs to solve problems instead of curing them at their source. If you have pain, relieve the pain, but don't alter the chemistry of your brain to correct a situation caused by external stimuli. If you are unhappy with the direction of your life, then change directions. Seeking and gaining success and attaining goals might make you feel better than all the prescriptions you have ever tried.

Jennifer

[Shifty]

I'm sorry for the earlier hostility. I am experiencing wild mood swings lately.

You are right, a lifestlye change would probably be better than medication.


---
New signature: I just switched from Paxil CR 20mg to Lexapro 10mg cold turkey.
Day 1: 12/01/05 Flying high!
Day 4: 12/04/05 I'm feeling like Lexapro is working better than Paxil with less side effects for me. My delayed orgasms went away, which is strange. It usually takes a week off of Paxil for a recovery like this.
Day 9: I think I was "premature" with the delayed ejaculation news. It's still delayed. I must have been on a sexual peak or something. I've been experiencing the normal ravenous appetite usually experienced with Paxil withdrawal.

---

I am currently taking 20mg of Paroxitine HCL (Paxil). I have tried 25mg CR, 20mg, and 40mg.

My side effects are delayed orgasm and lack of motivation.

The Paxil seems to cure my anxiety in low stress situations, but makes it worse in high-stress situations.

The side effects on the 40mg were more intense. In addition to the above listed side-effects, I got minor headaches and a much more sedated feeling with no additional benefits.

Ask me anything, I would love to help you with my experiences.

Shifty

[Casey55]

quote:Originally posted by Miles

abbey042000:

The information in my posting comes from research conducted by Dr. Ann Blake Tracy. Dr. Tracy studied approximatley 1,000 patients over the long-term. Dr. Tracy heads the only support group in the state of Utah for those who have suffered adverse reactions to the SSRI drugs such as prozac, paxil, zoloft, luvox, effexor, serzone, anafranil & the diet pills - fenfluramine, fen-phen & redux.

Miles

abey, you are wise to question. If you hear something that sounds off the wall, it probably is. You know what they say, if it quacks like a duck, it's probably a duck. It is up to every individual who reads anything on the internet, bulletin boards included, to do their own homework and check out the source. Anyone can say anything, it doesn't mean they are reputible and it doesn't make it true.

As for Ann Tracy, it took me about 2 minutes to verify for myself exactly where she is coming from. You can check it out for yourself. The following is a quote from Tracy at the following website found in a search on her. What she says here is easily verifyable as fiction. I will even help you out so you can learn to check information and rumors that fly on the internet, for yourself to see if they are fact or fiction. One place you can go to is:

http://truthorfiction.com/ -Truth or Fiction -email reality check -verify rumors

Specifically, regarding Tracy's reputation, see:
http://truthorfiction.com/rumors/n/nutrasweet.htm

...to see that what she says below is verified as fiction. This rumor blamed Nutrasweet for all kinds of ailments, including depression, and is Tracy's source. You can see the full story that went out, trying to scare people, of which Tracy advocates and promotes, at the above website. This is where she gets her information. Need I say more?

http://www.cancertutor.com/Other/Depression.htm

Ann Blake Tracy, PhD, has treated hundreds of patients who wanted to get off of Prozac. In her book she stated: "It is rare for me to interview someone who is using Prozac who is not drinking at least a gallon or generally two to three gallons per day of diet soda sweetened with NutraSweet!"

Prozac - Panacea or Pandora? by Ann Blake Tracy, PhD - p 90 (available only online - see link at top of this page)

While aspartame is clearly the number one cause of depression, there are other causes as well, especially if they are combined with aspartame.

Aspartame is known as an "excitotoxin" because it stimulates brain cells far beyond their normal state. This stimulation can actually lead to brain cell death. Another excitotoxin is monosodium glutamate, also known as MSG. Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP) frequently has MSG added to it. These two monsters, which are also known by many other names, are added to virtually EVERY junk food on earth, including foods purchased at major restaurants. It may very well be that people who eat a lot of junk food, especially if they drink aspartame, are at major risk for depression!!!

Excitotoxins can massively exaggerate, in a negative way, the normal expectations, stress, trials and tribulations of everyday life.
-------------------------------------

It's JUST NOT TRUE! Tracy "While aspartame is clearly the number one cause of depression" Please, you don't need a PhD to know that isn't true.

I could tell you all tons of reputible Medical doctors, the top in the field of psychophamacology and tons of mental health research, but I don't want to you to take my word for it, you are all very capable of finding it all by yourself.

Casey

[Miles]

Casey:

Let's accept your notion that aspertame is not the # 1 cause of depression. What is? Show me the data.

Miles

[Shifty]

quote:Originally posted by Casey55
As for Ann Tracy, it took me about 2 minutes to verify for myself exactly where she is coming from.

Agreed.

Have you ever been unable to sleep and seen the infomercials where the guy is selling the "Home Remedies" book and they have a fake news person interviewing them? That's what her radio interview sounds like.

---

I have taken :
Paxil, Lexapro, Xanax, and Lithium

Currently:
10mg Lexapro
450mg Eskalith CR (Lithium)

I was mis-diagnosed for 3 years. They thought I was Generalized Anxiety Disorder with a Major Depressive Episode. The real problem was Bipolar Disorder.

Ask me anything, nothing is off-limits.

Shifty

[Shifty]

quote:Originally posted by Miles

Casey:

Let's accept your notion that aspertame is not the # 1 cause of depression. What is? Show me the data.

Miles

Maybe we could ask the National Institute of Mental Health:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depression.cfm#ptdep4

What, nothing about aspertame in there? How could that be? I know, maybe "They" don't want us to know the real cause. Let's write a book and make an informercial.

It says women are twice as likely to get depression also... Maybe women like aspertame more than men? Ya, that explains it. I think we really have something here.

---

I have taken :
Paxil, Lexapro, Xanax, and Lithium

Currently:
10mg Lexapro
450mg Eskalith CR (Lithium)

I was mis-diagnosed for 3 years. They thought I was Generalized Anxiety Disorder with a Major Depressive Episode. The real problem was Bipolar Disorder.

Ask me anything, nothing is off-limits.

Shifty

[Miles]

Spare me the biased NIMH info - their researchers live out where the buses don't run.

Can you do any better?

Miles

[Shifty]

Better than the US NIMH? hmmmm... Maybe I can drum up another hippie author hawking books. Give me a minute... I should be able to throw a rock and hit one.

I'm totally kidding with you, I hope you don't take offense to my post. I'm just trying to make you see that this conspiracy theory may be a little "whacked".

If her innacurate facts are helping you to feel better about yourself, then I wish you the best of luck.

---

I have taken :
Paxil, Lexapro, Xanax, and Lithium

Currently:
10mg Lexapro
450mg Eskalith CR (Lithium)

I was mis-diagnosed for 3 years. They thought I was Generalized Anxiety Disorder with a Major Depressive Episode. The real problem was Bipolar Disorder.

Ask me anything, nothing is off-limits.

Shifty

[Miles]

Shifty:
I take no offense, but am confused by your "conspiracy theory" remark. Please explain.

Miles

[Shifty]

Conspiracy theory - like when somebody says something that is the opposite of the rest of the medical community, there must be a conspiracy to hide the truth, right?

Don't get me wrong, I truly believe that the drug industry is the dirtiest industry in the world, even worse than tobacco. At least we know the tobacco industry kills people with their product. I believe the drug industry kills people by pushing treatment research instead of cure research.

I believe that if SSRI's and SNRI's were as bad as she says, there would be more than one crazy doctor selling books about it.

On the other hand, people don't take "crazy" people very seriously, so it is possible that the doctors are turning a deaf ear to the truth. It's just a real stretch.

If she wasn't so blatantly over the top, I might take her more seriously. She has to be over the top to sell her book.

A book about the wonders of anti-depressants wouldn't sell much.

Am I being too hard on her?

---

I have taken :
Paxil, Lexapro, Xanax, and Lithium

Currently:
10mg Lexapro
450mg Eskalith CR (Lithium)

I was mis-diagnosed for 3 years. They thought I was Generalized Anxiety Disorder with a Major Depressive Episode. The real problem was Bipolar Disorder.

Ask me anything, nothing is off-limits.

Shifty

[birdie]

I am not feeling up to reading this entire chat thread right now but I have a few questions if anyone feels like giving me feedback. I am looking for insight/ info about Paxil CR, and have two questions:
1.Are sexual side affects normal? I am on 20mg, and appear to be...how do you say, not necessarily less driven, but less easily 'excitable' in the moment...and more likely to lose my 'excitement'. I am male, by the way.
2. I have considered dropping to 10mg...my Dr. told me to try this anyway if I wanted to. I have also considered quitting it entirely. But when I mess with my dosage, I seem to be getting quite severe dizzy spells and disorientation...similar to when you stands up to fast and feel like you're going to black out. I am not 100% sure whether or not this is a side affect of the drug in general or a withdrawal symptom, but my impression is that it occurs both if I don't take it for a couple of days, or sometimes if I am not regular in the time I take it.
3. Are other SSRI's less likely to cause sexual side affects? I have been very happy with Paxil CR in general, but this one side affect seems to be a thorn in my side.

Thanks for any input, I realize I might be able to find this info already posted in this thread, and will read it more thoroughly when I am feeling better.

TBIRD

[jemmyd]

Hi this is my first reply, just found this page, I am supposed to taper off of zoloft 200mg to paxil starting at 20mg for aniety, social anxiety, panic disorder but have taken paxil 1 day after taking zoloft just to test it out. I feel great, very uninhibited, and social, restless, active and happy really really free. I was wondering if anyone has ever taken bot zoloft and paxil together, is this okay? could I just finish off the zoloft with the paxil to get through the holiday season, or is this nuts? I like to push the envelope with my meds, also taking Trazodone to sleep and clonazapam in case anything goes bad at work. I need feedback, soon, I will be taking this experiment further but would like some advice on how to proceed. I was thinking 100 zoloft 20 paxil, with 50 trazodone at night, and clonazapam whenever I need it. I feel great now, but would like to know if this may be dangerous. Thankyou for you responses in advance, please reply to my email as I will not be able to find this page again.

[tygressnyc]

I started taking Paxil 20mg when i was 20 years old, it was used to treat my depression and anxiety. I tried quitting it twice, and failed - First time, i tried to quit cold turkey, the withdrawal symptoms horrendus, cold sweats, stomach cramps, the shakes, the zaps (also known as sensory disturbances), confusion, and aggression outbursts - I was back on the meds within 2 days. Second time, i tried weaning off under the medical supervision, i cut my 20 mg pills for a week, but couldnt get passed day 4 and was back on meds, and the doctor concluded that i was gonna stay on it.
5 years ago, i went back to the doctor and he tried to switch me to Paxil CR 25mg - i had horrible side effects from it, i took in the morning and by noon i had cold sweats and by 2pm on the dot, i had bad stomach cramps, same side effects as before, it was a nightmare. The doctor, put me back on regular Paxil and increased my dosage to 30mg, and i've been on it since.


I got married almost 4 years ago, and my husband has been pushing me to start a family. Since Paxil is known for birth defects, and i couldn't possibly put a baby the torture of its withdrawal symptoms, I decided to get switched off of it. I've also gained about 35 pounds since I started the drug.

I talked a to psychiatrist this week, who prescribed me Wellbutrin. i wil stay on paxil while i start the Wellbutrin regime, and after 2 weeks, he'll start decreasing the paxil dosage and increasing the wellbutrin, depending on how sick i get. i'm very nervous about taking 2 antidepressants at the same time, and very anxious about feeling the paxil withdrawal symptoms from hell. it's been a 12 year affair. Paxil saved my life, but it's time for something better. i hope it all works out at the end. we'll see.

[Taylor1]

Took my first pill today... Feeling a little nervous and really bad hot flushes.... Is this normal? How long does this last? I used to take paxil about a year ago (weaned myself off but now the anxiety is back) and don't remember having these... Does your body change how it reacts to it or what's going on?

[Taylor1]

Does anyone take paxil and Xanax for breakthrough anxiety? Is it safe?

[melinda7.5]

Hi Taylor

My son was diagnosed with anxiety about 15 years ago and they gave him Paxil with xanax...

I would just be real careful with the xanax it is so addictive...my son and I have both been addicted to it over the years...

let us know how your doing...

Talk to you soon, Melinda

[pikeX]

Originally Posted by Shifty

Amy, I think you should take the Paxil again. Many doctors recommend that when you quit paxil, that you lower your doses gradually instead of quitting cold-turkey. (much less side effects)



---

I am currently taking 20mg of Paroxitine HCL (Paxil). I have tried 25mg CR, 20mg, and 40mg.

My side effects are delayed orgasm and lack of motivation.

The Paxil seems to cure my anxiety in low stress situations, but makes it worse in high-stress situations.

The side effects on the 40mg were more intense. In addition to the above listed side-effects, I got minor headaches and a much more sedated feeling with no additional benefits.

Ask me anything, I would love to help you with my experiences.

Shifty

I was on Paxil when I was younger and it really worked better than any of the other things I've taken for my anxiety. *sigh*