Paxil~ is it worth it - weight gain and sexual side effects?

Roznikki - I've been on it for 10 years. I've been on as high as 60mg - been on 30mg for several years. It completely works for anxiety. You'll be amazed at what "normal" feels like. It's awesome. Weight gain is an issue. I gained/lost/regained 30 pounds. Now, wine and bourbon and pizza are also part of my problem, but I honestly believe Paxil is also part of the problem. Therefore, try the lowest dose possible to relieve your symptoms. This will also subdue the side effects. If your true problem is depression, Wellbutrin may be better. Has no weight gain affect. It can also be taken in combination with Paxil. (I do this.) I wish you well.

Hi, Paxil worked really well for me. .no weight gain or decrease in libido. Unfortunately I have Hypertension and it caused my blood pressure to stay up too high. It's also important not to rely on meds alone, talk therapy can be very beneficial in combination. A psychologist can make recommendations but cannot prescribe meds so it's important for you to find a good psychiatrist . If there comes a time where you need to come off of a med it needs to be under the direction of a psychiatrist who is knowledgeable and knows how to do it properly to lessen any discomfort. Bottom line, no one knows how a med will work for them until they try it since we are all different. Don't let the reviews scare you away from a chance to start feeling better. Think about all the drug commercials on tv..it's a wonder anyone tries them after they start rattling off everything a person could POSSIBLY experience! Best of luck to you!
Sapphire

Absolutely worth it. It was a big part of helping me through a very rough time. The fact that you're already fearing getting off of it, while you haven't even started it, is evidence of how anxiety riddled you are. If you're having suicidal thoughts, I would take your psychologit's advice, and get on the drug. The side effects are minimal to begin with, and miniscule in comparison to the problems the drug addresses.

I've been on Paxil for 11 years. I have gained just over 50 pounds since. I also have ED, which I think is related to Paxil. Never had any problems before. Just emailed my Dr about going to quit Paxil and for her to advise on how to wean myself off. 12 prescriptions total through the VA-I want off all of them. I'm still miserable on all of them, so I figure I might as well be miserable without the organ-destroying side effects of these poisons. Good luck Roznikki. In my opinion, its not worth it anymore. As soon as Ohio implements the Medical Marijuana program, I will be all over it. Friends with same issues in other 'legal' states are having wonderful results. And it's NATURAL.

I have been on Paxil for 34 days. So far I have noticed the tiredness feeling, some jitterss, and no weight gain. In fact It has motivated me to eat healther, and really watch the calories because of the potential gain. My biggest deal right now is the tired feeling, but my anxiousness is gone. I am more easy going, just not that motivated. You will have your own experience, and get all the answers you can before you make the decision.

I think it's worth it if you are suffering a lot. I was on it for 9 years and it didn't really affect my libido. I only gained 5 lbs. and I weigh 122. When I went off Paxil I lost those 5 lbs. My friend was on it and didn't gain anything. I think it's worth it if you have more negative days than positive. It does work wonders...

I know what you're going through, even though I'm taking a different medicine. the meds we take effect everyone differently. While it will effect you one way, it may effect another person differently. So you won't know how it will effect you until you try it. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Hello Roznikki. I"ve been on paxil, only since May of this year. I take 30mg. It does help to curb my anxiety. It did give me the cravings (food) but the past month or so, its much less. To date, I'm fairly satisfied with taking it,so hopefully it might help you. very best to you.

I started paxil when I was 28. Best decision of my life. I did gain about 10 pounds over a few years. I don't only blame paxil though. I started eating more and exercising less. Once I fixed those habits, I was able to lose weight.
In the beginning it did change my sex life. Mostly because it took some time to get used to the medicine. Over time, it got better. My husband had to bear with me for a bit.
I was on it for 10 years. Honestly helped so much. I had no problems going off of it either. A year later, I tried to go back on it unsuccessfully. I still miss my paxil. Taking a medication is a huge decision. I think for me, it was the best one. Btw, I took it for anxiety, not depression. I would also recommend therapy. That's the one thing I did not do. Wish I had.
Good luck in making the right choice. Do what you think is best. You know yourself better than anyone else.