I have been on Paxil for about 3 months to treat anxiety, depression, PMDD, and SAD. It has helped to some extent, but it makes me feel like a zombie. I changed to taking it at night which made me less sleepy, but my lack of motivation, enthusiasm, and passion due to feeling zombie-like is just as bad as when I’m depressed, so it’s not really doing what it should. I’m on 25mg and I know I could increase, but it has some not ideal side effects. It made me gain weight and I can’t seem to lose it, when I normally can easily lose weight when I need to. It makes me sleepy and zombie like, I think it makes me sweat more especially in my sleep, and it’s affected my sex drive.
Wellbutrin seems like it could be a good option as far as not causing as many of the side effects I’ve been having issues with. I know Paxil can be brutal to get off, but will it be as bad when I’ve only been on 25 mg for 3 months? I have an important few months coming up as a graduate student, and I would love to get my medication worked out so I can be more present. However, I also don’t want to do something that is going to make it harder, like severe Paxil withdrawal or having my depression get bad during the switch. Can I do the switch easily? Will it be as bad for me?
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
Answers
RO
Ronlove777
24 Feb 2020
I believe we should talk to your psychologist that's the first thing the second thing in order to get off of paxil it will have to be gradual I don't think it will be that hard because you only took it for 3 months but it's very important that you talk to a psychologist that really cares okay I know you could do anything if you put your mind to it remember do some research talk to your psychologist or therapist and I wish you a blessed beautiful life you have a lot to live for may God Almighty bless you I wish you well sincerely a friend
- Wellbutrin helped me out a lot. I was on Prozac (SSRI) for years and it stopped working. After Prozac they tried other SSRI's including Cipralex, Lexapro, then tried adding Abilify (booster) with the Lexapro together..nothing... I went to Effexor (SNRI) on its own... nothing changed... Then I was prescribed Wellbutrin (NDRI) and it got me back to normal. Everybody is different and I personaly was never prescribed Paxil (SSRI). After I did my own research on the chemicals each of the above classes of antidepressants (SSRI, SNRI & NDRI) help to balance, I became more educated on what I needed to balance, and the little lifestyle changes I could make to help as well. The key is finding the correct class, then the right medication in that class, and the right balanced dosage. When I starting this journey after my diagnosis's, there were days I thought I just needed to increase my dosage, when in fact it was the exact opposite. A healthy diet, a daily routine, exercise (yoga) and a good nights sleep help in this journey immensely. Good luck and let me know if you have anymore questions. :)