Paroxetine for Major Depressive Disorder User Reviews

• Far...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 6, 2020

Paxil CR (paroxetine) "Well, all I have to say is just try Paxil CR. My life has been changed. I am taking 25 mg, which I started from 12 mg. It is a great medicine. Now it's been 3 months, and I feel like I got my life back. Most importantly, don't forget your personal prayer."

• Anonymous
• September 29, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) "Before starting Paxil, I was extremely depressed. I did not want to talk to people or have to leave the house for any reason (albeit I'm 22). When I would have to go somewhere such as school or the doctor's office, I would dread having to leave, and I'd be having an internal meltdown the entire duration of getting dressed. It didn't matter what I wore or how much makeup I had on, I felt like I was so ugly that people would just stop and stare at me (which I am not ugly, and they would not stop and stare). Sometimes I'd be so intimidated from just having to walk through a door into a room and have someone look up that I'd just turn around and go back home. This medicine took all that away and changed my life."

• 200...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 10, 2021

Paxil (paroxetine) "I started Paxil not too long ago. This is the best SSRI that I have used this far. It really helps with my mood and racing thoughts. I’m less anxious too. I was on Zoloft for a couple of years before, and it worked great, but I noticed the benefits started to wear off, so my psychiatrist decided to put me on this. I’m very thankful. For some reason, certain SSRIs work better than others; everyone is different. I tried Lexapro and had horrible depression from it. All I can say is don’t give up until you find what works for you."

• Kya...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2020

Paxil (paroxetine) "I've been on almost every antidepressant out there (save for some tricyclics) for major depressive disorder, and none helped enough to justify the side effects. I was on Paxil briefly when I was 14, but stopped it due to insurance problems. I started it again a couple of months ago, and it has been incredible. I started out at a dose of 10 mg, had some nausea, but nothing major, and it went away after a couple of weeks. I've now been on a 20 mg dose for almost three weeks and am experiencing some nausea again and headaches, but emotionally, I feel fantastic. I didn't have a severe PTSD anniversary reaction this year, thanks to this medication. I feel good. I care about things. I feel like I can handle setbacks without wanting to just give up. This has truly been a miracle for me so far."

• pon...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 5, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have been on Paxil for 20 years. I raised my daughter alone while on this medication, and I thank God for it! In 20 years, I've had one serious episode, my doctor added Risperidone to my regimen for a few weeks. This helped level me out again. I am happy to report, I believe Paxil saved my life!"

• Moe...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 23, 2021

Paxil CR (paroxetine) "I first tried Paxil immediate release, and the dry mouth I got from it was unbearable, so I had to stop taking it. My doctor switched me to Paxil CR, and I haven't experienced any side effects from the extended release version. It absolutely helps by keeping me out of a depressive episode. Paxil is really the only antidepressant that works for me, according to a DNA test I had done. Paxil CR has changed my life for the better."

• Reb...
• September 10, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have taken Paxil since 1999. I have tried other drugs of the same type, and nothing works for me like Paxil does. I've used different doses throughout the years, as I've been fortunate enough to have doctors who listen to me and recognize that, in this regard, I know my needs. Specifically, I stopped taking Paxil when I was pregnant with my son ten years ago. After his birth, I did not resume because I wanted to breastfeed. My postpartum depression was deeper than anything I could have expected. Paxil brought me back to life. Five years ago, I took it throughout another pregnancy with no side effects to my child. I often say that Paxil saved my life, and I mean that very literally."

• Hem...
• December 10, 2018

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have several chronic conditions, but a month ago I started developing extreme thoughts of guilt. They just suddenly appeared and made me feel guilty for everything to the point of getting suicidal because it was unbearable. Then I recalled a medication I took in the past for similar feelings, and Paxil came to my mind. I immediately called for a script and got it. A miracle happened. Although I slept 18 hrs. with 40 mg, I woke up like a new person. No more negativity in my life! Thankful for Paxil."

• jan...
• May 2, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "I was suicidal for many years. I tried NOT to commit suicide but ended up trying 5 times. I started on 180 milligrams of Elavil but craved sweets, gained weight, and was always tired. I started on Paxil and have taken it for 20 or so years. I started at 50 mg and now take 40 mg. I feel completely normal. I haven't gained weight. My diagnosis was Major Endogenous Depression."

• Che...
• January 13, 2017

Paxil (paroxetine) "Paxil has changed my life. I was terrified to start another medication for depression and anxiety because of all the bad experiences I have had. I have tried over 10 medications, and finally, after just a week with this medication, it has completely changed everything for me. I feel like my normal self and can enjoy life again!!"

• 29-...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 5, 2025

"I personally would like to say that paroxetine has saved my life for the better. I am less depressed, not having any suicidal thoughts anymore. I have found the perfect dosage for me, which is 40 mg, and I can actually say my life is getting back to normal, and I can go into crowds, and I can control my emotions better, and I'm less irritable. This medication is amazing, and I would really recommend giving this a try. I used to go to the hospital a lot for panic attacks, now I don't go at all unless I am sick, and there has been a difference. I was on citalopram prior, and it stopped working after so long, so my psychiatrist said let's try with paroxetine, and it was the best decision he has made for me. Please do give this a try. At first, I thought it wasn't going to work, by week 3, a huge, huge difference. I started off weekly 10 mg, then 20 mg for weeks, then 30 mg for 3 weeks, then 40 mg, now my perfect dosage to be at. This medication is seriously the best!"

• Anonymous
• April 4, 2016

Paxil (paroxetine) "I've tried out all sorts of drugs and never thought I would feel myself again. This drug has helped me get my life back. I feel positive for the first time in 4 years. Of course, I still have my wobbles, but it has allowed me to eat, exercise, and socialize, which I wasn't doing before. I'm hoping to keep building momentum, so I can lead a full and happy life, rid of anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. A godsend drug. I don't care if it's hard to wean off. I will stay on this forever if necessary."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 1, 2022

Paxil (paroxetine) "Saved my life, truly. I had major depression with the birth of my first child, to the point where I was debilitated. I couldn't sleep, my mind wouldn't turn off, and I was fearful of everything. I wanted to die. Paxil gave me back my joy for life and the old me, that I missed so much."

• Joh...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 5, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have been on Paxil for over 20 years. I always hoped something better would come along, i.e., without side effects of weight gain and dry mouth. I have most of my back teeth crowned and have lost a few and have implants. It's a choice. Nothing is benign, but I have found this is the only medication that I can tolerate, and it does help. So, I guess I will stick it out and see. Good medication, not-so-good side effects."

• Nat...
• October 26, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "Paxil literally saved my life. This fast-acting pill can get you feeling better in as little as a week. It helped me get completely stable, and after years, I finally felt what happiness was once again. I cannot rate this life-saving pill a 10 due to its side effects. Paxil 30mg helped me to reconnect with myself once again and feel at peace, but every single day I would wake up with serious nausea. Also, weight gain is a strong factor to look out for, as I gained 40 lbs in just one year on it. It also took a toll on my sex drive, but that wasn't a major problem since I was single at the moment. Although Paxil has its side effects, it's such a life-changing pill, I decided to deal with them. I then got switched to Effexor 150mg ER, yet it gave me a terrible relapse that I ended up in a psychiatric institution. I'm now on Wellbutrin XL 150mg and seem to be feeling fine, but thank you, Paxil, for saving my life in a time of desperate need."

• NOT...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 17, 2020

Paxil (paroxetine) "I tried several antidepressants (fluvoxamine, escitalopram, mirtazapine, buspirone), and paroxetine was by far the best of them (been 2 years on it). For those who are starting the medication, you have to be patient. It took between 1 and 2 months to take effect, but it worked wonders for my depression and anxiety, an authentic life changer. I only stopped the medication because it causes serious problems with erectile dysfunction and sexual libido. I felt total anorgasmia with paroxetine, so I will rate the medication a 9, because if it were not, it was by far the best medication I have ever taken. I did not feel any negative side effects with it."

• Fem...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 19, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) "Have been on Paxil 20-60 mg for 11 years and have found that while I still experience depressive episodes, occasionally suicidal ideas, I tend to recover faster-weeks instead of months. I've also experienced weight gain (30+ lbs), high blood pressure, constant dry mouth, lack of libido, and difficulty with orgasms. These side effects have affected my marriage and self-esteem, and I am currently slowly weaning off Paxil."

• The...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 8, 2022

Paxil (paroxetine) "I ran the gamut of medications. Gabapentin, Mirtazapine, Sertraline, then finally Paroxetine. Paroxetine helps with both the severe depression, negative dangerous thoughts, and most of the anxiety. I will agree with many others that just keep going until one works. I felt as though I may have been defective or imagining my symptoms until I finally encountered this one that happened to finally work the most with consistency."

• ABC...
• January 23, 2021

Paxil CR (paroxetine) "I have taken Paxil close to 6 years. If you want quick results, this pill is not it. It takes a while for it to kick in. Once you feel the benefits of Paxil, you will notice. The pros for me are higher than the cons (side effects). This week is my first week at 37.5 (Paxil ER). I took 30 mg for 3-4 years. I’m really excited to start this new dosage. It’s hard to find the right SSRI, I went through a few brands and dosages years ago. Will keep you guys updated on my 37.5 mg."

• Lad...
• July 11, 2017

Paxil (paroxetine) "I've been on Paxil 11 years. It's the only thing that helped my depression and social anxiety disorder. The only side effect I have is weight gain. It will cause withdrawal if you stop taking it for a week, which happened once when I didn't get my script refilled. But all in all, it's helped me greatly. I'd rather have weight gain than severe depression, anxiety, and fear of crowds. I give it a 10 for my case."

• wan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 28, 2016

Paxil (paroxetine) "Paxil is making me calmer, but not lessening depression. However, I have only been on it one week. I will give it more time. Side effects are fatigue, weight gain, and headache. I feel that this drug would be best for someone with aggression. I also take 1 mg Klonopin, which is also sedating. Paxil and alcohol don't mix well."

• Yan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 24, 2023

Paxil (paroxetine) "I started Paxil due to my OCD and persistent depressive disorder with severe major depressive episodes. Shortly after starting Paxil, I noticed I had so much more energy. I feel like I’m able to complete tasks without getting sidetracked. I am able to feel emotions. I haven’t been able to experience or feel love in years, and now I am able to. It also helped with my self-esteem and paranoid thoughts. My only complaint is that it makes me feel a little out of it, almost like being slightly high, but it doesn’t interfere with my daily life. I’d recommend this medication if you struggle with apathy and feeling connections. I now feel like I’m present and alive for the first time in two years."

• qua...
• April 25, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) "I've been on Paxil for about the past four years. It helps stabilize my depression, which I've had for many years. It doesn't make me happy, but at least I can function and feel like a normal person. It is one of two medications that have helped me at all (the other being Celexa, but that one made me gain extreme weight). The only negative thing is that I gained some weight months after taking it. Despite a few extra pounds, I'll keep taking it."

• Don...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 13, 2022

"Although most insurance companies won’t immediately approve and doctors shy away from prescribing Paxil (paroxetine), this has been the only medication that has worked to control my depression symptoms well enough that I can be a functioning member of society. For whatever physiological reasons, this is the best medicine for my situation. Whenever a new doctor decides they “need” to change my antidepressant in an attempt to “help” me (or to avoid pushback from insurance companies), they titrate me off of it and prove that it really is hard to come off. They go through the gambit of other medicines (the same ones I’ve tried many times before), only to come to the conclusion that Paxil CR works best for me. Meanwhile, I am the one suffering through the trial and error of their attempts. Not only me, but the people around me. Bottom line: It really works well for some people. Let it be if it’s working."

• Did...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 18, 2017

Paxil (paroxetine) "Originally took it in 2000. Took several weeks to work, with some anxiety leveling off immediately. Went from 10 mg to 30 mg. Stayed on it for several months, but sexual side effects were a concern. I wish I hadn't stopped taking it. I was talking to people, maybe a little manic as well. But 17 years later, I tried so many, but no benefit like Paxil, so I'm starting Paxil again with Seroquel for manic episodes."