Paroxetine for Panic Disorder User Reviews

• Life...
• June 15, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "Look, Paxil is a game changer. For sure. People, listen up. To start, you’re going to have some side effects. Ears ringing, sleep issues, “brain zaps”, sexual dysfunctions, dry mouth, I could go on. But, one day I woke up after taking it for about six months and wouldn’t you know it, no more panic attacks. And these weren’t mild panic attacks, these were almost driving off the road on the way to work in the morning because you can’t breathe, you're shaking like a leaf, throwing up, and can’t see straight type attacks. Severe. I’ve been on 60mg a day for around a decade, and I can’t believe how one little pill can completely change your life in the way it has changed mine. This is so so sooooo much safer than benzodiazepines, and it’s nonaddictive. But, if you stop taking it, you can rebound quickly. Just trust me on that one. So I’m never coming off of it. It’s a small price to pay, right? Thanks!"

• New...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 17, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "I was 19 when I got my first panic attack then severe depression. I stayed home for a month. I couldn’t eat or sleep and lost 25 lbs. I am so thankful Paxil and therapy saved me. I was able to feel normal again. I started working and dating again then had a child. After my son turned one, I started college when he turned one. I was 26 with an 8th grade education (dropped out at 13) when I started college!!! I was able to handle the stress of being a mother and a full-time college student while working 25 hours a week. I am living proof Paxil works. Without it, I am a mess (took myself off for 6 months). I graduated with a 3.92 GPA in Public Health, and I know I could have done it without Paxil. It may work differently for everyone, but I just wanted to share a positive experience. Give it time. Give yourself time. Life is too short to suffer from anxiety and depression. It is okay to need help."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2024

Paxil (paroxetine) "I took Paxil years ago for severe panic attacks and anxiety, and it literally took away the attacks. I even came off the medication. However, I just had a loss, and the attacks came back. I started on Zoloft. NEVER EVER AGAIN!!! I got back on Paxil 10mg, and I’m getting better already. Today is day 2 with no Ativan. I’m praying it works just as good as the first time. I’m so thankful for this medication. I can literally function."

• JToni
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 30, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) "I've been on Paxil since I was 19. I am now 34. This medication has saved my life. I have read a ton of negative comments about Paxil, and I truly believe it is not for everyone. It either works great or not. For me, life before Paxil was horribly scary. I had massive panic disorder and was sheltered in my home all the time. I used to struggle with a few of the side effects of Paxil, such as decreased sex drive and the feeling of nausea. However, I have learned over the last 15 years of being on it how to change the side effects through other positive reinforcements such as meditation and positive thinking. I no longer have the side effects. Perhaps 15 years have helped with that too. I stayed on Paxil when I had all three of my children."

• Anonymous
• April 3, 2008

Paxil (paroxetine) "I had really bad panic attacks and couldn't go very far from my home, it was awful. I was a wreck. I have taken Paxil for about 8 years. Before taking it, I had tried many other anti-anxiety/anti-depressants with no luck. Paxil, along with my faith in God, gave me my life back. I would highly recommend!"

• Cubbie
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2020

Paxil (paroxetine) "I was diagnosed with severe depression and panic disorder many years ago, which was associated with fibromyalgia. I had been on all types of medicines and even spent time in a mental health unit. Fast forward to the present, my psychiatrist and I discussed trying out Paxil, which my sister had suggested to me since nothing else was working. In February 2020, I started on 20 mg of Paxil. At first, I had horrible night sweats, lack of sleep, foggy, dizzy head, but I decided to keep on it. So the doctor increased me over time, and now I'm at 40 mg I take before bed, and I must say it's a MIRACLE medication for me!! I care about things, have more energy, and try to enjoy life as much as possible. Only side effect is my vision isn't the best, and I eat more than usual, and I'm having a lot of memory problems with forgetfulness. But I don't care, this medication is the best thing to ever happen to me mental health-wise!! Thank you, God!!"

• anony
• October 14, 2018

Paxil (paroxetine) "Don't make my mistake! I've kept switching SSRIs because I thought, 'they aren't working' after 2 or 3 weeks. Eventually, I just settled on one SSRI but would 'self-medicate' on the weekends by binging alcohol in social situations, etc. The result was that SSRIs never had a chance to work for me. So, after being on them for 5 years and having no benefits from 'trying different ones', I thought to myself I would never ever go back on them. I haven't used any SSRI for 7 years since, thinking they don't work at all. I finally caved in out of desperation. This time, I convinced myself that I would take them nonstop for 3 months WITHOUT switching and not taking ANY alcohol. It took about 6-7 weeks until I felt TOTALLY different! I hope this helps someone. These medications aren't supposed to magically work at exactly 3-4 weeks. It's a cumulative effect."

• Malka
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 29, 2022

Paxil (paroxetine) "I am writing this to give anyone who is reading this hope, trust me when I say that taking Paxil will cure panic disorder and or PTSD . I had the worst case of panic disorder that anyone has ever seen, panic attacks morning til night,24/7, I was in the hospital weekly if not every few days due to not being able to breathe. Along with the trigger being removed, Paxil kicked in after about 6 weeks as it says that it will, and it took about 2-3 months for it's full effects to kick in and I never had another pa again, it was like this was a miracle. I could have saved myself from all of that physical suffering by taking it when it was first recommended. A good Dr. Will prescribe you a benzo to take as needed in conjunction with until the Paxil kicks in, and then will wean you off of the benzo once the Paxil has started working."

• 1st...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 28, 2012

Paxil (paroxetine) "I was diagnosed with Panic Disorder in 2001. I immediately started taking Paxil. At 40mg/day, I felt GREAT! No more panic attacks and my concentration improved significantly! For those that find that Paxil does NOT work, please have your thyroid checked. Thyroid problems are closely interconnected with anxiety/depression disorders! I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Autoimmune Disease of the Thyroid as well as Hypothyroid (underactive thyroid) at the same time I was diagnosed with my Panic Disorder. My Paxil combined with Synthroid (a thyroid hormone) has put me back to normal. It's been 11 years now! Cheers!"

• notpa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 17, 2013

Paxil (paroxetine) "I'm a 36-year-old male and never had panic attacks or anxiety. About 3 weeks ago, I had a massive panic attack and then I started having chronic anxiety attacks that would last for most of the day, starting from the very moment I wake up. My heart rate was constantly at 90 bpm. I lost weight very quickly and had no energy left. The doctor gave me Xanax, but it just made me sleepy. I thought the anxiety would never go away, and that I would lose my job, home, and independence. I went back to my doctor, and he gave me Paxil. Reluctantly, I started on 10mg for a week. I upped my dose to 20mg on the 7th day, and until the 14th day, no effect, only side effects, but then a miracle. My anxiety is all but gone on the 15th day, and no panic."

• ashyuko
• August 9, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "Paxil is the best medicine for panic disorder. I can tell it will work within 15 days. Just be patient, don't give up. Some people say they put on weight. I didn't put on any weight. I've used it for 2 years almost. So it works differently for everybody. Paxil stopped my panic attacks. Thank you!"

• CQano
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 31, 2016

Paxil (paroxetine) "20 years I've been on Paxil from age 31 until now, at 51 (with one year off with Effexor). I had severe panic attacks combined with depression. It's been a great, it saved me. About 5 years ago, I was tapering off very nicely without side effects. Then, six months later, I spiraled into another very, very dark depression, with intense anxiety. I wanted to die, but would never intentionally do it. I had to seek a psychiatrist who put me on non-SSRI's. I continued to spiral down. Finally, I went to another doctor who put me back on Paxil. I was extremely grateful as it got me better very quickly. I don't think I will ever try going off again."

• JDV
• February 20, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) "I had panic attacks since I was about 7 years old when I was hospitalized with rheumatic fever. I was left in the hospital too long with an extremely high fever in one of the hospitals in Europe. Because of that, the bacteria spread to my heart, resulting in heart muscle infection and affecting the aortic valve. I almost died. I was hospitalized for three months. This happened on a Monday. I was scared of Mondays. Every Monday, I was getting panic attacks which started with very fast heart beating. It actually felt like I was having a heart attack. Blurry vision. Very hard to live with such symptoms. I have been taking Paxil 20 mg for 16 years now. I can live a normal life! Get help. Don't suffer, go to your doctor."

• PJano
• June 10, 2020

Paxil (paroxetine) "I commenced on Aropax nearly 25 years ago. It was a miracle drug for me. Within 36 hrs, I could not remember what a panic attack felt like. I couldn’t bring one on just by thinking about having one. I have been on and off them over the years, mostly took only 10 mg, but now I am on 20 mg."

• Healt...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 15, 2013

Paxil (paroxetine) "I took 40 mg of Paxil for about 2 years over 11 years ago for panic, anxiety, and moderate depression. It worked very well for me. I did take Xanax while the Paxil was building up in my body. After about 4 weeks, I didn't need the Xanax anymore. About 6 weeks ago, my anxiety and panic began to increase to a point I knew I needed help in addition to my exercise, healthy eating, etc. I went to my doctor to get Paxil. I started on 10 mg for a week and had increased anxiety, which I controlled with 0.25 mg of Xanax once a day. I went up to 20 mg on day 8 and had severe anxiety and bad thoughts for about 36 hours. Suddenly, just like that, it was all gone. I now feel great! Some side effects, but worth the sanity!"

• Lois
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 11, 2016

Paxil (paroxetine) "I started taking Paxil about 2 months ago, and it has saved my life. However, the first two weeks of taking it were hell. When you first start taking it, your serotonin dips slightly because the drug is trying to adjust to your system. I suffer from a panic disorder, and my anxiety was so bad that I had several extreme panic attacks where I had to call an ambulance. This happened 3 or 4 times during these weeks, and one happened while I was driving on the dual carriageway. However, these weeks are worth it, I can't even remember how to have a panic attack, and my self-confidence is as high as it's ever been."

• inter...
• March 5, 2012

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have been on Paxil for 6 weeks now. I am feeling so much better, it is a miracle. In this experience, I realized that I had some issues that I needed to face and some grudges that I needed to let go of, which had built up over the years. I thought that I would never experience another normal day again because my anxiety attacks and depression were so severe, I thought my life was over. I tried to avoid taking medicines and fighting my anxiety off myself, but anxiety started to take over my life."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 15, 2013

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have been taking Paxil for 3 years now. It has helped me very much. I'm 21 years old and have had no side effects from it. I'm glad to feel normal again. Without Paxil, I would be an emotional wreck."

• Monica
• August 31, 2018

Paxil (paroxetine) "Three years ago, I began having severe panic attacks alongside my IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). It made me feel like I was going to die, symptoms included vomiting, diarrhea, chest tightness, irregular breathing, and immobility. This escalated to me waking up almost every morning scared for my life, nauseous and vomiting. These episodes would last between 8 hours to 3 days. I could no longer intake food or water and was really underweight, I lost 30 lbs. I found an amazing doctor who prescribed me 20 mg of Paxil 9 months ago. Within 2 weeks, I noticed a COMPLETE change in my mood and outlook on life. I no longer wake up with panic attacks. I have had about 3 panic episodes in total since being prescribed Paxil, when in comparison to when I used to wake up every day mentally ill. When I have IBS episodes still, sometimes my anxiety surfaces while I'm in the bathroom. Aside from that, Paxil changed my life and made me such a more confident and happy person. I also successfully gained back all the weight that I lost!"

• Relie...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 10, 2016

Paxil (paroxetine) "My panic attacks stopped after two weeks of taking Paxil. The relief was immense. A friend who had panic attacks also had her panic attacks stop after being on Paxil for 2 weeks. She has been on it for four years. I have been on it for four weeks."

• Overc...
• June 29, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "Paxil helps me so much. I thank God for it. I've tried so many antidepressants, and none work as well as Paxil. I would have terrible anxiety and panic attacks. Now I feel calm, confident, and happy. It works. I did gain a little weight because it increased my appetite, but nothing exercise and a healthy diet can't fix. I'd rather be happy anyway."

• Yani
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 24, 2023

Paxil (paroxetine) "Paxil is a very good medication for generalized anxiety. As well as panic attacks. Downside is it will make you HUNGRY and crave food all the time. You will gain weight because you will eat, not from the pill itself. Second problem, it was extremely hard to taper off but I'm a hypochondriac and I fear side effects like the plague. If I could do it, you can too (please make sure you get medical/psych help while you do this). I still had orgasms if you worry about it, they were just harder to get but I was still functional. The downsides are nothing in comparison to finally being able to live a normal life! Drive a car and work! (Because I had insane agoraphobia I was stuck at home 24/7 panicking). I give it a 8.5/10"

• Retired...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 27, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) "I've had severe panic attacks while primarily driving on interstate highways and through mountains for 30 plus years. I rarely have attacks driving on most other types of roads and conditions. I've been on Paxil for 5 years now, and it is truly a lifesaver for me. I choose, however, and contrary to most advice, not to be on it all the time as it does numb the senses. Twice yearly, I drive from Florida to Indiana and choose to take 20 mg/day for one month prior to my trip and 40 mg/day a couple of days prior to my trip. For the most part, I can drive successfully with no attacks. Occasionally, I will still have what I call a 'breakthrough'-sort of a rush sensation but not as severe as a panic attack. I have no problems coming off it."

• kad
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 25, 2016

Paxil (paroxetine) "I've been on this medication for 2 weeks. I take 10 mgs once a day. The first week was kind of rough. Headaches, nausea, teeth clenching, extreme fatigue, blurry vision, things like that. The second week has been much better. I'm able to leave my house to go do things. I actually have been going to the gym and spending over an hour working out. After struggling to find the proper medication and being terrified to live my life since 2014, this medicine has truly helped me. I feel confident that I am on the road to recovery. The only complaint that I have is that my memory is still a bit foggy. I hope that in time that will clear up as well. SSRIs can be scary and have rough side effects, but hang in there. It gets better."

• Anonymous
• November 16, 2011

Paxil (paroxetine) "About 20 years ago, I was diagnosed with Panic Disorder. After a year or so on Desipramine, my psychiatrist switched me to Paxil. I've been taking 20 mg/day for years now. It saved my life. About 10 years ago, after moving to a different state, I slowly weaned myself off Paxil at the suggestion of my former primary care physician. In less than one year, I started having panic attacks again. Long story short: I'm on Paxil 20 mg/day for life. It doesn't make sense to suffer with Panic Disorder."