Paroxetine for Panic Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• emm...
• September 15, 2017

Paroxetine "I have a mixture of anxiety (severe), hypochondria, depression, and panic disorder. I started having episodes when I was 17 that completely bring my life into a tailspin. I'll lose weight, sleep all the time, worry obsessively, go to the doctor a hundred times, and withdraw from life. It's torture; I feel like I'm in an alternate reality at times. The only drug that corrects me is Paxil. I get some blurred vision, vivid dreams, tremors, and sweats, but it's worth it to feel normal. I feel the effects after the first dose."

• kev...
• July 1, 2018

Paroxetine "Started on 10 mg for panic disorder and worked up to 20 mg. It enabled me to accomplish things I couldn't do before, but didn't completely rid me of all anxiety, just took the edge off enough to allow me to function. Recently, my anxiety/panic has gotten steadily worse, so I'm going to request going up to 40 mg, the target dose for panic disorder. I had next to no side effects other than some insomnia and a brief bout of sexual dysfunction where it was hard to climax. I gained about 17 lbs. since starting it, but I also feel better enough to go out to restaurants, and I eat out about 4 times a week. My exercise routine has also slackened due to lack of motivation. I suppose it could slow down metabolism, assuming the weight gain isn't entirely my fault (which I think it is), but even so, it's really not a deal-breaker considering how severe my anxiety was. Even though my dosage now needs adjusting, it has helped me lead a semi-normal life for the past year."

• CSa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 13, 2018

"I suffered from severe anxiety that led to horrible panic attacks. My physician rapidly started to give me paroxetine 10 mg for 1 week, then 20 mg the second week. I had some side effects during the first two weeks, but nothing really horrible. Fast forward 6 weeks, anxiety almost totally gone, but a couple of panic attacks that were manageable. Again, fast forward 6 months, no more panic attacks, no more ridiculous overthinking about past events, and I honestly feel better than my old self. During this whole period, I attended CBT sessions, which help a lot in clearly understanding the functionality of a panic attack and how to cope with it. Very satisfied with this medication so far. I hope my comment will be helpful to you guys, and please rest assured that one SSRI will work for you, just do not hesitate to seek help rapidly. Cheers!"

• Pai...
• June 8, 2018

Paroxetine "I started Paxil along with my twin sister at the age of 19 for severe, debilitating panic attacks/chronic anxiety. I remember we actually felt worse the first couple of weeks, but our doctor told us to hold on and push through—that those sick feelings would go away. A low dose of Xanax also helped the first few weeks. I went without anxiety or an attack for 15 years. I weaned off of it for 8 months, and anxiety came back. I’m back on 20 mg. It took a couple of months for anxiety to subside, but it’s working like it’s supposed to again. Because I’m now 40 and having hormonal issues, I might have mild anxiety around my cycle. It’s odd when it happens. I have an emergency low dose of Xanax for those times—nothing as severe as before Paxil. It has saved my and my twin sister’s life. It’s a great medication for anxiety. Nervousness and anxiety run in my family as we are all high-strung. I didn’t gain crazy weight because I’m an athlete and very active."

• kwa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 24, 2022

Paroxetine "I've always been more anxious, even though I was very active, had a lot of friends. 15 yo: I started thinking at night about the universe/the world/who we are. This anxiety moved on. Then, as an 18-year-old, I started to have panic attacks. I went to therapy, it went away. I lived my university years (going out, just being young, traveling). But the last couple of weeks (25 years old) have been hard. It started with being stressed out. Then I had a major panic attack: ended up in the hospital. Since then, I couldn't go outside, even inside the house, I was scared, and I lost connection with myself. Everything and even I looked so weird. Went to a psychiatrist. I am on my 3rd day of Paxil (combined with Alprazolam), and I can already feel positive effects! Only thing: I am tired and a bit struggling with 'rollercoaster emotions.' But I am reconnecting with myself! I also do breath work, yoga, etc., learning about science/panic and the brain. I will keep you up to date! THERE IS HOPE, I WANT AN ANXIOUS-FREE LIFE!"

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 22, 2021

Paroxetine "I took it for 1 year and a half. At first, it seemed to work, but then it caused 20 kg weight gain, nightmares, general weakness, fibromyalgia, not being able to even get out of bed, always angry and agitated, chest pain, shivering, restless legs, paranoia, depersonalization, feeling faint, always feeling hungry, gastritis, IBS, shivering, headaches, tinnitus, seeing blurry, feeling like throwing up, suicidal thoughts, hypersensitivity to sound and light, being violent. It was like torture. I felt like my body was chained. I still kept taking it because my doctor said it was me just worrying. But one day, I had a gut feeling and stopped taking it slowly over time. Now I can walk again and I feel so much better than when I was taking it. I lost the weight that I had gained and feel happier. Stopping it was hard, but it was worth it. If you read this, I understand your suffering, I know it’s hard, just don't give up.❤️"

• Iva...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2020

Paroxetine "Everything's been good since I started the drug, 20 mgs. My body has been able to adapt, and the side effects are mild. However, one night I had a terribly bad panic attack, one I haven't felt even before starting the drug, and I freaked out. Suddenly, this feeling of doom engulfed me in the middle of the night, and my anxiety just shot up. Don't know if the drug alleviates panic disorder or compounds it."

• Jak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2019

Paroxetine "Was prescribed 10 mg for anxiety/panic attacks and have to say that this is not the medication for me. Had very severe chills and tremors along with a pins-and-needles sensation all over my body and severe panic attacks multiple times a day compared to my 2 that I had prior to taking the medication. Worst part, I was only on it for about 2 weeks! Day three of being off of it now and although I feel better somewhat, I can still feel that these horrid pills are still in my system. Please weigh your options or try a medication that sits more well with people and has less side effects like Lexapro if you are susceptible to side effects like I am."

• 70d...
• May 28, 2021

Paroxetine "Taken daily for nearly 20 years. PROS: Worked great for my panic attacks, anxiety, and anger symptoms. CONS: One side effect noticed that, especially with advancing age, came 'diminished libido' due to difficulty in reaching climax. In attempting to research the 'libido' symptoms, I discovered that this is one of the 'known' side effects of the drug. In fact, it was often prescribed for 'premature ejaculation'. The dilemma comes when one attempts to recapture their 'love life' by 'reducing' or 'quitting' Paxil. Depending on dosage and time on the drug, you may indeed hit a wall of 'withdrawal symptoms' that 'ain't no walk in the park'! For more details, just do a search for, say, 'Paxil Withdrawal Symptoms'. It won't be hard to find a myriad of data. Do talk with your doctor about it before attempting to quit. For me, it's a work in progress. Good luck, all."

• Pan...
• August 18, 2017

"This is for everyone out there who was me almost 7 weeks ago, reading through all the terrifying experiences, going through something that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. I started having panic attacks over a year ago and thought it was just a phase, not realizing that I was heading towards a deep, dark hole. 7 weeks ago I sank into 24/7 panic mode, with all the terrible symptoms, stopped eating and sleeping, cried all the time, and was desperate. Paroxetine put me on the right track, and 7 weeks later, I am exercising daily, have loads of energy, am seeing a psychologist, and have my life in order. Know this: the meds help, but it's all up to you. You have to add the rest. Don't stop after the first week. It does get better."

• Anonymous
• March 1, 2010

Paroxetine "I have had panic disorder since I was 15 years old. Paxil has truly improved my life. 20 mg doesn't seem to be enough, but 40 mg does the trick. The only side effects I have are that I sweat more and I have less energy. Paxil is a lifesaver!"

• Dae...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2016

Paroxetine "I'm super medication sensitive, so I started out at 5 mg for panic disorder. My doctor said there's no way 5 mg is going to help, but after 4 weeks, it was like a switch was flicked. I went back to my old self for 3 whole days. I had to come off of it due to uncontrollable neck jerking and head twitching. It's the strangest thing I've ever experienced. It's been over a month since I quit, and I'm still doing it a lot. Not as much, but seriously way too much. I hope this isn't permanent. Now I have panic disorder and neck jerking. Lovely."

• Bri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 26, 2023

"I got diagnosed with postpartum panic disorder after my first daughter in 2019. I got put on Paxil and loved it. It also helped my social anxiety, which I didn’t know at the time was a problem until I took Paxil and it disappeared completely. I asked to be taken off after a year because of weight gain and put on Wellbutrin, which was hell because of the depersonalization issues that were a side effect for me. I was put on Zoloft after becoming pregnant with my second daughter since it’s safe for pregnancy. I was on it for a year also, but then it felt like it didn’t work for me anymore. I asked to get put back on Paxil recently because I’d rather have the weight gain and be anxiety-free than to be skinny and anxious. I’m only on week one of Paxil again and no side effects I can really notice besides grogginess when I wake up, but hopefully it’ll go away."

• pur...
• April 25, 2016

Paroxetine "Paxil does work to stop panic attacks and general anxiety symptoms. I've had no panic attacks while on it. But my problem with Paxil is its side effects. I was on Paxil for a few years and had gained weight steadily at the same time. I was trying to lose weight while on Paxil and was unsuccessful, but I didn't blame the Paxil. I went off Paxil and changed nothing else in my routine and lost 25 pounds in 3 months! I ended up having to go back on it and gained all of it back within 1 month. I tried to up my exercise and diet routine to make up for Paxil, but I can't get the scale to budge more than 5 pounds down. Also, when trying to get off Paxil, the side effects are awful. Wean off very slowly! Worst, most addictive SSRI out there."

• mar...
• June 15, 2016

"I've been taking Paxil 20 mg since 2003. I've tried to wean off of it, but why? I noticed on Paxil, I am happier, I don't worry as much, I don't get anxiety, no panic attacks. Yes, you will have terrible side effects weaning off and even after the fact, like I did. But we must keep in mind why we started taking it in the first place. So take it from me, stay on them if you need them. Just because you are feeling great and back to your happy self doesn't mean you need to get off of this wonderful medication. Good luck...."

• Tin...
• February 21, 2021

Paroxetine "I started taking Paxil 5 years ago for panic attacks. It really works for me, I was going back to my normal life, no panic at all, very strong, and everything was great. After 5 years, when I decided to come off Paxil, I was taking it gradually from 20 mg to 0 within 2 months. Every withdrawal symptom came to me. I felt horrible, like it is the end of me, seriously (brain zaps, insomnia, nausea, super headache daily, drooping eyelid, blurry eyes). This drug ruined my life. Now it's been one year since I have stopped the drug, and I quit my work because of the long-term side effect that I have, especially daily headache, and it's very painful, not enough sleep. I would not recommend it to anyone, no matter what you have, stay away from this living nightmare. I prefer to have panic attacks than having these horrible side effects. Be careful, please."

• Sha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 16, 2021

Paroxetine "Pros: I was suffering from anxiety attacks since the age of 16, and the frequency of these attacks and generalized anxiety and panic attacks are increasing with age. I have been on several medications, but none have worked for me as Paxil does. I started with 12.5 mg CR and then 25 mg after breakfast. It started working for me after 3 to 4 weeks. My panic attacks are gone, and after six months, I have my life back. I can go out with friends, I can drive on highways without any fear of having a panic attack. I feel like this disorder never occurred to me. I am very satisfied with this drug, and it restores my confidence, and I can enjoy my life normally. Cons: Delayed ejaculation, very low sex drive (25 mg), not with 12.5 mg, weight gain."

• A...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 28, 2023

"I started on Lexapro at 10 mg when I was 22. It was working pretty well, but I was noticing weight gain. I talked to my doctor and decided to give Paxil a try and I am happy I did. I am now on 20 mg, which I believe is a standard dose. I was diagnosed with general anxiety and panic disorder, and I really do believe this medication has helped with my ability to cope and manage my anxiety."

• Spe...
• June 25, 2017

"I just started taking Paxil 10 mg (I'm on day 11), and I feel amazing and have no side effects. Before Paxil, I wouldn't leave my house, and if I had to, I would stay within a 15-minute radius from my house. I had crippling panic attacks and nervousness all day long. I lost my job, my 10-year relationship suffered, I gained weight, and lost contact with myself and everything I used to enjoy. Today I decided to up my dose to 20 mg. It made me tired but extremely calm. I'm able to drive, run errands, keep up with housework, and I am in control of my anxiety with some help from Ativan 1 mg if needed. Paxil saved my life, and I suggest anyone with GAD, OCD, PTSD, and depression seriously consider this drug. God is good, and I feel blessed."

• Dee...
• August 19, 2015

Paroxetine "I started on Paxil in the late 1990s for panic disorders and depression. I am 5'6" and was about 118 lbs. I stayed on Paxil for about 4 years and came off because I wanted to get pregnant. It saved my life, truly. I felt great, and I was able to enjoy driving again, going to the mall, able to take an elevator, able to stay at home alone, wait in lines at supermarkets, work without fear of losing it, etc. After coming off very slowly, the good effects lasted about a year. However, while on Paxil, I gained 60 lbs. After my son was born in 2004, I had postpartum depression, so I again went back on Paxil. It didn't work as well as the first time, but it helped get me back to feeling just alright. I came off again due to more weight gain."

• Mom...
• August 23, 2011

Paroxetine "Panic Disorder/Bipolar/Manic Depressive: Today will be my 7th dose. I am having a love-hate relationship with my Paxil, it made me EXTREMELY tired for the first 4 days, headaches on day 4 & 5, dizziness day 2-7. I feel spaced out, and every morning I wake up and want to stop taking the meds because of how I feel. I am not like 'myself,' BUT I didn't like myself to begin with. I suffered from panic attacks that last for days on end, with only relief from Xanax. I would have anger outbursts towards the ones I love the most. Now, although my world feels off balance, I have noticed less anger and more smiling. I am going to stick with it for another week, even though I know tomorrow I will want to stop again. Just hope side effects lessen."

• Anonymous
• June 24, 2010

Paroxetine "Paxil has been providing pretty good relief at 30 mg - not as effective as benzodiazepines, but I was pretty surprised. I've had horrible trials with SSRIs/side effects for Panic Disorder, but Paxil hasn't been as bad - stomach upset for a month adjusting to it - some weight gain, sexual side effects... mostly gone now 5 months in. Rough guess, I'd say about 75% fewer Panic Attacks. I've a number of medical conditions, and some medicines will rock the boat, but I'm able to get through with Xanax 'as needed' - (used to be 'always' needed)."

• Anonymous
• January 1, 2010

Paroxetine "I started taking Paxil 2 months ago. Since I started taking Paxil, my panic attacks stopped! I did have side effects of increased sweating, increased energy, inability to orgasm for the first month. The excess sweating and increased energy went away, however, I have no interest in sex anymore."

• Hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 17, 2019

Paroxetine "Amazing pill! Only took 10 mg in the morning and already feel a big difference! One thing to note, it can give you headaches and make you fidgety. But apart from that, so far, works great! Better than benzos."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2019

Paroxetine "After 3 weeks of taking the half dose I am prescribed, I am quitting due to the incredibly lucid nightmares I'm having every night. It did help with my depression, but I can't function without REM sleep and the anxiety I'm having while dreaming."