Paroxetine for Panic Disorder User Reviews (Page 5)

• sha...
• May 24, 2010

"I was prescribed paroxetine 10 mg for my panic disorder and OCD. I've been on it for about 1 month. At first, I was really tired, could hardly stay awake, and I couldn't eat because I felt nauseated, and at times I felt like my body was burning from the inside out. I almost felt like a zombie, just sat there, didn't smile, frown, or laugh. Thought I was going crazy. How would I take care of my kids like this? I decided to keep taking it because I hadn't had a panic attack, and having one frightened me to no end. After about 2 weeks, I was able to get up and clean without being picky, ride in a car without being scared, we had some storms, and I didn't panic, and I was playing with my kids again. The pros outweigh the cons! Thank you, paroxetine."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2024

Paroxetine "I started Paxil about 11 weeks ago. It was rough in the beginning because I was coming off Celexa at the time, which helped my depression but not my anxiety and intrusive thoughts. My doctor started me on Paxil 20mg, and I didn't notice a big difference until 8 weeks on it. I feel I can do things and not be stuck in my head worrying like I was. I feel more relaxed. With other antidepressants, I had trouble sleeping but never had a problem with this one. The only side effects I had on this one are some sexual side effects, but it's helping me, so I'm not too concerned right now about it. I used to worry about my health a lot, but it has been a lot better since this medication has kicked in. It's given me more energy and motivation to go out, walk, and explore. Give it a try!"

• kdj...
• March 8, 2010

"Paxil helped me eight years ago when I had postpartum depression. I have tried twice to wean myself off the Paxil but only to come crashing down months later. I think it is important to realize that I am on Paxil because I have panic attacks and the medicine works. If I had a heart condition, I would not stop taking my medicine. Don't feel guilty that you need medicine to help your brain function. I fell into that trap twice and will remain on my medicine and be faithful in taking it. It is when you feel great that you think you don't need it. The last time I started taking the Paxil again, 10 mg was enough. After two days, my doctor said to take 20 mg, and I had the three worst days of my life. Start on 10 mg for a week and work up only if needed."

• Anonymous
• February 14, 2011

Paroxetine "I've been experiencing panic attacks for over a year. At first, I thought maybe it was a phase that would pass, but they have become constant and are really affecting my life. My doctor prescribed a 10mg dosage for the first 2 weeks, then 20mg from then on, and I take them before bed. I've been on it for a week and 3 days and am experiencing headaches, and when I wake up too fast, I feel like the room is moving and I can't focus my vision. Hopefully, the side effects go away and I can experience the benefits. I've been reading lots of different opinions, mostly about the withdrawal symptoms. I'm 18, so I don't want to be hooked on it forever. Then again, if it helps my panic disorder and doesn't cause any major health issues, why not?"

• Ham...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2024

Paroxetine "So, it's been 2 months that I am taking Paxil for my panic disorder. I'm taking 10mg. All panics stopped. Nothing at all. But sometimes I feel, 'Oh no, I'm gonna panic now.' It's just a thought, not happening. I used to take Asentra. I did a stupid thing and I did come off it by myself from 150mg to 0. I start feeling unreal, dream world, blurry vision and of course, panic attacks. I still have those dream feelings, but not like before. The only side effects that are bothering me are feeling sleepy and sleeping a lot."

• Mat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 26, 2016

"Was diagnosed with panic/anxiety/depression in 1999 by a psychiatrist and prescribed Aropax (paroxetine) at the tender age of 19. It got rid of the anxiety and the depression by effectively getting rid of my emotions. Even when I started taking it, I felt that it was changing my personality, from shy to someone who would answer back and didn't care about anything deeply, but being young and naive, I assumed that this was what 'normal' felt like. Almost eradicated sex drive. Also made me crave alcohol. Tried to come off several times with absolutely awful withdrawal symptoms. Only managed to get off by switching to fluoxetine (Prozac) and coming off that, ten years later. Try therapy first, drugs as last resort. You have been warned."

• spo...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 22, 2015

"Withdrawal is a literal nightmare! Headaches, shock/buzz in ears/head, lump in throat, chills, night sweats, crying. It's been 5 weeks, and MD said gastric distress and nausea may still be from withdrawal. Libido and joy of life are returning, but give yourself a month without major social events to get back on your feet."

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2021

Paroxetine "I used Paxil medication for about 8 weeks for anxiety and panic attacks. I promised myself I would come back and write a review because I needed so much reassurance that I would feel better. Overall, my anxiety and panic attacks decreased quite a bit. It also helped me sleep. Almost was down to no panic attacks after the start-up side effects passed. (Around the 4-week mark, I noticed the changes). However, I had some side effects that made me have to change medications. I became very forgetful and felt 'dumb' and spaced out at times. Very drowsy in the morning, but it helped me sleep a lot (oh, how I miss sleeping that well!) It was such a nice break from so much anxiety and panic, but because I work in healthcare, I knew it wouldn't be good for me as I need my thinking to be sharp. If I had a different career, I probably would have stayed on it. I also had a lot of constipation. Overall, this is a great drug for anxiety. Some side effects not ideal for some people!"

• Jon...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 15, 2018

"I was given paroxetine (generic for Paxil) for panic disorder. It took about three weeks before my severe anxiety started to dissipate, but from there on out, it definitely helped. The only side effects I had were drowsiness and occasional sleeplessness. I say this definitely can help with anxiety. With that said, it won't take care of all of it. You have to take steps to combat your anxiety as well; this was the case for me. I still had panic attacks here and there, and it took me a while to realize I had to improve myself too, not just to rely solely on medication. But with the right combination of medication and mental health counseling, you will get better."

• bab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 20, 2012

"Throughout my whole pregnancy and even after (my son is 5 months old), I was under a lot of emotional stress. About two and a half months after he was born, I started having what I thought were heart attacks, so I went to the hospital. Come to find out, I have severe panic attacks and saw my PCP the next day, and she prescribed me Paxil. The only things I've noticed are that I've lost a lot of weight. I was a healthy 120 and am now 109 lbs. I also bruise extremely easily and could sleep all day long. I still have slight panic attacks, but all in all, they have pretty much gone away. I also have times where I seem to be very focused. I highly recommend it to anyone."

• Doc...
• April 29, 2008

Paroxetine "Paxil (Paroxetine) did absolutely nothing for my chronic major panic disorder. I took 1 - 10 mg tablet every morning in high school in homeroom. I had to leave school almost every day in the middle of my senior year. That is when the panic hit me. I took it for 8 months and still nothing. My doctor then put me on 0.25 mg of Xanax (Alprazolam). It stopped the panic! The only problem was Alprazolam is too short-acting, so I was switched to Klonopin (Clonazepam). THANK GOD! IT SAVED MY LIFE!"

• cor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2016

"Works wonders for my anxiety and panic attacks and even depression. But it puts me in a manic/euphoric/agitated condition. Sometimes unbearable. So I have to take Klonopin 2-4 mg a day alongside olanzapine 5 mg when things get out of control. Side effects for me: hunger, excessive yawning, euphoria/mania, weight gain, lower sex drive, very vivid dreams, they mostly go away within 10-14 days. The withdrawals are lengthy and hard, so be careful, go slow. Works for me, meds turned my life around once again."

• bob...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 24, 2018

"Very potent SSRI for panic disorder and anxiety - been on Celexa and Lexapro before, which pooped out. Unfortunately, it has many side effects for me. Extreme sexual side effects, dry mouth, and drowsiness. It also gave me a dizzy feeling when I walked, like my brain and feet were not working together (hard to explain), but after a long time, this went away. I refused to take atypical drugs due to possible permanent side effects. Paxil did not eliminate my anxiety and panic but reduced it by 70%. Doctor added Gabapentin 100 mg 3 x day and I no longer have any anxiety or panic attacks. Google Gabapentin and anxiety. Paired with Paxil, I am symptom-free. Side effects of Paxil do get better with time, but it took a long time (1 1/2 years). Sexual side effects suck but get better with time. Still have dry mouth, but drowsiness is gone since I take it before bed."

• dea...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 25, 2021

Paroxetine "I have panic disorder and have also been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and major depression in the past. I tried at least 5 other SSRIs (Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro), tricyclics (Imipramine), SNRIs (Wellbutrin, Effexor), and Paxil is the only one that has worked for me. It takes me from being completely dysfunctional, paralyzed by panic attacks, into feeling like myself. The downside is the side effects - at 20 mg, I gained 10 lbs., felt more tired, and had sexual side effects. At 40 mg, I gained an additional 10 lbs., and the tiredness and inability to concentrate became more intense. If a different med works for you, I'd recommend it since Pexeva/Paxil is notorious for its side effects, but when you're feeling hopeless and others just aren't working, give it a go. It's saved my life more than once."

• Gus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2021

"Paroxetine was one of the few drugs that also had an effect (alongside mirtazapine), but it did not have such a pronounced effect. I was not free from panic attacks; the only difference between the other SSRIs is that paroxetine decreased a little (very little) the amount of attacks in a week."

• Ric...
• June 7, 2018

"On paroxetine 10 years, taking 20 mg/day from the start. I read about paroxetine = dementia, so I came off it. 1 week 15 mg/day, no problem. 1 week 10 mg/day, no problem + think more clearly and recall improved hugely. Then 10 mg every other day. On the 3rd day, anxiety + panic. Sleeping pills helped. Decided to make the leap - went 4 days without paroxetine, then sertraline 50 mg/day. Anxious at first, but from day 4, anxiety and panic gone! Feel so much clearer in my head and my sense of humor back. I drank alcohol when taking paroxetine (I had always been a drinker, but I became somewhat dependent - I drank 6 units most days, with very few days off). The day I took the last paroxetine was the last time I drank - I no longer miss a drink (YAY!). The withdrawal was worthwhile. NOTE: ‘The Happiness Trap’ – it’s brilliant, it’s like it was written for everyone on an SSRI. Google it, and you might find some peace. Good luck – you are not alone, and you will get to a kinder place."

• ego...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 9, 2021

Paroxetine "Unfortunately, I was started on this at the highest dose. I have no idea why. The nurse even said I shouldn't be on 40 mg to start, but it was a doctor in a crisis center that I saw for 5 minutes. After I started taking it, I had the worst panic attack I have ever experienced, and I was hyperventilating and almost passed out. So, I stopped taking it and was scared to take any antidepressants after that, although I have suffered from severe depression and anxiety. So, it wasn't for me. I just started taking Lamotrigine for depression and propranolol for anxiety. It is really helping. So, this might be an alternative for anyone that experienced what I did."

• Min...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2021

Paroxetine "Started on Oct. 14, 2021, to take Paxil 10 mg. I’ve been dealing with panic attacks since 2014, but never got medication for it till now. For the first week on it has been a rollercoaster. First 2 days I was doing fine, till Sunday I started to have a feeling of coldness in the back of my head that went down my whole body, palpitations, dizziness, and a headache. I got scared that I even called my mom. Those symptoms followed up the next day. Tuesday I felt like I was choking to a point that I had a panic attack. My body felt numb and cold. I was sweating a lot too. Thank God we got home. On Wednesday I felt emotionless and went to the doctor to let her know the side effects. She said they can put me on another medication, but I said no. I didn’t want to go through another symptom, so I stuck with Paxil. Now I woke up to shortness of breath and again had a panic attack. I felt chest pain, headache, and trouble sleeping. And I have the common side effects. Just hope for the best!"

• Tam...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 26, 2021

"I live in Australia and have been on paroxetine for many, many years, I think about 15. Mainly take Aropax, but there was a shortage, so take some generics except for Paxtine, did not work for me. However, paroxetine has helped me a lot over the years. The benefits are I haven’t had a full-blown panic attack since I’ve been on it, and it mainly keeps any anxiety at bay. The side effects are sometimes dizzy and a long time till you can orgasm. I take 20 mg a day in the morning with food."

• Gyp...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 30, 2016

"My story is after 30 years of panic attacks, low self-esteem. My doctor put me on 60 mg paroxetine a day. Six months later, I fell pregnant. My doctor kept me on the same dosage. I then moved, found a new doctor, who got me to 10 mg per day. When my son was born, he had terrible withdrawal stomach cramps, among other things. From the age of 3, he started playgroup, the teachers noticed that he was different from the other kids. My son is now 13, he has autism, among other things. I do blame my medication for all this."

• Anonymous
• September 16, 2010

Paroxetine "I had extreme anxiety at first-time intercourse with a new partner. Mainly happened with girls I liked the most. Read Paxil delays ejaculation, so I asked the doctor and gave it a try. 20 mg per day. It works a little too well. Effects do wear off, so I just use it when needed."

• mut...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 14, 2025

"After trying all SSRIs, SNRIs, paroxetine only worked. From the first week, it's the great medicine for panic disorder. Highly recommended."

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2016

Paroxetine "I suffer from debilitating panic attacks. Just 10 mg of Paxil works wonders. I've tried almost every SSRI out there, but Paxil is the only one that works. Nothing else can touch my panic."

• Ric...
• September 29, 2011

Paroxetine "I have suffered with panic all my life. Since taking Paxil, I don't have them. If you run out, the panic comes back. I've heard bad things about Paxil, but it saved my life, so it's worth it."

• Anonymous
• September 17, 2011

Paroxetine "Paxil has helped me live again."