Paxil and Depression: What Users Say

• Hop...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 26, 2019

For Anxiety "I took Paxil for 19 years, and it relieved my anxiety and depression. I gained 40 lbs over those 19 years, but I was happy. In May, I decided to try Lexapro, and sure enough, I've lost 25 lbs. But at the expense of anxiety and depression returning. My doctor increased the dosage from 10 to 20 mg 5 weeks ago, and now I can't sleep. I'm going back to Paxil, I'd rather be fat and happy than skinny and depressed!"

• Kjl...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 4, 2020

For Anxiety "I started Paxil over 15 years ago after an unexplained bout with extreme anxiety and depression that did not respond to hypnosis, yoga, nothing! After trying a few other meds that didn't work, my doctor suggested Paxil. When I first started it, I also took Klonopin for the horrible anxiety. Within about 6 weeks, I totally felt the dark cloud disappear so I went off Klonopin. I have never had to increase my dose! I'm still on 10 mg, 15 years later. I tried weaning off of it 3 times already, and each time I would get really weepy and depressed, so I've decided to stay on it! Yes, I've gained weight, but that is nothing in comparison to how I was feeling prior to being on Paxil."

• Ken...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 17, 2015

For Depression "I have always felt like something was wrong for as long as I can remember. I think my depression is just normal to me, and I've probably been depressed for many years without even knowing, just a feeling that something isn't right. A failed relationship a while back heightened my realization that something is wrong, and the pain of losing someone close was like a final straw for me. I guess it might be true that everyone comes into your life for a reason, even if it is only meant to be for a short time. After countless months and days googling and doing tests online, trying to figure out what might be wrong with me, I finally got the courage to go see my doctor. After a few visits, he prescribed me Paxil and thinks this might help get me on the right track. You see, my depression isn't the usual in that I try to go about my daily life as normal as I can, it's called walking or smiling depression. Behind it all, though, I'm crippled with self-doubt, negative thoughts, anxiety, and a constant feeling of sadness. I feel guilty a lot, distance myself from my family and friends regularly, and sometimes feel so down I cry for what seems like no reason at all. I put on a brave face to people and go about daily life as best I can, but behind the mask, I am suffering. I never really felt like I fit in, and it's like I have to try to act to be happy in everyday situations. It's hard to describe, but it's almost like I'm standing behind my shadow. I always look at other people and wonder what it's like to be just happy. I could never bring myself to telling anyone how I really felt, I guess it's only the last year or so that I became more aware and really accepting that something isn't right. It's been so long that I have felt this way, I really don't know what normal is anymore. I have lost 2 girlfriends largely due to my low self-esteem and low confidence finally taking their toll on the relationship. It's like I just expected them to leave, who would want to stay with a loser like me is how I portrayed myself to them.. That's probably the hardest pill to swallow through all this. I know if I was mentally stronger, I could have held on to something good. I know I have it in me to go change my life around. Everybody sees it in me, but I feel trapped in my body and mind. I have a lot of trouble concentrating, and I seem to always be so indecisive about what action to take. I guess I'm wondering what I can expect from taking Paxil. I know I'm the only one who can physically make changes, but can I expect to regain some self-confidence and motivation, energy, etc.? I really don't know what to expect from this drug and am apprehensive about what it can actually do for me. I guess part of me just wants to try to do everything by myself, but I really don't want to waste another second of my life. I feel like I haven't properly lived for at least the last 5 years of my life. Thank you for reading."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2024

For Depression "Review of Paxil (paroxetine): A Life-Saving Medication. I want to begin by addressing something important: we need to stop filling the internet with negative, non-constructive reviews about this medication. Paxil has been scientifically proven to be effective, as shown in numerous studies. However, there is a cognitive bias called sampling bias, where people who are dissatisfied are far more likely to share their experiences online. This creates an unbalanced view and can discourage or even frighten those who are already in a vulnerable state due to anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. If Paxil has helped you, I encourage you to share your positive experiences too. It might bring hope to someone desperately seeking relief. For me, Paxil has saved my life for the third time. After experiencing paralyzing anxiety attacks, severe depression, and immense emotional distress, this medication helped me find stability and light when I thought both were out of reach."

• Eth...
• January 23, 2017

For Anxiety "I don't understand why people quit after 3 days starting it. It made them too anxious or depressed - isn't this why you are taking it? It doesn't work overnight. I too am very impatient and would prefer a quick fix. But the first 2 weeks are rough, but if you persevere, the benefits outweigh the startup. I'm into my 3rd week and it's working really well, it is like a lightbulb moment. I gave a 9 because for the life of me I cannot orgasm, but I'll take that over the suicidal thoughts and feeling lifeless any day... remember, give it time, your brain needs to adjust... stay strong x"

• Sky...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2020

For Depression "Seems like a lot of people have a good experience with Paxil, and I really wish I could say the same. I took it for about 2.5 months and had chronic diarrhea the whole time, which only seemed to get worse as time went on. And, of course, the usual sexual side effects that come with SSRIs. I couldn't handle it anymore, having diarrhea for that long just left me feeling very sick all the time. So I tapered off, which is where things have gone from bad to worse. I've never had a problem coming off of any type of medication in my life, but this is HORRIBLE. Brain zaps, nightmares, highly increased depression, and crying spells. This stuff is freaking poison to my body. I would never recommend this to anyone."

• Thi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2017

For Depression "Before I was on Paxil, I just felt sad all the time. I felt like crying a lot, I could hardly get through work, I had a loss of interest in activities, I lacked energy, plus most of the other symptoms for major depression (except for thoughts of suicide). This went on for almost a few years until I finally had enough and sought out the help of a doctor. The doctor prescribed Paxil 20mg once a day, and I swear I have never felt better in my life. I feel like I finally have my life back, and I don't feel sad all the time. Most importantly, I feel like myself again."

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

For Major Depressive Disorder "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."

• Kim...
• July 31, 2015

For Depression "I've just started on Paxil. Doctor said take in the morning, but I've been horribly groggy and depressed. So, I switched to taking it at night, and there's an amazing difference! I'm energetic, and I feel good this far. I can organize my thoughts, and anxiety seems to be down a bit, but like I said, just the beginning. Weight loss - Paxil curbs my appetite!! It's great because I need to lose a lot of weight. I've lost about 6 pounds so far, but I am also dieting, exercising, and actively trying to lose weight, the appetite suppressant effect just helps me a lot!"

• nrc...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 19, 2015

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I have taken Paxil since 1995 after having a nervous breakdown. I also weaned myself off of Paxil for 13 months in 2000 so that I could get pregnant. In 2001, I experienced postpartum depression with no anxiety and went back on the Paxil. Paxil is best suited for patients with anxiety and MDD. It is a very potent SSRI. On dealing with the side effects: Weight gain can be prevented with proactive exercise. Constipation can be prevented by diet, suppository, etc. Sexual side effects can be reduced by reducing the amount of Paxil prior to sex (cut your dosage in half that day). SAD can be minimized by adding vitamin B12 in the fall and winter."

• mik...
• March 26, 2008

For Depression "This was the best medicine that covered a wide variety of mental disorders. I took this pill 60mg for 6 years. I was then hospitalized on an unrelated matter, and the doctor had me taken off of this abruptly. That was the wrong thing to do. I fell into a deep depression that stayed out of control for 3 weeks. The longest 3 weeks of my life. I could not function at all. BE CAREFUL WHEN STOPPING THIS PILL!"

• Jun...
• April 30, 2020

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I was prescribed 12.5 mg of Paxil for PTSD. I have been on it a year. It gave me horrible nightmares, and upon awakening, I felt so overwhelmed and depressed, it was awful. I suffered through this for a year while doctors told me the Paxil would not cause my symptoms. I had never felt this horrible in my life. I finally found a new psychiatrist and told her about my problems with SSRIs. I was put on Trintellix a week ago. Today is the first day in a year that I felt good just waking up in the morning. I hope it lasts. I also am a mental health professional and have some understanding of antidepressants, or I would have just given up and believed what the doctors told me about the antidepressants not causing my symptoms. No one really knows how the psychoactive meds work, and they can affect any one person differently than another. So my advice is to believe yourself if you think a med is causing you negative side effects and don't give up until you find what works for you."

• Nhc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 18, 2013

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I have been on Paxil now for 10 months. I am on a high dose of 40 mg. However, it is working wonders for me. I love how I feel, and my anxiety is a lot lower than it used to be. I feel like I can operate in a normal fashion, be it at work or out in a social situation. The drawback is do not run out of your prescription, always be on top of it. I ran out of it, and the withdrawal side effects are not fun. For me, I got really depressed and crying, and the headaches are horrible. I realize I will be on this prescription for a very long time. But for those who may not be, make sure you listen to your doctor when getting off of it. It is not fun when it is not in your system. Again, love, love how I feel."

• Anonymous
• April 6, 2012

For Depression "While this medicine may not be for everyone, it's helped me immensely. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and depression. I was having intense mood swings where I'd alternate between being so anxious I couldn't sleep for days and then so depressed I couldn't get myself out of bed in the morning. I felt like I didn't matter anymore and that I could stay in bed all day since no one would realize I wasn't there. I started out on 10mg of Paxil for 4 days before increasing to 20mg. After a few weeks the effects started to wear off and I fell into a deep depression, so my dosage increased to 30mg a day. I take it before bed, and all my insomnia problems have gone away. It's done wonders for me. I have my life back."

• k8t...
• July 28, 2010

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I took Paxil for about 10 years (no weight gain) and quit it recently with the help of my primary care doctor by weaning off of it for 6 months. Unfortunately, 2 weeks after quitting, my symptoms of anxiety and depression have returned two-fold! I have not been formally diagnosed with anything yet, but do know that Paxil worked the best for me! I want to go back on it, but it is Category D, so if I ever want to have a baby, I cannot be on it while pregnant! At the moment, I am trying Wellbutrin, after trying 3 weeks on Buspar to help me (that didn't help). It's only been a week on Wellbutrin and I see some improvements, but nothing like the Paxil. I may ask to go back to Paxil if switching medicines doesn't work. I felt like 'myself' on Paxil!"

• lau...
• August 3, 2016

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I took Paxil for 5 years. I have been off Paxil now for 7 years, and I suffer from OCD and panic attacks. I am 49 years old and have suffered since childhood with my 'issues'. I won't go into great detail. I do not take medicine, but I was in VERY bad shape when I started on Paxil. Within a few days, I slept, stopped washing my feet, counting things, and those obsessive thoughts were gone. THANK GOD. I did gain weight, and my family described me as being an emotional zombie. I chose to discontinue taking Paxil on my own, which was a bad idea. NEVER. I say NEVER do that. I am lucky that I am still alive. If you choose to quit taking it, please do that only under the care of your physician. Today I am not cured, but I am happy and living normally."

• cin...
• June 15, 2011

For Anxiety "I have been taking Paxil 20 mg for about four months now. I suffered from anxiety, which caused lightheadedness and shortness of breath for two years before I decided to try medication. When I first started, I had more anxiety than ever and some depression, which I had never had before taking this medication. It took about six weeks to feel the effects, and it works. To those out there struggling with this medication, just give it the 6-8 weeks to work before giving up. Also, try relaxing things like baths, reading, and even exercise. I finally feel like myself again. I have some rare moments of anxiety, but nothing at all like I had before seeking help. This is a good medication."

• CC_...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 27, 2017

For Anxiety "Really helps my PMDD and my stress/anxiety. I was very thin from stress before I started on Paxil. I have rapidly gained weight since taking this medication. I have also become emotionless. As much as I dislike it, at least I don't feel anger, stress, and anxiety anymore. Clearly, I'm taking the good with the bad."

• Anonymous
• January 7, 2012

For Depression "When my doctor asked me how I felt my Paxil 20 mg was working (after being on Wellbutrin unsuccessfully for two years), I could only explain it as 'someone finally washed both sides of the windows.' Other medicines (Zoloft) helped with some anxiety but left me still depressed. Still others (Celexa) helped with the depression, but the anxiety was left uncontrolled. I finally feel like I am back on track to take control of my life. I am pretty sure some dosage adjustments still need to be done, but I am amazed at the past four months on Paxil and what a difference it has made. The minor OCD I was experiencing is gone, the anxiety is at a minimum, and the depression no longer rules every day. I wish I would have done this for myself and my family years ago."

• Sta...
• December 8, 2009

For Depression "I've been on Paxil for approximately 15 years now, and I absolutely believe it has saved my life. After only about 2 weeks, I had the first 'good day' I could ever remember having. Until taking Paxil, I never realized that people could actually be genuinely happy. There have been a few times during the first 5 years or so when I tried to stop cold turkey. The side effects were really awful, and I almost immediately went back into severe depression. I've since just accepted that I'll be on medicine the rest of my life. Small price to pay for the benefits. However, I think I am in the minority in that I didn't experience any particular side effects while on Paxil; only when trying to stop."

• Anonymous
• November 24, 2009

For Anxiety "I was on Paxil for 13 years. It helped my anxiety in the beginning but made me emotionless. I almost never cried or got angry. My sex drive was non-existent. I had terrible withdrawal symptoms when I tried to get off of it. If there is another option for you besides Paxil, look into it."

• Not...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 27, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Was prescribed Paxil at a young age for generalized anxiety. Eventually, it moved into panic attacks and depression. When this medication works, it works well, but when it quits, it’s the worst thing you can imagine. It quit working (Paxil poopout), and I had tremors, severe depression, derealization, depersonalization, panic attacks, bad thoughts, crying, lost 20 lbs. I’ve been withdrawing for almost a year now from this medicine. The withdrawal from this is similar to heroin. Please steer clear of this medication. It’s not worth the horrible withdrawal it will give you."

• Pun...
• January 31, 2014

For Anxiety "I felt so much less anxious initially, so foolishly, and with doctor's encouragement, I stayed on Paxil for 3-4 years. Two months ago, I started to wean myself off this medicine very slowly. I have never felt so bad in my 72 years of life. At first, I felt it must be the flu, though I'd had a flu shot in November of last year (13). The withdrawal symptoms of nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, not thinking clearly, fatigue, extremely vivid and frightening dreams, dizziness, and depression lasted 5-6 days. My doctor recommended that I go back on Paxil at half a tablet initially, and then a whole tablet after a week. So it has been two weeks now of my taking a 40 mg dose each evening. I tried documenting my terrible experience."

• Mat...
• July 8, 2014

For Anxiety "Numbs your emotions. Which is fine if you like your positive emotions numb too. Not a serious solution to mental problems, just a way to cover them up. Don't listen to the doctor who tells you to halve your pill every week, you need to taper your dose by 10% and only drop again after about 6 weeks. Please don't listen to the opinions of people who have been on this for only a couple of weeks!"

• Anonymous
• April 4, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "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."