Paxil and Depression: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Msa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2016

For Anxiety "Paxil works great for me, but it took 3 months for it to work. That's not surprising, however, my body has always taken a long time to get used to/accept drugs. My startup side effects were extreme fatigue, excessive yawning, derealization, depersonalization, depression, and apathy (apathy and depression could've been a result of the anxiety and not the Paxil). One day, while at work, it just hit me, and I started feeling better, happier, but not 100%. I'm currently at 30 mg, which seems to work fine. The only bad thing about being on Paxil for me is the sexual side effects (it is really hard to climax! Ugh). Otherwise, I feel fine. In fact, I even have vivid dreams, which for me is nice, and more energy."

• Anonymous
• May 30, 2008

For Depression "It worked great for 12 years. Then I decided to stop taking it and deal with some emotional issues. Bad idea. Incredibly difficult to get off of. Nausea for a month, and after that I was dizzy for another month. Fell into a horrible depression, saw and felt the gates of hell. Ironically, I'm now taking 3 drugs to deal with my depression: Lexapro, Lamictal, and Seroquel. Dealing with my emotional issues, but I definitely would do things differently if I had to do it over."

• fth...
• March 31, 2012

For Anxiety "This medicine made me emotionless. For the first couple of months, I was fine, and now I can't be happy when I want to or sad when I want to. I also have no sex drive. I'm on Paxil for anxiety, but because it works as a mood stabilizer as well, it took away my personality."

• Nat...
• August 10, 2016

For Anxiety "I am 21 years old, and I have had severe anxiety and OCD for 5 years. I almost didn't graduate high school and almost lost my job because I couldn't even get out of bed or leave the comfort of my own home, so I resorted to medicine. I was also dealing with slight depression at the time, and so my doctor recommended Paxil to me. For 2 years, I have been on the 10 mg dose, and it works wonders! The only negative thing that I have to say about it is that I don't feel like I have a lot of energy, and it made me gain 50 lbs. I attempted to get off and, with counseling, deal with my anxiety on my own, and went through extreme withdrawals (brain spasms, mood swings, depression). I love this stuff, it changed my life, but it sucks coming off of it."

• xam...
• July 19, 2016

For Depression "Well, this is a very strong drug and an effective one, but it has a lot of side effects, and the withdrawal is an absolute nightmare. I started taking paroxetine because of depression, social anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. The drug has helped me to overcome the crippling anxiety, but it also made me emotionally numb. This numbness is a common side effect for SSRIs, but in my case, it caused an aggravation of depression. While taking Paxil, I felt like nothing made sense anymore. It was a horrible experience, but then again, it allowed me to see things more objectively without the overpowering emotional ballast I had before. I stopped taking paroxetine, and now I feel like I was on a long vacation from myself and my mind."

• Usn...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 15, 2016

For Social Anxiety Disorder "Started on 10 mg. It helped my anxiety a lot, but I would have to take naps during the day or I couldn't function. That improved after several months. I upped the dose to 20 mg. I forgot what it was like to have social anxiety. It was wonderful. The downside to this is that I gained 45 pounds in those 11 months. I'm 5'5. I went from 115 to 160. I've never had issues with weight. I've always had trouble gaining weight. I didn't want to gain this much. No change in my exercise routine or eating habits. I had to go off of it because it was destroying my self-esteem and causing depression. The withdrawals were hell, but I'm gradually losing the weight I gained now that I'm off of it. I'm so disappointed, but hopefully I can find another med."

• Usn...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 15, 2016

For Social Anxiety Disorder "Started on 10 mg. It helped my anxiety a lot, but I would have to take naps during the day or I couldn't function. That improved after several months. I upped the dose to 20 mg. I forgot what it was like to have social anxiety. It was wonderful. The downside to this is that I gained 45 pounds in those 11 months. I'm 5'5. I went from 115 to 160. I've never had issues with weight. I've always had trouble gaining weight. I didn't want to gain this much. No change in my exercise routine or eating habits. I had to go off of it because it was destroying my self-esteem and causing depression. The withdrawals were hell, but I'm gradually losing the weight I gained now that I'm off of it. I'm so disappointed, but hopefully I can find another med."

• Sar...
• April 23, 2017

For Depression "The good: - Improved motivation - More stable moods, fewer deep lows - Improved self-confidence - Decreased anxiety The bad: - (during the first few weeks) Insomnia - (during the first few weeks) Drowsiness - (transient) Vivid bad dreams - Difficulty reaching orgasm - Forgetfulness - Emotional blunting"

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 9, 2016

For Depression "I personally will never recommend Paxil to anyone. It literally ruined my life. At first, I felt that it was okay. But, quickly and suddenly, I started gaining weight. A lot of weight. Literally, my pants fit one week and did not fit the next week. And that wasn't all. I was feeling much worse. I was very manic. So depressed that I could not get out of bed. My life was work, eat, and sleep. I had no motivation, and I started fixating on thoughts of suicide. It wasn't until the unexplained rapid weight gain that I started to ask myself what had changed in my routine. That's when I realized that Paxil was the newest addition to my life, and I began doing research. I've been off of it for about 2 months, and I still can't lose the weight."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2019

For Depression "I give it 0. I took it as a teen over 15 years ago. Worst thing I could have ever taken! The first time I took it, I wanted to die. I was so sad. I didn't want to feel like that. Now, 15+ years later, I can barely orgasm. When I do, it's not the same and never has been since. It makes me depressed just thinking about that. I was misdiagnosed with depression because I was a rebellious teen. Now I'm stuck with the side effects for life probably. I don't know if I'll ever be the same after this drug. Don't take it. Please."

• Dal...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 8, 2018

For Depression "Paxil has been a double-edged sword for me. I have been on one dose or another for the last 15 years or so. I can't stop the meds, I've tried a few times in the past, but I just end up going crazy (crying, suicidal thoughts, extreme sadness, and anxiety). I feel trapped and helpless to escape the medication's Machiavellian side effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 13, 2020

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I was given Paxil 20 mg for night sweats at bedtime by my OBGYN after my hysterectomy. My medical doctor increased it to 40 mg about a year ago because I had been experiencing more night sweats. Taking Paxil was the worst thing for me. I was so depressed I'm surprised I'm still here. My doctor weaned me off of it in about 2 weeks. It should be completely out of my system in about another week or two. I already feel like a new person. I wake up happy, I'm finally putting myself first, I stay happy. My sleep is better. I don’t take anything now. If I start having them after not taking the Paxil, I will live with them. I will never be put on anything like this again. It was so bad! To think I thought I was taking this pill for night sweats and didn’t even know it was an antidepressant until my daughter told me a few weeks back."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 9, 2016

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I have suffered from all kinds of anxieties, like Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Attacks, obsessive thoughts, and social anxiety. There are times when you have NO social anxiety, for instance, in my case, even after stopping 25 mg CR version Paxil, there had been no fear of social confrontation, just shyness or maybe low self-esteem or introversion. But when SA attacks again, it's a very gradual process. Even if you notice a slight sign of SA coming back, you try to disprove your own opinion by thinking, ''Now I have learned, this feeling is just stupid, doesn't make sense, and I am definitely not gonna develop a full-fledged SA.'' But when SA comes back, you have no idea but to start taking Paxil again."

• kir...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 6, 2021

For Anxiety "Paxil took me out of a really dark place. I started having anxiety when I was 20. It came on suddenly, and I felt like I was losing my mind. A doctor started me on Paxil. I took it for several years until another doctor switched me to Lexapro, only because they didn't like Paxil. I was on Lexapro for a while, but my anxiety came back pretty suddenly, along with depression. I was hospitalized and started back on Paxil since it worked in the past. I soon felt like myself again. I was on it for 10 years until I got pregnant. It's not pregnancy safe apparently, so I was switched back to Lexapro. I sadly had a miscarriage. I stayed on Lexapro for about 9 months, then suddenly my anxiety came back full force. I was switched to Prozac, which I still take only because I'm trying to conceive. I miss Paxil though. I felt it helped me the best. I was able to move on for several years and live a 'normal' life. I also have OCD, and it helped with the intrusive thoughts."

• Lin...
• October 14, 2015

For Anxiety "I was given Paxil by my doctor, and it works wonders. It is rare that I even feel most anxiety, and I haven't had an attack in months. I've been on it a couple of years and have yet to feel it stop working. But, do not take this if you aren't willing to have a long-time commitment with it. One thing the doctor won't tell you about straight up is the withdrawal. I've tried to come off of Paxil, out of frustration mostly at the withdrawal effects, and all I can describe it as is a living hell. Confusion, blurred vision, brain zaps, vertigo, nausea, depression, increased anxiety, etc. Not for the faint of heart. If you can, go with something else."

• Sor...
• March 17, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on Paxil for 18 years now. Within the last seven years, I have developed severe muscle tightness. I go to a massage therapist and chiropractor every two weeks. This helps sometimes, other times, I'm still in pain. I'm going to see a rheumatologist next week who thinks I might have an immune disorder since I was just diagnosed with Raynaud's in my toes. Paxil has helped my anxiety, but sometimes I feel like I have no emotions and don't react to things that I should be. Which is good and bad. Take care of yourself, if you're not feeling well, see if a different medication works or different alternatives! It just took me 18 years."

• Anonymous
• May 9, 2009

For Depression "My doctor started me on Paxil when I was 6 months pregnant. It made me emotionally numb. I kept taking it for about 3 years because the side effects of missing a dose were unbearable. I had to have the dose increased and eventually was on the highest dose, and Xanax was added. I gained weight, was always tired, had a decreased sex drive, and I couldn't cry when I needed to. I attempted to stop taking it 5 times before I was successful. I had horrible withdrawals for two months: sensitivity to light, nausea, a jolting sensation through my head and arms, and uncontrollable crying. It was worth it. I am now taking Zoloft and finally feel normal. I lost the weight I gained while I was on Paxil, and I cry when I need to."

• J-G...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 24, 2017

For Social Anxiety Disorder "Paxil definitely works for social anxiety. However, the side effects just became intolerable over time. What are those side effects? Well, for one, you will be tired all the time. Secondly, I found it really hard to focus, and I would forget things that just happened. Thirdly, and most disturbingly, I became a zombie who didn't care about anything and couldn't empathize with people! I couldn't feel any emotions; I couldn't cry. Not only that, but it was also hard to experience positive emotions/pleasure. This phenomenon is called 'emotional bluntness.' I didn't notice that I was experiencing this emotional numbness (and most others don't notice too) until people around me started pointing it out. That's just my experience."

• Rac...
• March 4, 2014

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "Took this for almost a year, helped with my panic attacks but made me severely depressed and unstable. Did not do well for me. Switched to Zoloft and Abilify and was a total 180 turn - should have switched a long time ago."

• Kin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2014

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Was on it and later Remeron for 3 months. Remeron was a near-instant help; Paxil did some good things. Apparently, a great anxiety med. Effects didn't really last, and I got anxious/depressed to a large extent. Went off and had a hard withdrawal."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 20, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been on Paxil for probably a year and a half now, and while it does cause some problems (sexual dysfunction, weight gain, bouts of depression, acne, dry mouth), it has really helped with my anxiety. I had really bad anxiety to the point I would hear things and see things. I felt crazy all of the time and almost had to be committed to a mental health hospital. But Paxil really helped for all of those thoughts to go away. Yeah, I have some side effects, but what do you expect? I would much rather have the side effects than feeling crazy all the time and being scared constantly. I give it an 8."

• use...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 3, 2022

For Depression "Man, what a journey. Went on Paxil for depression and anxiety. It made my depression lesser for sure, but robbed me of so much more. I literally no longer could enjoy anything. I turned to alcohol to deal with the all-encompassing boredom. I literally lost all interest in anything from hobbies, achievements, and sex. I did this for 4 years and finally made a switch to Lexapro. My God, the difference. Alcohol is still an issue, but at least I can enjoy things again. What a messed-up ride."

• dis...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 31, 2012

For Depression "I was prescribed this medication initially for depression and then, along with another medication, for atypical depression and panic disorder. I had to give it some stars because it did help with the anxiety. The problem was I had no life. No sex drive. Emotionally flat. Slept 12-16 hours a day (I craved sleep all the time) and ate nonstop, eventually gaining 80 lbs. Finally, my husband encouraged me to go off it. I tapered the dose and experienced brain zaps and generally weird feelings for several weeks."

• Eli...
• August 16, 2016

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "51 yo healthy female. Minor premenopausal signs, periodic mood swings, tiredness. Prescribed Paxil 10 mgs. Severe bouts of exhaustion, heart palpitations, breathing anomalies, sexual dysfunction, felt like a zombie. Slept 2 days. Quit meds day 6. 16 days from quitting, feel horrible. Severely depressed, anxious, tired (never have felt anxious or depressed prior). Still sleep too much, experience outrageous, wildly abnormal mood swings, have neglected my work, my house, my pets, my friends, and exercise (was running 5 miles daily prior, now do nothing). Still experience breathing abnormalities. Better each day, yet unable to function normally. Life and business in ruins, cry constantly. Nightmarish experience. Feel like I may never be the same again."

• Ari...
• November 18, 2015

For Anxiety "I took this about 3 years ago for a massive mental breakdown. I was having panic attacks multiple times a day. I couldn't get out of bed. I couldn't leave the house. I couldn't eat. I couldn't do anything. I was prescribed this and Ativan, and eventually, after probably a month of a horrid, horrible experience, I started to come out of my anxiety and depression, all of it. I came off of the drug probably a couple of months later and was completely fine for about 2 years, with just normal anxiety that I could manage. I tried it again a couple of weeks ago for the same reason, and it was hell. I was suicidal within the first 3 days and had every side effect I can think of. I discontinued immediately, now looking for something else."