Paxil and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 2)

• nop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 18, 2012

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Paxil was a nightmare for me. I took it for 1 week, and I could not sleep for more than 2 hours at a stretch and experienced even more intense anxiety. For the first time in my life, I felt suicidal with increased racing thoughts. It wasn't for me. Maybe I should've hung in there longer, but I was concerned about my own safety."

• 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"

• mrs...
• August 30, 2011

For Anxiety "I took Paxil for nearly 9 months, and it seemed to cure all my ailments. I didn't realize how many things were attributed to my anxiety, including chest pains, nausea, headaches, etc. I really felt great (after a week or so of insomnia, which is a common side effect). I recently stopped taking Paxil since I was feeling so great. That is really tough. I had awful dizziness (but again, this is to be expected) for about 10 days. Several weeks later, I am realizing I felt much better on Paxil and am thinking of returning to it."

• Cic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 23, 2019

For Postpartum Depression "This is the worst medicine ever. I took it for postpartum anxiety, and it turned my anxiety into severe depression, which I have never experienced in my life. When I took it, I became insomniac, dark thoughts, feeling deep unworthiness, wanting to leave my family, could barely walk, heart palpitation, nausea, weak memory. At some point, I became so numb, and I felt so aggressive, which I have never felt before in my life. I took it for 2 months and a half. I was taking 10 mg at a time. Withdrawal symptoms: non-stop crying for no reason and ideation. Now I am on week 4 since I stopped it, and the withdrawal symptoms are still horrible. The ideation disappeared, but the uncontrollable crying spells, coughing, insomnia are still there. Sometimes I really feel like I lost my mind. This is again the worst thing that ever happened to me in my life. It is poison."

• kev...
• July 1, 2018

For Panic Disorder "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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 23, 2019

For Anxiety "I took Paxil for 1 year for anxiety and depersonalization, it did not help with my depression, but it helped a lot with anxiety. I did not gain weight, but I had trouble sleeping during the first few days taking it. It made me feel sleepy during the day. No sex drive. It’s not a miracle pill, but it helped me a lot with carrying on with my life and getting my stuff together. Withdrawal symptoms were the worst!"

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 4, 2021

For Anxiety "I struggled with anxiety after high school. I worked in the process industry for 2 years, working shift work, and knew I was struggling with anxiety. I went to the ER multiple times, thinking I was sick or having a heart attack. I joined the service and served 4 years, and once I finished my service, my wife said I needed to talk with a doctor. After 6 years of putting it off, I finally did. The doctor first put me on buspirone. It was awful, I had night sweats, rapid heartbeat, restless nights, couldn't sleep, it was brutal. I switched doctors, and my new doctor said I should try Paxil (paroxetine). It has changed my life! I have minimal side effects (small dizzy spells and small anxiety spikes), but I am not going to the doctor every three months, I actually enjoy things again. I am more relaxed and not wound so tight. I hope this helps people that struggle with anxiety want to give it a try."

• Cra...
• November 25, 2017

For Depression "I've been on and off SSRIs for years. Effexor XR and Zoloft caused gastrointestinal and sleep problems. Paxil, which I started 6 months ago, however, has caused no GI issues, and it is for me slightly sedating. My mood has improved without the hypomania caused by other SSRIs. Prior to starting Paxil, I was in a fairly deep depressive state. It was nearly impossible for me to experience a positive thought about the future. I also had moderate anxiety. In summary, Paxil might help anyone who experienced GI irritation from other meds, has trouble sleeping, and has some anxiety component to their depression."

• Mic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2022

For Anxiety "I took Paxil for 3 weeks and stopped because it gave me low libido, no sex drive, weak erections, bad sleep, low memory, low concentration. That is called PSSD. Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction continued after I stopped Paxil, and I have had PSSD to this day. I have had PSSD for 12 years after I stopped Paxil. It's like one part of me is missing. There are thousands of people like me, search PSSD on the internet."

• Anonymous
• September 2, 2010

For Anxiety and Stress "I am so happy to have found this board. These success stories are amazing. I've been taking Paxil for about 2 weeks and 2 days and have experienced some tough side effects, lots of trouble sleeping, headaches, mood swings, but it seems a lot of people seem to really do well after getting through those first few weeks. I think I want to try and stick with this. It's also helped ease a lot of pain and stress I experienced from a brutal gallbladder surgery."

• Gir...
• November 11, 2008

For Depression "This was a good drug for the first couple of years of taking it. Unfortunately, I did not consult my doctor before I stopped taking it. Huge mistake! I highly recommend seeing your doctor before you stop taking this. DO NOT quit cold turkey like I did. I felt like I was going insane, had mood swings that were horrible, and couldn't sleep."

• Tin...
• February 21, 2021

For Panic Disorder "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."

• Rap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2012

For Depression "I went to my primary doctor for a check-up. I told him that I just was not feeling right. He referred me to the mental health clinic. The doctor there asked me a lot of questions about how I felt, was I suicidal. Discussed my military life and any combat experience. That was to check on PTSD. She started me on Paxil. I had the usual side effects of dry mouth, couldn't sleep, excessive urination, constipation, and diarrhea. But I got over the side effects when my body got used to the medication. One of the main problems with this medication is that I cannot get an erection and cannot orgasm."

• Naw...
• December 3, 2010

For Depression "Suicidal, depressed, and anxious for 9 years, finally decided I could not handle it on my own anymore and decided to seek help. My doctor prescribed me Paxil, and 20 minutes after I took it, I no longer wanted to kill myself (this feeling was often, all day, every day almost). It's now been 3 days, and still going good. There are, however, side effects: loss of appetite (not good, I'm too thin already), blurred vision (very difficult for an artist), insomnia, impossible to reach ejaculation, also have experienced some increased anxiety. Despite these side effects, I'm faced with a choice: accept the side effects or continue to live my life feeling sad and lonely."

• Anonymous
• May 24, 2011

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I have been on Paxil for 10 years now. I maxed out on the dosage at 60 mg/day. It served me well and improved my anxiety symptoms. Having gotten married 2 months ago and anticipating getting pregnant, I began to wean myself off. I went from 60 mg/day to 40, then to 20, then 10, and now 5 mg/day. Each time I started to feel better and adjusted to the lower dose, I lowered it again. The withdrawals have been awful. I have been so sick for the last several weeks. Nauseous, dizzy, insomnia, 'zaps', no appetite, no energy. Now at 5 mg/day, I feel better. The withdrawals are now quite tolerable. My next step is 2.5 mg/day, then done."

• Anonymous
• January 11, 2012

For Anxiety "Paroxetine worked absolute wonders for me when I first started paroxetine 6 years ago. My mood elevated so high to the point of work colleagues questioning my 'nightclub activities.' The 'serotonin high' also made me aggressively confident and involved a few flashpoints, including a physical fight-my first in 15 years. While it worked, it was GREAT. However, it lost its efficacy suddenly a few months ago, and I was prescribed sertraline/Zoloft, which was a disaster. Headaches, nausea, and insomnia were my body's reaction to this medicine. Have now been put on citalopram and hoping this will be effective. My doctor suggested I may try paroxetine again if I don't respond to citalopram."

• Anonymous
• November 21, 2011

For Anxiety "I've been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and have been taking Paxil for about 3 months. When I first began the medication, I completely lost my appetite. I dropped 10 pounds within the first 2 weeks without even trying. After about a month, it leveled back out. However, even after 3 months, I still don't sleep well on it. It has also taken a toll on my sex drive. I'm in the process of quitting Paxil to try something new. You do not want to quit this medication suddenly. You will experience terrible withdrawal symptoms. Even though I am quitting gradually, they are still quite intense."

• KTa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 9, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "If you are handed a prescription for this, please do your research first. Unfortunately, I started taking this as I was desperate to get my anxiety under control, and my GP didn’t want to prescribe me Valium anymore, so I thought, why not? After one year of being on this, I have gained almost 20 kg. I eat well and move around a fair bit, but the weight just keeps on coming. It did well for my social anxiety, that’s because I didn’t want to leave the house embarrassed with how much weight I had gained. Now, I am weaning off from 40 mg and am on 10 mg with the hope to be off completely. Withdrawal symptoms are comparable to having the flu tenfold. Detached sense of reality and agitation that normally wouldn’t be there. Even the sound of someone coughing is making me angry. Heightened sensory disturbances and insomnia have also come along. Avoid if you can. There are better SSRIs out there if you need some help. This stuff is awful."

• Anonymous
• April 10, 2012

For Panic Disorder "My general doctor gave me Paxil when I told her I had been having panic attacks and anxiety. I started on 10 mg, and when I hadn't noticed a difference after 6 weeks, she upped the dose to 20 mg. I still have anxiety day to day and feel the beginning of a panic attack a lot, but am not able to go through with it. Sex drive completely gone. All I want to do is sleep. Depression worsened. This is not for me."

• Anonymous
• January 8, 2011

For Anxiety "Tonight was only my 4th night on the pill. My doctor has me on 10 mg at night for the first week. So far, the side effects are very uncomfortable. I mostly feel them right after taking my dose. My mouth is so dry, I'm nauseous, gassy, I can't sleep, and I'm exhausted. I know the doctor said it could take weeks to work, so I'm not knocking it yet. Also, some reviews I have read say that some of the side effects disappear, and I am certainly counting on that. So far, I haven't seen much change in my anxiety, and hopefully it comes soon."

• Rom...
• November 16, 2015

For Anxiety "My physician prescribed me 20mg of Paxil daily when I saw her for anxiety/depression. The first couple of days, I had trouble sleeping and had a lot of energy, but no anxiety. This drug definitely reduced my anxiety, and I felt more sociable, but after a month or so I noticed that I couldn't focus and I started to lose motivation to do anything and had no energy. I felt more depressed than before I had started the medication, and on my days off from work I would end up sleeping all day. I quit cold turkey while taking 5-HTP and experienced the brain zaps for a couple of days, but now I feel like myself again. I can't recommend this med. I think exercise and a good diet are more effective at improving my mood."

• Anonymous
• November 16, 2010

For Anxiety "I have had anxiety all of my life. Didn't know until I finally took a serious look with my wife. Doctor prescribed 10 mg. Had muscle restlessness, chattering teeth, and insomnia, which I already had, and Paxil made it worse. I've had sex for a while with no orgasm and no ejaculation. Additionally, Paxil makes me have the urge to drink alcohol where there was none before. Going to my doctor to get something else."

• bra...
• August 4, 2016

For Anxiety "I tried them for 4 months! It was the worst experience I ever had! I got brain zaps and could not sleep at all. I have mild severe frontal brain damage from a fall. Coming off them is worse than any benzo I have tried! In fact, they are just as bad, if not worse than a benzo. At least the benzo drugs work for anxieties! If you read about antidepressants like I did on Google, you will see that they are nothing more than an addicting placebo. Don't let anyone get you on those medications. Just Google the fact that the drug companies are handing them out like candy, and they do more harm than good. If you like sex, then don't get involved with antidepressants! Because you will not have any sexual wants whatsoever. I wish they did work!"

• n0t...
• January 12, 2011

For Depression "I've now been on Paroxetine for about 10 years for severe, chronic depression. I was on Prozac for roughly 15 years before it appeared to lose its effectiveness, so I was prescribed this instead. My initial dose was 40 mg daily. It was initially extremely effective as an anti-depressant, and I went from being hospitalized for a week every year for my own safety to 6 years without a hospitalization. Just a 'blip' in mood every year instead of a crash. However, I'm now on 80 mg, and the side effects at this dose are appalling: chronic insomnia, 100 lb weight gain, constant tiredness, muscle aches, migraines, memory loss, zero libido, and all-around apathy. Attempting to drop my dosage results in uncontrollable weeping, numbness, and terror."

• Anonymous
• December 23, 2010

For Depression "Surprisingly, this is the only SSRI I have been able to tolerate at low doses, with beneficial responses and minimal side effects. Taking 20 mg, and it's doing well at 1 year to minimize depression and panic attacks, though I tried going to 30 and became insomniac. Down to 20 again, no problem. No sexual side effects at this low dose. No major weight gain, though I am a bit concerned about diabetes, A1C is climbing despite (or as a result of) my efforts- not sure if the Paxil is behind that too."