Paxil and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Van...
• November 30, 2018

For Anxiety "I used Paxil for 13 months for general anxiety. My general doctor introduced Paxil to me. I've started with 10 mg and later increased it to 20 mg. It worked amazingly for that time. The only downside was I gained 13 pounds and lost my sex drive, which made me want to quit. I knew that I shouldn't stop cold turkey, so I consulted with my doctor. This medicine withdrawal is the worst. Tapering off from 20 mg to 10 mg was a nightmare: constant electric shocks, flu-like pain in the whole body, nausea, and vomiting. It took two weeks for me to adapt to the lower dose. Changing it to 10 mg every other day was okay, but again quitting it all for good was the worst torture. I tolerated the nausea and vomiting for 5 days in a row, and I couldn't do it anymore, so I took the 10 mg dosage again. Doctors don't warn you about the withdrawal, but please, please, if you are reading this, don't start Paxil. Quitting it is the hardest thing that you cannot even imagine."

• 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."

• Jen...
• July 8, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I had a rough childhood. Growing up, I tried to stay positive and press on. As an adult, anxiety became overwhelming to the point where everything started to stress me out. This happened to me around 29, and I dealt with it until 31. I had been grinding my teeth and clenching my jaws as a reaction to stress, causing damage to my teeth... about $7,000 worth. My dentist said I had to do something about stress if I wanted to have any teeth left in my mouth. I saw a doctor and was diagnosed with anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. I've taken Paxil for almost 2 weeks and am relieved of anxiety but feel pretty spaced out and numb right now. Motivation is lacking as well and I'm nauseous on and off. I'm hoping these side effects subside."

• C S...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 27, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "Took Paxil for 1 year (at the end, was taking 50 mg a day) for severe anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. It was a lifesaver. Stopped crying so easily, stopped yelling at my kids, stopped being so moody. After about 6 months, I noticed I was not laughing anymore, no sex drive, weight gain. I stayed on it. When I hit the year mark, I decided I wanted to get off of it. I told my doctor, and she suggested staying on it. Nope. I quit taking it. I took 2 days of 40 mg, 2 days of 20 mg, 2 days of 10 mg, and then nothing. 3 days after that, I thought I would die. Chills, extreme nausea, sweating, hysterical crying or laughing, twitching in my arms and legs, weird noises in the back of my head. I thought I was going crazy. Decided to go back on Paxil. 20 mg."

• Anonymous
• December 13, 2016

For Anxiety "I have been on and off Paxil CR several times over the past 3 years. It has been a lifesaver! I am able to be myself and enjoy life every day instead of focusing on my anxiety. The first few weeks can be a little challenging adjusting to the medicine, but it is totally worth some nausea and sleeplessness."

• Anonymous
• June 24, 2010

For Depression "I have been really surprised by Paxil. I've been disabled by panic disorder (and follow-on depression) for years. Benzodiazepines provided relief from panic attacks but increased depression. I tried other SSRIs with horrible experiences. My MD really wanted me on an antidepressant, I wanted away from benzodiazepines, so I took a chance with Paxil. The first month was a bit of nausea/cramps - the worst were feelings and thoughts that were really jumbled. Somewhere in the second month, it all sort of stabilized, I felt a lot better, panic attacks dropped a lot. Now in the fifth month - before Paxil, I was housebound and hopeless, slowly starting to live again."

• 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."

• AD0...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2022

For Anxiety "I have severe anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and PTSD. Suffering for years, as soon as I took 20 mg, within 30 mins my anxiety, sadness, and negative thoughts were gone. I felt 'normal', I felt like how a human is supposed to feel. I'm not saying I'm cured, but my life has improved drastically, and I'm now excited for my future. There were side effects, but they only lasted 2 days: weakness, shakes, nausea, but it wasn't too bad."

• Nat...
• October 26, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "Paxil literally saved my life. This fast-acting pill can get you feeling better in as little as a week. It helped me get completely stable, and after years, I finally felt what happiness was once again. I cannot rate this life-saving pill a 10 due to its side effects. Paxil 30mg helped me to reconnect with myself once again and feel at peace, but every single day I would wake up with serious nausea. Also, weight gain is a strong factor to look out for, as I gained 40 lbs in just one year on it. It also took a toll on my sex drive, but that wasn't a major problem since I was single at the moment. Although Paxil has its side effects, it's such a life-changing pill, I decided to deal with them. I then got switched to Effexor 150mg ER, yet it gave me a terrible relapse that I ended up in a psychiatric institution. I'm now on Wellbutrin XL 150mg and seem to be feeling fine, but thank you, Paxil, for saving my life in a time of desperate need."

• 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."

• HHA...
• June 27, 2016

For Anxiety "I had a pretty good experience while taking this drug. I decided to pursue a career that would need me to not be on any medications and talked to my doctor about it. She slowly started to take me off the medications, and that took about 2 months total to get off. About 4 days after I stopped taking the medication completely, I began shaking uncontrollably, was nauseous, and my depression/anxiety was through the roof. I went to the ER, and they said it was withdrawal. These side effects lasted about 2 months total, but weren't as severe the whole time. It's been about 5 months since I went off, and I feel great!"

• Jam...
• November 17, 2013

For Anxiety "This is my second time taking Paxil. For me, it is the only medication that has been effective in treating my anxiety. I've taken just about every medication for anxiety over the past 10 years. In my early 20s, I took Paxil for about 6 months and experienced sexual side effects but only gained about 5 lbs. It was horrible to come off of Paxil, and I experienced dizziness, headaches, and nausea. I am currently 29, and I started taking Paxil again about 5 months ago due to increased anxiety. While it has been effective in helping me to lead a normal life with minimal anxiety, it has caused horrible weight gain. I gained 15 lbs in the past 3 months, which is a lot for my petite frame at 5'1". Due to the weight gain, I am currently attempting to stop."

• Hur...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 7, 2017

For Depression "My doctor weaned me off of Paxil a few weeks ago, as it wasn't working. Three days after the last dose was the start of the two worst weeks of my life. It included migraines, nausea, decreased vision. When I turned my head or moved my eyes, there was a whooshing sound in my head accompanied by extreme dizziness. Then there were the bouts of crying for no apparent reason. In summary, I would call this poison, not medicine."

• jil...
• November 28, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "After a few intense months of panic and high anxiety, I finally was brave enough to try this medication. I have tried other SSRIs in the past, but usually found them very agitating at the 'normal' doses, so I have learned to start and stay very low. After a month of insomnia, I finally decided to give Paxil a try. I started at 2.5 mg. The first few days were fine, I felt sleepy and a bit lazy, but at least that was better than high-strung panic. At about a week, I started to experience some small benefits and some fairly harsh side effects (nausea, diarrhea, derealization, increased panic). At a month, much better, and I was sleeping well again. However, getting off this medication after 5 months was really challenging and uncomfortable."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• March 10, 2009

For Depression "Significant weight gain experienced within a few months. Very tough on the libido. Extremely difficult to get off this medication without significant side effects - dizziness, nausea. I was taking Celexa before and would definitely go back. For the purposes of banishing depression/anxiety, it worked, but not without side effects that make me want to stop taking it each day."

• 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."

• Nam...
• March 29, 2016

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "Great for sleeplessness. That being said, I am more anxious than I have ever been due to side effects. It is difficult to perform a high-stress sales job when you are dizzy and nauseous, much less try to cope with a headache on top of the other symptoms. All of the symptoms exacerbate the anxiety you are trying to combat. Seems a little counterintuitive to me."

• 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."

• sly...
• March 10, 2012

For Anxiety "I've been on it for a few days now in an attempt to get off Zoloft. I've been diagnosed with depression and anxiety as a result of PMDD. Today I took a very low dose while tapering off Zoloft, and it's not pleasurable at all. I'm nauseous, extreme dry mouth, and severe anxiety. I work with the public and felt so jittery that I couldn't work. I am willing to tough it out with some support and compassion from my family, friends, and co-workers, but I don't like feeling like something is controlling my ability to function. I really hope it improves."

• 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."

• DPO...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2022

For Panic Disorder "I have had panic attacks and panic disorder for 2 years. I visited the doctor, and he gave me Paxil 25 mg. My first week was a nightmare, I had headaches, nausea, cramping, and heart palpitations. I was literally in another world. After one month, my symptoms started to subside, and my life was back up so I could go out of the house normally. Paxil + therapy session saved my life. I am waiting to get more benefits as time goes on. Don't be afraid, life is beautiful!"

• 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."

• Mrs...
• May 31, 2011

For Anxiety "I do great when on this medicine, but if I run out, I feel nauseated, my head feels like it's swimming, I feel mad and snap easily. So don't run or stop without your doctor's help. I see my doctor today, I can't wait."

• Pin...
• July 30, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "Taken off Escitalopram 10 mg, which I was on for years, and put onto Paroxetine 20 mg for generalized anxiety and sleep disorder. Experienced terrible side effects-dizziness and almost fainting, headache, tingling extremities, nausea, weight loss. I was feeling like a whole different person in general. But nothing was worse than the withdrawal effects. I basically felt like a walking dead person-all of the above plus severe flu-like symptoms-I literally couldn't leave bed for days. Took a couple of weeks to feel good again, but had to start taking Escitalopram again to get there."