Paxil and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Ann...
• July 3, 2016

For Anxiety "I've been taking Paxil for around 3 years now. I'm under 18, by the way, for people who say it's not safe. For my anxiety, the first 2 years I was on it, I was on 20 mg, then sometime in 2015, switched it to 40 mg. Now I'm on 60 mg, and I've never been better as far as anxiety goes. I've tried Zoloft, and it did nothing but give me more anxiety. I was on Latuda with it, and I had to stop the Latuda because I had horrible side effects to it. I've never had a bad reaction to Paxil, maybe other than slight weight gain. If you're going to take Paxil for depression, I wouldn't recommend it, but everyone's different, it's never helped as far as depression goes. It does slightly help now that I'm on the 60 mg, but I'm still looking for an antidepressant to go with it."

• wan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 28, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "Paxil is making me calmer, but not lessening depression. However, I have only been on it one week. I will give it more time. Side effects are fatigue, weight gain, and headache. I feel that this drug would be best for someone with aggression. I also take 1 mg Klonopin, which is also sedating. Paxil and alcohol don't mix well."

• Anonymous
• October 6, 2010

For Anxiety "I have been on Paxil for about 6 years now, and it has really helped lower my anxiety and elevate my mood. When I first started taking it, I noticed I felt calmer and in a better mood within the first 2 days on 10 mg per day. After a couple of months on Paxil, I felt a lot better but was starting to build up tolerance, so my doctor had me increase the dosage to 40 mg/day. The side effects were mostly sexual (decreased sex drive and harder to reach orgasm). I also have experienced weight gain, increased appetite, and sleeping more while on Paxil. I highly recommend this drug, but make sure not to stop cold turkey because the withdrawal symptoms can be severe with Paxil."

• Deb...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 10, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on Paxil for about 5 years, and other than weight gain, I have nothing bad to say about it. I recently had to increase the dosage to 30 mg daily due to higher depression and anxiety, and it helped a lot."

• Anonymous
• April 24, 2009

For Depression "I was taking Paxil for 6 months for my depression. At first, I felt a major difference with the chemicals in my brain. But then I felt sleepy ALL the time, it also made my appetite off the wall. I gained 40 pounds and was back at my ending pregnancy weight, which didn't help with my depression. I would suggest anyone who takes this drug to truly watch what you eat. Paxil made me feel like my 'full signal' from my stomach to my brain was shut off."

• qua...
• April 25, 2014

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on Paxil for about the past four years. It helps stabilize my depression, which I've had for many years. It doesn't make me happy, but at least I can function and feel like a normal person. It is one of two medications that have helped me at all (the other being Celexa, but that one made me gain extreme weight). The only negative thing is that I gained some weight months after taking it. Despite a few extra pounds, I'll keep taking it."

• aut...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 11, 2022

For Depression "On Paxil for borderline personality disorder. I've been on a variation of dosages from 20 mg to 40 mg and to 30 mg. It worked really well. The first two weeks, I had a sodium crave! Pickles and mustard, anything to get more salt. I had no weight gain aside from the birth control I also started. And it self-reminds you to take it daily! With that being said, it’s a great drug but difficult to get off of. I’m currently taking my last 2.5 mg chip, trying to get off this drug without severe withdrawals. Brain zaps, always hot and sweaty… I’d wake up with my hair sopping wet like I just stood in the shower. I’d recommend being super cautious and slightly lower it (2.5-5 mg) bi-weekly for the least amount of side effects. I dropped from 30 mg to 20 mg and experienced those nasty symptoms. Trying out a different med to see if my borderline personality disorder symptoms lessen."

• rox...
• December 13, 2009

For Depression "I started to take Paxil 12 years ago. I was getting depressed because of my panic disorder. I have been on Xanax for many, many years, and my doctor added Paxil. 30 mg a day in the morning. I have never had a side effect, not even weight gain, and I know this can cause weight gain. It works great for me for my depression and my panic attacks. Would highly recommend this drug. I am a skinny person anyway, because of my panic, but I never had any side effects. Good luck all."

• pur...
• April 25, 2016

For Panic Disorder "Paxil does work to stop panic attacks and general anxiety symptoms. I've had no panic attacks while on it. But my problem with Paxil is its side effects. I was on Paxil for a few years and had gained weight steadily at the same time. I was trying to lose weight while on Paxil and was unsuccessful, but I didn't blame the Paxil. I went off Paxil and changed nothing else in my routine and lost 25 pounds in 3 months! I ended up having to go back on it and gained all of it back within 1 month. I tried to up my exercise and diet routine to make up for Paxil, but I can't get the scale to budge more than 5 pounds down. Also, when trying to get off Paxil, the side effects are awful. Wean off very slowly! Worst, most addictive SSRI out there."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• April 22, 2009

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on Paxil for 5 years now. It has done wonders up until I had a baby a year ago, and I just don't think it's working anymore. The only thing I hate about this drug is weight gain, but other than that, it has been a lifesaver for me, and I would recommend it to anyone."

• Anonymous
• May 29, 2009

For Depression "Every person's experience may be different. I took Paxil for 14 years. Significant weight gain (over 100 pounds, before I realized it was the medication). In some people, it suppresses the brain's ability to tell when one is full, so one feels hungry all the time. Left me void of emotions of any kind, more like just feeling completely numb. Weaning myself off of Paxil was very difficult - flu-like symptoms, clouded thinking, blurred vision, among other things. It was the first antidepressant that I had ever taken, so I didn't know that I wasn't supposed to feel numb. I'm sure it's a wonderful medicine for some people, but it didn't work well for me."

• Anonymous
• November 24, 2009

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on Paxil for 3 months and have gained 6 pounds. Doesn't sound that bad, except I've been going to the gym like crazy to counteract this side effect, and still the scale keeps creeping up. I have almost zero interest in having sex, and when I do have sex, I cannot have an orgasm. Any interest in sex I do have is counteracted by the fact that I feel gross having gained extra weight. If I were single, I might not mind the sex issue as much, but if you are in a relationship, I would consider a different drug."

• dep...
• April 7, 2010

For Depression "I have taken Paxil for about 6 months. I have not had any weight gain as I had previously with other medications. I feel emotionally much more stable, and the side effects have been minimal. I still feel tired occasionally and have some trouble with my short-term memory, but my overall quality of life seems to be better, and although I still feel mildly blue at times, the feeling is not as intense and doesn't linger for weeks. Happy with the medicine."

• Bec...
• August 8, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was prescribed this medication for anxiety, and it worked. I had panic attacks on the NYC subway before taking the medication, but when I was on it, it really helped me to gain a normal life. I was on it for about 8 months, then my doctor decided to take me off it because my life became organized. That was the worst experience ever. Coming off Paxil was the hardest thing ever, and I recommend when you come off it to taper down very slowly because it just was absolutely hell. This drug does help, but it's addictive and hard to come off. Also, I gained about 30 pounds on it. I'd recommend the medication if you are having panic attacks, but for general anxiety disorders, I would ask to try something else before Paxil."

• Anonymous
• June 24, 2010

For Panic Disorder "Paxil has been providing pretty good relief at 30 mg - not as effective as benzodiazepines, but I was pretty surprised. I've had horrible trials with SSRIs/side effects for Panic Disorder, but Paxil hasn't been as bad - stomach upset for a month adjusting to it - some weight gain, sexual side effects... mostly gone now 5 months in. Rough guess, I'd say about 75% fewer Panic Attacks. I've a number of medical conditions, and some medicines will rock the boat, but I'm able to get through with Xanax 'as needed' - (used to be 'always' needed)."

• Dee...
• August 19, 2015

For Panic Disorder "I started on Paxil in the late 1990s for panic disorders and depression. I am 5'6" and was about 118 lbs. I stayed on Paxil for about 4 years and came off because I wanted to get pregnant. It saved my life, truly. I felt great, and I was able to enjoy driving again, going to the mall, able to take an elevator, able to stay at home alone, wait in lines at supermarkets, work without fear of losing it, etc. After coming off very slowly, the good effects lasted about a year. However, while on Paxil, I gained 60 lbs. After my son was born in 2004, I had postpartum depression, so I again went back on Paxil. It didn't work as well as the first time, but it helped get me back to feeling just alright. I came off again due to more weight gain."

• Amb...
• December 9, 2017

For Depression "I was on Paxil for a little over a year and am currently weaning off. I suffer from depression, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety. I started Paxil at 10 mg and went all the way up to 40 mg within the first couple of months. This drug did wonders for my panic disorder, PTSD, and anxiety, but made my depression worse! The reason I decided to stop taking it is that I didn't want to get out of bed anymore, and I gained about 60 lbs since I started taking it. Funny they call it an antidepressant when, in the end, it made my depression worse. I am trying Wellbutrin now, but I won't know how well that works until I'm completely off the Paxil in a couple of weeks. The withdrawal is awful, even while weaning."

• SHa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 16, 2022

For Anxiety "I had severe anxiety as a child that only got worse until I started paroxetine. I used to have panic attacks multiple times a day, and it was affecting my ability to go to school, interact with people, have a job, or sleep. I lived in constant fear and couldn't talk to people without overthinking it. Once I started on paroxetine, I have a more relaxed attitude, less overthinking, and I'm not living in fear. It's like my anxiety was never there. I have a customer service job that I enjoy and don't overthink every interaction. I don't experience the numbness/lack of emotions others reported, I have a full range of emotion, and most of the time I feel content. I did gain a little weight (20 lbs), but I'm not sure if that's a result of the medication or because I started taking it when I was 16 and my body is different. I stopped gaining weight at a certain point. The only really hard part about it is that I can't miss a dose, or I get withdrawal with severe panic attacks."

• sun...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 4, 2025

For Anxiety "At age 30, I developed severe anxiety, panic, and almost agoraphobia. I was put on Prozac, and it worked for almost 20 years. I regained about 70% of the life I once had. Could never fly again or drive long distances myself. But could enjoy most things, be productive at work, and have friends. I lived in my own small world. Prozac worked pretty well until one day it just stopped working. I then spent 2 years trying Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Celexa, and many other drugs, which made me worse. I found a new doctor, and he recommended Paxil. I started to feel better almost immediately. I was able to get my life back with no anxiety or panic. I would say I was 80% back to who I once was, but I gained 30 lbs (while exercising and eating healthy), more importantly, I was tired a lot, and my personality felt flat. My doctor suggested I wean myself off Paxil and try Viibryd 10 mg to start. My anxiety and panic have come back, and I feel racy and annoyed all the time. I am only on day 13 of Viibryd with no Paxil."

• 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
• 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."

• Anonymous
• March 31, 2009

For Panic Disorder "I have had panic disorder since I was about 6. It came and went and has caused me severe avoidance issues throughout my life. I have been taking Paxil for about 8 years, and it has worked wonders. It has been awesome...until recently. Within the last 4 months, it just seems to have quit working well. I am having severe attacks from time to time, but I am starting to avoid things/situations. It did make me gain about 30 pounds. I tend to clench my jaws, and I startle easily, but those are the only side effects I notice. My family and close friends say I am much more of a pleasure to be around while I am on it. I am not a mean person, nor do I have anger issues, but I am just not so anxious and uptight."

• JC6...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "Paxil has some side effects like ED and sexual dysfunction that I don't like, as well as weight gain. But I recently discovered that adding Pristiq or Effexor helps a lot with depression when Paxil alone isn't enough, and it somewhat helps with sexual disorders. Still, ask your doctor if this combination is right for you because it doesn't help everyone. Start slow, and you don't need a high dose either. Paxil is effective for anxiety, and Pristiq is effective for depression. The combo works for me."