Paxil User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)
Paxil has an average rating of 7.1 out of 10 from a total of 962 reviews on Drugs.com. 62% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 20% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Paxil
- Jas...
- April 24, 2020
For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Paroxetine has changed my life. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder about 2-3 years ago and started on Paroxetine back then. Within a month, almost all of my anxiety was gone. It didn't make me gain any more weight than I would have on my own. I've always struggled with eating disorders, and if anything, the Paroxetine helped with that as well. If you take it for a week or two, you won't be getting the real effect. Take it for 1-2 months before deciding if it's the right medication for you; you really do need to give it a chance to work. Good luck!"
- doo...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- July 30, 2019
For Depression "I wish I could say more. 'Your comment is too long (3933 characters; maximum 1000 allowed).' I’m so very sorry others experienced less fortunate results, and wish them well. Would very much like to post my full and very real experience. PAXIL and/or generic PAROXETINE saved my life and continues to do so. I just turned 60 and have been taking it since 1994, and it was miraculous. I never ever ever want to feel how I did previously."
Frequently asked questions
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- Bea...
- April 1, 2015
For Anxiety "I am back to live a normal life. Almost 2 years ago, I got depression and anxiety after my divorce and started taking Cymbalta 60 mg for one year, but was still having problems with anxiety, which is one of the side effects of the medicine. Two weeks ago, I started taking Paxil 20 mg at night and I noticed a change after a week, and today I can say that Paxil gave me my life back. Please, if you start new medicine, give it time, and you will see light at the end of the tunnel."
- For...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 2, 2013
For Anxiety "I have been on Paxil now for 9 weeks and it has still been a very beneficial addition to my life. I've started to feel like the real me now. I don't feel subdued or zombied out like some people report. I started on 10mg, then my doctor moved me to 20mg about 2 weeks ago. The only main side effect I've had in transitioning to the higher dosage was severe mania for the first couple of days. It wore off significantly as the days passed. As for the weight gain that Paxil causes, I think it's just that I'm not so anxious to the point of nausea and disgust in food. I love eating and enjoy my food again! My biggest positive in Paxil is that my generalized anxiety is severely reduced. Panic attacks are down 85% and I feel great!"
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Ren...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- April 26, 2013
For Depression "When I started Paxil 7 months ago, I was clinically depressed. I had panic attacks that would come several times a day, and my body was always tense. I had Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. I was wrecked after an emotional trauma. My brain was on overdrive. Within the first 2 months on Paxil, I kept a journal blogging symptoms and changes, and after a while, I realized I stopped writing altogether. I would always write when I was sad. The medicine kept being more effective as time went on, but I eventually got a dosage upage from 20mg to 30mg. I have never felt so happy, ever."
- Tar...
- March 13, 2014
For Social Anxiety Disorder "Started on Effexor. Lost my mind. Was put on Celexa (20mg) and lived my life. Things were okay. I had anxiety still, but it was controlled. Didn't care much about anything. But my anxiety was controlled. That went on for 2 years. Just over a month ago, I saw a new doctor (insurance changed and previous doctor didn't accept it). She pushed me to try Paxil. I replaced my 20mg of Celexa with 10mg of Paxil for 2 days, then went to 20mg Paxil. No issues at all. I am so happy I did it. I am a completely different person. When I say anxiety was controlled on Celexa, I'll tell you I have NO anxiety on Paxil. I haven't thought about it at all. I leave, drive, hang out with my friends, go do everything that not even Celexa allowed me to do."
More FAQ
- Ann...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- May 18, 2025
For Anxiety and Stress "I have taken Paxil for at least 15 years, and I guess I'd fight a doctor taking me off again. I was having the roller coaster ride with menopause, so that's the initial reason for Paxil. A few years ago, my doctor took me off to try another drug for a different reason. NEVER AGAIN. Within a week, maybe two, I was a mess mentally. I saw the doctor immediately, and she discontinued the new drug, and I went back to Paxil. I have nothing but excellent reviews for this medication. Anxiety and stress are gone. But to each, medications work differently. I pray you find help with any drug other than Paxil."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 29, 2016
For Anxiety "I have been taking Paxil now for 3 months. Within 2 weeks ALL of my random panic attacks stopped. No more frustration or trying to understand why I have crushing panic attacks... they are gone and I sleep like a baby. It is Godsend, I lived in turmoil for years. I'm taking 20mg every morning. The only bad part is, I have almost no appetite, and my sex drive is slightly lower than normal. Small price to pay to have peace of mind. Hope this helps."
- 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."
- Chr...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- September 9, 2023
For Anxiety "After a bad rollover car accident, I had numerous issues eventually leading to severe anxiety/depression. The doctor tried everything. This went on for 3 years, day and night. Finally, they put me on Paxil. I got my life back. I get side effects from everything, but Paxil gave me no side effects. I thank God every day for getting my life back. Don't give up!"
- Anonymous
- September 29, 2011
For Anxiety and Stress "I suffered with pretty severe anxiety, stress, and depression. Took Paxil 4 days ago and honestly I feel great. It already started working. A lot of it could be in my head, but trust me all my symptoms disappeared. Side effects: from day one I had a light headache, day two - a little harder headache, day three - unbearable headache, day four (now) no headache, feeling perfectly fine, great mood, even though it's raining and dark outside. GREAT medicine. Also, it's worth to add, it worked the same wonders for me about 8 years ago when I had it for the last time. I was on Paxil for 6 months and it healed me. I had 7 years of a great life and suddenly 6-7 months ago this thing attacked me again. Paxil works again, the same way."
- Hap...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 9, 2019
For Social Anxiety Disorder "I have suffered with social anxiety, depression, and panic for a good while now! Currently, I am taking 10 mg of Paroxetine (the lowest dose), and it is working great. The first few days, I experienced stomach upset and a bit of insomnia, but it diminishes day after day until you get used to it. It has done wonders for me, I am able to go out without my heart rate going crazy, not worrying about others looking at me, and I can enjoy things in life. Give it time, if it doesn't work for you, there are many other options out there. Best of luck to you, things will work out for you."
- Mol...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 6, 2015
For Social Anxiety Disorder "Paxil has changed my life for the better. I am 39 years old and up until a month ago, I had been dealing with major social and personal anxiety, along with bipolar depression and agoraphobia. I had been prescribed a variety of prescription medications by different doctors over the years until last month when, by chance, a new doctor (a general practitioner) suggested Paxil. It has been a month now, and I feel like a whole new person. I am full of confidence and have clear thinking. My thought process is heading in a positive direction, and I am constantly looking for ways to improve my mind, body, and spirit. I now have a new job after being on SSI for 4 years, I thought I would be on government assistance for life. PAXIL SAVED MY LIFE!"
- nyg...
- September 15, 2008
For Anxiety "For over a year I suffered from unbelievable anxiety. Something very new to me. I first thought it was because my son was in Iraq, and my Dad had died, but I soon thought there was more to my anxiety. My doctor prescribed Paxil and wow, what a difference. This is a very good drug for anxiety."
- You...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 28, 2015
For Social Anxiety Disorder "You guys. I am a new person. Paxil has completely changed my life. I've been on 40 mg for 2 months, and everyone has noticed a change. I can go shopping alone, greatly improved my work life, and I actually want to be social."
- mar...
- September 6, 2014
For Anxiety "I had been on Paxil for about 2 and a half years but recently I decided to go off of it. I have been off for about 2 months now but have all of a sudden experienced such fear and anxiety. I feel the way I did when I went on the pill, never wanting to leave the house, or go to work. I need to work but it's so hard to get through the day! Now my doctor says I will probably need to be on this my whole life. I gained weight when I was on it to which I didn't like. Do you think I should go back on it, I can't function like this though."
- Mal...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- October 29, 2022
For Panic Disorder "I am writing this to give anyone who is reading this hope. Trust me when I say that taking Paxil will cure panic disorder and/or PTSD. I had the worst case of panic disorder that anyone has ever seen: panic attacks morning till night, 24/7. I was in the hospital weekly, if not every few days, due to not being able to breathe. Along with the trigger being removed, Paxil kicked in after about 6 weeks, as it says that it will, and it took about 2-3 months for its full effects to kick in, and I never had another panic attack again. It was like this was a miracle. I could have saved myself from all of that physical suffering by taking it when it was first recommended. A good doctor will prescribe you a benzo to take as needed in conjunction with until the Paxil kicks in, and then will wean you off of the benzo once the Paxil has started working."
- Fre...
- May 2, 2008
For Depression "Excellent for depression. I took 20mg daily for 14 years but wanted to see if I could handle life without it. It took me three attempts to wean myself off of Paxil (with my physician's help). The last time I tried (successfully) by cutting the dosage in half for 4 weeks, then every other day for another month, then finally quit taking it. It's been 4 months now and I feel fine. But definitely DO NOT stop taking Paxil all at once - do it gradually. Paxil withdrawal problems are well documented!"
- Slw...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- January 6, 2021
For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was on Paxil for 6 years. I stopped for 3 months, and after some life changes, I had to get back on. It has really saved my life. 2 weeks of pure nightmare with side effects, but after that stage, I was so free of anxiety. Please wait it out and keep taking it. The end results are so worth the side effects in the beginning. I will never be on anything else for my anxiety and depression."
- Jen...
- December 4, 2015
For Anxiety "This pill has changed my life. I had no idea how bad I suffered from anxiety until I started taking this. I take 20mg a day and after a month, I noticed a huge change. It's been 2 months now, and I feel like myself again. I'm so glad I decided to see my doctor and get help. I can't believe I lived for so long being so miserable. I have so much fun now doing things I couldn't do when dealing with my anxiety. I love going out and meeting new people when before I could barely leave the house to grab the mail without having crazy fears. I am able to talk about my anxiety openly to anyone now too, which is a huge change. The only problem I have is sleeping, which my doctor had to prescribe another drug for that."
- Hat...
- December 24, 2014
For Anxiety "Waking up with negative thoughts and anxiety, mostly in the morning most of my life. Due to major problems at work, the doctor gave me Zoloft and the like-all were HORRID. Finally heard about Paxil, got on it, and the days all became sunny, with birds singing outside, even in winter. I was on it (20mg I think) for more than 8 years. The ONLY downside was a major loss of sexual interest. Perhaps the dose was too high. I easily weaned off of it 2 years ago, over 1 month, without problems, except that the anxieties are back. At age 70, I may go back on it."
- For...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 2, 2013
For Anxiety "I have had very bad anxiety and subsequent depression now for about 8 years. I also come from a background of extreme emotional abuse which I think was the largest contributor to my panic and high anxiety and fear. I just began Paxil last week. WOW. I really don't know why I waited so long to seek medication advice. Unfortunately, it took a suicide attempt to get me where I am today, but even after 1 WEEK, I feel so much better. I'm not having severe side effects because my doctor told me to start gradual, which I did, and I think that lessened the side effects significantly! I will keep updating with my progress, but so far so good!"
- sas...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 14, 2014
For Anxiety "I've been on Paxil for 3 days and I honestly can say I've been sleeping mostly. Jaws are clicking. But I feel calm. I hope it works out for me. I also started meditations so I've been real spaced out. I can barely live my life with my anxiety. I will definitely post in 2 weeks with my progress."
- ash...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 24, 2013
For Depression "I've been taking paroxetine for a week. I haven't felt like this in years! I feel like myself again! The first few days I experienced nausea, dizzy spells, and dry mouth. But now the only side effect is dry mouth. This is a miracle drug!"
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Vraylar
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Celexa
Celexa (citalopram) is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake ...
Luvox
Luvox is used for anxiety and stress, obsessive compulsive disorder
Paxil CR
Paxil CR is used for anxiety, depression, dysautonomia, generalized anxiety disorder, major ...
Luvox CR
Luvox CR is used for anxiety and stress, obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder
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For Anxiety and Stress "I had anxiety that was getting more and more severe as the days went by. It was really hard to be around people. I would get nervous and stiffen up and also feel very paranoid that people noticed my discomfort. I started to take Paxil starting at 10 mg. For the first little while, nothing was different about my anxiety, but soon it was amazing. I was talking so much without getting nervous. I could look people in the eye and could enjoy my life. All of a sudden, things were much more bearable. The only bad part was that it made me kinda absent-minded like I didn't really pay attention much, but overall, I was extremely happy with the results and am glad I only have to take 10 mg a day. Hope my entry helps."