Paroxetine and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 2)

• NBN...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 5, 2021

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I'm 42. Suffered OCD since elementary school but never knew what was wrong with me. The more successful I became at life, the more I got worried. It affected my work a lot. 2 years ago, my worries increased and I started having panic attacks and anxiety every day. I was miserable and thought I'll go crazy. Started using Paxil and then lamotrigine. My life started changing gradually for the better, and I started feeling the best after around 6 months of taking the medications. After suffering for around 35 years of compulsive thoughts, rituals, especially before going to bed, wasted time on checking things around, I felt a different life. I won't say I'm 100 percent OCD free, but 70 percent less would be fair. I was against mental medication my whole life. But now I would encourage patients to talk to doctors and see their options. God bless science!"

• Sti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2019

For Anxiety "I was really hoping that Paxil would work for me since it worked for my sister. I have intrusive thoughts and anxiety. This medication ramped my anxiety up bad. Thoughts way worse. I'm stopping after 6 days. I know there are those who say keep with it. I am getting 1 hour of sleep on this drug. I can't stay on it. It's not for me. I realize it may help people, but my comments are for those it didn't work for. You are not alone. I have insomnia, increased anxiety, I am a mess."

• Pet...
• August 6, 2015

For Anxiety "Have been on paroxetine twice. It worked very well both times. Only side effects were increased anxiety at first (went away after a week) and heart palpitations (also went away). Only reason I would recommend trying something else first is because the withdrawals make coming off this drug very difficult."

• k8t...
• July 28, 2010

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I took Paxil for about 10 years (no weight gain) and quit it recently with the help of my primary care doctor by weaning off of it for 6 months. Unfortunately, 2 weeks after quitting, my symptoms of anxiety and depression have returned two-fold! I have not been formally diagnosed with anything yet, but do know that Paxil worked the best for me! I want to go back on it, but it is Category D, so if I ever want to have a baby, I cannot be on it while pregnant! At the moment, I am trying Wellbutrin, after trying 3 weeks on Buspar to help me (that didn't help). It's only been a week on Wellbutrin and I see some improvements, but nothing like the Paxil. I may ask to go back to Paxil if switching medicines doesn't work. I felt like 'myself' on Paxil!"

• dee...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 17, 2021

For Anxiety "I have been taking Paxil for 27 years. It really helped me with depression and anxiety. However, after menopause, I felt I had too much in my system-i.e., no emotions-so I started to wean off very slowly. 5 mg every 3-4 months to avoid withdrawal symptoms. I successfully got down to 10 mg. I tried lowering to 5 mg but got very bad anxiety. So I went back up to 10 mg. This seems to work fine, and I will stay on this dosage for now. I did gain about 50 lbs after taking Paxil-although part of that was bad eating! Since then, I have lost a good chunk of the weight through healthy eating and exercise. So overall, the drug has worked well for me-but it took over a year to go from 20 mg to 10 mg very slowly, so I didn't have bad withdrawal symptoms."

• Toy...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 7, 2022

For Panic Disorder "Paxil saved my life. I was on Buspar for almost a year after I randomly started having panic attacks regularly in March of 2021. I felt hopeless as it didn't work for me. When I transitioned from Buspar to Paxil, the first week was pretty rough. Uncontrollable crying, feelings of impending doom; it felt like a week-long panic attack. After that, though, I have been feeling much better. I've been on Paxil for 8 months now, and my panic attacks are pretty much gone. I do also attend therapy, though, and believe that is important as well. I don't have any negative side effects from Paxil. I did gain about 5 lbs, but I couldn't even eat before switching because I was always so anxious. It doesn't work for everyone, but for me, this was a miracle."

• Tub...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2020

For Anxiety "This medication gets so many bad reviews, but it can be great. Turns out I'm extremely sensitive to SSRIs. I had to start at 2 mg Paxil name brand and move up. I'm at a month on 3.5-5 mg alternating every day as of now, along with TMS treatment. Even just this much has helped. My mood is getting better, I talk more. Less anxiety, my hair pulling has subsided. Stuttering has really decreased, which is great. I feel it working, and my sleep has been better. I would wake up at 2-3 am in a panic about uni and other matters and would stay up all night. Or, never fall asleep and only sleep at around 7 am. Now I fall asleep at 11 pm-12 am and get up 6-7 am again. This medicine treats almost everything I have and helps with PTSD. If you try it and you notice it works for you but can't take the side effects, start low on a liquid suspension: 1-2 mg, then build. No starting side effects."

• cin...
• June 15, 2011

For Anxiety "I have been taking Paxil 20 mg for about four months now. I suffered from anxiety, which caused lightheadedness and shortness of breath for two years before I decided to try medication. When I first started, I had more anxiety than ever and some depression, which I had never had before taking this medication. It took about six weeks to feel the effects, and it works. To those out there struggling with this medication, just give it the 6-8 weeks to work before giving up. Also, try relaxing things like baths, reading, and even exercise. I finally feel like myself again. I have some rare moments of anxiety, but nothing at all like I had before seeking help. This is a good medication."

• Lil...
• January 11, 2016

For Depression "I'm 21 years of age, and up to now, I've been taking 20 mg for the past 9 months. Since I was 16 or so, I've suffered from, at least in the beginning, what some may call 'smiling' depression, and what followed was chronic depression in my 20s. At 17-18 years of age, I participated in cognitive behavioral therapy (coping mechanisms). I suffered frequent panic/anxiety attacks, suicidal thoughts, etc. From 19-21, I went to college. Chronic depression hit hard, and they put me on 20 mg Paxil. I have never felt better in my life. Usually, it is difficult to realize when one is in such a state, and now that I can see things 'clearly,' I've excelled in school and in other social conditions. In Europe, the Gov't produces Paxil without a brand name. Cheap."

• Ris...
• May 31, 2015

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I started taking Paxil about two and a half months ago after many different antidepressants. I was extremely fatigued until the exact 2-month mark, then it was like a light bulb went off. I no longer felt exhausted or depressed. The social anxiety no longer plagued me, though I don't feel it has been a total cure. But overall, I feel really good. Strangely enough, I have no side effects. No sexual side effects. No sleep issues. Nothing. Paxil is my top choice for the antidepressants I have tried. I am diagnosed bipolar and ADHD as well, so I also take an atypical antipsychotic, stimulants, and Xanax strictly for panic attacks. Paxil has really softened the edges for me in combination with everything else I take."

• Anonymous
• January 7, 2012

For Depression "When my doctor asked me how I felt my Paxil 20 mg was working (after being on Wellbutrin unsuccessfully for two years), I could only explain it as 'someone finally washed both sides of the windows.' Other medicines (Zoloft) helped with some anxiety but left me still depressed. Still others (Celexa) helped with the depression, but the anxiety was left uncontrolled. I finally feel like I am back on track to take control of my life. I am pretty sure some dosage adjustments still need to be done, but I am amazed at the past four months on Paxil and what a difference it has made. The minor OCD I was experiencing is gone, the anxiety is at a minimum, and the depression no longer rules every day. I wish I would have done this for myself and my family years ago."

• Onl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 24, 2014

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "The only reason I am giving this medication a '9' is because I'm in my 5th week, and I've felt better than I did before taking the medication. I would say in my 3rd to 4th week, I started feeling better and like my old self. Don't get me wrong... I still had moments of anxiety and stress, but nothing like it used to be. Recently, I've been preparing for a CT scan, and I think it's caused my anxiety to spike again. I'm staying positive and trying to face the reality that my worry is the cause of the anxiety. I know the full effect of Paxil doesn't kick in until 3 months, and I am going to stay on it to benefit from it. Like I said, it's been a tremendous blessing, but I've still got a hill to climb. It's most important to face our problems head-on."

• Onl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 24, 2014

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "The only reason I am giving this medication a '9' is because I'm in my 5th week, and I've felt better than I did before taking the medication. I would say in my 3rd to 4th week, I started feeling better and like my old self. Don't get me wrong... I still had moments of anxiety and stress, but nothing like it used to be. Recently, I've been preparing for a CT scan, and I think it's caused my anxiety to spike again. I'm staying positive and trying to face the reality that my worry is the cause of the anxiety. I know the full effect of Paxil doesn't kick in until 3 months, and I am going to stay on it to benefit from it. Like I said, it's been a tremendous blessing, but I've still got a hill to climb. It's most important to face our problems head-on."

• Pam...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 12, 2017

For Panic Disorder "I started having panic attacks around age 19, and I was constantly heading to the ER, thinking I was gonna die. First, I was put on a low dose of Xanax, with only being told by the doc that I was just a little anxious. It wasn't until I got pregnant with my 3rd son at age 28 that my OB/GYN knew exactly what I needed and put me on Paxil. I remember after a couple of weeks of being on it, I woke up feeling like a normal person again. I actually noticed the sound of birds chirping outside instead of waking up in fear! I have been on Paxil now for about 15 years (I got off of it for about 4 years and stayed anxiety-free until I was robbed at gunpoint, and anxiety came back), and it has truly saved my life!"

• JJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 7, 2019

For Depression "I was prescribed Paxil for depression. The drug made me feel severely disoriented and like I wasn't in control; it gave me severe anxiety and made my dark feelings worse. I ended up attempting suicide after taking it. I have since learned that there are thousands of people who had the same experience with this drug. I warn people against taking it, due to the side effects - it nearly cost me my life and was the source of pain and humiliation for many years."

• Anonymous
• April 4, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've tried out all sorts of drugs and never thought I would feel myself again. This drug has helped me get my life back. I feel positive for the first time in 4 years. Of course, I still have my wobbles, but it has allowed me to eat, exercise, and socialize, which I wasn't doing before. I'm hoping to keep building momentum, so I can lead a full and happy life, rid of anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. A godsend drug. I don't care if it's hard to wean off. I will stay on this forever if necessary."

• pax...
• August 25, 2011

For Depression "I took Paxil 20 mg for 8 years. It is excellent for depression, anxiety, and social anxiety. I completely lost all anxiety, shyness, and experienced relaxed euphoria. I excelled at work and dealing with people. However, it is very sedating, I would drink coffee all day while on it. I look back on those 8 years, and it all seems like a blur. Sleep very deeply and a lot, but at least I was happy. I'm now in my mid-thirties and was recently switched to Celexa because I started finding it difficult to achieve orgasm on Paxil. Bad decision... I now experience anxiety from the moment I wake up, shortness of breath, agoraphobia, terrible and obsessive thoughts, racing thoughts, and a feeling that I am going crazy. I'm going back on Paxil."

• pax...
• August 25, 2011

For Depression "I took Paxil 20 mg for 8 years. It is excellent for depression, anxiety, and social anxiety. I completely lost all anxiety, shyness, and experienced relaxed euphoria. I excelled at work and dealing with people. However, it is very sedating, I would drink coffee all day while on it. I look back on those 8 years, and it all seems like a blur. Sleep very deeply and a lot, but at least I was happy. I'm now in my mid-thirties and was recently switched to Celexa because I started finding it difficult to achieve orgasm on Paxil. Bad decision... I now experience anxiety from the moment I wake up, shortness of breath, agoraphobia, terrible and obsessive thoughts, racing thoughts, and a feeling that I am going crazy. I'm going back on Paxil."

• Chr...
• January 29, 2010

For Depression "Paxil saved my life. I was depressed and could not climb out. Tried Effexor, but it made my heart beat rapidly and made me really nervous. Paxil has been amazing. I feel like a regular person. I have highs and lows, but the lows aren't as low as they used to be... and they only occur when there is a real reason to be sad. The bad: the withdrawal symptoms are horrible! I didn't try to get off Paxil, but I forgot it once on a vacation trip. Got very lightheaded, dizzy, and I had the 'zaps.' It was like being shocked at random moments. I'll probably never get off Paxil... but it is worth it. My quality of life improved in the last 3 years, and it is worth any long-term effect this drug has on me."

• Ste...
• October 24, 2016

For Anxiety "I started Paxil after telling my doctor I had general anxiety, and the medication worked after two weeks. At the time, my anxiety wasn't high, but it was a level 3 out of 10, so the medication helped out. I was able to be more social and worry less traveling around NYC, but I noticed that I started to gain weight, which sucked. After 6 months, I wanted to come off because I noticed I never really needed it, and this was the hard part. Coming off it was horrible! It made me have higher anxiety without it, and it was anxiety I never experienced before. I've been off for 4 months, and I still haven't felt the same since before taking Paxil. I'd really recommend taking any medication like Paxil if you really need it for panic attacks or high anxiety."

• ano...
• August 21, 2010

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I started using Paroxetine after I received what was the most traumatic news of my life, and it caused my anxiety to go into complete overload. I started having bad panic attacks and terrible anxiety. I also started suffering from really bad obsessive thoughts! My doctor put me on Paroxetine, and I have been on it for about 4 weeks now, along with Xanax for short-term use until the Paroxetine really kicks in. Well, I must say that I do feel a lot better, but not as good as I did before all this started. I'm being a little impatient? I'm told that the Paroxetine takes at least 3-4 weeks before it really starts to work, and as I said, it's only been 1 month since I started taking it. I just want the way I used to love life to come back!"

• jer...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2017

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I grew up with anxiety, but as I got older, it turned into social anxiety and really turned me into an ugly person... I started feeling super insecure about my appearance, had uncontrollable obsessive thoughts, weird fantasies. I believed I wasn't normal.... After getting sick of feeling so insecure and anxious, I knew something was wrong with me. My doctor prescribed me 10 mg of Paxil for the first 2 weeks and 20 mg after. I'm now 4 months and a few days in, and I'm starting to feel much calmer. My attitude towards life is positive! I'm starting to talk more in class, and it's gradually getting better. The first 2 months were hell."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• January 9, 2012

For Panic Disorder "I first took Paxil in high school for minor depression, but weaned myself off of it in college. About a year later, I began having awful, day-long panic attacks, which caused me to take two months off from school. So back on the Paxil I went, knowing that I would probably be taking it for life. I have tried several other medicines as well, but they didn't work for me. Paxil is the only thing that makes me feel 'normal' and clear-headed. If I don't take it for a couple of days, I do start feeling a little light-headed and anxious, so I wouldn't ever quit cold turkey. I recommend trying a few different medicines if the first ones aren't a perfect fit, everyone is unique, and Paxil works for me."

• Pai...
• June 8, 2018

For Panic Disorder "I started Paxil along with my twin sister at the age of 19 for severe, debilitating panic attacks/chronic anxiety. I remember we actually felt worse the first couple of weeks, but our doctor told us to hold on and push through—that those sick feelings would go away. A low dose of Xanax also helped the first few weeks. I went without anxiety or an attack for 15 years. I weaned off of it for 8 months, and anxiety came back. I’m back on 20 mg. It took a couple of months for anxiety to subside, but it’s working like it’s supposed to again. Because I’m now 40 and having hormonal issues, I might have mild anxiety around my cycle. It’s odd when it happens. I have an emergency low dose of Xanax for those times—nothing as severe as before Paxil. It has saved my and my twin sister’s life. It’s a great medication for anxiety. Nervousness and anxiety run in my family as we are all high-strung. I didn’t gain crazy weight because I’m an athlete and very active."