Paroxetine and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Pai...
• June 8, 2018

Paroxetine 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."

• Tar...
• October 3, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "I’ve only been on this medication now for a week. I’ve had anxiety all my life. Panic attacks, loss of appetite, dizzy, scared to go anywhere or be home by myself... this all started 6 years ago. Since then, I have been on so many antidepressants from Pristiq to Zoloft to Lexapro and so on... this is my now 6th medication, and I’m praying that it helps. I'd been changing meds because of the feeling of swaying, off balance, vibrating sensation under my feet. This has been going on for years, and I’ve seen all specialists out there possibly, got a different answer from all of them. My psychiatrist is convinced it is from anxiety, but unfortunately, none of the above meds have helped. So I’m feeling quite lost at the moment, hoping that paroxetine will help me. If anyone out there has had a similar experience or is still struggling, please let me know... greatly appreciate ❤️"

• erd...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2019

Paroxetine for Anxiety "I was diagnosed with major depression and anxiety disorder 19 months ago. I first tried Lexapro for 9 months, and it worked for a while, but then anxiety came back. Then I used Milnacipran for 7 months, but the same story. I have been taking Cymbalta for 8 weeks already, and my psychiatrist decided to add 20 mg Paxil. I am on the 4th day, and today I experienced intense fear. No side effects so far, but I guess I am already suffering from Cymbalta side effects. I will write further reviews in the following days. I couldn't find any review mentioning Cymbalta and Paxil together, so I will share my experience."

• Amy...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 13, 2021

Paroxetine for Anxiety "I took Paxil for many years when working, it really enabled me to work as I have social anxiety. I could never have been working with the public without this drug. I initially did feel euphoric and later felt much less anxious. I went off Paxil when I retired because I did not feel it was good for me to be on it for this length of time."

• Dal...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 8, 2018

Paroxetine for Depression "Paxil has been a double-edged sword for me. I have been on one dose or another for the last 15 years or so. I can't stop the meds, I've tried a few times in the past, but I just end up going crazy (crying, suicidal thoughts, extreme sadness, and anxiety). I feel trapped and helpless to escape the medication's Machiavellian side effects."

• kir...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 6, 2021

Paroxetine for Anxiety "Paxil took me out of a really dark place. I started having anxiety when I was 20. It came on suddenly, and I felt like I was losing my mind. A doctor started me on Paxil. I took it for several years until another doctor switched me to Lexapro, only because they didn't like Paxil. I was on Lexapro for a while, but my anxiety came back pretty suddenly, along with depression. I was hospitalized and started back on Paxil since it worked in the past. I soon felt like myself again. I was on it for 10 years until I got pregnant. It's not pregnancy safe apparently, so I was switched back to Lexapro. I sadly had a miscarriage. I stayed on Lexapro for about 9 months, then suddenly my anxiety came back full force. I was switched to Prozac, which I still take only because I'm trying to conceive. I miss Paxil though. I felt it helped me the best. I was able to move on for several years and live a 'normal' life. I also have OCD, and it helped with the intrusive thoughts."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I'm 26 years old and have had hypochondria and GAD since I was a child. I was recently convinced by my doctor to try an SSRI again because my anxiety has gotten much worse this year. This morning, I took my first 20 mg dose of paroxetine. This was one of the worst experiences of my life. For me, the side effects were too severe. My anxiety was worse than it has ever been, causing several full-blown panic attacks in which I couldn't breathe and fainted. I had vertigo so bad I couldn't move my head at all without vomiting. The drowsiness was so bad, and my reactions and thoughts were so slow I felt like I had been roofied. In addition to this, I was having graphic, vivid mental images. I tried to sleep because I was so groggy, but sleep never came, only terrible horrific images. Like having a nightmare while still awake. Waiting for it to wear off was the worst 12 hours of my life. I know everyone is different, and hopefully no one else will have the same side effects I did."

• Cra...
• November 25, 2017

Paroxetine 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."

• Lin...
• October 14, 2015

Paroxetine 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."

• Ver...
• April 18, 2017

For Depression "I am a 47-year-old male and have been using Paroxetine for 3 months, having been prescribed it for severe clinical depression. It is the first time in my life that I have suffered from mental illness. In the 6 months prior to properly seeking help, I had spiraled to the point where I could not sleep, had anxiety levels through the roof, did not want to speak to anybody, hated everything about life, and fantasized daily of suicide. I started 20 mg Paroxetine daily while spending 5 weeks in a recovery clinic in Jan/Feb. This medication has literally given me a second chance at life. It did take a couple of weeks to kick in, but now my mood is buoyant, and my anxiety is non-existent. Still not sure how it has done it. For me, a miracle pill!"

• Nam...
• March 29, 2016

Paroxetine 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."

• sly...
• March 10, 2012

Paroxetine 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."

• sly...
• March 10, 2012

Paroxetine 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."

• Dea...
• November 18, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I've been taking it for about two months, and it has really helped me a lot. I was dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety, I couldn't sleep and was even having difficulty eating, but now I feel so much better."

• Dea...
• November 18, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I've been taking it for about two months, and it has really helped me a lot. I was dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety, I couldn't sleep and was even having difficulty eating, but now I feel so much better."

• Wan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2021

Paroxetine for Anxiety "I was doing good on 10 mg of Paxil. Ten years ago, I suffered for 4 years as doctors couldn’t find the right med. Lately, I’ve had some sad events and started having extreme anxiety. My doctor increased Paxil to 20 mg. I’m suffering from all the side effects. Will the effects go away in two weeks? My children are coming for the holidays. Does anyone else use anti-anxiety medicine along with Paxil? I do, and everything was working well until the sad situations happened in my life. Also, right now, I start feeling better at night. When will I start feeling better during the day? Thanks, if anyone can share some positive views."

• Naw...
• December 3, 2010

Paroxetine 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."

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

Paroxetine 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."

• bab...
• November 23, 2014

Paroxetine for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I was on 10 mg of Paxil for the first time in my life, and it increased my anxiety so bad I missed work, went off, and I felt good for a week. Now I'm back to feeling bad and missing more work. I might try Prozac, but I'm very nervous."

• jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2020

For Hot Flashes "Have been on paroxetine for a week for hot flashes. Has already reduced the hot flashes but... Hate the way I feel; jittery, cold sweats, can't sleep, lightheaded, and foggy. Maybe they will go away. Not sure I'll stay on it that long. Why pay those outrageous prices for Brisdelle when the generic is the same drug."

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

Paroxetine 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."

• Kin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2014

Paroxetine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Was on it and later Remeron for 3 months. Remeron was a near-instant help; Paxil did some good things. Apparently, a great anxiety med. Effects didn't really last, and I got anxious/depressed to a large extent. Went off and had a hard withdrawal."

• Jub...
• March 4, 2017

Paroxetine for Social Anxiety Disorder "Was on Paxil for 4 years because I could never handle the withdrawal symptoms. I had severe aches and electric shocks along with all flu symptoms. I finally slowly tapered off over 3 months with the liquid Paxil. I have been off of it now for at least 10 years. I have tried at least 100 different supplements and anti-anxiety treatments. I have tried them all, believe me. It is hell on earth when you can't provide for your family. I even spent $4,000 having all my mercury fillings removed. I had genetic testing of SNP polymorphisms that revealed MTHFR and MAO mutations. I found a genetic reason for my anxiety. In short, I can't make neurotransmitters, and when I do, I can't break them down, so they build up, causing social anxiety."

• Lit...
• March 31, 2016

Paroxetine for Anxiety "I have taken Paxil on and off for roughly 17 years. I thought it was helping and that the anxiety, moodiness, and feeling a bit zoned out was normal and hormones. But 10 months ago, I changed to Zoloft due to a pregnancy, and I feel like a new person. My husband was the first to notice it! My stress levels have decreased hugely, and I'm much calmer, and life is much easier."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2019

Paroxetine for Panic Disorder "After 3 weeks of taking the half dose I am prescribed, I am quitting due to the incredibly lucid nightmares I'm having every night. It did help with my depression, but I can't function without REM sleep and the anxiety I'm having while dreaming."