Paroxetine and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Jul...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 28, 2021

Paroxetine for Anxiety "Paxil is a good drug, but it will become less effective. I was on Paxil for 20 years. Every time I built a tolerance up, they pumped up my dose until I was taking 60 mg, which is maxed out. Eventually, it happened again, my body adjusted, and it wasn't working well. The problem is that getting off of Paxil can be a total nightmare. I tried to taper the way my doctor told me, but I'd get so miserable. My anxiety was horrible, I couldn't sleep, I had all sorts of strange tingling, I got horrible brain zaps (definitely the worst part of Paxil withdrawal). Every 6 months or so, I'd go down a tiny bit, sometimes cutting slivers off pills with razor blades. In 3 years, I went from 60 to 20 mg. I knew this low dose wasn't working, and I needed to switch meds. I went from 20 to 0 in a month with Prozac to help with the withdrawal. I stopped Paxil 4 days ago. I am miserable but hopeful I can finally move past Paxil and find the right new meds. When it works, it's great, but stopping can be horrific."

• Anonymous
• July 14, 2014

For Depression "I am on my first week of it, and I feel good. I had anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. I would like to up my mg soon, though. It kind of gives me an I don't care outlook on a lot of little things that would stress me out highly."

• Anonymous
• April 10, 2012

Paroxetine for Panic Disorder "My general doctor gave me Paxil when I told her I had been having panic attacks and anxiety. I started on 10 mg, and when I hadn't noticed a difference after 6 weeks, she upped the dose to 20 mg. I still have anxiety day to day and feel the beginning of a panic attack a lot, but am not able to go through with it. Sex drive completely gone. All I want to do is sleep. Depression worsened. This is not for me."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2016

Paroxetine for Depression "Overall, I'd say it worked for a bit. Not sure if I should have had my dosage increased when the side effects started back up, or if it was because I messed up my scheduling for taking it. It put my anxiety through the roof. More anxiety than I'd ever had naturally. I got it mostly for depression/possible bipolar, and it worked for the most part until the side effects kicked in, save for the random swells of depression that wouldn't last for more than two hours but felt so much worse than the stable depression I've had for years. I'd recommend it for someone who's better at keeping appointments than I am."

• Eli...
• August 16, 2016

Paroxetine for Postmenopausal Symptoms "51 yo healthy female. Minor premenopausal signs, periodic mood swings, tiredness. Prescribed Paxil 10 mgs. Severe bouts of exhaustion, heart palpitations, breathing anomalies, sexual dysfunction, felt like a zombie. Slept 2 days. Quit meds day 6. 16 days from quitting, feel horrible. Severely depressed, anxious, tired (never have felt anxious or depressed prior). Still sleep too much, experience outrageous, wildly abnormal mood swings, have neglected my work, my house, my pets, my friends, and exercise (was running 5 miles daily prior, now do nothing). Still experience breathing abnormalities. Better each day, yet unable to function normally. Life and business in ruins, cry constantly. Nightmarish experience. Feel like I may never be the same again."

• Los...
• June 2, 2016

Paroxetine for Anxiety "Okay, so I started taking Paxil a few months ago for anxiety, only 10 mg. For the first little bit, it was weird, my body felt different and I couldn't eat much. My bowel movements became very irregular. I felt like it was maybe working. I became very tired (I've always been a late sleeper), but it was hard to get out of bed, my thoughts were constantly negative, especially when I would be alone or driving alone. I had a constant headache. I didn't want to do anything. I worked out a little bit during the duration, but not much. I couldn't decide whether I should stop or take more, and I stopped. It's been about 2 weeks now, and I'm starting to feel better and more positive, but still anxious."

• FR3...
• March 28, 2017

Paroxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I used to be on 20 mg Aropax for 7 years for my borderline personality disorder, social anxiety, anxiety, and depression. I used to self-harm and not be happy. I was always hospitalized and going down a destructive road. Other medicines made me worse, like Cipramil, Zoloft, and Valium. Aropax did not make me 100% cured but helped me deal with everyday issues better. I still find that you need to practice mindfulness techniques and practice cognitive behavioral therapy. This drug is only if you have severe depression and anxiety and find it difficult to use standard coping skills. I was off Aropax for 3 years and coping well, now I have had a relapse and anxiety worse than ever. I am now back on it for 3 days, hopefully, it will work soon."

• zyx...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 26, 2015

For Panic Disorder "Paroxetine has really helped me. It has served me really well for some years now, and I have not experienced any serious side effects even though I have quit the drug a couple of times for some months. I had panic attacks and was depressed and anxious. After I had taken paroxetine for some weeks, everything changed. From being stuck with worry, anxiety, and depression on and off for several years, one morning, all of a sudden, I felt joy, and life became so much easier to live. I find it so odd that this drug seems to work in so many different ways for different people. For some, it seems to create hell, and yet for me, I’m inclined to say the opposite. It may not have created heaven, but at least it has given me my good life back!"

• Ari...
• November 18, 2015

Paroxetine for Anxiety "I took this about 3 years ago for a massive mental breakdown. I was having panic attacks multiple times a day. I couldn't get out of bed. I couldn't leave the house. I couldn't eat. I couldn't do anything. I was prescribed this and Ativan, and eventually, after probably a month of a horrid, horrible experience, I started to come out of my anxiety and depression, all of it. I came off of the drug probably a couple of months later and was completely fine for about 2 years, with just normal anxiety that I could manage. I tried it again a couple of weeks ago for the same reason, and it was hell. I was suicidal within the first 3 days and had every side effect I can think of. I discontinued immediately, now looking for something else."

• El ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2015

Paroxetine for Depression "It helped with my anxiety, which didn't go away but became manageable. I didn't see any improvements with my depression (my main symptoms are anhedonia and fatigue, the last one actually worsened). Getting off 40 mg was okay, just felt a bit anxious in the first days. I took Paxil for about 2 months."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2018

Paroxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I have been on Paxil for over three months. I stopped taking it 2 weeks ago (cold turkey) and since then, I am dealing with the withdrawal effects. I experienced brain zaps, vertigo, severe anxiety like I never had before. Although the medication worked instantly at first, it stopped working (anxiety was worse than pre-medication intake), and this is the reason I stopped taking it. In these 3 months, I gained 30 (thirty) pounds and I am still gaining despite the fact that I have been off it for two weeks now. Before taking them, I was 100 pounds. I have flu-like symptoms including severe sinus infection, dizziness, headache, lack of appetite, etc. Not worth taking it. If it doesn't fix the problem, what is the purpose of taking it?! If you absolutely have to take SSRIs, consider other medication that has fewer side effects. Coming off of it is awful. Worst possible side effects."

• Bob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 31, 2019

For Depression "I was on paroxetine for several years in my 20s for general anxiety. It worked a treat, and I even managed to travel and work overseas shortly after for several years. I got off okay by slowly weaning myself off over time without issues. 15 years later, due to 6 months of chronic pain and then taking benzos for insomnia, depression kicked in. I went back to paroxetine, which enabled me to wean myself off benzos over a month and sorted my depression by week 3. The first 2 weeks are rough, it increased anxiety (although maybe benzo withdrawal related - hard to tell), gave me distressing OCD thoughts, worsened dark thoughts, and also worsened insomnia (most people should take it in the morning). Week 3 was better, and week 4 was back to almost normal, and along with CBT, helped insomnia despite decreasing benzo dosage (which was in hindsight probably early signs of depression). I'm a lot more balanced and proactive now. Thoughts of suicide and OCD are gone. Anxiety is mild."

• Eri...
• August 31, 2016

Paroxetine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was prescribed Paxil CR 12.5 for GAD, which was mostly situational. I cannot tell you how awful of an experience it was for me. My anxiety went through the roof to the point I didn't want to leave home, which is not like me at all. I became very depressed, which I wasn't to start out with. Crying uncontrollably. Pacing and restless, could NOT sit still. Went from 140 pounds to 124 in 3 weeks. No appetite, intrusive/racing/all negative thoughts, couldn't sleep for more than an hour or two at a time, paranoid, confused, no concentration, no motivation, sweating, constant diarrhea, jaw clenching, stomach pains, body aches, dry mouth, yawning, and dizziness. After 25 days on this med, my doctor pulled the plug because I was better before it."

• Mic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I noticed that my anxiety was worsening and going out was getting more difficult. I admit this was worse after a traumatic event in my life. The doctor put me on paroxetine 20 mg. I was always wary of taking SSRI meds, so I deliberated for a while and checked reviews, most of them very good. First pill I noticed a little more anxiety than normal and for no reason too. Second pill, WALLOP, sudden panic that lasted for many minutes, burning skin, total shakes, racing heart, and no sleep. It was awful, again, these had no reason behind them. I was not in an unsafe place nor stressed. The feelings were there out of the blue. It took 5 days to get back to normal. Each day better than the one before. As for sleeping, getting there, but I did have to take a sleeping pill or two. I’m only recording this so if anyone else gets this reaction, please be assured it will calm down and the feelings are a reaction, you are not going mad. I stopped taking them at once."

• Its...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2021

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I was so scared to start the pill even though I had it 10 years ago for a very short time. It all started back in July when I had my first panic attack. After that, I started going every other day to the ER because my symptoms were physical, like chest pain and shortness of breath. It’s horrible and so scary. I also went to my primary care doctor and had blood work done. I was crying and in a panic every time I visited the doctor because I got so tired of not knowing what’s going on! Health-wise, I found out I'm anemic, with ferritin very low at 3, and vitamin D deficiency. The doctor was sitting there and telling me I'm fine, it’s all in my head! Please always check your own blood work. Four weeks ago, I started Paxil at a low dose, and today I'm back to work after being home for 2 months with anxiety and depression. Give it a try and wait on the pill to work. Don't give up."

• bab...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 16, 2019

For Depression "I have been prescribed every SSRI medication out there, and this one is the worst! I have menstrual migraine, migraine/tension headaches, severe anxiety, diagnosed with PTSD, and severe depression that got much, much, much worse on this medicine. I truly think it has made my migraine worse also. I used to not have even a slight headache, now I have a daily, nonstop headache/pain behind my eyes and throbbing neck and headache pain. Also, I think it gave me suicidal/homicidal ideation. My doctor is weaning me off. The worst part is the weaning off, if I couldn't get to my pharmacy for this refill after 2 days without it, I had to send my partner because my head felt so strange I was afraid I might get in a car wreck. It seems to really take away all emotions. I legitimately have not smiled for weeks. I have a young child to take care of, this will not be my life. Talk to someone right away, for me, this is not normal at all."

• Jen...
• August 30, 2019

For Anxiety "I've been on Seroxate (paroxetine in the UK) now since 1996, and they've worked well for me. But if I forgot to take it, I did get shock waves in my head. This past year, I've had a bit of a traumatic time, so I went to my GP, and I'm taking 40 mg but am still getting anxiety. I was wondering if they could be upped, although I'm now 69, and it says not over 65, please."

• Anonymous
• January 19, 2018

Paroxetine for Depression "Do not take this drug. I took it for six months. It causes E.D. After stopping this medication for three years and feeling fine, all of a sudden, my memory and keeping train of thought is difficult. Not to mention, the weight gain went from 160 lb to 200 lb, also, anxiety is worse than ever."

• hhj...
• August 13, 2016

For Depression "The drug removed some of the empty 'raw' feeling, lonely feeling about life, as well as intrusive, wincing thoughts. I find it pretty sedating, can sleep through the weekend if not careful. Creates a kind of careless, numb feeling toward everything, but that can be better than the alternative. For the first few weeks, I remember it can increase anxiety a little, have heard many people quit because of this, and sleeplessness at the start. I wonder how bad they really were to start. I kept going because I couldn't go back, reminding myself how it was before starting. Five years seem to drift by. Yes, it makes life easier, but probably removes some of the motivation to change, complacency sets in."

• Lel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 10, 2017

Paroxetine for Anxiety "WORST DRUG EVER! Side effects were body shocks, headaches, worse anxiety, etc. I only took it for three weeks, and it caused me to feel numb mentally and emotionally. Drove me nuts! So I went off it, and let me tell you... WORST withdrawals ever! Lethargy, bad thoughts, apathy, brain zaps, mood swings, depression, etc. Before you take it, which I DON'T recommend as there are other options, read stories about the withdrawals. There's so many lawsuits against it. Oh, and it induced a mania in me, and now I'm stuck on antipsychotics..."

• Dem...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I had an awful experience. I thought I was dying, literally. Five days, 5 mg per day, started paroxetine. On the 5th night, I woke up like crazy. I was sweating, couldn’t breathe, never had such an anxiety attack in my life. I had to be hospitalized. Moreover, I became almost blind. Is this a poison? What is this??? Please stay away. I am on Lorazepam to calm down the aftereffects. The doctor told me to immediately quit paroxetine and never touch it again. OMG, I felt like I experienced something in between life and death that night. Worst night of my life."

• cup...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 17, 2018

Paroxetine for Anxiety "I was given Paxil for my anxiety and panic attacks. The first day I took this medicine, I was feeling great, then the past few days I have had really bad side effects. Headache, dizziness, feeling faint, very nauseous, and my anxiety and panic attacks came back with a vengeance. Severe anxiety and 3 panic attacks, not to mention it looked like I got sunburn, but it is another reaction to the medicine."

• Ant...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 18, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Started taking 25 mg daily middle of 2018. It's been making my anxiety worse. I quit taking it for a few days, and I had to leave work because I was super dizzy and nauseous. Also felt tingling throughout my arms. I started cutting the pill in half and have been 'fine' ever since. I want to try and get off of it. It makes my whole body feel weird, and my head gets all groggy, like I'm in a dream."

• Bre...
• December 12, 2014

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started taking Prozac after failing to be able to deal with some traumatic events happening in my life over an extended period of time. The Prozac made me quite shaky and left me with a feeling of extreme nervousness. I kept imagining flying off my balcony (for real). My doctor said it was very rare to have this sort of reaction. I hired a therapist. I switched doctors. I was prescribed Paroxetine. It made me feel normal again. If you have a bad reaction to Prozac, don't be afraid to let your doctor know. People react differently to medicines, even when they're supposed to be close to the same thing."

• Mar...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 15, 2020

For Anxiety "My pharmacy ran out of the Paxil I normally receive. He gave me generic paroxetine, and I experienced pretty severe withdrawal symptoms. I had hot flashes, several severe anxiety attacks, loss of appetite, diarrhea, palpitations that caused me to feel as if I was going to pass out, high blood pressure, tremors, and insomnia. What is the level of the active ingredient in Paxil when produced by this company? I have had issues with other brands of Paxil, but not as severe as with this company's pills."