Paroxetine and Depression: What Users Say (Page 3)

• use...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 3, 2022

Paroxetine for Depression "Man, what a journey. Went on Paxil for depression and anxiety. It made my depression lesser for sure, but robbed me of so much more. I literally no longer could enjoy anything. I turned to alcohol to deal with the all-encompassing boredom. I literally lost all interest in anything from hobbies, achievements, and sex. I did this for 4 years and finally made a switch to Lexapro. My God, the difference. Alcohol is still an issue, but at least I can enjoy things again. What a messed-up ride."

• 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
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 17, 2016

For Hot Flashes "This drug is awful. I have been thinking that I have been depressed for years after being prescribed this for hot flashes and the menopause. Every time I tried to stop, I had the most horrific withdrawal symptoms in the world: anger bordering on rage, vertigo and dizziness that make me feel I am going to pass out, sweats, bad dreams, depression, and suicidal thoughts off the scale. This drug is making someone a lot of money by underplaying how horrific the withdrawal symptoms are! It is highly addictive because you think you are ill when you try to stop taking it and go back on it! It's disgusting."

• dis...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 31, 2012

Paroxetine for Depression "I was prescribed this medication initially for depression and then, along with another medication, for atypical depression and panic disorder. I had to give it some stars because it did help with the anxiety. The problem was I had no life. No sex drive. Emotionally flat. Slept 12-16 hours a day (I craved sleep all the time) and ate nonstop, eventually gaining 80 lbs. Finally, my husband encouraged me to go off it. I tapered the dose and experienced brain zaps and generally weird feelings for several weeks."

• 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."

• Sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 29, 2015

For Hot Flashes "I had a hysterectomy in 2002 and went on hormones for a few years, then quit and had no problems. This year, night sweats started really bad, waking 5-10 times a night. This drug stopped the night sweats within 3 days, but depression, no motivation, being tired all day, and being very irritable. I made the decision to wean myself off after 3 weeks. Now, after 5 days off, I am beginning to feel human again. Side effects weren't worth it for me."

• Sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 29, 2015

For Hot Flashes "I had a hysterectomy in 2002 and went on hormones for a few years, then quit and had no problems. This year, night sweats started really bad, waking 5-10 times a night. This drug stopped the night sweats within 3 days, but depression, no motivation, being tired all day, and being very irritable. I made the decision to wean myself off after 3 weeks. Now, after 5 days off, I am beginning to feel human again. Side effects weren't worth it for me."

• Bbb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 3, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I used to take escitalopram, but after 4 years, my anxiety returned. So I was prescribed paroxetine. The first 3 months were not good, it caused me panic attacks and depression. But I knew it would eventually stop. And it did. Now I feel extremely stable and very pleasant, sleeping is great. I strongly recommend it, but beginning this drug is for strong people."

• 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."

• Rom...
• November 16, 2015

Paroxetine for Anxiety "My physician prescribed me 20mg of Paxil daily when I saw her for anxiety/depression. The first couple of days, I had trouble sleeping and had a lot of energy, but no anxiety. This drug definitely reduced my anxiety, and I felt more sociable, but after a month or so I noticed that I couldn't focus and I started to lose motivation to do anything and had no energy. I felt more depressed than before I had started the medication, and on my days off from work I would end up sleeping all day. I quit cold turkey while taking 5-HTP and experienced the brain zaps for a couple of days, but now I feel like myself again. I can't recommend this med. I think exercise and a good diet are more effective at improving my mood."

• Rom...
• November 16, 2015

Paroxetine for Anxiety "My physician prescribed me 20mg of Paxil daily when I saw her for anxiety/depression. The first couple of days, I had trouble sleeping and had a lot of energy, but no anxiety. This drug definitely reduced my anxiety, and I felt more sociable, but after a month or so I noticed that I couldn't focus and I started to lose motivation to do anything and had no energy. I felt more depressed than before I had started the medication, and on my days off from work I would end up sleeping all day. I quit cold turkey while taking 5-HTP and experienced the brain zaps for a couple of days, but now I feel like myself again. I can't recommend this med. I think exercise and a good diet are more effective at improving my mood."

• Sam...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 13, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "This medication is effective, however, it causes weight gain, and the withdrawal is horrendous. I went off the medication because of the weight gain. I suffered horrible withdrawal, including panic attacks, chest pain, and depression. I lost 30 pounds fast but developed health anxiety and fear. I went back on the medication just a few months later. I felt better after a few weeks, but I gained the weight back, and it’s the one thing I hate about this medication, but it’s what works for me. I don’t recommend paroxetine as a first choice. Try other medications because, once again, the weight gain is unavoidable because the hunger pangs are constant. It also causes fatigue, but the fatigue isn’t overwhelming, and I never experienced nausea. Overall, it’s an effective medication."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Ash...
• August 1, 2011

Paroxetine for Anxiety and Stress "Generalized anxiety disorder - 22-year-old male. Paxil did help with my anxiety, however, it made things seem more dull. The things I used to enjoy became boring. I stopped taking it after 2 months. I'm now starting Effexor XR. No other side effects."

• 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."

• Tom...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 9, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "It really worked for my depression and anxiety. I used it for 2 years and now I am getting off. Although it gave me energy and motivation, I don't want to take antidepressants for the rest of my life. So I was taking 40 mg per day, and now I am in 15 mg per day. For those who want to get off it, please don't do it cold turkey. It is really dangerous for your health. I am taking 5-HTP to help me get off it, and it is working. I hope this helps somebody."

• mja...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 26, 2021

For Anxiety "My experience with paroxetine has been a very positive one. My symptoms were a heaviness on my chest, not pain but like a weight was on me. Also, I was very negative about things. I couldn’t seem to be positive about anything. I would think things were 10 times worse than they actually were. Also, I felt sad, not depressed, but I didn’t know why. Paroxetine has made me feel like my old self, but probably even better than before. I’m more chilled out and more rational than ever before."

• BZZ...
• September 9, 2011

Paroxetine for Depression "I took paroxetine (Paxil) for 2 months. It took a while to feel any effect from it. It did help regulate my moods a little bit, but after a month and a half, it started giving me stomach pains and feelings of hopelessness and suicide. I am still experiencing the effects of not taking it anymore. It's been about a week since I quit. I was going to taper the dosage, but it just made me too sick. I am sure this medicine is great for others, but my body just did not agree with it."

• Thb...
• May 16, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on this for 4-5 years, dosages between 10-40 mg depending on my stress/GAD. I have tried Pristiq (2 weeks) and Lovan/Prozac (3 weeks), but these increased my anxiety dramatically. Pros: It's the only antidepressant that's worked long-term for me. I found this medication to be really safe. I used to have anxiety every second day and just a nervous manner, but I don't now. I used to have insomnia for nearly a year before I started this med. Cons: There can be withdrawal symptoms, but mine weren't that bad (headaches and some depressed days), nothing that wasn't manageable. I did my tapering off over 2 months. I did notice slight sexual and emotional blunting when taking the higher dose of this. Nothing that would ruin my quality of life though or make me consider discontinuing this though."

• Mar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 24, 2015

Paroxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "I tried Paxil in 2000 when I had unstoppable panic attacks. I had been dealing with anxiety all of my life, and those years I had constant panic over a teen addict and a son with learning disabilities and marital issues. This was the first time I had ever taken an AD. The very first day I felt relief from it. However, looking back, the start-up dose of 20 mg caused me to be a bit withdrawn and weirdly unresponsive to my family after that first day. As time went on, though, I began to feel much better and happier. I will say the dose was probably too high, as I did make some regretful decisions from not thinking things through. I gained several extra pounds, and I 'thought' I had sexual side effects; it could have been situational. Not well since stopping."

• Bob...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 19, 2016

Paroxetine for Depression "I have been on Paxil CR for many years with good results. I started at 12.5 mg and over time have been increased to 25 mg. In the last year, I have found myself depressed three or more days a week, even though I take my pill religiously every day. In the last few months, the three days have turned into five to six, and now it doesn't seem to work at all. I was told by my pharmacist that Glaxo had begun production on a generic CR, so I agreed to try it. 'Wrong move.' I resumed the brand name immediately, but I noticed that the generic looks identical to the brand. I may be a skeptic, but could Glaxo be bottling generics in labeled bottles to maximize profits?"

• ama...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 27, 2023

For Depression "Started Paxil in 2013 for seasonal depression and anxiety - just feeling like things were getting worse and I could use a little help. I'm not sure that it ever did much for me, I never felt incredible. It did make me lazy, and I did gain weight. Here I am 10 years later, trying to come off of it, and I feel worse and more crazy than I ever have in my entire life. I thought the physical withdrawal symptoms were bad - they are not nearly as bad as the mental and emotional state you will be in. I cannot laugh, even though I know things are funny, I don't laugh. I don't want to be touched. I am angry - seriously angry and irritable. Feelings of hopelessness and crying. I'm just about to go back to it just so I can tolerate myself again. This is insane. Just don't take it."