Paroxetine and Dizziness: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Bee...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 29, 2018

Paroxetine for Anxiety "I've been on this drug for 3 years. It's really effective, but if you are prone to weight gain, BOY will you put on weight! The biggest con is coming off them. I'm currently going from Paxil to Prozac. Paxil withdrawal includes insomnia, dizziness, headaches, feeling faint, itchy skin (like you are being covered in ants), and sweating. I've come off many antidepressants in the past, and this is the worst withdrawal I've had."

• Kas...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 6, 2015

Paroxetine for Hot Flashes "I have been taking Brisdelle for 7 months. I wanted to give it a fair chance. I had fairly severe hot flashes but no other problems relating to menopause. I went from having about 15 hot flashes a day to about 10. The severity was a bit better, but I still had a lot of sweat with each flash, especially at night. It was very expensive, and my health plan didn't cover it, so I came off. I weaned myself off very slowly over a six-week period. The withdrawal is pretty severe. Feelings of vertigo and dizziness, nausea, and zaps."

• Kas...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 6, 2015

Paroxetine for Hot Flashes "I have been taking Brisdelle for 7 months. I wanted to give it a fair chance. I had fairly severe hot flashes but no other problems relating to menopause. I went from having about 15 hot flashes a day to about 10. The severity was a bit better, but I still had a lot of sweat with each flash, especially at night. It was very expensive, and my health plan didn't cover it, so I came off. I weaned myself off very slowly over a six-week period. The withdrawal is pretty severe. Feelings of vertigo and dizziness, nausea, and zaps."

• zch...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 20, 2016

Paroxetine for Hot Flashes "Only took one dose. Achy the next morning. 22 hrs after dose, dizziness and weakness. My husband could barely get a BP on me, and when my pulse came up enough to register, it was only 54. I vomited, then sweat profusely. My knees hurt severely for an hour. Hot flashes were diminished for the next 3 days. Fine now, but still having hot flashes."

• Byr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2018

Paroxetine for Anxiety and Stress "Second time trying Paxil. First time it worked within a few days, had some side effects, but helped with my panic attacks and anxiety. I felt better after a couple of months, so I got off. So now, I'm having bad anxiety again, along with panic attacks. My doctor put me back on Paxil at 5 mg for 2 weeks, then wants me to increase to 10. This time, really bad side effects, dizziness, and panic attacks are worse than ever after taking for 5 days. But... in between, it is helping with my anxiety and panic, so I am going to stick it out and see if these side effects will stop."

• mrs...
• August 30, 2011

Paroxetine for Anxiety "I took Paxil for nearly 9 months, and it seemed to cure all my ailments. I didn't realize how many things were attributed to my anxiety, including chest pains, nausea, headaches, etc. I really felt great (after a week or so of insomnia, which is a common side effect). I recently stopped taking Paxil since I was feeling so great. That is really tough. I had awful dizziness (but again, this is to be expected) for about 10 days. Several weeks later, I am realizing I felt much better on Paxil and am thinking of returning to it."

• Pan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 1, 2016

Paroxetine for Anxiety and Stress "Had a severe reaction to this medication on the first dose, including waking in the middle of the night dizzy and disoriented, proceeding to vomit repeatedly, numbness in fingertips and gums, severe chills, and then soaking in sweat, and difficulty speaking. Took a trip to the ER. I am sure that it works for some people, but the side effects can be very scary. Make sure someone is aware you took it and keeps an eye on you. It is very unlikely you will have a reaction like I did, but having someone in the know will save you some trouble if you do have a bad reaction."

• 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 ❤️"

• 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 ❤️"

• Lor...
• November 20, 2015

Paroxetine for Hot Flashes "Three weeks into taking Brisdelle, I stopped. After a week, I was experiencing horrific muscle pain in my legs, which kept me awake for three nights until I was prescribed a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The anti-inflammatory calmed the muscle pain down, but then I started experiencing horrific head pain and headaches; I've never had a headache in my life! I am off this drug for two days now and can't wait to feel like myself again. I'm still experiencing insomnia, headache, head pain, vertigo."

• Jam...
• November 17, 2013

Paroxetine for Anxiety "This is my second time taking Paxil. For me, it is the only medication that has been effective in treating my anxiety. I've taken just about every medication for anxiety over the past 10 years. In my early 20s, I took Paxil for about 6 months and experienced sexual side effects but only gained about 5 lbs. It was horrible to come off of Paxil, and I experienced dizziness, headaches, and nausea. I am currently 29, and I started taking Paxil again about 5 months ago due to increased anxiety. While it has been effective in helping me to lead a normal life with minimal anxiety, it has caused horrible weight gain. I gained 15 lbs in the past 3 months, which is a lot for my petite frame at 5'1". Due to the weight gain, I am currently attempting to stop."

• Hur...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 7, 2017

Paroxetine for Depression "My doctor weaned me off of Paxil a few weeks ago, as it wasn't working. Three days after the last dose was the start of the two worst weeks of my life. It included migraines, nausea, decreased vision. When I turned my head or moved my eyes, there was a whooshing sound in my head accompanied by extreme dizziness. Then there were the bouts of crying for no apparent reason. In summary, I would call this poison, not medicine."

• KKC...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 22, 2015

Paroxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I took the lowest dose, 10 mg. The first two days were great, I had zero anxiety and felt okay with no side effects but slight lightheadedness. The third day... I was putting on my makeup just before work, and all of a sudden, my pupils got huge, and my heart started beating a mile a minute. This calmed down but happened again five minutes later. It started happening every 3-5 minutes, and then my chest, feet, and armpits started burning. I started having a panic attack because I was so afraid of what was happening. I couldn't see right anymore, and I was very dizzy. On the way to the hospital, I thought I was going to die. My side effects were so severe. This happened for two days after. Doc flushed it out of my system. Beware of this medication."

• 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."

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 4, 2021

Paroxetine for Anxiety "I struggled with anxiety after high school. I worked in the process industry for 2 years, working shift work, and knew I was struggling with anxiety. I went to the ER multiple times, thinking I was sick or having a heart attack. I joined the service and served 4 years, and once I finished my service, my wife said I needed to talk with a doctor. After 6 years of putting it off, I finally did. The doctor first put me on buspirone. It was awful, I had night sweats, rapid heartbeat, restless nights, couldn't sleep, it was brutal. I switched doctors, and my new doctor said I should try Paxil (paroxetine). It has changed my life! I have minimal side effects (small dizzy spells and small anxiety spikes), but I am not going to the doctor every three months, I actually enjoy things again. I am more relaxed and not wound so tight. I hope this helps people that struggle with anxiety want to give it a try."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2019

Paroxetine for Anxiety "This is my first day of taking Paxil, and I'm on 20 milligrams. I'm still really dizzy and lightheaded and feel very weird since this morning. I called my doctor, she told me to take half of one in the morning. I pray it works for me."

• Kit...
• November 21, 2016

Paroxetine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Today is day three. I take 10 mg. I was told to take half a pill at night for seven days, then take the whole pill on day eight. I have to say, today is not a good day. I have been dizzy all morning. Will this ever go away? I am not feeling my best at all. When I take the pill, I am very dizzy before bed. Does anyone here have answers? How does this drug really work? I had a partial thyroid removal a year ago. I am constantly dizzy, my heart races, my pressure is up. Help anyone... Please."

• Sco...
• January 30, 2016

Paroxetine for Hot Flashes "I have been taking Brisdelle for the past 6 months to help with hot flashes. However, I have had these chronic problems since taking this medication. I have tremors, my eyes are sensitive to light, seizures, biting my tongue during the night while sleeping so severely that I have to get up because the blood is so profuse. I also am dizzy all the time and feel like I am whirling around and unstable while sitting, lying down, or walking about. It has taken me almost 2 months and thousands of dollars to figure this out on my own. I have been to the endocrinologist to see if I have a tumor, a neurologist due to the seizures, a dentist, an ENT specialist, a chiropractor, a neuro-ophthalmologist, and my primary care physician, and no one has been able to help me."

• Gri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 27, 2021

Paroxetine for Depression "Perhaps this med might work for anyone who can take SSRI antidepressants, but I cannot. Even though I clearly informed my doctor of this fact, he prescribed it in its generic form. I did not recognize the name, but he told me it is not an SSRI antidepressant. After only the second day, my reactions were so severe (dizziness, shaking, feeling weird) that I looked up the generic name and quickly learned it is the same as the SSRI antidepressant Paxil. Immediately, I discontinued its use, but after 2 days I still had the strong reaction. How can I counteract these horrible effects?"

• pax...
• December 15, 2011

Paroxetine for Depression "Thanks to Paxil, I'm still here to type this comment, it saved my life. I was started on 20 mg but had to go up to 40 mg (max dose) for about 3 years, after which I was slowly dropped down to 20 mg, then right down to 10 mg, which I was on for a while, then down to 5 mg and eventually went off the medication. The times I did miss my dosage, it was usually the second day when the zaps started along with the feeling of vertigo. The half-life of this medicine is very short, about 3 days, that's why people feel withdrawal symptoms so quickly, but I've found it quite tolerable for the good it has done for me. A wonderful medication!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• March 10, 2009

Paroxetine for Depression "Significant weight gain experienced within a few months. Very tough on the libido. Extremely difficult to get off this medication without significant side effects - dizziness, nausea. I was taking Celexa before and would definitely go back. For the purposes of banishing depression/anxiety, it worked, but not without side effects that make me want to stop taking it each day."

• Anx...
• February 2, 2015

For Anxiety "Anxiety attacks. Started on 10 mg of paroxetine. Felt a small change, only side effects were diarrhea, dizzy, but it went away after about a month. Increased anxiety led me to up dose to 20 mg. I feel amazing now. I can say my thoughts of death have disappeared. I feel happy again, taking one day at a time. Don't keep suffering! Get help."

• Joe...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 7, 2018

Paroxetine for Anxiety "I took Paxil for years for anxiety. The side effects got to the point I discussed with my doctor about getting off of it. He recommended tapering and starting Wellbutrin. I can say this: the Paxil withdrawal symptoms are purely awful. I would lie in bed for weeks. Couldn't stop vomiting. Dizziness still persists. While it did alleviate anxiety, I'd rather have anxiety than the awfulness it put me through. I would never recommend this to anybody."