Paroxetine and Dizziness: What Users Say (Page 4)

• SFi...
• September 2, 2015

For Anxiety "I've been on paroxetine for around 5 months due to extreme social anxiety, panic attacks, and mild depression. The first few days I had strong heart palpitations and dizziness, and for the first two weeks was completely anxiety-free but still very dizzy and constantly felt like I was going to pass out. After the first month, everything settled down, and I feel great, very minimal anxiety, and I'm significantly happier. The only downside to this medication for me is that if I miss a dose, I will know because I become angry and my hands will shake. I still absolutely love what it has done for me, and the side effects are well worth it."

• Anonymous
• July 26, 2010

Paroxetine for Depression "I thought I needed an antidepressant, so I tried a couple. Paxil, for me, had terrible side effects. I felt like I was on speed. Had to eat every two hours. I could not go anywhere; always had to have snacks with me, and I lost weight even with the calorie increase. Insomnia was the worst. I could not even take 10 mg. I tried the medication for about 7 weeks and decided it was not for me and began a weaning-off process. Reduced to 5 mg for 1 week; this was the hardest and caused the most side effects, which included vertigo, nausea, and insomnia, which lasted about 2 days. Then I reduced to 2.5 mg for another week and a half. Stopped taking it completely after this and did fine with no side effects."

• Ela...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 3, 2020

For Anxiety "DO NOT RECOMMEND!! I only took this medication for two days and oh, I can tell you now that was enough for me! The first day wasn’t too bad, just tiredness, and then the second day was a big no. I went for a nap, woke up 5 hours later extremely dizzy, shaky, my whole body was trembling. I couldn’t eat anything, I kept having panic attacks. I had headaches and extreme nausea and couldn’t sleep for over 24 hours!! I called 111 and was told to come off then straight away! Now, after 2 days of not taking them, I have numbness in my fingers and forearms, sickness, and headaches, and bad panic attacks, feeling like I can’t breathe and stabbing pains in my chest! This has put me off from having any other medication to help my anxiety ever again."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 12, 2013

For Anxiety "I have just weaned myself off, it has taken me about 2 months. Firstly, I cut down to half a tablet for a month, then half every other day. The side effects aren't great, I felt a lot of vertigo, dizziness, and headaches. But finally, nearly 2 weeks, and I am feeling great! I never in my life thought I would need tablets, but sometimes we need a little help. Paroxetine has helped me get back to me. I tell people now it's OK to ask for help. I am so glad that I did ask and have tried, and now if I need them again in life, I wouldn't hesitate."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 12, 2013

For Anxiety "I have just weaned myself off, it has taken me about 2 months. Firstly, I cut down to half a tablet for a month, then half every other day. The side effects aren't great, I felt a lot of vertigo, dizziness, and headaches. But finally, nearly 2 weeks, and I am feeling great! I never in my life thought I would need tablets, but sometimes we need a little help. Paroxetine has helped me get back to me. I tell people now it's OK to ask for help. I am so glad that I did ask and have tried, and now if I need them again in life, I wouldn't hesitate."

• Key...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 7, 2016

Paroxetine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "February 2015, I had an overdose due to depression. I still haven't admitted I was depressed, but the anxiety is real. I couldn't go to class when I did go to school. My stomach would go crazy, and my mind wouldn't stop racing. I was then put on Paxil. I have been on it for a year and a half now, and I'm trying to get off it. Not that it isn't working for my anxiety, but my emotions are uncontrollable when I try to get off it, and when I am on it, I feel like I'm just going. I find myself looking back on a week and not remembering a time I took to just chill and think because Paxil thinks for me. I don't like that, so I am trying to get off it."

• muh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 29, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "My problem is anxiety and panic attacks, sudden heartbeat fastens every day. Then I visited my doctor, and he gave me Paromax 20 mg (paroxetine 20 mg). In the first 2 weeks, there were side effects like nausea, dizziness, and loss of appetite, but now I'm on it for a month, and everything is going better. It is a game-changer."

• Anonymous
• January 23, 2011

For Anxiety and Stress "I found this medicine to be extremely helpful. Initially, it made me very tired. I have been on it for over two years. One side effect for me has been a gain of about 30 pounds since taking it. I have tried to quit and/or skip taking it before. Don't do it! I always have nightmares or at least bad dreams if I miss a dose. Stopping cold turkey caused horrible light-headedness and dizziness. Talk to your doctor BEFORE you stop taking it. It is definitely worth these side effects."

• Ri9...
• November 29, 2017

For Anxiety "I was on paroxetine for 7 years. I have generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia. This drug did absolutely nothing. Side effects: no sex drive, vertigo, dizziness, brain zaps, general feeling of being out of touch with emotions (unable to feel sad when watching sad movies/tv, unable to cry when feeling sadness or joy), night sweats, and nightmares nearly every night, depression, suicidal thoughts. My anxiety did not change, my panic attacks did not lessen, actually, anxiety and panic got worse, ended up in the hospital from a panic attack while on it. Only stayed on it for so long because the doctor said it was helping (where?!?). Off it, I’m the same just without side effects, yay!"

• Ri9...
• November 29, 2017

For Anxiety "I was on paroxetine for 7 years. I have generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia. This drug did absolutely nothing. Side effects: no sex drive, vertigo, dizziness, brain zaps, general feeling of being out of touch with emotions (unable to feel sad when watching sad movies/tv, unable to cry when feeling sadness or joy), night sweats, and nightmares nearly every night, depression, suicidal thoughts. My anxiety did not change, my panic attacks did not lessen, actually, anxiety and panic got worse, ended up in the hospital from a panic attack while on it. Only stayed on it for so long because the doctor said it was helping (where?!?). Off it, I’m the same just without side effects, yay!"

• clo...
• February 20, 2009

For Depression "Very effective for reducing anxiety and obsessive-compulsive thoughts. However, it causes constipation. You shouldn't stop taking this medication suddenly, as it causes withdrawal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and zaps)."

• bob...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 24, 2018

For Panic Disorder "Very potent SSRI for panic disorder and anxiety - been on Celexa and Lexapro before, which pooped out. Unfortunately, it has many side effects for me. Extreme sexual side effects, dry mouth, and drowsiness. It also gave me a dizzy feeling when I walked, like my brain and feet were not working together (hard to explain), but after a long time, this went away. I refused to take atypical drugs due to possible permanent side effects. Paxil did not eliminate my anxiety and panic but reduced it by 70%. Doctor added Gabapentin 100 mg 3 x day and I no longer have any anxiety or panic attacks. Google Gabapentin and anxiety. Paired with Paxil, I am symptom-free. Side effects of Paxil do get better with time, but it took a long time (1 1/2 years). Sexual side effects suck but get better with time. Still have dry mouth, but drowsiness is gone since I take it before bed."

• Nic...
• March 27, 2017

For Depression "I took 40mg Paxil once a day for over a year and never felt right. At first, it was bad. I was getting really bad vertigo and nausea. Every night, I would have one of three recurring nightmares and night sweats. I just ran out and can't get more, so I'm on day three cold turkey and feel miserable. Before you take this medicine, you really need to see your doctor about other options."

• Con...
• June 8, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was prescribed paroxetine for general anxiety disorder, paranoia, and depression. The drug didn't take effect until about 2 weeks, which I quickly was relieved from my symptoms. However, I spent a further 2 weeks feeling severe side effects: dizziness, further anxiety, difficulty sleeping and waking up, vivid dreams, lack of orgasm during sex, blurred vision, and almost grinning as if I was on uppers. Though these side effects did pass, I now only have vivid dreams and occasional nightmares. This drug has worked so well for me, and I now feel back to my old self again, happy every day. My anxiety and paranoia have completely gone. I strongly suggest giving it a go, but it may not work for everyone, as you can read. LOVE LIFE!!!"

• Ray...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2018

For Anxiety "I was scared to try it because of all the reviews. Here’s an opinion for people who are considering it. The first few days (about 3-4), you might feel lightheaded, dizzy, and nauseous. If you do, take it before bed so you can sleep through it. After the first few days, those symptoms go away when your body gets used to the drug. It does take about 2 weeks for you to notice any difference. So give it time, and in the meantime, ask your doctor for some Xanax to calm you down for the two weeks. It helped me! After 10 days, I saw a difference in my anxiety. I’m on 20 mg, and my doctor thinks I’ll need to up my dosage because I still have anxiety. Also, remember that not every drug works the same on everyone. Just give it a chance, if it does not help, move on."

• Red...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 9, 2016

For Anxiety "I used to take this drug when I had severe anxiety and depression disorder. My doctor changed my dosage as needed, and I took anywhere from 10-40 mg at a time. I eventually stopped taking it due to my serious side effects and was doing well until recently when I started taking 10 mg again. I started getting chest heaviness, numbness and tingling in my arms, hands, feet, and head. Leg pain at night. Back pain. Ice pick headaches, heavyheadedness, dizziness, weakness. Numbness in throat and trouble swallowing, complete loss of sex drive and unable to orgasm, and I think white vaginal discharge and severe anxiety. I find most symptoms are worse the first few hours after taking it. I don't know why it's doing this now and not before."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 12, 2017

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I was prescribed Paxil for three conditions: anxiety, depression, and OCD. The OCD was only diagnosed a month ago. One of the biggest issues I had with Paxil was that the side effects were a living nightmare for the first 20 days or so... We're talking about nasty trips, confusion, dizziness, fatigue. You name it. I probably suffered it and more. The actual use of Paxil as a form of treatment has been hit and miss. By treating my OCD, I noticed my depression was getting worse. On days when my depression was better, my anxiety would flare up. It was like trying to balance each condition, and either way, one was going to be playing up. I am now using Paxil in conjunction with other medications for my issues and have to admit this has helped."

• Jac...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 16, 2022

Paroxetine for Anxiety "After using it for 7 years and suffering a lot from low libido, inability to reach orgasm, weak erection, and feeling of not being myself, I abruptly weaned myself and experienced several terrible symptoms for 2 years straight, with no day off. I had extreme dizziness, head shocks, insane panic attacks, sensitivity to movements, severe motion sickness attacks, even sleeping, I felt sick. I got depressed, I couldn't feel any good feelings, the world turned gray. I didn't sleep, I was walking around the house desperate, I felt intoxicated, and with an absurdly strong pressure on the back of my neck for months. I never imagined that a person could suffer so much in this life. Now it's been 5 years since I stopped using it, but I still have dizziness and bumps in my head, which often feel like a seizure. I'm still struggling to recover, and I've discovered dozens of other cases like mine. This medicine disgraced at least 15 years of my life... continue..."

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

Paroxetine for Panic Disorder "Started on Oct. 14, 2021, to take Paxil 10 mg. I’ve been dealing with panic attacks since 2014, but never got medication for it till now. For the first week on it has been a rollercoaster. First 2 days I was doing fine, till Sunday I started to have a feeling of coldness in the back of my head that went down my whole body, palpitations, dizziness, and a headache. I got scared that I even called my mom. Those symptoms followed up the next day. Tuesday I felt like I was choking to a point that I had a panic attack. My body felt numb and cold. I was sweating a lot too. Thank God we got home. On Wednesday I felt emotionless and went to the doctor to let her know the side effects. She said they can put me on another medication, but I said no. I didn’t want to go through another symptom, so I stuck with Paxil. Now I woke up to shortness of breath and again had a panic attack. I felt chest pain, headache, and trouble sleeping. And I have the common side effects. Just hope for the best!"

• Tam...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 26, 2021

For Panic Disorder "I live in Australia and have been on paroxetine for many, many years, I think about 15. Mainly take Aropax, but there was a shortage, so take some generics except for Paxtine, did not work for me. However, paroxetine has helped me a lot over the years. The benefits are I haven’t had a full-blown panic attack since I’ve been on it, and it mainly keeps any anxiety at bay. The side effects are sometimes dizzy and a long time till you can orgasm. I take 20 mg a day in the morning with food."

• Her...
• July 4, 2017

For Anxiety "I hate this drug so much!! At first, it was helping me sleep, and now it's causing so much anxiety, insomnia, vertigo, panic attacks to the point of feeling paralyzed. My chest feels weird constantly, and my vitals are normal. I did end up having a seizure with this medicine!!! I am on 40 mg, get me off this damn drug! Such bad anxiety and racing thoughts. My brain isn't calm! I can't hardly eat because of the insomnia and anxiety!!!! This is the WORST drug ever. Do not stay on this drug. I'm always sweating with this stupid drug and having anxiety and unable to fully stay asleep. I have so many side effects now. I hate it!!!!"

• Due...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 10, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was just prescribed this medicine to start taking for my anxiety. After reading these reviews, I am terrified. Weight gain? I eat really well and work out every day, and I am still going to gain weight? Not to mention the brain zaps? The nausea and the dizziness? Come on, people. Thanks for terrifying me."

• Jun...
• June 12, 2016

Paroxetine for Anxiety "Am able to drive around town way better, but not on freeways or bridges. Sometimes feel dizzy when tired or overexerting. Doing more fun stuff."

• Pur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 6, 2012

Paroxetine for Depression "Caused me to have very bad headaches. Light sensitivity. Dizziness."

• TX ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2022

Paroxetine for Hot Flashes "I took it for 3 days and couldn't get out and about due to dizziness and headache. I feel like a junkie coming off a bad fix. Money wasted!"