Paroxetine and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 856...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2022

For Anxiety "I have taken 2 doses of paroxetine, as prescribed, and I have to stop. I haven't slept, I can't eat because I am so nauseated, and trying to eat makes it worse. I have headaches too. This isn't the drug for me. I have anxiety after having major emergency surgery and nearly losing my life. I was given gabapentin in the hospital, and my body became dependent on it. After tapering off the horrible gabapentin and going through severe withdrawal, my P.C. doctor wanted me to try them for anxiety. They cloud my brain, and my vision is weird too, along with the nausea and headaches. I'm not taking any more. I'm done. I don't like drugs."

• 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."

• Dav...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 10, 2021

For Anxiety "I was prescribed paroxetine following bouts of severe anxiety, which rendered me housebound. Initially, I had some really bad side effects on 20 mg, including headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and worsening of the anxiety. I stuck with them, and at about week three, I began to notice improvements, the anxiety reduced as did the side effects. You need to stick with the medication in the early days, as if, like me, the side effects were quite bad. Now I’m a hell of a lot better, the anxiety has reduced significantly, and I’m functioning again. There are long-term side effects, which include weight gain, and I’ve noticed this, but I addressed this with exercise, and I’m back to my normal weight. These are my experiences, and everybody is different with their journey on this medication, but for me, they are lifesavers."

• FNY...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 15, 2015

Paroxetine for Depression "After going through a hurtful breakup and losing my job, I fell into darkness, life lost interest. I decided to try antidepressants. Doc prescribed Paxil. I read the reviews, most say it helps after taking it for a while. Yesterday, I took it at night. I couldn't sleep at all, after 3 hours, I started to feel very weak, my head was heavy, I had an urge to stretch my whole body, lost my appetite, but I did feel happier. Because it affects your serotonin, I started to think about my relationship more. All day, I couldn't get out of bed, felt very weak, couldn't even walk, sleepy but can't sleep. Horrific feeling. Although I hear it helps eventually, I don't think it's worth the side effects. Bad experience."

• A N...
• February 13, 2010

Paroxetine for Depression "After reaching a plateau on Prozac, my doctor switched me to Paxil. My dosage was increased several times, but I felt great while I was on it. After about 18 months, I decided to quit taking it. The effects of trying to quit this drug on your own are horrible: extreme nausea and dizziness, headaches, inability to eat, all of which rapidly increased. After 2 weeks, I had to resume taking it. After speaking with at least three different doctors and many pharmacists, they advised me it would take at least a month to wean off the Paxil and onto a new antidepressant. It was a rough transition, but I am so glad to no longer be taking this medication. I wish I had never started in the first place and hated feeling addicted to it."

• Pam...
• May 20, 2015

Paroxetine for Anxiety and Stress "This was prescribed for anxiety. I had recently been diagnosed with several sleep-related issues, as well as my asthma increasing. I have a long-standing problem with recurrent bouts of depression, which I treat when they are present. I have a history of antidepressants causing an increase in depression. Since beginning Paxil as directed by my doctor two months ago at 10 mg daily, I have noticed a gradual increase in both my depressive episodes as well as my headaches... I do have a history of migraines for 20 years due to a head injury."

• 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."

• No...
• April 11, 2010

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I started using paroxetine 12.5 CR generic (Pexep 12.5 CR) - it was to treat my mild depression, mostly caused by moderate GAD (general anxiety disorder) and moderately severe social phobia. The first 2 days were mild headaches (not bad enough to get an aspirin), also felt noticeably more tired than usual. On the 3rd day, I felt great. Not like an 'on' switch from the day before, but I did feel noticeably more comfortable around people and just felt better. Did not have any problems with libido or weight gain."

• 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..."

• 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."

• I...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I have tried almost every antidepressant/anxiety med, and this is the only one that has ever worked for me. Once it starts working after about a month or so, you finally feel normal. No more obsessive thoughts, no more anxiety or depression. I literally feel normal, something I have never felt. Also, I don't have weird side effects. I don't feel like a zombie or spaced out. I feel in the moment and calm, and that is all I ever wanted. Weight gain is the only negative, but I also eat a lot, so I'm not sure if the medicine made me hungry or what. Overall, this is the best antidepressant/anti-anxiety med I have ever tried, and I plan on staying on it for the long haul. The first few weeks suck, you have a headache and don't feel like it is doing anything. Give it at least a month or two before you make up your mind. This is not one that works right away, it has to build up. Glad I stayed on it!"

• sad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 14, 2024

For Depression "I've tried over 10 antidepressants and mood stabilizers. This is one of 2 that hasn't given me a bad reaction my first dose. No barfing or headache, which are my main reactions. It's a relief finding an antidepressant that works because if you're reading reviews, you are probably scared to try new ones. Don't give up on finding a medicine that works for you."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2022

For Anxiety "Awful experience. Took 20 mg paroxetine for 4 days. Had headaches and felt sick. Decided to stop - spoke to my GP. Have been through the worst 6 days of my life suffering withdrawals. Horrendous nausea all day long, cannot sleep, feelings of not being able to breathe properly, diarrhea, stomach ache, my anxiety is terrible. Wish I had never taken this med. Worst withdrawals I have ever been through. Hope it is over soon."

• Kat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 8, 2017

For Depression "I previously posted on here in December 2016 when I first started taking them for depression, anxiety, trichotillomania. I was on 30 mg of paroxetine until now, I've had to come off them. I've been a complete zombie for 6 months, I slept 12 hours a night, had no interest in doing anything, exercise was impossible. Headaches, snacking, lack of concentration. It was like I still had anxiety, just the symptoms were numbed. Since stopping taking this medicine, I feel alive. I am still sick, but I am able to get up and go to the gym, and I only need 8 hours or less sleep. I came off cold turkey, it was very stupid, but I needed relief from this med. I'm feeling much more alive. I think I'll need meds again, but I won't be using paroxetine (or sertraline or citalopram!)."

• mad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 2, 2023

For Anxiety "I take Paxil 10 mg at 8 pm, as this is the best schedule for me. The first week, I got slight headaches, but they did go away. Right now, the only frustration is poor sleep, and I need to dose high melatonin, 10 mg time-delayed to get any rest. Need to go to bed early on this for me. It calms me down, but it's hard to stay motivated to exercise, that's all. Caffeine does help, but I have to watch my blood pressure. I can honestly say I am better through the day, generally speaking. Less racing thoughts and so forth. Does chill me out, but it took a week or so to set in. Sexual side effects are quite real. Hard to climax, but if someone is athletic, etc., you could probably go for hours without end. Might take a break in a while if the wife wants me to, but so far, we are dealing with it. I researched upping quality magnesium can help free testosterone to aid in this, and you likely may need a Viagra rx just to get normal. I am not at that point yet."

• Dis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 18, 2017

Paroxetine for Anxiety "I started taking Paxil for anxiety and depression and started feeling sick on the first pill. Nauseous, headaches, trembling, body shocks, etc. After the second pill, I found it was starting to get hard to orgasm. By the fourth pill, I couldn't orgasm and quit taking it at that point. Not ready to give up sex to possibly get over some anxiety and depression, but seriously if the side effects are this bad after 4 pills, what would a month be like? Then after stopping after 4 days, it was like the whole process in reverse, as I had gotten over the headaches and sickness after 2 days, it took another 2 days to get over it once stopping. I am going to try something else or just go back to self-medication, at least the side effects are more manageable."

• 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."

• Duc...
• January 19, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've been on and off paroxetine for a couple of years. Out of all the medications I've been on, it’s been the best! Apart from the weight gain that caused me to have high blood pressure and headaches, I suffer from anxiety, depression, OCD, and panic disorder. It helped a lot with the symptoms, but I weaned myself off as I didn’t want to keep having blood pressure problems. One thing with Paxil (paroxetine) is it’s one of the hardest to come off. Make sure you taper off it slowly with your doctor's permission, unless it’s another medication that you are allowed to suddenly swap to, but the doctor will still have to tell you how to start it. I’m currently on sertraline, but I’m finding it’s making me feel depressed, and panic attacks are starting to become more frequent. Not sure if it’s because of my OCD."

• Anonymous
• February 14, 2011

Paroxetine for Panic Disorder "I've been experiencing panic attacks for over a year. At first, I thought maybe it was a phase that would pass, but they have become constant and are really affecting my life. My doctor prescribed a 10mg dosage for the first 2 weeks, then 20mg from then on, and I take them before bed. I've been on it for a week and 3 days and am experiencing headaches, and when I wake up too fast, I feel like the room is moving and I can't focus my vision. Hopefully, the side effects go away and I can experience the benefits. I've been reading lots of different opinions, mostly about the withdrawal symptoms. I'm 18, so I don't want to be hooked on it forever. Then again, if it helps my panic disorder and doesn't cause any major health issues, why not?"

• Men...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2022

For Hot Flashes "My PA prescribed this med for hot flashes. I took it for a few weeks and was delighted with the improvement in my sleep quality. My hot flashes decreased in intensity. However, two weeks in, I began to feel malaise and a sour stomach. I didn’t put it together until 26 doses that the medication was causing excess stomach acid, headaches, and nausea. I researched side effects and realized it was paroxetine causing me to feel sick. I also felt woozy and doped up. My nausea caused vomiting, which burned my throat. I flushed the capsules down the toilet almost four weeks in. It took a week to escape the mental fog. I felt like my brain was peeling itself out of a latex cast for a week. My stomach was so bad, I developed a bleeding ulcer. I required a proton pump inhibitor and an anti-nausea medicine after 26 doses. Quitting cold seemed like the best way vs. tapering off because my stomach was raw, full, bloated, and nauseous. I threw up. I need a GI consult now. Rather have hot flashes. No go. Not for me."

• spo...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 22, 2015

For Panic Disorder "Withdrawal is a literal nightmare! Headaches, shock/buzz in ears/head, lump in throat, chills, night sweats, crying. It's been 5 weeks, and MD said gastric distress and nausea may still be from withdrawal. Libido and joy of life are returning, but give yourself a month without major social events to get back on your feet."

• Tor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2022

Paroxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "Just don’t. It wasn’t hard to get off. My doctor prescribed it, and at first, it went well. No anxiety, depression, and I was getting a bit better. Then, suddenly after two months, the depression came back. Anxiety gone still. Horrible, horrible thoughts came out of nowhere as well! I talked to another doctor, and she said she rarely, if ever, prescribes this. She basically said it shouldn’t be prescribed. Side effects after getting off were some weird head feeling, headache for a day, continuous weird dreams for a few days, and stomachache, nausea for one day. Not bad. I wished meds doctors won’t even prescribe would be taken off the market. There is a reason they don’t."

• rlc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2018

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "This was prescribed to me to be taken 10 days before my period and until it ended. Not a good fit because of the jaw clenching/yawning side effect. Jaw clenching caused me to wake up with some pretty bad head and neck aches when I was taking it. For me, it was not worth the side effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2021

For Hot Flashes "I am so glad that I was able to find this medication on my own after self-research. My doctor put me on HRT for my hot flashes and excessive sweating and sleeping problems. I stopped HRT because of the other side effects. Paroxetine 7.5 helped me become myself again. I have been taking it for 6 months now, and the sweat disappeared, hot flashes decreased to 70 percent, and no headache and very good blood pressure."