Paroxetine and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Anonymous
• November 21, 2011

Paroxetine for Anxiety "I've been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and have been taking Paxil for about 3 months. When I first began the medication, I completely lost my appetite. I dropped 10 pounds within the first 2 weeks without even trying. After about a month, it leveled back out. However, even after 3 months, I still don't sleep well on it. It has also taken a toll on my sex drive. I'm in the process of quitting Paxil to try something new. You do not want to quit this medication suddenly. You will experience terrible withdrawal symptoms. Even though I am quitting gradually, they are still quite intense."

• KTa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 9, 2019

Paroxetine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "If you are handed a prescription for this, please do your research first. Unfortunately, I started taking this as I was desperate to get my anxiety under control, and my GP didn’t want to prescribe me Valium anymore, so I thought, why not? After one year of being on this, I have gained almost 20 kg. I eat well and move around a fair bit, but the weight just keeps on coming. It did well for my social anxiety, that’s because I didn’t want to leave the house embarrassed with how much weight I had gained. Now, I am weaning off from 40 mg and am on 10 mg with the hope to be off completely. Withdrawal symptoms are comparable to having the flu tenfold. Detached sense of reality and agitation that normally wouldn’t be there. Even the sound of someone coughing is making me angry. Heightened sensory disturbances and insomnia have also come along. Avoid if you can. There are better SSRIs out there if you need some help. This stuff is awful."

• Usn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2015

For Social Anxiety Disorder "My anxiety has been with me since I was 11. I ended up dropping out of both high school and university because I couldn't go to my classes. I used to dread any and all excursions out of the house, no matter how small. I would feel horribly anxious if anything outside of my normal routine came up (doctor's appointments, people coming over, etc.). Forget working. I felt so hopeless and didn't want to take prescription medication, but I'm so glad I did. I've been on paroxetine for 4 months, and I feel like a different person. I don't drive myself nuts with worry. I started on 10mg and went up to 20mg a month ago. Side effects I've experienced are both drowsiness during the day and insomnia at night. It's worth it. I'm even looking for jobs now!"

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2016

For Depression "I was put on paroxetine for anxiety and depression, and it has helped me so much! I first started out on Lexapro, which caused me horrible insomnia and suicidal thoughts, which led my doctor to put me on this medicine instead. It took my body about 3 months to start seeing improvements, but I stuck with it, and I'm happy I did. My anxiety has gone down significantly, and my depression has, for the most part, subsided. I have my days, but who doesn't? I didn't expect medicine to cure it. I first started taking this medicine around dinner time because it makes you feel drowsy, but once my body got used to it, I've been taking it around noon. So glad my doctor prescribed me this medicine. I feel as if I can fully enjoy life now."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• January 8, 2011

Paroxetine for Anxiety "Tonight was only my 4th night on the pill. My doctor has me on 10 mg at night for the first week. So far, the side effects are very uncomfortable. I mostly feel them right after taking my dose. My mouth is so dry, I'm nauseous, gassy, I can't sleep, and I'm exhausted. I know the doctor said it could take weeks to work, so I'm not knocking it yet. Also, some reviews I have read say that some of the side effects disappear, and I am certainly counting on that. So far, I haven't seen much change in my anxiety, and hopefully it comes soon."

• 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."

• Cla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2015

For Anxiety "This is my second time on paroxetine after suffering with severe panic attacks and depression. I was a complete wreck but had to do something quickly! I tried all the self-help programs as well, but nothing worked! The doctor put me on another medicine first (sertraline). I was in a state after three weeks and severe insomnia, weight loss due to no appetite! So, I decided to go back to paroxetine. I started on 5 mg and slowly went up to 20 mg over about five weeks. I'm now feeling so much better. This medicine has helped me get back to my old self, and I'm thankful for that! I'm in the UK, so I don't pay insurance."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• November 16, 2010

Paroxetine for Anxiety "I have had anxiety all of my life. Didn't know until I finally took a serious look with my wife. Doctor prescribed 10 mg. Had muscle restlessness, chattering teeth, and insomnia, which I already had, and Paxil made it worse. I've had sex for a while with no orgasm and no ejaculation. Additionally, Paxil makes me have the urge to drink alcohol where there was none before. Going to my doctor to get something else."

• 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."

• Gro...
• August 12, 2017

For Hot Flashes "I had wonderful results with hormone therapy, but after 5 years, my doc told me to wean off. Did so in 3 weeks. Then, 2 years of sleep loss due to constant hot flashes all night long. My new doc suggested Brisdelle. My insurance covers beautifully, so I only pay $3 monthly. But it didn't work. I was woozy during the day and slept heavily, but with terrible dreams that woke me, and then I had great difficulty going back to sleep. And still had hot flashes. After 2 1/2 months, I said thanks, but no thanks. No need for extra medication if it's not working. The dreams and their aftereffects are debilitating-re-living them through the day. So I'm weaning off and feeling extra woozy. First week every other day, then every third day for another week."

• hib...
• September 22, 2015

Paroxetine for Depression "It was pretty efficient. Within 3 months, I had been out of my acute depressive episode and full of life. I hadn't experienced any increase in appetite, as I was warned, and in fact, it helped with my IBS a lot. I was started on 25 mg/day, then 37.5 mg/day for around 8 months, after which I sought my doctor for mania symptoms I was experiencing: very talkative, juggling thoughts, very rapid tone and rush of ideas when speaking, and most importantly, insomnia! Anyhow, we had to emergency stop it: 25 mg for 3 weeks, then 12.5 mg for one, and then nothing. Worst experience in the world, it's very physically debilitating: nausea, dizziness, weird feeling on my head. Had to take Xanax to combat the withdrawal symptoms, couldn't leave the house for 2 months!"

• Anonymous
• June 14, 2010

Paroxetine for Depression "I have had great success with the use of this medicine. One thing I would tell people is if you have problems sleeping on this medicine, talk to your doctor first and foremost. I did talk with my doctor, and I am also taking another medicine to help with that. I have bipolar disorder with manic tendencies. Depakote, Paxil CR, and Risperidone for me all together work. Anyone looking at this, I hope it helps with your treatment process with the guidance of your doctor. Good luck."

• Jsi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2014

For Anxiety "I have only been on this medication for 3 days. I have had really bad nausea, however, I can't believe the difference I feel so quickly. I am about to be a father, and I'm really hoping that this medicine will work for me, as I haven't had any luck taking other antidepressants. I got to the point where I didn't want to go to work, and I would make excuses, but actually, it was because I was too scared. Working as a teacher for young children, this would surely brighten anyone's day. I am writing this review so early because last night, I had some problems that would usually put me in a terrible state, however, I was fine. I have had problems sleeping, however, as it has only been a very short while, I hope these symptoms will disappear soon."

• bra...
• August 4, 2016

Paroxetine for Anxiety "I tried them for 4 months! It was the worst experience I ever had! I got brain zaps and could not sleep at all. I have mild severe frontal brain damage from a fall. Coming off them is worse than any benzo I have tried! In fact, they are just as bad, if not worse than a benzo. At least the benzo drugs work for anxieties! If you read about antidepressants like I did on Google, you will see that they are nothing more than an addicting placebo. Don't let anyone get you on those medications. Just Google the fact that the drug companies are handing them out like candy, and they do more harm than good. If you like sex, then don't get involved with antidepressants! Because you will not have any sexual wants whatsoever. I wish they did work!"

• 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."

• n0t...
• January 12, 2011

Paroxetine for Depression "I've now been on Paroxetine for about 10 years for severe, chronic depression. I was on Prozac for roughly 15 years before it appeared to lose its effectiveness, so I was prescribed this instead. My initial dose was 40 mg daily. It was initially extremely effective as an anti-depressant, and I went from being hospitalized for a week every year for my own safety to 6 years without a hospitalization. Just a 'blip' in mood every year instead of a crash. However, I'm now on 80 mg, and the side effects at this dose are appalling: chronic insomnia, 100 lb weight gain, constant tiredness, muscle aches, migraines, memory loss, zero libido, and all-around apathy. Attempting to drop my dosage results in uncontrollable weeping, numbness, and terror."

• Anonymous
• December 23, 2010

Paroxetine for Depression "Surprisingly, this is the only SSRI I have been able to tolerate at low doses, with beneficial responses and minimal side effects. Taking 20 mg, and it's doing well at 1 year to minimize depression and panic attacks, though I tried going to 30 and became insomniac. Down to 20 again, no problem. No sexual side effects at this low dose. No major weight gain, though I am a bit concerned about diabetes, A1C is climbing despite (or as a result of) my efforts- not sure if the Paxil is behind that too."

• Ili...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 15, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Since 2005, I am on SSRIs. I have tried various meds with no results, but a few years ago I went on paroxetine 20 mg daily. Within a month, I felt much better. After 18 months on paroxetine, I reduced to 10 mg. It worked for about 7 months, but then, within a month, my whole world came apart. It wasn’t the withdrawal because I cut it down pretty slowly. It was as if all symptoms came back in their worst. I took 20 mg again and kept it like this for 3 and a half years. I felt really well, but it took triple the time to make me feel human again. I went again on 10 mg for 6 months this time but it seemed that the drug couldn’t support me so I got back on 20 mg. After almost 3 months now on it and still haven’t felt at least well. I have tremor, crying, not sleeping, loss of interest, back pains as heart attack, gastrointestinal issues, chest pains. My doc increased to 30 mg since yesterday so now I pray for being well again. I also gained some weight in the first place - 10 kilos."

• Dru...
• February 7, 2013

For Depression "On 2 months of 20 mg per day. The first 5 weeks were not bad with side effects at all. I noticed a slight mood elevation but nothing more. In week 6, I hit some side effects like insomnia and had 6 hours of bad sleep over 5 days. Completely miserable time. Seemed like once that passed, I got the benefits significantly."

• CJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2021

Paroxetine for Depression "I was prescribed Paxil because I was suicidal over having crippling insomnia. It worked beautifully to improve my mood within 4 days, however, I am (this is recent) 'wired' and can't fall asleep. I am going to stop the Paxil and try Trazodone and see if it helps. I LOVE Paxil as an antidepressant (I was on 10 mg), but it made me feel buzzed and wired and hurt my already bad insomnia. If you have no sleep issues and need it for depression and/or anxiety, I would give it a try."

• Ada...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2023

For Panic Disorder "Paroxetine CR was prescribed for me due to recurrent panic attacks with anxiety and depression with recurrent obsessions. I started with 25 mg for a week, then 50 mg for about 5 weeks. At the beginning of therapy, I suffered from recurrent anxiety attacks with depression in the morning. After two weeks, my anxiety and panic attacks decreased gradually to a satisfactory level, but morning depression is still present. After five weeks, the depression decreased but was still annoying, with sleep problems. I asked my doctor about it, and he told me that it will disappear with time. I hope to return to my usual life with time, however, I am afraid of the withdrawal symptoms of the drug, but I will delay my fears to the future when I get improved."

• 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."