Paroxetine and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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
• 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."

• Anonymous
• May 9, 2009

Paroxetine for Depression "My doctor started me on Paxil when I was 6 months pregnant. It made me emotionally numb. I kept taking it for about 3 years because the side effects of missing a dose were unbearable. I had to have the dose increased and eventually was on the highest dose, and Xanax was added. I gained weight, was always tired, had a decreased sex drive, and I couldn't cry when I needed to. I attempted to stop taking it 5 times before I was successful. I had horrible withdrawals for two months: sensitivity to light, nausea, a jolting sensation through my head and arms, and uncontrollable crying. It was worth it. I am now taking Zoloft and finally feel normal. I lost the weight I gained while I was on Paxil, and I cry when I need to."

• 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
• August 15, 2008

For Social Anxiety Disorder "It's completely allowed me to be myself around people and even post things like this on the internet. I started at 10 mg and was able to call people I knew and walk from my car to places without overwhelming stress. I still felt a little bit of anxiety, but now at 20 mg, my life is a world apart from where I used to be. When I began using paroxetine, I did have the nausea and increased sweating, which wasn't very pleasant, but believe me, it gets better and is worth it."

• Tin...
• February 21, 2021

Paroxetine for Panic Disorder "I started taking Paxil 5 years ago for panic attacks. It really works for me, I was going back to my normal life, no panic at all, very strong, and everything was great. After 5 years, when I decided to come off Paxil, I was taking it gradually from 20 mg to 0 within 2 months. Every withdrawal symptom came to me. I felt horrible, like it is the end of me, seriously (brain zaps, insomnia, nausea, super headache daily, drooping eyelid, blurry eyes). This drug ruined my life. Now it's been one year since I have stopped the drug, and I quit my work because of the long-term side effect that I have, especially daily headache, and it's very painful, not enough sleep. I would not recommend it to anyone, no matter what you have, stay away from this living nightmare. I prefer to have panic attacks than having these horrible side effects. Be careful, please."

• sly...
• March 10, 2012

Paroxetine for Anxiety "I've been on it for a few days now in an attempt to get off Zoloft. I've been diagnosed with depression and anxiety as a result of PMDD. Today I took a very low dose while tapering off Zoloft, and it's not pleasurable at all. I'm nauseous, extreme dry mouth, and severe anxiety. I work with the public and felt so jittery that I couldn't work. I am willing to tough it out with some support and compassion from my family, friends, and co-workers, but I don't like feeling like something is controlling my ability to function. I really hope it improves."

• Col...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 17, 2021

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "Of all the SSRIs/SNRIs I've tried (Zoloft, Effexor, Remeron, Celexa, lithium), and they all either didn't work or they made me feel different (not in a good way), or I had side effects. I finally tried Paxil after avoiding it because of the stigma and 'addiction' talk. From dose number one, I was 70% better at 10 mg. I went to 20 mg after 2 weeks and didn't have any nausea, insomnia, or any side effects in the beginning. I felt better and better by the day, but it was the only antidepressant that didn't make me feel like I was 'on' something. It made me feel normal. Started February 2012 on 10 mg and went to 20 mg. I went through a stressful year during the pandemic, so I was upped to 30 mg. 9 years, and it still is working great for me. It's Paxil or nothing for me."

• Ble...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 25, 2024

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’ve been on this medication for 5 years now, and it’s helped me so much. Started with 10 mg and got up to 40 within 3 months. Was also prescribed Klonopin at the same time to help with panic disorder, and increasing my dose of Paxil helped taper me off the Klonopin. This was the first anxiety medication I’ve ever tried, and I’m glad it helped immediately because I’ve heard of people trying multiple medications before finding one that worked. Some side effects I noticed when first starting the medication were nausea, headaches, and feeling tired all the time, but that wore off within 2 weeks to a month."

• Anonymous
• May 24, 2011

Paroxetine for Social Anxiety Disorder "I have been on Paxil for 10 years now. I maxed out on the dosage at 60 mg/day. It served me well and improved my anxiety symptoms. Having gotten married 2 months ago and anticipating getting pregnant, I began to wean myself off. I went from 60 mg/day to 40, then to 20, then 10, and now 5 mg/day. Each time I started to feel better and adjusted to the lower dose, I lowered it again. The withdrawals have been awful. I have been so sick for the last several weeks. Nauseous, dizzy, insomnia, 'zaps', no appetite, no energy. Now at 5 mg/day, I feel better. The withdrawals are now quite tolerable. My next step is 2.5 mg/day, then done."

• DPO...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2022

Paroxetine for Panic Disorder "I have had panic attacks and panic disorder for 2 years. I visited the doctor, and he gave me Paxil 25 mg. My first week was a nightmare, I had headaches, nausea, cramping, and heart palpitations. I was literally in another world. After one month, my symptoms started to subside, and my life was back up so I could go out of the house normally. Paxil + therapy session saved my life. I am waiting to get more benefits as time goes on. Don't be afraid, life is beautiful!"

• Anonymous
• January 11, 2012

Paroxetine for Anxiety "Paroxetine worked absolute wonders for me when I first started paroxetine 6 years ago. My mood elevated so high to the point of work colleagues questioning my 'nightclub activities.' The 'serotonin high' also made me aggressively confident and involved a few flashpoints, including a physical fight-my first in 15 years. While it worked, it was GREAT. However, it lost its efficacy suddenly a few months ago, and I was prescribed sertraline/Zoloft, which was a disaster. Headaches, nausea, and insomnia were my body's reaction to this medicine. Have now been put on citalopram and hoping this will be effective. My doctor suggested I may try paroxetine again if I don't respond to citalopram."

• Mrs...
• May 31, 2011

Paroxetine for Anxiety "I do great when on this medicine, but if I run out, I feel nauseated, my head feels like it's swimming, I feel mad and snap easily. So don't run or stop without your doctor's help. I see my doctor today, I can't wait."

• Gid...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 1, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "I started taking medication for anxiety (also mild depression and OCD) almost two months ago. In the beginning, I had some side effects like fatigue and nausea, but it went away within the week. I began to notice the effects quite early and even cried (with relief) in the shower because I'd started to sing along to music again. Although I still have off days every now and again, I would say that the drug has definitely improved my mental health and outlook on life. (18 years old, mental health issues for 4 years, ongoing therapy)"

• Tha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 11, 2018

For Depression "I was feeling very bad a month ago. I started to become a pessimist and had no motivation to do anything. It was terrible. I was feeling nauseated and very sad. All I wanted to do was sleep to not feel the depression symptoms. I was prescribed Paroxetine 10 mg and Alprazolam 0.5 mg, and after 2 weeks of treatment, I became more positive and started to gain motivation to do my things. This drug really helped me a lot. The terrible thoughts that used to ruin me are over now."

• Pin...
• July 30, 2017

Paroxetine for Anxiety and Stress "Taken off Escitalopram 10 mg, which I was on for years, and put onto Paroxetine 20 mg for generalized anxiety and sleep disorder. Experienced terrible side effects-dizziness and almost fainting, headache, tingling extremities, nausea, weight loss. I was feeling like a whole different person in general. But nothing was worse than the withdrawal effects. I basically felt like a walking dead person-all of the above plus severe flu-like symptoms-I literally couldn't leave bed for days. Took a couple of weeks to feel good again, but had to start taking Escitalopram again to get there."

• Ada...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2021

Paroxetine for Anxiety "It really helped me. I've been functioning with anxiety for a while, but it has always held me back from major life goals. I used to take Effexor, but it turned me into a zombie. Years later, I went on 20 mg of Paxil, and it's like I'm becoming a better person. I'm more outgoing, I have the energy to do things and pursue my passions. I actually enjoy going out and living life in general. I did have some side effects like nausea, upset stomach, and headaches, but it went away the first week."

• Con...
• November 25, 2016

For Hot Flashes "I was excited to try this medicine. Having 5 hot flashes a night that wake me up. Haven't had any R.E.M. sleep for a while. Not sleeping is affecting my exercise and work routine. The only time I don't get hot flashes is when I'm riding my mountain bike. Biking doesn't pay the bills. Took my dose before bed, in about 15 minutes my head felt different, like a rush of something, then clarity, I guess that was the serotonin release. I thought, oh boy, I'm gonna sleep. But not the case. Unfortunately, I must have opposite effects. I didn't sleep more than 2 hours all night. Had a clear head full of thoughts about stuff I need to do. Still had hot flashes, 4 during the night and more in the morning. And then the nausea in the morning also."

• 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."

• 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."

• Pau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 16, 2016

Paroxetine for Panic Disorder "I started Paxil to control anxiety. The first brand was Auribindo. It worked for about one month. I was using less Klonopin. Then, out of the blue, I had a panic attack that put me in the hospital overnight. Then I switched generic brands to Zydus. On my first dose, I thought I would die. It felt like I had overdosed. It happened within 10 minutes of taking that brand. It was only 15 mg. I have now received the Dylan brand and will take it in the morning. I say this for people who think Paxil may not work. You need to do a trial run on these no-good generics. I felt like I was dying, plus so nauseated on the Zydus brand. Hopefully, the Nylon will work. I am running out of brands to try."

• 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."

• jB_...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2023

Paroxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "Will not take this again ever. It made me feel like a zombie, dreary and horrible. I also had dizziness, nausea, and migraines. I stopped taking it but have had a depressive episode that is lingering for a long time. It is not a good medication."

• Sun...
• April 25, 2018

Paroxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "I tried this medication, and it had the most horrible side effects and all around worsened my condition. It caused a more severe depression and rageful episodes, which destroyed a wonderful relationship with my boyfriend. After taking it for less than a month, I could not breathe and fell unconscious and had a seizure. It was also prescribed for hot flashes, which didn't work either. In addition, it caused nausea and flu-like symptoms and 10 lb weight gain. I felt worse than ever, and it had a deleterious effect on my life. Horrible drug!"

• 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!"