I keep reading that paxil is the most potent antidepressant and has the worst side effects and a horrible withdrawal syndrome when you decide to come off. Is this true? What have your experiences been?
2006-10-11 17:12:29 · 8 answers · asked by boww 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Paxil helped me alot when I was depressed. I didn't experience any side effects unlike some of the others I tried. I didn't gain weight, it actually regulated my appetite. It stabilized my mood, my sleeping, my anxiety. I was on it 5 years ago and 7 years ago. Both periods I took it for about 5-6 months and when I stopped I didn't experience any withdrawal symptoms. That's just my experience. I have heard horror stories of side effects and withdrawals and I've heard of positive experiences with it. I guess everyone reacts differently. The one thing is DON'T DRINK WHILE ON IT. Even a couple drinks made me really loopy and wacko.
2006-10-11 23:23:50 · answer #1 · answered by DawnDavenport 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was on it - and it was fine. I didn't gain any weight, but a friend had some extra nervous reactions while on it. I did, eventually, choose to go off it - and you don't quit "cold turkey" you ease down.
What you need to do is be sure you have a really good relationship with your medical doctor as well as a therapist. You should journal so you can track if you are having problems. And you need to be honest with yourself throughout.
There are lots of advancements in anti-depressants - don't worry about finding one that other people say is good - you need one that is going to work for you!
My friend who had problems with Paxil found Wellbutrin worked perfectly for her. You may need to be willing to try several different things before you find what you need - Paxil what the third prescription for me.
Hang in there and remember, it's worth it if it makes you feel better!!
Best of luck!
2006-10-12 00:21:13 · answer #2 · answered by tigglys 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've taken a few different ones but not Paxil - do you exercise regularly? This will prevent any weight gain and naturally increase your mood. I no longer have to take any medication and have lost a lot of weight. I know it's hard, but you need to take responsibility for your health and do the things that will make you better, even if you think you are too tired, busy, etc.
2006-10-12 00:30:38 · answer #3 · answered by Krista S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love paxil so much I think it should be put in the public water supplies...made me happier than it is possible to imagine..no weight gain...go on it verrrrry slowly; this is what my doctor told me to do: half a pill every other day for a week or so...then half a pill a day for a week or so: then a whole pill every other day..then every day etc til you get to your dosage...go off the same way. I had no side effects at all...
2006-10-12 01:44:13 · answer #4 · answered by Mod M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
paxil does have some severe side effects and many of them show up when you are not taking them properly,miss doses,or are trying to come off them. the worst side effects that i know of personally were severe bouts of anger and violence.there have been some that have gained weight as well as heart trouble so be sure to have everything completely checked out before trying this medication.
2006-10-12 00:22:25 · answer #5 · answered by happi 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The worst side effect I experienced with Paxil was night tremors. Other than that, it was a great antidepressant for me for awhile, then my doctor switched me to Welbutrin.
2006-10-12 02:03:35 · answer #6 · answered by nite_raideress 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I took Paxil for about 5 years. The side effects were sexual dysfunction and mild weight gain. It didn't change my interest in sex, it just made it harder to have an orgasm. I gained about 5 lbs. I'm 5'4 and 125lbs right now. The weight gain wasn't substantial.
2006-10-12 00:26:05 · answer #7 · answered by Loon-A-TiK 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it's true I'm on it now,when off of it because i didn't have any drug coverage til Jan of this year and it was expensive, for me I love it when I'm on it its great does for me what the doctors and me want,but those withdrawal s ,Oh my goodness,i felt so much anger and rage ,i could have eat people ,jumpy,your body feels like its have little electric shocks that make you jump, when you walk the vibration of putting your feet on the floor feels like it makes your eyeballs bob up and down it their sockets,very sensitive to light and sound, only way i came off of them was with another drug call Lexapro..but you cant get it generic,paxil you can.so i switched back to Paxil.weight ,i didn't see any difference,but I'm also on wellbutrin and it will cause you to loose weight,and its also the same drug they us to help people stop smoking but under another name
2006-10-12 00:25:15 · answer #8 · answered by purpleaura1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋