Anyone had experience with taking Paxil?

Question

My doctor wrote me a prescription for it yesterday & I've heard bad things about it. I don't know if I should take it or not.

Answer 1

I can tell you my experience & opinions, but please make your own decision about taking it.
I'm taking Paxil right now for the 2nd time. I took it about 5 years ago and could really tell a big difference when I was on it. I had to stop taking it for insurance reasons. The withdrawals were difficult, but not unbearable. I fainted twice & was told that was normal!
I have seen things in the news about it. I saw one news article where a woman couldn't tolerate the withdrawals of getting off of it so she stayed on it & said she'd be on it for the rest of her life.
Having gone on and off of several different medications over the years I can tell you that for me personally I'd rather have a week of bad withdrawls (anything from violent vomiting to headaches so bad you feel like you should go to the emergency room) than live a life time on a medication that I don't want to take.
Different drugs affect people differently. Paxil may or may not be right for you. You should discuss any concerns about it with your doctor. He/she can tell you what to expect.

Answer 2

I took Paxil intermittently for a couple years and am now on Zoloft. Aside from the sexual side effects, and lack of creativity, I found the effects to be generally mild. I have talked to people who have experienced stomach upset, nausea, and irregular bowl movements. Every person reacts differently, of course, as with any drug. If you were prescribed it, it was prescribed for a reason and it is likely to help you through what ever distress that you may be experiencing. However, should you have any problems be sure to go see a doctor or psychiatrist as soon as possible.

The most important thing I learned from my experience with Paxil was (and this follows with any anti-depressant) do not go off the medication just cause "you feel fine" or "the side effects are too much" without first consulting a doctor or psychiatrist. If it is your firm intention to get off that particular medication, they will probably prescribe a gradually reducing dosage to reduce withdrawal effects, and may advise that you try a different medication.

Also, medication without counseling only helps fight half the battle.

Answer 3

The only bad effect I had was that it did not help my depression. I have known a couple of people who have taken it with good results. If you feel that you need an antidepressant, you can go ahead and take it and just watch very carefully for any bad reactions. Most of the real bad things I have read about Paxil has been when it is used in teen-agers. Teen-agers brains are not completely matured and anti-depressants should be used very carefully in teens.

Unfortunately there are side effects with many medications. I found that I was worse off with the depression and that if I found something to help the depression, then I could deal with side effects. I am taking Cymbalta and it seems to be working fine.

Good luck to you.

Answer 4

Yes...took it for almost a year...very hard to stop the drug because it can produce horrible withdrawal side effects...also, it sent me into the ER with a severe panic attack. Talk to a pharmacist about Paxil. Tell your doctor your concerns. Surf the web using the generic chemical name for it (which I forget it at the moment). But don't just not take it AND not talk with your prescribing doctor. Obviously, your doctor feels you need something.

Answer 5

This may seem strange because we are so conditioned in capitalist America to depend on pharmaceuticals, but most of these drugs are obsolete and unnecessary in China and the rest of Asia.

To prevent or heal from unbalanced emotions there, they will tweak a certain Organ or meridian with a mix of natural herbs or acupuncture and bring imbalances completely under control. Schizophrenia is about the only exception but Traditional Chinese Medicine has an good impact even on it.

For instance it's the Liver that is tied to depression and a TCM Dr, will get the Liver balanced in the direction it needs to go.

For anxiety they will target either the Heart or Kidney's, increase Yin and tone down an excess of stimulation. I used to struggle with anxiety, but now know how to keep my excess yang energies under complete control just by foods and herbs (no dependency on doctors either, other than when I need extra assistance from a acupuncturist)

The Chinese also look at anything they put into their bodies as a form of medicine. All foods have a drastic affect on our bodies and it's very helpful to know what food will produce what in the body.

I consider Western Psychiatric drugs next to worthless compared to the effectiveness of TCM herbs with the exception of anti psychotic ones (there the west excels). And you don't get side affects from bringing the body into balance, you get them by throwing the body out of balance with substances that are incorrect for your individual body

Answer 6

Yes, I took it for 3 years.

Upside:
I believe it worked. I saw a noticeable change in my thoughts, feelings, and relations. Negative thoughts were not the first that came to mind and overall I enjoyed life a lot more.

Downside:
It completely destroyed my libido. I had no interest in sex nor was I able to perform (if you know what I mean). This side effect is only in about 3% of men, lucky me. Also, when you decide to stop taking it, as I did, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions for weening yourself.

Good luck.

TB

Answer 7

Dear Ladybug,
I have taken paxil,but it had bad side effects for me,
I had tremors, chest pain, and my blood pressure went
210/110 the hosp, thought I was having a heart attack,
the DR. told me some people just can't take it.
I only took 1 pill a day for 3 days.
my best advice is try it,if you feel,like something is wrong,
call your DR asap. every person is different when it comes to taking meds. hope this helps

Answer 8

I had a bad reaction but everyone is different so give it a try. Your body can reject medication for up to 21 days. Past that, side effects should subside. It can take a month or a few months to notice any mood difference.
ive listed some links below

Answer 9

I have been on paxil (different doasages) for about 9 years. I love it - It has worked wonders for me and my social anxiety. There are down falls to it though - HORRIBLE withdrawel effects and a low sexual libido. Its worth it to me though b/c I remember what my life was like before I had it.

Answer 10

i took it for 2 years and im off it now , there are withdrawl symtoms but , u can contrl that by slowly coming off it . i guess it did give me alot of pep and stopped the crying , but at times it made me feel nervous and like i couldnt stop moving all day . i think it worked good for me , now i just take some ativan once in a while for panic attacks , and if i feel a little down ill have a margarita and a taco ! dont worry , place your faith in god , youll be ok .