Tomorrow I start taking Paxil and I want to know what it does to you?

Question

If someone has taken it did it helped? or did it make you worse? I've read about the side effects if you stop taking it and I'm horrified. and it's it true that it makes you gain weight? (not that it would be a bad thing for me cause i'm really skinny so that would make me happy lol), anyways could someone tell me more about this medication?

And my doctor gave me those pills cause I have panic attacks, anxiety, nervousness and apparently I have depression too.

Anyways thank you all for all your replies. I'm kind of scared cause I don't want to get worse with those pills, but hopefully it will help me. =]

Answer 1

I was put on Paxil before I got my diagnosis as bipolar. It doesn't work if you're bipolar rather than depressed, just like other antidepressants don't work when one is bipolar (I tried eight different antidepressants that resulted in an array of problems, even though I kept insisting to psychiatrists that they didn't work). I not only lost my sex drive (much to my partner's dismay), but I tried to kill myself approximately six weeks after going on it (and coming close to succeeding). Not trying to dampen your enthusiasm about finally getting help. Just trying to warn you about getting the wrong diagnosis. And I'm a skinny dude, so I didn't mind gaining weight, although I didn't.

Answer 2

My mother used to take Paxil with no problems. On occasion, she'd get a bit drowsy, but not bad. And it did help her.

I, however, cannot take Paxil. When I was first put on anti-depressants, the doctor prescribed Paxil. I only took it for four days. It's hard to put into words what happened to me. I couldn't think straight. Everything that happened around me was more surreal than real. It was almost like a bit of paranoia, but that's not the right word for what I felt. I couldn't focus on anything. I was completely freaking out. I remember when I got home (on the 4th day), my neighbors were out back chatting and sharing a beer and a smoke. One of them looked at me and quickly ran over to my car and took me by the arm to walk me to my front door, just to make sure I got home ok. Keep in mind, my parking spot is just behind the building. I only have to walk maybe 50 feet from my parking spot to my door. I honestly believe that if I stayed on Paxil for any longer, I would have become suicidal.

Each person reacts to different meds in different ways. My advice to you is to pay close attention to your moods and generally how you feel when starting a new anti-depressant. Also ask a friend or someone you trust that you see a lot to keep an eye on you. Sometimes your friends are the key to seeing that a medication isn't right for you.

Answer 3

I have taken Paxil. People are different and have different needs. I had anxiety issues. I was in my mid to late twenties. Although the Paxil did help me, I slept sooo much and that did not make me feel good. I was sleepy all the time. I would take naps during my lunch break at work. I took paxil for about a year and a half and never "got used" to the sleepiness. I had also tried other antidepressants previous to this and those made me sleepy too. I also felt groggy all the time. When I was ready to have a baby I decided I wanted to stop taking paxil. My doctor told me to cut the pills that I had in half. That was the worst thing I ever did to myself because the pills were controlled released and you are not supposed to cut them in half. I had what they call "electric shocks". It's like this shocking feeling inside your head and I was having withdrawls with this medication big time. For many months I had these electric shocks. It was absolutely miserable. If you do take Paxil and you do decide to quit...be very careful and stop in VERY small doses just as you would as you begin. On second hand.....just don't take this medication....it's just not right....it just doesn't make you feel right. I can honestly say and I don't know if it's because I am in my thirty two or what but I don't have the anxiety nearly as bad as I used too. And honestly I feel soooo much better now that I am not taking these medications anymore. If your situation is like mine where you have anxiety and it is making you feel depressed please consider self help books and psycologists instead of medication. I did not gain weight from taking Paxil. My best friend takes Efexor and is quite happy with it. I took efexor and Zoloft as well and I did gain a little weight with it, but your body adjusts itself. If you do decide to take this medication please remember not to skip a dose or you will be miserable and it is not good for you. Honestly I am so glad I am not taking antidepressants anymore......they made me feel better as far as socially but my body was tired, sleepy and I didn't have any energy.

Answer 4

My experience on Paxil. Where, do I start. I even argued with a nurse that it has terrible side affects. She insisted that it did not. Was she ever on Paxil, ummmmmmmmmm no. I was and for awhile. I can tell you what to expect. On it, you will experience the feeling of not being involved with society your just there, It may or may not settle your nerves. When trying to get off it? You will feel like yourself again and then the "BRAIN ZAPS" occur, thats what I call them. The feeling as tho someone just put two electrical units to your brain and you get zapped. White lights in the corner of the eyes. That occurs after the brain zap feeling. Weight gain was never a problem for me, every person is different. Not sure, why you were put on paxil to begin with, but I do suggest researching more if you have a disorder that was warranted the use of paxil. There are alternative ways of dealing with disorders other then medication. I suggest, researching them as well. Sometimes, a person just needs someone to listen to whats going on in their life, and doesn't need to be slapped on a pill.

Answer 5

I took Paxil for only seven months for minor situational depression.
I gained 15 pounds, and it eliminated all of my emotions except for anger - I became a very angry person.
When I tried to quit taking it, I got the worst withdrawal symptoms, even though I followed the withdrawal protocol to the letter.
I started feeling an incapacitating dizziness and vertigo, and electric shock feelings in my brain, accompanied by "zinging" sounds every time I moved my head or eyes.
I developed difficulty thinking, speaking, numbness of the face, and loss of coordination.
I developed weakness of my upper extremities, panic and anxiety attacks, and feelings of paranoia.
I had a constant feeling of unreality and a complete loss of appetite.
I got a huge, painful lump in my throat that felt like I'd swallowed a marble, which took weeks to resolve.
I didn't start feeling well for five months, and in the meantime was unable to work, and could barely function.
It was pure hell for me.
Luckily, I've completely recovered from the experience, which was like nothing that ever happened to me before.
There are probably people out there who do well on Paxil, but unfortunately I was not one of them.
I would never recommend it to anyone, due to the potentially disabling withdrawal symptoms.

Answer 6

Try this for a start. It is not right for everyone, but it's a start at controlling your moods.

Took this for a while and it seemed to help. Doc changed meds to Xanax after a month or two. Both have sexual side affects but they can be overcome.

While I like sex, I would rather be easier to get along with, with those I love. Both meds helped.

Ask your doctor to be honest with you about the side effects. Most would be honored!

IMHO - it's worth a try if you need the medication.

The Ol' Sasquatch Ü

Answer 7

Surely your physician who prescribed this med could have answered all those questions. The best source for info is the package insert. Did you read it?

Some meds work differently on people; for some it works with no side effects, other may have different kinds of effects, including weight gain.

Answer 8

I am so happy, it was only a 35 minute drive ( 70 minutes total) but absolutely no sign of anxiety or panic i shopped till I dropped - brilliant! I will now go for the next stage DUAL CARRIAGE way, probably at the weekend, with my husband accompanying me first then the solo drive, if successful the final stage of driving on motorway Beat Anxiety And Panic Attacks Naturally?

Answer 9

Maybe you should try Lexapro first. Its a newer SSRI and has fewer reported side effects than Paxil. I'm on Lexapro and I only felt a few side effects the first week of use and then they tapered off.

Answer 10

See the antidepressant (treats anxiety, too) websites, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris on page 2 (read 2 & 2a), & www.drugs.com I advise first trying the non psychopharmaceutical approach to treating depression, or anxiety (on page 6), especially if young. If they fail, (unlikely) you can start popping expensive pills, with unknown side effects, and potentially nasty withdrawals. It's your life: your decision!