DISCLAIMER: iGuard is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. iGuard cannot and does not take into consideration every possible interaction or account for individual responses to medicine. Different individuals may respond to medication in different ways. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have before making any changes to your treatment. The use of the iGuard site and its content is at your own risk. The iGuard site and the information contained in it is intended for users in the United States and information in other countries may be different.
Global Patient Feedback for Paxil (Paroxetine) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I began taking Paxil over 12 years ago, of the side effects mentioned none are experienced by myself. They had been prescribed initially for severe PMS. Before my cycle my mood swings were quite irratic. I actually don't notice it's start as of now, except for slight Diarrhia, cramps are absent. Happy overall with it's effects. I take the Paxil and Levothyroxine about 1 or 2 in the morning, to prevent the tired/sluggish feeling. That way the sleep seems more restful. Doctor had advised that was best, not while awake.
51 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-04-18 09:53:39
Question/Comment:
Thank you very much for your report I truly appreciated.
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-03-25 16:44:05
Question/Comment:
My Dr. put me on Paxil because it is supposed to help with the hot flashes that I have had for over two years. I guess the medication was helping some because now that I've weaned myself off it they are worse than ever. I don't really want to go back on Paxil but don't like dealing with these terrible "sweats".... Anyone else on Paxil for the same reason?
Female 59 yrs old
Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-03-20 21:27:55
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Although it is not FDA approved for this indictation, some doctors prescribe Paxil to treat hot flashes associated with menopause. Some patients report that hot flashes tend to start again as soon as the Paxil is discontinued. As you progress through menopause, your hot flashes should decrease in intensity and frequency. Talk with your doctor about your options and how long you are expected to need something to help with the hot flashes. If you are concerned about side effects from Paxil, you may be able to limit side effects by using the lowest dose possible that provides relief of your hot flash symptoms. Also, make sure you tell your doctor that you have stopped the Paxil. It is important not to make changes to your medication regimen without first telling your doctor.
Posted: 2010-04-03 00:11:54
Member Answer/Reply:
Honestly in my opinion, I would go to a new doctor as Paxil is strong medication for anxiety/depression and the sort... I was on Geodon before and my new doctor had a fit about that and took me off of it right away. We as patients need to be more aggressive when it comes to the medications doctors prescribe, we need to ask more questions about the perscriptions before getting them filled and taking them. I got lucky that I was taken off the geodon before I had complications from it as it was NOT a neccessary medication to put me on and the health risk was not worth it either.
34 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-04-28 16:46:50
Question/Comment:
i am taking 20mg of paxil and have noticed that my orgasms are not that pleasurable anymore and take a long time to happen and the sensitivity is not as it used to be. Anyone else have these symptoms >
56 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-03-14 18:39:19
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Sexual dysfunction is a side effect of Paxil. Up to 10% of both males and females taking Paxil experience a variety of sexual issues. This is a side effect with other drugs in this class as well. It is something you need to discuss with your physician at your next appointment so that you can decide if the benefits outweigh this side effect.
Posted: 2010-03-17 12:41:39
Member Answer/Reply:
after 10 yrs. of paxil (currently 20mg p/d, 70mg p/d at one time) I have experienced similar sexual dysfunction. orgasms not as 'satisfying' and there is the ED aspect. additionally, it takes an inordinate length of time to even reach that less than satisfying climax - if at all. my MD Rx'd viagra. I've yet to try it. 5 yrs ago I attempted to quit (gradually) paxil. I was able to reduce daily mg's to 2.5. that didn't work and I increased it to present dose.
53 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-04-17 12:30:48
Question/Comment:
I have been taking paxil cr, 12.5 dose for about 9 months. I really don't notice any side effects at all. Sometimes if I take it late at night, I will have trouble sleeping. I started taking it because I have PVC's or heart skips. They caused me to have a lot of anxiety worrying about them. The paxil has really been helpful for these. I don't even realize I have them as much as I did before. It takes the edge off. I seemed to be really hungry all the time at first, but now I've gotten better. I did put on 6 pounds, and haven't gained any weight in 12 years. I was eating a lot more though. I'm sure it was me and not the paxil. I have been very satisfied overall.
42 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-02-25 20:51:51
Question/Comment:
Is there any evidence that Paxil can lower testosterone levels? I recently decreased my dosage from 50 mg/day to 25 mg/day and while many negative side effects have eased up (apathy, lack of energy), I have also noticed more negative effects of high testosterone (weight gain, vivid dreams, hair thinning, hirsutism) similar to the effects of going off Spironolactone (an androgen blocker, after all). Does anyone have any suggestions of ways to ease these symptoms of elevated testosterone? I am currently taking 100 mg/day of Spiro and I may increase to 200 mg/day, but I am concerned that it may actually be contributing to my hair loss. I have considered trying 37.5 mg/day of Paxil, but the side effects of 50 mg/day seemed to outweigh the benefits, so it is a difficult decision to make.
Also, I was reading on here that one woman experienced lower leg pain after starting Paxil; I have experienced the same thing for quite some time now and I had never attributed it to the Paxil, but now I suspect the Paxil may be/have been a contributing factor. It seems that it started not long after increasing my Paxil to 50 mg/day and has subsided some upon lowering my dose to 25 mg/day. I have thought about trying other antidepressants but I really don't like the idea of experimenting with drugs that may have bad side effects and/or be less effective.
26 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-02-09 14:44:06
iGuard Answer/Reply:
There really is no evidence that Paxil can affect testosterone levels. There are no reports of spironolactone contributing to hair loss, but it can cause hirsutism. The pain caused by Paxil is usually a numbness or tingling, so if that is what the pain in your legs feels like, it could be the Paxil. The hair loss and the increase in testosterone levels could be from something entirely different than medication side effects. You need to make an appointment with your physician to discuss your symptoms and concerns.
Posted: 2010-02-14 11:05:23
Question/Comment:
I have been unable to loose weight. Is this a side effect of paroxitine?
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-01-29 20:02:52
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Paroxetine causes weight gain in 15% of iGuard patients. Because it is prone to causing weight gain, weight loss may become more difficult while taking paroxetine. Careful control of your calorie intake and regular exercise as approved by your physician may help stop any weight gain. Talk to your physician about your concerns regarding your weight. Another medication in this class may be less likely to interfere with your attempts at weight loss.
Posted: 2010-02-03 19:54:26
Question/Comment:
I have been on paroxetine for about two weeks having switched from Lexapro because it was cost prohibitive. I have been having extreme lower leg pains ever since. The pain seems to be muscular. When I asked my doctor about it, he just hemmed and hawed and blew me off. I would like to know if anyone else has had these problems. The severity is decreasing slightly now, so I am continuing, hoping that it will totally pass, any thoughts??? Thank you, Mrs Anderson 51 yr old
51 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-01-26 19:38:35
Member Answer/Reply:
My first thought was that you could be adjusting to the new medication. i.e. withdrawing from the Lexapro while beginning the paroxetine. it can take awhile. more than 2 weeks is not uncommon. also, i wouldn't put up with that behavior from my health care provider. i'd say, consider changing doctors. find one that respects your questions and concerns. unfortunately, exactly how these meds work, is still somewhat of a mystery. so the doctor might just be embarrassed at his lack of knowledge and afraid to admit that he "doesn't know."
52 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-01-28 19:16:55
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Paroxetine has been reported to cause muscle pain in 2 to 4 % of patients. This is a side effect of the medication. Side effects tend to decrease as you continue taking the medication. Paroxetine can take up to 6 weeks for you to feel the positive effects, and at the same time it can take up to 6 weeks for the side effects to decrease as well.
Posted: 2010-01-31 15:28:46
Question/Comment:
I have been on and off paroxatine (generic) for the past six years, and have been off of it for about a year and a half. I had a severe panic attack last week, and have had mild-severe anxiety issues since. Went to so my doctor and he put me on pexeva...I took a 20 mg dose before bed last night, went to bed about 4 hours after taking it and woke up 2 hours later having a anxiety attack, this is normal in some case's correct??
26 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-01-26 17:50:09
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Pexeva contains paroxetine, the same ingredient as Paxil. However, the paroxetine in Pexeva is in a different chemical salt structure and is not exactly identical to Paxil. It takes some time for the drug levels to build up in your system. Pexeva takes at least a week to notice some effects, sometimes up to six weeks. The first effects people feel are usually side effects of the medication. As the body becomes accustomed to the medication, the side effects go away and the positive effects of the medication take hold. Talk to your doctor about prescribing a medication used for anxiety in the meantime, such as Ativan or Valium. These medications have an immediate effect and work well being taken on a short-term, as needed basis.
Posted: 2010-01-31 15:02:34
Question/Comment:
I have been on and off paxil (generic) for the past six years, I have made the mistake of stopping taking paxil. I stopped because some days I wouldn't feel myself and i wasn't having any anxiety issues. Wich I now know is the result of the paxil. So I had a relapse about a week ago with a severe panic attack, and now just started pexeva instead of the generic paxil. I always forget how you feel when you first start taking the drug, but it does work and I have to remember that to push through...
26 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-01-26 12:22:23
Question/Comment:
I've been on Paxil for 2yrs now for panic attacks & anxiety. It has controlled the panic attacks completely & my anxiety is alot less. I'm stll anxious, but can handle it. The way I'm living now. I do get memory lapses, but I did have brain surgery for seizure disorder, and I was told that would cause problems with my memory. It's nothing I cannot deal with. I feel better on the medication than without it.
60 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-01-23 10:50:10
Question/Comment:
I find that since on Paxil about a year. I suffer from memeory loss have trouuble rememebering things and forget names right after they are told t ome is that a side effect? also i have vivid weird dreams sometimes and groogy in the morning
50 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-01-18 19:06:01
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Confusion is a side effect of Paxil. Hallucinations and grogginess are also reported side effects. If these side effects are affecting your daily life, you need to make an appointment with your physician to discuss the benefits of the medication versus these risks.
Posted: 2010-01-18 23:53:18
Question/Comment:
My doctor suggested I go on Paxil for anxiety but I'm worried about being on this or any SSRI while on Zomig (migraine med). Is there anyone out there either on both meds or getting relief from their migraines by taking paxil?
46 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-01-12 12:51:18
iGuard Answer/Reply:
There is a possibility that controlling your anxiety may lessen the frequency of your migraines and therefore reduce or eliminate your need to take the Zomig. There is a risk and a major potential drug interaction between the Zomig and the Paxil if taken together. Both of these medicines increase the amount of serotonin in the brain and can cause a rare but serious reaction called serotonin syndrome. However, because Zomig is taken as needed for migraines, the risk of serotonin syndrome while on these two medicines is low. Using the lowest dose of Paxil and Zomig that improves your conditions/symptoms can further reduce your risk of serotonin syndrome. Although serotonin syndrome is a rare condition, you should be aware of the symptoms and seek medical attention immediately if any of them occur - symptoms of serotonin syndrome include agitation or restlessness, confusion, rapid heart rate, dilated pupils, loss of muscle coordination or twitching muscles, heavy sweating, diarrhea, headache, shivering, and goose bumps.
Many patients take this combination of medicines without experiencing serious side effects. If you are still concerned about the interaction, you should follow up with your treating doctor to discuss your concerns and review the risk versus benefit of starting Paxil therapy if you are continuing with the Zomig.
Posted: 2010-01-12 22:54:47
Question/Comment:
I like Paxil. Been on it for 10 years. I had bad side effects with Zoloft. It's like Blood pressure meds. You just have to find one that works for you. Paxil helps my anxiety a great deal. I have weight gain from it but that's ok. I rather have that than debilitating anxiety attacks.
44 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-01-11 11:08:35
Question/Comment:
This medicine made me have extreme grogginess and I couldn't hold my eyes open during class. It was terrible.
21 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-12-30 20:20:41
Question/Comment:
I am an 80 year old female on 40mg Paroxetine daily. It's the only drug on my list that mentions hair loss and I'm losing it big time. It works OK for my depression though. Should I reduce my dosage slightly to help with my hair loss ??
81 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-12-28 15:55:54
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Less than 1% of iGuard patients report hair loss with paroxetine. However, it is not a side effect that is listed in the manufacturer's product labeling. It would be best to make an appointment to discuss your hair loss with your physician. You should not make any dose changes without your physician's knowledge and consent. Changing your dose of paroxetine without your physician's knowledge can affect you in other ways. Doses need to be adjust gradually.
Posted: 2009-12-31 00:47:11
Question/Comment:
i buy paxil cheap on doctor-america dot com
my advice
45 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-10-21 20:14:41
Question/Comment:
This med is awful. I felt like I was numb, my mind was foggy, my body tingled, It just was terrible.
44 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-10-11 15:17:07
Question/Comment:
My advice: if you're going to stop taking Paxil, go off very, very gradually. Because when I stopped, it must have been too suddenly, because I had terrible effects of that. I kept vomiting, couldn't eat or drink anything, became very dehydrated and dizzy. Went to the emergency room, but when they tried to put an IV in my arms, my veins would collapse, because of the dehydration. So they had to put the IV in my foot, and that was so painful! It was such a terrible experience, I will never forget it! I was scared to go back on any antidepressant after that. Finally, after 10 years, I felt ready to try another one, so I tried Wellbutrin, but that gave me nausea right away, so I stopped. Now I'm on Zoloft - 50 mg. once a day. No side effects, but I'm not sure if it's helping my depression or not. Depression is more my problem than anxiety. I'm hoping this info can help someone, then I feel I didn't go through it for nothing.
50 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-25 20:48:39
Question/Comment:
I have been on Paxil now Paroxetine for almost 10 years. Any problem with long term use? Does it lose effectiveness where I would need more than the 20mg I have always taken?
54 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-24 21:46:50
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Drugs like Paxil do not usually lose effectiveness. Sometimes patients require a dose change due to changes in symptoms or perhaps a life event. Paxil is widely prescribed and generally well tolerated. Since Paxil is a relatively new drug, there are not a lot of long term studies, but drugs are constantly monitored, and adverse reactions are constantly reported. iGuard monitors the medical literature for these types of studies and will email a safety alert when new information is published.
Posted: 2009-09-27 21:49:05
Question/Comment:
I've been dealing with anxiety for over a decade now and on Paxil for over 5 years. Lately it seems my anxiety has been a lot worse. I see two possibilities. 1. I'm still depressed over my Grandpa's death 2 months ago and the anxiety slowly built up until now and is very strong. or 2. With the new Paroxetine CR generic for Paxil CR the generic may not be as effective. I tend to buy generics of all medicines because they still contain the active ingrediate and are usually are as effective. I was wondering if anyone else is experiencing an increase of anxiety after a change from the brand name to the generic?
26 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-18 14:31:06
Member Answer/Reply:
I had been taking 20 mg of Paxil for about 5 years with no break throughs. I switched to generic Paxil and about 5 weeks later, I had the worst panic/anxiety attack that I had ever had. I was taken by ambulance to the hospital - $ 2000 and 9 hours later I was told it must be a panic attack. I switched back to Paxil (this time 25mg Paxil CR) and haven't had any problems - that was three years ago. My insurance company and pharmacist want me to go back on generic, but I refuse. That was a horrible and frightening experience!
61 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-24 00:54:16
Member Answer/Reply:
Both. Some generics are not metabolized as well as the original and it's different with each patient. Doctors will tell you it's all the same, but patients will tell you differently.
Of course your recent loss will affect you terribly and cause more anxiety. Give yourself a break. There is no pill for greif. Just time and prayer. Everyone goes through this and it takes about a year to fulfill the greif cycle, so there's no fast track. Greif counseling is a great way to relieve the anxiety and paid and I would highly recommend it. It really, really helps you cope with all that comes with that type of loss.
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-10-12 23:57:03
Question/Comment:
For the last comment of the person who is on Seroquel, I strongly encourage you to find something else to take. I took Seroqel for a few months because my md prescribed it and of course because he had it in samples and I did not have insurance at the time. I believe Seroqel is very toxic and caused me to have a nervous breakdown and I think if I had never taken it I would be a lot better off now. I think it caused me to have long term effects with depression and anxiety that I didn't have before.
27 year old – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-18 13:51:01
Question/Comment:
Hi. My Dr. recently put me on Paroxetine. I have been on it for 2 days now. I find that it is very hard to stay awake and to fall asleep. I am also worried about gaining too much weight. I'm only 103 lbs and I would like to gain at least 10 - 15 lbs just to be healthier. I don't want to gain so much weight that it gives me even more anxiety than I already have. I also CANNOT afford to lose anymore weight either. What did everyone notice when they first started taking this medication?
How long to the side effects last? Will I eventually be able to sleep normally?
28 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-27 18:32:34
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been on Paroxetine for probably two years now. I still have a hard time going to sleep at times and a hard time staying awake at others. But I notice right away if I do not take my pill. If I don't take the pill the anxiety/depression return right away. I never noticed a lot of weight gain, but I had never thought of it either. You only weigh 103 pounds, what are you worried about? Take the pill.
48 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-28 19:32:51
Member Answer/Reply:
Hi there,
I have been on it for years.When I first started taking it, after the third day I felt like I was alive for the first time in my life. That is fast compared to what the literature says it will take. That is usually 3-6 weeks. I have not had any real problems with weight gain. The sleep effects should go away after a few weeks. If they do not,talk to your doctor. 12.5 mg is a small does, but the starter dose. It might have to be increased after a period of time. I am on 40 mg a day. I too have anxiety issues,so I know how you feel.
Good luck
46 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-30 15:26:21
Member Answer/Reply:
Thank you. It is nice to have someone who is supportive. I have been feeling very alone in the time have been so anxious. All the physical symptoms and mental strain this has caused has been really hard. It is nice to know I am not alone. God bless!
28 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-01 20:34:54
Member Answer/Reply:
I have to agree with that. Some days I just want to lay in bed and cry instead of face the day. Visiting a friend can take everything I have just to get out the door. I don't understand why I'm so scared that I literally get sick. My family doesn't understand. Living on my own is really getting to me - going home to no one is hard. Even when I'm surrounded by people I feel cut off and alone. I've hit a down time right now that's making hard to see a future where I'm happy - finding a guy to care about me and put up with my 'moods' is both a craving and a fear. I want someone to lean on and that same time I know my family doesn't understand and that it makes them uncomfortable to see me upset. It's a small comfort to know that there are others facing the same battles I face every day.
26 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-18 14:39:22
Question/Comment:
I was recently taken off of Zoloft and put on Paroxetine (12.5 mg) I was wondering how long it takes to see an improvement? I have been on it only 2 days now, but I was wondering how long it takes to feel better. I have also been feeling very tired but it's hard to fall asleep but I do eventually go to sleep. I find being able to wake up very difficult as well. I am only 103 lbs. and I wouldn't mind putting on a few extra pounds, but I don't want to become obese either. I want to have a healthy weight. I don't want to lose anymore either. I want to be happy again and not have the unbearable symptoms of anxiety. I don't want to have worryabout weight loss/gain or too many bad side effects. I'm going through enough right now.
28 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-27 18:19:20
You may post comments for the benefit of other patients or post questions other patients might be able to answer. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Only your age and gender will be published with your comment, although your other user details will be securely recorded for verification purposes.
Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard user may post questions and reply.