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Global Patient Feedback for Paxil (Paroxetine) ( Post a comment )
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?
27 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-27 18:32:34
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
Posted: 2009-08-28 19:32:51
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
45 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-30 15:26:21
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!
27 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-01 20:34:54
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
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.
27 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-27 18:19:20
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Paroxetine for couple of years now, but I am now having trouble with my feet. They both feel like the circulation is really bad and they feel like their asleep and numb all the time. I also keep getting streaks of pain in the top, side and toes. If anyone has a simular problem, they can replay or email me at khaney46@yahoo.com
Thank You Ken Haney
49 year old Male
Posted: 2009-07-26 11:21:48
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
No iGuard patients report pain or decreased circulation with paroxetine. Paroxetine can cause parathesia, or numbness or tingling in the body, especially the feet, arms, or extremities in a very small percentage of patients. Side effects tend to occur at the beginning of therapy and decrease with time with medications such as paroxetine. It would be best to make an appointment with your physician for a full physical to rule out other causes and discuss the symptoms you are having.
Posted: 2009-08-01 18:04:02
Answer/Reply:
Hi Ken are you a Diabetic? I had the same problem but is was caused from my Diabetes. May want to get that checked out. I have had no problems with my Paroxetine and I have been on it for 6 yrs. Hope you find out before anything gets any worse
Take Care
Teresa
43 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-18 20:06:36
Answer/Reply:
Hi Ken... I've been on paroxetine for about 10 years and I've never had that problem... Have you seen your reg doc about it? What kind of job do you have? On your feet alot?
38 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-19 15:23:02
Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Paxil for 10 years an thank God my doctor found something that works so well on me.I suffer from several medical problems and paxil has made life good again. From a 52 year old man.
52 year old Male
Posted: 2009-08-19 21:10:27
Answer/Reply:
I've taken paxel (low dose) for over 15 years. I have not had any problems as you described with it. I do have back pain but it is not related to the paxel.
62 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-22 07:49:04
Question/Comment:
My doctor recently put me on 30mg of Mirtazapin to help get me off Paroxetine (Paxil) I was on 15mg and have weened myself down to 2.5mg's of Paroxetine in about 2 weeks and hope to be off Paroxetine for good by next week. The only withdrawl that I have noticed so far is I'm a little tired (could be the Mirtazapine) and a little more aggitated. Anynone ever been perscribed Mirtazapin to help them get off of Paroxetine?
43 year old Male
Posted: 2009-07-03 13:39:59
Question/Comment:
my dr recently gave me paxil with abilify...he suggested i can continue with seroquel if needed. what may be come side effects
18 year old Male
Posted: 2009-06-20 14:22:45
Question/Comment:
Three days ago my Foreign doctor, cuz I live in Asia, told me to switch from taking the 20mg of Paxil before bed, to take it in the morning instead. Taking it before bed helped me fall asleep quickly, however after a few hours I woke up repeatedly thinking it was morning. My Doctor suggested try taking try taking it in the morning first, before changing medicine or adding a Remeron as sleeping aid.
Anyways, for the past three days it feels as if all the progress I made during the six weeks, has gone and the more peaceful mindset I experienced, aside from insomnia, is gone too. Quite frankly, my sleep (if you can call it that) as gotten worse and I now feel tired, frusterated, short tempered, and jittery throughout the day. My dreams also are very strange and numerous. Mind you it's only been 3 days so far. So maybe that's expected?
To me in doesn't make sense, the Paxil has been in my blood system for close to 6 weeks, so why should it make a difference, if at all, as to how I feel just because I've changed the time of day in which I swallow the pill? The intensity in the blood stream should be stabilized after 6 weeks no matter when I take it, no?
I took 1mg of XANAX before bed the other day, and after I awoke 9 hours later I felt like a cement truck hit me head on. I much prefer the 2mg of clonazapam over the 1mg of Xanax. But I was worried about a Clonazapam addiction since I've been taking it on and off over the past 3 weeks due to Paxil increase and decreases. Talk about a Yo-Yo adventure!
Is this expected when changing the dosage time form night to day all of a sudden? Is it normal to feel "abnormal" for a while? My Doctor gave me no advance warning as to what to expect with reards to changing dosage times. He just said "Give it a try for a week, and then let me know how you feel."
What do you think? Will this crappy feeling get better with time, and if so, how much more time?.
Is Paxil best taken in the morning or evening? As I said, after 6 weeks taking it in the evening I woke up every few hours to go to the bathroom. Would that sideeffect decrease over time had I been more patient?
Thanks you in advance as I've asked a lot of questions. I don't know what I'd do without your help as my Doctor and I have some commutations and cultural challenges to overcome yet
37 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-17 03:18:14
Answer/Reply:
If you switched your Paxil from evenings to morning ie: took your paxil at 6p or later and then again took Paxil in the morning, you may have experienced a spike in blood levels followed by a drop. It could create adverse symptoms. What is normal for you or abnormal for you may not be the same for someone else. I too take Paxil and have goofed up my schedule multiple times in the last 4 years (going from evening to morning and vice versa trying to find a time when I would consistently remember it) I also experienced wierd symptoms. After having been on it for 4 years, simply missing a dose causes symptoms with me of "head rushes" and feeling odd and anxious. My diagnosis is panic disorder. I am an RN and have patients explain to me multiple symptoms, many being unique to that person and some being common. I would say to pick a time, stick to it for another 3 to 4 weeks and if you are still having problems return to your Dr. and explain in detail what is going on.
53 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-20 22:08:55
Answer/Reply:
Paxil causes sleep disturbances. When I first took it, I could not stay awake. Now that it's in my system, I can't fall asleep or stay asleep. Changing the time of the dosage should not have any effect on how you feel except maybe for a few days because the medicine isn't staying at a constant level in your system. It is very important to take it at the same time every day so the level is consistent and maybe changing the time of the dose caused you to wait longer to take the dose since you were switching from evening to morning. Paxil is very fast acting and , in turn, it leaves the system quickly as well. After about a week of the new dose time you should feel fine. If not, discuss that with your doctor since the dosage may need to increase.
42 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-21 16:03:37
Answer/Reply:
I am 63 and have taken paxil for at least 20 years mainly for anxiety and some depression. I was told when I was given it that it was not habit forming!!! I have since found out about 10 years ago that it was not totally true. It's not addicting as far as you need to take it it's just that trying to come off Paxil is pretty much impossible when you've been on a long time. I just wanted to say that up front. Now, knowing that didn't make much of a difference because Paxil has and continues to help me so much that I wouldn't consider stopping it anyway!!! I've gained weight but can't blame Paxil entirely for that as I know portion control has been a problem for me as well as sweets. I was able to deal with a cancer diagnosis of my late husband and a 9 year battle with him with the normal fears, tears and stress, but coped through it all where as without the Paxil I don't think that would have been the case. I'd rather be fat and mentally sane then the other way around!!!
65 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-23 17:34:41
Answer/Reply:
Just wanted to say I totally know what your saying ! I have been on it for many many years as well - and when trying to come off of it -- I would litterly shake (hands and inside) and so edgy and wanted to just simply bust out of myself feeling ! So needless to say - I am still taking it ! I am up every 2 hours at night - sometimes I just stay up - so tired of lack of sleep ! And I have tried both night and then switched it to mornings --- both effect me (night - cant sellp and day edgy and headaches and weirding out too much) ! Just wanted you to know you are not alone !
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-31 12:20:11
Answer/Reply:
It should not matter I don't think what time of day you should take it. I have been on paxil 8 years and love it. I suffer from severe anxiety/panic disorder. I know if I accidentally skip a dose I get a little loopy.
43 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-26 15:43:56
Answer/Reply:
Whether or not you take it during the day or at night tends to depend on whether your symptoms are worse during the day or at night. However, many people have trouble sleeping, if you take it right before bed, esspecially if it's normal Paxil and not Paxil CR. As far as I've seen, it doesn't seem to be recommended to take normal Paxil before bed, only Paxil CR.
If it's Paxil CR, I would not expect a difference in reaction depending on when you take it. If it's normal Paxil, then I would expect you to feel different for a little bit.
22 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-30 09:49:02
Answer/Reply:
I, too, had to find the time of day that worked best for me. When I took my Paxil in the morning, I felt too sluggish (mentally and physically). Now, I take it around noon daily; that seems to work best for me.
Not that I recommend this to anyone else, but I also had to experiment with dosage. I found that 10 mg. was not enough, but 30 mg. was way too strong. As the pill is standardized, I cut in half the 30 mg. pill; now I take 15 mg. daily at noon.
And, as you seem to have communication problems with your doctor's office, please let me recommend that you do your online research PRIOR TO STOPPING PAXIL. You may already know this, but one has to taper off gradually. Don't just stop taking it cold turkey; your body will NOT react favorably. Just do your research. You have to be your own medical advocate these days.
Best wishes for finding what works best for you.
Female on Paxil
59 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-08 11:49:12
Answer/Reply:
Hi! I have been taking Paxil for many many years and frankly it was a life saver. I also took Xanax prior to finding Paxil and the symptoms you are experiencing sound like side effects from the Xanax or possibly the other medication. Maybe try just taking Paxil. You will probably not know the true effect of the Paxil until your body flushes out the other medications entirely. Good luck!
57 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-10 10:02:05
Answer/Reply:
have you tried to take only 10mg in the morning and 10 mg's at night. I have been on Paxil for a long time the only time I had problms was when i needed my dose uped. i take 20 mg in the morning and 20 at night before bed I have not had any problems. But when I was on other antidepressents I had some of these similar effects. The dr said that it was the meds, were not for me, and then put me on paxil and it went away.
31 yr old female
31 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-10 17:15:24
Answer/Reply:
I take Paxil in the morning to help me get up and go after taking something at night to help me sleep for my depression. From my understanding a drug effects every person differently. I would say that the Paxil is giving you that extra energy. Since you are taking the med at a different time of day it affects what it is doing to your body as it dissolves, regardless of the 6 weeks, otherwise my "night-time" drug would no longer work and I have taken it for 13 years now. Maybe you should just take half a pill so your body has time to adjust. I don't know what to tell you about the night problem. I had trouble sleeping and would wake up like you say before I took a "night-time" drug, but that was before I started the Paxil as well. Hope this helps.
35 year old Male
Posted: 2009-06-13 21:03:37
Answer/Reply:
When I was first started on Paxil, I was directed to take it at bedtime. This just didn't work well for me. I had very vivid dreams ans would awake feeling as if I hadn't slept much at all. My doctor then changed my dosage to taking it in the morning and it made a world of difference. The grogginess went away and the bad dreams did as well. I take 40 mg's for panice disorder/anxiety and other than weight gain, it works well for me. It does make a diffrence what time you take it, believe me.
59 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-07 11:52:02
Question/Comment:
I have a question.
My doctor wants to try Pexeva for me, as nothing else I've tried either helps my symptoms (major depression, anxiety and OCD), or I can't handle the side effects.
I'm concerned, though, because I've read all over the internet, and my doctor herself says that Paxil commonly causes weight gain. She says Pexeva, in her experience with her patients, does not. How can that be, since it's the same thing??
I just don't know if I trust what my doctor says about medications because she told me that Prozac is 'weight-neutral' (when she wanted me to take it - had bad side effects from it so went off 2 months ago) and she gives it to her anorexic patients, but then this last time she said Prozac makes people lose weight (so why would they give it to her anorexic patients???)....
Anyway, I have SEVERE depression, anxiety and OCD and need to be on something ASAP but am just scared that I'm gonna gain major weight on Pexeva. Any experience/advice you guys can offer? Thanks!
39 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-28 11:06:13
Answer/Reply:
I have taken Paxil CR for 5 years and have had NO problems with weight gain. Try it!
68 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-15 13:54:16
Answer/Reply:
I have been on Paxil for a number of years with no side effects except I have gained alot of weight.. My MD informed me that it is called"pack it on Paxil" because of weight gain and that I should try Zolof. I am afraid to switch. Do you know anything about Zolof?
63 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-16 01:59:56
Answer/Reply:
I guess that everybodys chemistry makeup is diffrent, but all I can say is that I made that switch years ago from paxil to Zolof and fell in the kitchen floor and had a seizure. That was scarey, thank goodness my husband was at home at the time and not at work. He had to call 911 and I ended up in the hosp. for 3 days, with a battery of test, it was bad. I never in my life had a seizure before. All I know is that while I was addmitted and released they gave me 25mg of Paxil CR . Yup and I've been on it since 2000, it helps and I don't think I can really ever get off of it. I've tried since once to lower the dosage and had very strange side effects, a Zit, Zit noise that I hear Drs. think I am nuts or somthing , But i've read on other websites of people experiencing the same thing. So yeah I guess i'll be on it forever.
50 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-01 14:09:35
Answer/Reply:
I've been on Paxil for 5 years. Weight is the same
39 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-16 19:02:08
Answer/Reply:
I LOVE BEING ON PAXIL AND WOULD NEVER WANT TO GO OFF IT. PAXIL KEEPS ME ON A NICE EVEN MOOD THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME. I DON"T HAVE HARDLY ANY MOOD SWINGS ANY MORE. I DID GAIN SOME WEIGHT BUT NOT RIGHT AWAY. YOU JUST HAVE TO LAY OFF THE JUNK FOOD. IVE BEEN ON PAXIL FOR OVER 12 YEARS!
50 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-16 23:32:42
Answer/Reply:
I take Paxil.. but i just have mild anxiety.. You might want to try it in a larger dose or try Zoloft.
46 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-17 00:26:54
Answer/Reply:
I'm a long time user of Paxil
The little bit of weight gain I've experienced is no big deal. If you try to stay in shape & work out at the gym you will not see any weight gain. Paxil far out weights the other medicines.
47 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-18 00:01:18
Answer/Reply:
I am a 27 year old woman. I am currently on Paxil, 30 mg. I have been on this for 2.5 years. I was put on it for postparum depression. After a year, my doctor tried to lower my dose and get me off of it. Come to find out, that didn't work. Now they say I have depression, which is true. When I was put on Paxil, I was around 220lbs. Now, I am @ 245. I have been watching what I eat, exercising, but I still gain weight or stay the same. Another side effect of the medicine is sleep problems, middle of the night eatting. I have only sleep a straight 8 hours maybe 5 times in the almost 3 years I have been on the medication. I have tried many different sleep aids (percription) and they help...fall asleep. but after 3 hours I am up and eatting. I will then go to sleep and will sleep for maybe on a good night for another hour, then I am up again. This cycle goes over and over until it's time to get ready for work. Although the medicine has messed up my sleeping and eatting habits, I praise God for the medicine. I was in a very bad place for 3 months before I was put on paxil. I tried Lexipo too and it did nothing for me. After the trial period with Lexpo my doctor put me on a trial paxil period. In a few days I felt so much better, that I was able to go most of the day without crying. After the two week trial period, I was a new person. Don't get me wrong...I still have bad days, but as time goes on, those bad days get better. The longer you are on paxil the harder it is to get off of it, but the way I look at it, is it was the best thing and has helped me return to myself. Good luck!
26 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-18 16:37:22
Answer/Reply:
im not a doctor, but it doesnt make since why would you give it to them, and theres no true answer if it causes weight gain or not.
but I would like to ask, what do you want gain weight and help your problem or make your problem worse and worry about being skinny? i have anxiety also, but if your anxiety gets so bad, it makes me fearful at night and i would rather the medication help me keep calm and not worry so bad. i know how you feel.
i hope you feel better, take care of yourself.
36 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-19 16:39:02
Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Paxil CR for many years, probably at least 15 years for depression and anxiety. I also take Trazadone at night and with the combination of both, I sleep very well, although I have silly dreams but it is worth it to get a good night's sleep. I did not gain any weight from either of these drugs. I have also tried Prozac which did not work as well for me.
Female - age 74
75 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-25 17:54:21
Answer/Reply:
Hi I am also 38 and started taking Pexeva in 2007. I have GAD and extreme fear, panic. The Pexeva made all of that stop. I have gained a little weight but I feel it was me allowing the weight gain to happen, not the medication. My advice is this.... You can control your weight and you might need to work harder at keeping it off or you can deal with the major depression and anxiety that you have. All of that stress left untreated will end up effecting your health majorly. I honestly dont want to seem mean but I would deal with weight gan in a heartbeat rather than living like I did with the constant anxiety, panic, fear and depression.
39 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-20 15:55:31
Answer/Reply:
I've been on Paxil for over 10 years and have had no side effects. I'd recommend trying it. If it doesn't work or you get side effects, there are a lot of other anti-depressants you can try. I believe it also helps with anxiety and as your doctor says, OCD. Good Luck,
Barb
50 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-21 13:55:17
Answer/Reply:
I've been on paxil for years and it has not caused weight gain for me. I believe that it depends on the person as much as the medicine whether that will effect you. I had a problem at one time with Paxil causing strange dreams, nightmares even and facial tics but my blood pressure was increased by the paxil. My blood pressure is now under control and the strange dreams and tics have dissappeared. I think Paxil is a miracle drug, but once again, it depends on the person. I took zoloft and I couldn't stand it(suicidal thoughts) and I took Prozac and after the intial problems, it did great for me but it messed up my vision. I'm back on Paxil without the dreams or tics and it is working well for me. Any of that type of medication will cause distressing side effects until it's in your system but Paxil is one of the faster acting ones so less time for side effects:).
42 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-21 16:11:16
Question/Comment:
Since I have started paxil cr I don't want to eat. I feel full all the time. I have been only on it for 1 week but it seams to have stared within 24 hours of starting it. Is this going to be like this or will it just take time for my body to get use to it??
25 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-16 19:04:28
Answer/Reply:
Wish it would do that for me. I haven't noticed any changes with taking Paxil.
65 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-29 16:30:40
Answer/Reply:
I have been taking 10 mg of Paxil for a long time and never noticed any change in my appetite. In the beginning, I took 20 mg and had nausea, so I cut it in half and took 10 and that made me feel better. Perhaps she is taking too large a dose. At any rate, she should speak to her doctor.
75 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-16 10:55:24
Answer/Reply:
Better if you speak to your Doctor.
Paxil makes me eat more infact I gained weight :(
31 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-03 17:09:35
Answer/Reply:
When I first started taking Paxil I was not hungry at all but I have been on Paxil since 2005 and it does not effect me that way anymore.I lost that side effect as soon as my body got use to it...which was not very long.So hang in there friend.Sincerely,Terri
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-16 08:25:27
Question/Comment:
I am on 10 mg of paxil a day. I think it's paxil hdl not cr. Is it time I can just go off it completely since it is so low an amount?
60 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-05 15:48:53
Answer/Reply:
Everyone has a different brain chemistry so no 2 people are going to get the same result from taking or quitting any of these drugs.
I have been off and on PaxilCR a couple of times. I have never noticed any withdrawal, or for that matter, any improvement in my well being while using them.
I take 2 a day, one in the morning and one at night.
I also take,3 klonopin, 1 wellbutrin xl; 1 cymbalta, and one seroquel.
When I don't take the wellbutrin, I cry all of the time and I'm just so heavy hearted
and unable to function at all.
The klonopin also really works for phobias and panic.
I take seroquel for sleep, and I get the side effect that someone described as paxil withdrawal WHILE taking these, but I just can't fall asleep without them.
I have never felt any side effects, withdrawal or even help from the SSRIs, but I'm told to take them so I do.
I gained tons with the seroquel, but a person has to sleep.
I just wanted to make the point that every feels differently while taking any of these medications. I get a lot of flak for taking so many, but without them I just don't function at all. I just stay in bed all day, overeat, hate to get dressed, play with the computer and make about half of my different doctor appointments.
I am just starting radiation treatments for my breast cancer and I know that something in that pharmaceutical cocktail kept me from getting hysterical over having cancer. So I DO believe in the stress factor for illness and recovery... and strength of immune system.
I'm having a great and successful recovery and I feel it's because I go out of my way to avoid any stress. Even when I'm so depressed that I can't get up, I let myself know that I'm lucky to have the luxury of not having to be someplace when I don't feel like going and that I'm not wasting time, this it just my retirement time.
I just became a gramma for the first time and so I know I get a weekly visit from my son and the cute little booboobaby.
I've always been an over achiever and it's not easy for me to accept days where I'm not being productive in some way or helping others, but I'm learning that it's not mandatory, maybe some of those SSRIs are helping me with that, who knows for sure?
62 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-05 18:38:18
Answer/Reply:
I was reading the comments on here and yours stood out. this is my first time to this site and i was looking for others who had problems with certain meds like mine. I have siezures and found that they got worse while on certain medications, including paxil. Recently my doctor put me on zanex due to a car accident that tore up my shoulder, neck, and back. it is combined with percocet. I do not take the percocet due to finding that I have an allergic reaction to it. But while taking the zanex we found that it controls my migraines, siezures, and depression/anxiety all in one medicine. I take .25mg morning and noon, and .50 at night. This dosage at night also helps with insomnia, and I get out of bed earlier than normal. Helped to get me on a schedule. If you don't think that the meds you are taking help, ask your doctor about the possibility of reducing the number of them and trying the zanex. It may help. Unfortunately one of the side effects is drowsiness, but you can adjust it to your schedule as I have.
36 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-16 23:15:51
Answer/Reply:
I have the same question. I am on Paroxitine 10 mg and would like to get off of the medication. Is it possible to just quit taking the medication since it is in such a low dose?
I don't like to take any medication unless it is absolutely necessary. So what is the answer to the question about getting off of the medication?
76 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-25 16:20:05
Answer/Reply:
I have been on Paxil for nearly 10 years as of two weeks ago. My Doctor set up a schedule of withdrawal. You should never take yourself off this drug; please ask your doctor to set up a schedule of several months of slowly withdrawing. I felt very tired all the time and was not a very good partner, especially the last 4-5 yrs. I asked my Doctor and she recommended getting off it and perhaps trying something else. Donna (age 69)
71 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-28 15:53:47
Answer/Reply:
I would highly advise you to ask your dr. first. I was also on a low dose (12.5 cr) and had difficulty stopping. Just do it verrrrry gradually if you do. Best of luck!
46 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-28 17:54:25
Question/Comment:
I began taking paxil after a car accident in 1998 when i could not sleep and totally hyped up and confrontational over little things. I was then was diagnosed as having post traumatic stress disorder. I also suffered from anxiety through my high school years, speaking in front of the class, etc. I do/did not have depression issues. I love paxil and have not had any adverse reactions to the drug. I've always had vivid dreams and now they are more vivid. But i enjoy my dreams so it is not a problem. If i had taken paxil when i was in high school it would have made my life much better for me socially and academically. I give Paxil an A+++
59 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-04 22:23:19
Answer/Reply:
I would also give Paxil an A+++. I have been on it for about 10 years for Anxiety/panic Disorder and I don't have nearly as many attacks with it. I love my Doctor for introducing me to it.
45 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-17 19:26:03
Answer/Reply:
I am a 49 year old female. I took Paxil for 10 + years without side effects, it worked wonderfully for my depression and anxiety-panic attacks. However the last 2 years of being on the medication I began having memory problems. At first I credited this to going through menopause. However after 2 years and losing my job because of the worsening memory loss my doctor began to think it could be the Paxil. She changed me to Lexapro. After 6 to 9 months my memory improved. I have been on Lexapro for 3 years now and it helps me as much as the Paxil did.
50 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-30 14:35:43
Answer/Reply:
I too have taken Paxil for many years and have not had any side affect and don't plan on going off of it. I am a 58 year old female. I agree, if I had taken Paxil way back as a teenager I probably would have stayed in school.
59 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-23 18:44:53
Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Paxil since October 2007. It has helped tremendously with my depression and panic attacks. They seem to be less common, unless I forget to take it. Note to everyone on Paxil: DON"T SKIP A DAY!!!!I haven't noticed a single change in my OCD or with my phobias though.
26 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-23 22:58:48
Answer/Reply:
I also have p.t.s.d. and am on paxil, 30mg. a day. I still have many issues that are not going away. What kind of counsling do I need to seek with state medical??/ Please help!
42 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-25 19:14:55
Answer/Reply:
I START USING PAXIL, AFTER I HAD MY TWINS, OR WHEN I START WORKING DOING HOME ATTENDANT. BUT THE PAXIL, WORKS VERY WELL FOR ME I TRY NOT USE THEM ON THE WEEKENDS. JUST ON THE WEEKDAYS. BUT MY DOCTOR INSISTS THAT I TAKE THEM. SO THAT I DONT TAKE ANY KIND OF ANGRY ON MY CHILDREN.
CYNTHIA,NEW YORK
50 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-28 19:38:43
Question/Comment:
My doctor prescribed Paxil to me about a month ago.. I have severe anxiety. I asked for it specifically because I had tried it when I was an adolecent for depression. I've taken alot of different ones in the past, but this is my first time getting back on a med in about 6 years. Since my anxiety is SO SEVERE I'm scared to take any medications because I don't want to experience the side effects, plus I've used alcohol to self medicate up until now and there are warnings against mixing the two. Anyways, I took my first ten mg. pill a couple of weeks ago AND IT MADE ME FEEL HORRIBLE!!! So I decided I wanted to put it off because I had some important things coming up and I didn't want to look like a weirdo in front of everyone. It made me feel like I was on some type of speed. Almost like out of body. Waves of naseua and sweats. Tremors and my muscles would twitch involuntarily. Well, last night I took another dose. This time I broke the pill in half. I woke up at 3:30 in the morning panicked! Sweats, tremors, my eyes felt like they were big as saucers and I was extremly jittery inside. I walked to the bathroom and was extremly dizzy and both times I have had an upset stomach. Should I switch medicines, or indure it? Will it go away, or lessen at least? I really need medication, I'm just not sure that this is the right one for me....
27 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-05 14:13:07
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I started taking Paxil. I have the direct opposite of the desired results. I am exptremely fearful. And, If I don't take Trazadone and night, I wouldn't sleep. the doctor said that it would make me sleepy. I am nervous and can't sleep if I don't take the sleeping medication. Please help me!
Posted: 2009-02-10 22:46:27
Answer/Reply:
Take your pill in the morning with breakfast. I experienced the same effects the first week or so, but now they are gone.
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-18 22:33:23
Answer/Reply:
I have tried other meds but find Paxil is best for me as I took it years ago for the effect of the seritonan it helped to build in my system, However I find I must take it in the morning not at night. It takes about 2 weeks to show a response and the nausia last about that long, then you feel better.If you really have a problem with this medication, ask forCelexa or Cipralex, as they are newer drugs.
Shirley age 71 years
72 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-18 23:49:59
Answer/Reply:
Just so you know I am on Paxil and love it. One pill should not do anything to you.It usualy takes about 3 weeks to noitce a change.I have never felt calmer and more in control in my life. You were probalby really scared about taking it and it made you feel badly. I would talk to your Dr. about this.It is possible that it is not for you but I really wonder if the Paxil did this,or maybe you were coming down with something?
Please check with your Dr. Good luck to you.I hope you find wjat works for you! ♥
53 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-05 15:06:38
Answer/Reply:
PLEASE DON"T quit taking iy w/o your Docyors advice. I did it once after 5 yrs and I went into SEVERE Depression. DON"T do it
68 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-05 18:08:45
Answer/Reply:
I have taken Paxil several years now & would hate to do without it. At first I had a terrible time with Paxil, but needed something so I hung in there and it got better. I think it was 2 or 3 weeks before I quit feeling really weird, its fine now and Paxil helps SO much. I wish I'd had it 20 years ago when I was raising teenagers!
Hang in there, it WILL get better.
66 year old female
68 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-05 22:24:14
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I have had very good success with Paxil CR, it is more time released. I am now on the generic fenofibrate ER. I have more energy, and I don't have as bad of side effect, sleepiness in afternoon.
Connie age 60
Posted: 2009-03-05 23:27:25
Answer/Reply:
All the stuff you have are not from the paxil. Paxil is the best and safest drug on the market for sever panic disorder & anxiety. As far as I know I don't think that paxil is for depression. I'm on paxil for about 19 years now, and it works real well. Give it a chance . . . .
Good luck
Hope you feel better
Neil
47 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-06 00:19:06
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Over the 19 years you have been on it, tell me about your fluctuations in weight gain especially in the short term. My goal is to get back on my feet and back to work asap. However, I do not want to balloon up prior to doing so.
Posted: 2009-03-17 12:18:18
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I am 30 years old. I have suffered from extreme anxiety and panic disorder since year 2000. I currnetly take 20mg Paxil once daily. I will tell you that Paxil will take up to 6 weeks to take full effect in your system. During those first weeks you may feel no improvement or even feel worse at times. The first 3 days I took Paxil, I thought I was going to die. I felt so terrible and had much of the same side effects that you have described. I became so bad that I was afraid to leave my house. I asked my doctor if I should quit and he said No. He told me the way I felt was a fairly common adjustment that happens when you first take Paxil and to give it up to 6 weeks and see if I improve. The second week I was on Paxil I felt a little better, 3rd week better still, by the 6th week I felt quite normal and my panic attacks had drastically lessened in frequency and severity. There was a time years later when I was feeling so well that I thought I could just quit my medication so I stopped taking my Paxil. It was terrible. I had bad withdrawals and became paranoid and nervous and eventually became scared to even eat or drink. I was scared to take my pills again because of the feeling that I had experienced when I first started taking Paxil. I went to a hospital and asked for help. They checked me into a psychiatric unit and helped me get back on my medication. They taught me alot about my condition and the medication I was taking and the other medication and treatment options available to me. When I was balanced again and felt well enough, I went home and returned to my normal way of life and my responsibilities. I don't know if others have felt the same when they first started using Paxil but I hope that my story will be beneficial to you in some way.
Posted: 2009-03-06 07:06:01
Answer/Reply:
I took Paxil for years. The first week is vital that you take it regularly. You will have an adjustment period when you first start taking it, it will have affects on you like you described, but they WILL go away and you will feel mostly normal, although I did have some minor naseau off and on the many years I took it. The biggest worry to watch out for is weight gain on Paxil. I gained 70 lbs. while taking it all in the first 3 years of starting it. Which is my reason for changing meds. I now take Celexa. Paxil is great, but remember it is not to be taken irregularly because you will have reactions if you miss a dose. Also when you stop taking paxil, don't stop taking it cold turkey. Ease off by taking one every other day for a couple weeks. You are still going to experience some weird withdrawal-like symptoms when you come off it. I did. Same symptoms like you described now.
41 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-06 12:00:51
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I would call your doc and see about getting on a different medicine. I have been taking paxil for a year and a half now and have never had these side effects. There are so many different meds out there that you shouldn't have to put up with that. You will find one that works for you.
Posted: 2009-03-09 08:23:25
Answer/Reply:
This sounds like it is not a pill for you. have you told your doctor? i have allergies to many of these meds and have had what you are describing, especially with prozac. my doctor changed my meds without telling me because of my insurance coverage. the generics are similar in name so i didn't realize til i took the first one. i laid in my bed paralized! I was wide awake but coud not move AT ALL! could not even talk. be very careful with reactions from these types of medications. Zanex seems to be a lot easier as far as side effects. at first it may make you a little tired but after about three days it dissapears. the doses start at .25mg from what i know. i started with a half at a time to get used to it.
please check with your doctor about what you are describing.
36 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-16 23:30:40
Question/Comment:
I have been on different types of antipressant for years. none seem to work, but when my Dr. put me on paxil. My moods were better, and the crying finally stopped. Paxil is the best antipressant in my opinion that is out there. My family is happy also, that Paxil works for me.
I have not had any weight gain, or any side effects from taking it, other than good one's
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-13 00:17:34
Answer/Reply:
I have been on Paxil for YEARS. Then I began getting some unpleasant side effects and it just wasn't working as well for me anymore.Me and my Doctor decided to taper me off of the Paxil so that I could start another med...THE WITHDRAWAL IS ALMOST UNBAREABLE!!! I have never been so sick in my life from a medication! When I started Paxil they were not aware of withdrawal symptoms..now people are dying from it. There are numerous class action law suits because of the withdrawal from paxil. I hope that your Dr warned you about the withdrawal effects. Its being compared to Heroin withdrawal, thats how bad it is. All I can say is that I've been withdrawaling now for almost 6 months and still have 5mgs to taper off of. Paxil withdrawal is HELL..insomnia,terribly vivid dreams and nightmares,hot flashes,chills,bursting out into tears,mood swings bad bouts of anger,severe irritability,dizziness so bad you get nausea,electrical shock feelings in the head,muscle pain,visual disturbances,terrible panic attacks and anxiety,loss of appetite,itchy skin,stomach cramps,constipation,feelings of unreality,intense feeling of going crazy and much more! www.quitpaxil.org helps a lot with coming off of Paxil and what to expect
33 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-19 05:04:33
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
This is not my experience even remotely.To equate paxil withdrawl with heroin withdrawl is a gross exageration to say the least.My concern is that there are so many over the top statements of a negative nature here that many would be discouraged from what for me has been a very theraputic SSRI.I was on prozac for 8 yrs and due to a diminishing effacacy switched to paxil with only very positive results.I have suddenly discontinued paxil and while the symptoms were certainly unplesant(spatial displacement only slightly when turning head,anxiety,irritablity, insomnia ect)they were nothing even remotely like described in the post Im responding too.I also have been thru heroin,methadone and suboxone withdrawl at different times in my life and my experience is that they are not realtive in the wildest stretch of the imagination any more than a lightening bug is to lightening.Bottom line.......Paxil has been a very effictive SSRI.
Posted: 2009-01-21 08:44:29
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I could have written this post! I too am trying to come off of Paxil after being on almost 7 years....I am going to switch over to Lexapro if I can ever get off this Paxil. I am down to 7.5mgs myself...
if you want to keep in touch, I am at lifezgood@att.net
Posted: 2009-01-21 13:08:29
Answer/Reply:
I am sorry to hear of your withdrawl problems. I was not told of this when they put me on paxil 5 years ago, and i quit taking it on my own because i didn't like how it felt. since that time we found that i am allergic to many different medications. everything from swelling, to hives, and breathing difficulty. The doctor put me back on it to sleep, in addition to my zanex, and i have not taken it because i am scared to. i really hope that you are able to find something to help with less problems.
36 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-16 23:21:42
Question/Comment:
I MUST BE IN THE MINORITY HERE: i have been on paxil years ago and the only side effect was the no orgasm, but i slept good, and i lost weight. so now i just went back on it due to lamictal and klonopin alone are just not cutting it, and every other antidepressant i tried cause some side effect that was so bad i had to stop it. paxil was never a weight gainer form me and I am glad, prozac is not a weight gainer either, but side effects are worse on me. wellbutrin makes me want to kill people and i can 't relax!! so we all are different.
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-07 18:32:55
Question/Comment:
The Paxil and Zonegran had horrible interations with me. First, Paxil acted as a depressant. Coupled with the Zonegran, it doubled the effects. Went cold turkey with the Paxil, no side effects, except for being a whirlwind cleaner.
There are many people who have the opposite effect with drugs, so speak to your dr. I did have quite interesting dreams all the time. After stopping Paxil, my libido rose, migraines stopped, energy soared.
I have epilepsy and thyroid disease. PLEASE! Do look at your nutrition along with your health. Drs. do not have any experience with that. Will help w/weight and health
60 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-17 09:24:11
Question/Comment:
My doctor actually put me on 10mg. of Paxil at bedtime to help increase the effectiveness of one of my medications for IBS and it worked. I did notice that it helped improve my mood level.
41 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-08 23:10:39
Question/Comment:
I am finally the person I used to be thanks to paxil.
my family likes me a lot better now.
Female 59
59 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-04 14:19:59
Question/Comment:
I've used low dose treatment of Paxil (10mg) and Clonazepam (.25mg to .5mg depending on panic/anxiety level) twice daily for several years and I can honestly say it kept me out of the psych ward.
24 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-03 13:43:25
Question/Comment:
I have major weight gain, have been known to eat in my sleep and have had bouts of insomnia along with fatigue the feeling of happy yet no desire to emerge from my bed.
33 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-25 23:48:11
Question/Comment:
I discontiued Paxil in Sept. 08, when I suspected that my acute itching was beieng caused by this drug. Stopped the drug (with doctor directons and ok.) itching stopped. BINGO.
65 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-24 11:39:19
Question/Comment:
I take paxil 40 mg everyday for depression. I have for 4yrs. I changed pharmecies the last time i got them filled. The new pharmicey wrote my description for daliy mg twice what was prescribed. I didnt notice until i started experiancing side effects. How has this effected my body long term? If you have any info i would love to here from you!
26 year old female
27 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-24 08:29:26
Answer/Reply:
My psychiatrist says that the withdrawal effects can be dealt with by lowing the dose slowly and incrementally. Like, a milligram per a few weeks.
I'm not a psychiatrist, you should contact one ASAP though and get a plan going. They'll understand, don't be afraid.
24 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-03 13:45:38
Question/Comment:
I've been on paxil for over ten yrs. As aresult I'm now able to leave the house & i don't cry at the drop of a hat but my sex drive is GONE & so is my husband & my last boyfriend. I would love to get my libido back so i can have anormal life. I've tried adding wellbutrin but it didn't help.
46 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-15 22:27:40
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I too lost my sex drive when I started on Paxil. I ended my relationship I was in and found a new one who is currently my husband. I have my sex drive back but I think it has to do with the man I am now with and not the drug. When the "right" one comes along I'm sure it will return for you.
Posted: 2008-11-20 16:31:57
Question/Comment:
I am a 30 year old female and I have been on Paxil for 2 years.I have told my doctor I feel better and no longer want to be on Paxil.I told him I have tried to go off cold turkey and that I had very serious side effects like lose of appetite,sweating,insomnia,and body aches.All he said is people don't understand the effects that meds can have and put me on more.How am I supposed to get off Paxil without side effects?
31 year old Female
Posted: 2008-10-23 15:06:34
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Hi, I got off Paxil cr slowley.. start breaking the pills up and take a smaller dose over time until you are off them. This will make it so you dont feel the side efects of quiting.
Posted: 2008-10-26 00:39:19
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I am a 43 yr old male, and have been on this drug for longer than I can remember.
Slowly decreasing to 10Mg for 2 weeks, then off. (Dr. Supervised)
Let me tell you that this is what I am going through now as of Oct, 08; Violent outbursts for no reason, sweating as to soak my clothes right through every 20 mins just sitting, bed drenched also from the same pungent profuse sweat as to having to lay plastic under the sheets first, pain in muscles on a scale of 11 out of 10 esp. in center of back and both legs top to bottom of feet like hot poker's were inserted, unable to speak coherently at times, suicide thoughts on same scale for no reason, and what is drived me almost to the point of crazy is a "BUZZING" noise pulsating in the brain, like taking a 9Volt battery half dead and testing it with your tongue, and then putting that effect right in your brain, pulsing at irregular intervals never knowing when it’s going to hit, and esp. at night after 10:00 PM, try to sleep, if you do and that buzzing starts when you begin to dream, I woke up in an Ambulance from seizures or from freaking right out and have to be shaken almost to the point of consciousness!
THIS IS ONE BAD DRUG, and the local Pharm indicated that it is the worst ANTI-DEP to come down from period, worse than a Morphine Abuser!
I hope that this will help you to see if that is what you may be going through getting off of this drug!
I wish anyone and everyone the very best of my very soul, in getting through the first 2 weeks!!
RE: E-MAIL ADD; bwagner0190@shaw.ca
Robert W Wagner
Posted: 2008-10-31 10:09:58
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
You have to get off paxil slowly and if you do a Web search on the subject ,you can find out how to do it or ask your doctor. It is never advisable to get off of Paxil cold turkey!!!!!
Posted: 2008-11-12 10:57:58
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I too was on paxil back in 1998 when it first was during it's trial period. After a 40 or so days, I realized how it seemed to work - at least on me. It seemed to block a portion of the emotional receptors in my brain. Infortunetly - the POSITIVE ones couldn't get through either. Paxil effected
me something like an antibiotic does. Which wipes out the good guys along with the bad ones too. Paxil is definetly a wonder for pushing negative anxiety to the back but the postive parts of your life are also put on hold. If you understand this, then you shouldn't have problems dealing with these "unwanted" side effects. Good luck everyone. Everything has a risk. If you're ready for them - they don't always overwhelm you.
Posted: 2008-11-15 16:56:23
Answer/Reply:
It seems to me that the doctor is the one that doesn't understand the effects of the drug. You have to go off of the drug very slowly; like a half or a quarter of a pill every 2 week to 10 days. It helps if you have the guidance of a doctor, and if they can give you pills in the right dosage! I am doing the same, and it is taking a long time. Its a very slow process!
63 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-28 20:43:02
Answer/Reply:
Approx. 4 yrs. ago I was on paxil 25 mg. once a day & had been for 5 yrs. I wanted off & believe it or not I prayed, had faith & it worked. I was off of paxil for 6 mo. before a life event required me to get back on it. I felt wonderful off of the drug, like myself with sincere highs & lows & emotions, & lots of libido. But I did not have any of the migraines I had experienced before in the cold turkey style of quitting. It was all PRAYER. If you are not a believer it is told in order to "ween" yourself from paxil you must do a week of half of the dosage & then half again for a week & so on until you are off of them. Congratulations if you have healed past the need for them, WAY TO GO!
Be careful & stay safe & healthy
42 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-17 00:09:43
Question/Comment:
i am 21 years old female. i am suffering from generalised anxiety disorder according to my doctor. earlier i was on citalopam for 2 yrs (then i was diagnosed suffering from depression). but it wasnt of much help.
4 months back i started taking paxil 25-CR and it has really helped. but then i noticed that i have put on 7 kgs of weight. my doctor asked me to lower down the dose to 12.5 and have done that but still have put on 2 kgs more. i want to know how can i control my weight gain without stopping my treatment. my wieght has increased from 58kg to 66.5kg in 4 months. pl advice
22 year old Female
Posted: 2008-10-10 13:55:02
Question/Comment:
I did not like the break-in period which last a few weeks. Like others have mentioned above, it was difficult to function during this time. For me it was very difficult. After about 3 months I was doing well and at 6 months I look at life different and don't recognize any side effects. My doctor has said I can come off the medication 20 MG Paroxetine HCL (substitute for Paxil) when I want but I'm not sure I want to. Life is fine now and I don't want to go back to where I was.
I recommend those starting out to be patient and hang on as long as your doctor feels it's worth pursuing. Hopefully you will get to a place where life is once again positive.
God bless and have faith. Something better awaits us all: peace.
47 year old Male
Posted: 2008-09-28 14:00:33
Question/Comment:
Is it o.k. to stop Paxil 20 mg. cold turkey?
65 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-25 18:20:41
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Suddenly stopping a medication like Paxil can be dangerous. Please speak to your doctor before stopping Paxil.
Posted: 2008-10-03 15:42:51
Answer/Reply:
I tried it once & I received the worst migraines I had ever had in my life.
I wouldn't suggest it!!!!
Unless you have a lot of faith & prayer in your life. That is the only it worked for me.
42 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-17 00:17:37
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