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Paxil: weight gain
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MedHelp Member's Question

Paxil: weight gain

by Christine, Apr 28, 2000 12:00AM
Hi All,

Thanks for this wonderful service!



I have OCD, Panic Disorder & Social Anxiety.  Without medication life is very uncomfortable.  I was on Paxil for 6 months and all my symptoms were greatly relieved.  However, the side effects began to outweigh the benefits.  The side effects were: fatigue, nausea, headaches, loss of libido and inability to orgasm, weight gain and increased PMS.  The fatigue and the weight gain finally caused me to go off the med, I was only able to stay awake about 8 hours a day and I gained about 15 pounds in 1 month.



Question 1:  While on Paxil I was unable to control the weight.  I work out 4 - 5 times a week, eat a very healthy diet, no drinking, and I am HYPERthyroid (not enough to be treated though).  I was very depressed by this out of control weight gain.  Now that I am off the Paxil, will I be able to lose this weight?  I am worried that it is resistant like it was when I was on the Paxil.



I am also looking for advice from anyone out there who has successful strategies for dealing with OCD, Panic & Social Phobia without meds. I have tried other meds (Prozac, Zoloft, Luvox, Ativan, Klonopin).  I reacted horrribly to all of them.  The Panic really focuses on fear of death, impending sense of doom.  I have an irregular heartbeat (PVC's) that scare the hell out of me and cause me to panic.



I am a little scared now that I am off the meds. Anyone out there going through this or can offer advice, it would be greatly appreciated.



Peace to all,

Christine
Doctor's Answer

by HFHS MD - RG, Apr 29, 2000 12:00AM
If you see an association of your weight gain with Paxil, by discontinuing Paxil and continuing your level of exercise and diet, you should see an improvement of your weight. However, if your weight gain persists, I consult your physician to consider other causes of your persistent weight gain.

Anxiety Disorders are also commonly treated with Cognitive-Behavioral therapy without any use of medications. Consult a mental health professional who specializes in this area of treatment.
Member Comments (32)

by Maria, May 02, 2000 12:00AM
Hi Christine, I was on Paxil for about 9 months and I gained 20 pounds, so I know how you feel. I have always been thin, and this was the first time in my life that I was overweight. The good news is that you will lose the weight. I was just as worried as you are. I thought I would stay overweight. I also have a mild form of OCD and I suffer from anxiety and depression. I have just been put on Serzone, and although it is probably too soon to tell, I feel fine. One good thing about it is that it does not have as a side effect, weight gain. From what I have read and what the doctor has told me, it is a drug that works to combat anxiety and depression. I believe studies are being done to see if it is helpful for OCD, panic disorder and social anxiety. Some people claim that it has helped with OCD, etc. You might want to talk to your doctor about it. As for Paxil, I never want to take it again. I have heard too many people say that they have gained between 5 to 20 pounds on it. Good Luck!

by liss, May 22, 2000 12:00AM
I was on Paxil for 31/2 years, I'm 43 years old and have asked my doctor how I could have gained 30 lbs in the last 2 years...if it was age related or what, since I work out at least 4 days a week for an average of 50 minutes and haven't changed eating habits.  I have 4 friends that have gained not 5 or 10 but from 20-40 lbs and also happen to be on this drug.  I spoke with a psychiatrist who says it's not a symptom, but why on so many of these forums do people mention such astounding weight gain?  This only started after I was on it for a year, slowly, then I put on 10 lbs. in the past 3 months.  I'm slowly going off of it for this reason with the guidance of a therapist and am dealing with the mortifying dizziness and short fuse, but seem to be calming down.  The weight is now affecting my health too much.  I don't understand how drug specialists can't admit this problem.  Anyone?

by H, Jun 18, 2000 12:00AM
Just wanted to confirm your questions about Paxil. I, too, took Paxil initially for depression and anxiety. Gained 50 pounds. I now call it Pack-it-on Paxil. :-) I have been working very hard at losing weight for the last year and have successfully dropped 30 pounds. I too, work out frequently and eat a balanced diet. I am now working out 5 days a week. Currently, I take Zoloft and I like the results.

by Christina, Aug 10, 2000 12:00AM
I was on Paxil for about a year (This was the second time. The first time I had been traumatized and felt I needed something to help me cope but the stomach upset was so bad that I had to quit a few months later.)and had no side effects until I tried to stop.  My doctor did not know that there would be any problem, however all the pharmacists that I talked to were worried.  One of them even GAVE me a couple to tide me over until I could renew the prescription. I did not renew the "script" for 3 months.  Those three months were horrendous.  My eyes seemed to have a mind of their own and there was a constant "pulsing" in my head and body which I barely controlled using breathing exercises. In any event I became the "***** from h-ll" and had constant panic attacks.  I couldn't stand any pressure and had NO self confidence. My relationship was falling apart and I hated my job. So I went back on it.  This time was completely different again. During th first session with Paxil I had an unbelievably upset stomach all the time and ate food with a vengance.  The second time I took Paxil first thing in the morning with whatever I could find to eat. Now I take Paxil at 1:30pm (so that I can stay up later) and I take it on an empty stomach with 1200 IU of Vitamin E. (That takes away the stomach upset and the insatiable appetite.) The Vitamin E was also extremely helpful combating the side effects when I tried to quit. Additionally, during any of the times I was on Paxil I had no weight gain until I'd quit.  Then I packed on the pounds.  Currently I take the Paxil every other day and I'm on a fairly even keel.

by Christina, Aug 10, 2000 12:00AM
I was on Paxil for about a year (This was the second time. The first time I had been traumatized and felt I needed something to help me cope but the stomach upset was so bad that I had to quit a few months later.)and had no side effects until I tried to stop.  My doctor did not know that there would be any problem, however all the pharmacists that I talked to were worried.  One of them even GAVE me a couple to tide me over until I could renew the prescription. I did not renew the "script" for 3 months.  Those three months were horrendous.  My eyes seemed to have a mind of their own and there was a constant "pulsing" in my head and body which I barely controlled using breathing exercises. In any event I became the "***** from h-ll" and had constant panic attacks.  I couldn't stand any pressure and had NO self confidence. My relationship was falling apart and I hated my job. So I went back on it.  This time was completely different again. During th first session with Paxil I had an unbelievably upset stomach all the time and ate food with a vengance.  The second time I took Paxil first thing in the morning with whatever I could find to eat. Now I take Paxil at 1:30pm (so that I can stay up later) and I take it on an empty stomach with 1200 IU of Vitamin E. (That takes away the stomach upset and the insatiable appetite.) The Vitamin E was also extremely helpful combating the side effects when I tried to quit. Additionally, during any of the times I was on Paxil I had no weight gain until I'd quit.  Then I packed on the pounds.  Currently I take the Paxil every other day and I'm on a fairly even keel.

by Linda Waltermyer, Aug 14, 2000 12:00AM
I HAVE BEEN TAKING PAXIL FOR A YEAR NOW, AT FIRST 10 MGS, NOW 20.  WHEN I FIRST WENT ON PAXIL FOR DEPRESSION