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1140114 tn?1260923267

Paxil question

My wife has been taking Paxil for several years now and I have noticed several major changes in her. First she has no sexual desire at all anymore. None. Second she has lost almost all compassion. It is like most of her emotions have gone. Last thing I have noticed is weight gain. I would say 40 lbs in the last couple years.Any ideas for help? We are
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222369 tn?1274474635
The sexual side effects are fairly common. Much more common that the literature suggests. The weight gain is one I'd say is not rare, yet not extremely common either. The loss of emotion is a rarer side effect, but I've heard it numerous times. After taking it for several years, it may just be a time for a change. If weight gain is an issue, then stay clear of Remeron. It will literally make you chug sugar from the sugar bowl. The only antidepressants that really don't cause sexual side effects are the old school meds like Trazodone or Wellbutrin. But, Wellbutrin is only indicated for depression, not anxiety. There are tons of solutions, so have a good honest long talk with your wife. Als, make sure to talk to a psychiatrist and not a GP. They will be better equipped to choose the rights meds.
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1140114 tn?1260923267
We actually have an appt set up for Dec 24th. We hope to find an alternative drug to use for her anxiety. I am still doing a lot of research on Paxil. Are these common or rare side effects? Our biggest concern is her lack of compassion and weight gain.
Helpful - 0
1131217 tn?1260291231
i took zoloft for 6 months....the same exact thing happened to me minus the weight gain.  i felt like a total robot.  i stopped taking it...this was like 10 years ago...i was barely 18 and they put me on that ****.  

can you get her off of it?  that's really the only way to get her back.

good luck
Helpful - 0
222369 tn?1274474635
Those are all signature side effects of Paxil, and SSRIs in general. She may benefit from a switch to a newer med that's a bit more selective such as Cymbalta or Lexapro. Or, she may want to try a SNRI such as Effexor. Have her talk to her doctor.
Helpful - 0
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