Paxil

[AWadd]

As some of you may know I have been posting alot of things on here pertaining to my terrible episodes and other constant symptoms.  In response to normal blood work, MRI's, and a ton of clinical visits, my primary doc prescribed me Paxil for anxiety.  I am supposed to start off at 10mg for a week and then up it to 20mg thereafter.  I am curious if anyone else has taken this before and what they thought about it.  Normally I would never think to take it, but considering how long it has been going on (7months - 1 year), I think the benefits outweight the costs at this point.  However, being an "anxious" person already, I am a bit hesitant to even take it.  Anyway, just wanted some opinions.

[ActingANGELA]

It should bring back a weak appetite . . . in fact, you must watch for weight gain, they warn. I am on my second time with Paxil, just entering my second week. Yeah, having side effects, but they're easing. The first time I took it, Paxil saved my life. I'm hopeful it will ease my menopausal severe anxiety/depression. It was so bad, I had to go back on Paxil this time. My side effects, though, could be the Ambien as I have insomnia from the anxiety. I don't think it's the Paxil; don't remember Paxil causing insomnia. Maybe makes you a bit dizzy or nauseated at first, though. It eases. You must give it one month, usually.

[1_worried]

I have been on Paxil for 2 months now.  I was wondering if it could cause loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, nausea, and insomnia?

Please help!!!!!!  I am a nervous wreck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[suzi-q]

Great!  Keep it going!  The side effects will go away soon!

[AWadd]

Im on my second day and I have some of the nausea.. othwe than that pretty ok.

[Pum]

I have taken it twice and found it great both times. It takes a while to work and I had some nasty side affects for the first couple of weeks (nausea, sweating, a burning weak feeling in the arms).  I also had vivid dreams (nightmares really) the first time I came off but this was much better the second time.  Good luck.  Take it after food in the morning.

[sue-aloo]

Paxil is my best friend!  I have been taking it for over 2 years under the care of a psychiatrist.  It gave me my life back.  I do not remember having any side effects on it.  Maybe I did, but just didn't know it because the anxiety and depression were so terrible to begin with.  I started out on 10mgs. and slowly went up to 20 also. It does take time for the effects to kick in.  You just slowly start to feel normal again..not euphoric or anything like that.  But just a feeling that you are ok and that you can deal with the underlying reasons (if there are any) for your anxiety. Paxil is definitely not for everyone, but I do know a few others who are on it and did just fine.  I do have one friend, however, who had to change to zoloft because the Paxil did not agree with her.  Best of luck to you!  Hope you feel better very soon!

[ccpeterson72]

I've been taking Paxil for almost 5 years now.  It really did give me my life back.  I still deal with anxiety from time to time, but with the paxil I am able to deal with it better.  I don't run from it as much as I used to.  
I only take 10 mg a day ... it's all I needed. I would definitely give it a try. Give it a month or so before deciding if it is really working...takes awhile to get into your system.

[chcnme]

Hi Awadd. The Paxil might help, indeed, but - it might not, and... I hate to say it, but it's true -- it might make you feel worse.  It is an AntiD that is frequently tried for social anxiety, sometimes with success; sometimes not.  Most patients who can't tolerate it complain of "makes me feel like a zombie".  That doesn't mean those side effects will happen to you.  The most common side effects  (which will be listed on the drug insert or on-line at

http://www.paxil.com/

are the side effects most people will experience.  

Dry mouth, weird dreams, sleepiness, constipation are some of the common sides with Paxil  (the side effects are why it's sometimes used for anxiety -- it tends to slow you down.)  

I think any patient who's getting ready to try an AntiD because they have run out of options  (and because no diagnostics have shown anything) needs to know what they are taking.  I'm all for psych intervention (don't get me wrong - it definitely can be worthwhile), but I want you to know that if you DO try the Paxil, there might be unpleasant side effects in the beginning.  These are supposed to subside with time.  

I think you also need to know about how to stop this drug if you do decide to take it and remain on it for any extended period of time (past a month).  Since it will take a good 3 - 6 weeks for the intended effects of Paxil to be seen, you will need to take it regularly for at least a month, no doubt.  If you take it that long, don't stop it abruptly -- get your doctor to taper you off.

You're at an age where feelings of intense anxiety can sometimes come on and linger, and sometimes you do need help.  Just be sure to read about the drug, and if you DO decide to try it, also continue to go to your doctor and report any worsening of your symptoms or unpleasant side effects you might have on Paxil.  I hope it will work for you.  If it doesn't, and if you keep having these symptoms of intense anxiety, I would advise getting under the care of a psychologist / psychiatrist and ...  just keep trying until you find something that works.   I think you're going to be fine.

Best of luck!