Paxil

Hi, I was going to take Paxil for OCD and anxiety on HIV. How helpful is it? what are the side effects?

[hoosier81]

also when i get off of Paxil can I just stop right away like that?

[nursegirl6572]

Hi there...I'm glad you decided to stop here.

First of all....keep in mind that every person will have unique experiences with ANY med.  You will hear absolute horror stories from some....and praises from others.  It is really best that you allow yourself to have your own experience.  Go into it with an open mind.

Paxil requires a good bit of time to really start "doing its job" and making a difference in how you feel.  Most likely the improvements will be gradual...but you must give it at least a month or two to be able to fully benefit from the drug.  For some...it takes up to 6 weeks to really start noticing a change....others notice it sooner.

Lastly....you must not stop taking it abruptly.  You have to be tapered off the Paxil to minimize the side effects of d/cing the med.  If you decide at some point that you want to stop...contact your doc before doing anything.

Side effects will vary again....from person to person.  You may not have any.  The more common side effects of a med like Paxil is an initial increase in anxiety, some feelings of "jitters", fatigue, drowsiness.  Again...you may not have any of these...but if you DO experience some of these side effects...be reassured that it is pretty standard.  If the side effects become severe or really bothersome, contact your doctor.  Some people have needed a temporary course of a benzodiazepine (anti-anxiety med) to help with side effects.

Aagin....go into it with an open mind....and allow yourself to just have your own experience.  And, be patient, unfortunately it does not work overnight.  Also, if you are having a lot of issues with the anxiety...seeking some professional "talk" therapy in addition to the Paxil is a great idea...it will help you to work through your feelings...and learn how to cope with the anxiety.

Best of luck.

[hoosier81]

thanks!

[Pum]

I found paxil to work very well but it takes a few weeks and it did have some side affects that weren't pleasant (nausea, sweating, jaw clenching, vivid dreams) but they did settle down after a while.
There are also side affects when tapering off but I found them bearable.

Good luck.

[Zeke289]

Im on Paxil 40mg. for almost 3 months and i still feel anxious is this normal or do u think i need the dose increased?also it dwells in my mind all day and almost everyday that i dont feel good and i actually work myself sick from it and i cant get the thought out of my mind that i am anxious any sugg, on how to clear my mind of it?