Paxil Side Effects

[Brenda61]

I have not been able to tolerate Zyban, Wellbutrin, or Zolof.  I get headaches and feel a little light headed.  I just started Paxil today (only a 10 mg dose for the first week, due to increase to 20 next week).  I had taken Paxil before with good results, but today, after only 1/2 of a pill, I am feeling like I did with Zyban and the others.  Will the headache likely go away after I get used to the Paxil again?  What could be causing the headache?  The only other medication I take is Atenolol for high blood pressure.  I am 38 years old.  Any suggestions for a medication I might tolerate better for depression?

[MeganK]

I was wondering how long is several years? And what dosage are you at? I ask because I have been on Paxil Cr for 6 years at 75 mg. I am trying to go off it. This is my first time trying to come off it. I cut my dosage to 37.5 mg. I am on my 2nd week day 2 of this dosage. I am trying to decide if I should move back up to 50mg to help with some of the withdrawal symptoms or tough it out. I am also wondering about herbal/natural methods, such as St. John's Wort. I have done some reading that being on St. John's Wort and Paxil at the same time is not a good idea. However, I'm not so sure about going cold-turkey off of Paxil, being that I am on such a high dosage. I know I haven't got much for advise. But I can tell you that I will be on this same "fun" roller-coaster as yourself. If you just need to talk or whatever. I'll be here. Right now my biggest withdrawal symptom would have to be the headaches. I have some of the other ones, those ones I'm managing but the headaches are excruciating. Nothing seems to help.

[Leslie Stockner]

I have been on Paxil for several years now, although it has worked for me I trying to go off of it.  This is my third time trying to go off of it and Im scared to death about it. I've read about the side effects and it really worries me. Is there anyone out there that is or has gone through the same thing as Im going through that could give me some advise.  I really want to go off of the medicine........any advise would be great.
Thanks, Leslie

[Qamrul A. Khanson]

I have been taking Paxil almost a year now and I have now decided to reduce the dosage to finally eliminate it from my medications. Paxil has resluted in my EDF, mental tremors and continual headache. Stopping Paxil all of sudden is more dangerous and it results in dizziness, electric shock sensations, abnormal dreams, agitation, anxiety, mood changes, and nervousness. I would not advise the prescription of Paxil to young generation unless they are prepared to continue it till death and with wastefull life. Paxil should never have been in my prescription, unfortunately I trusted my doctor. Poor Me.

Qamrul A. Khanson
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[HFHS M.D.-SW]

Dear Brenda,

I am glad you are feeling better on Paxil.

Wellbutrin, Zoloft and Paxil are all effective antidepressants. Zyban is exactly the same as Wellbutrin but is used for smoke cessation.

Wellbutrin is more likely than Zoloft to cause headaches as a side effect. It may take 3 weeks for the headaches to subside once the Wellbutrin or Zoloft are stopped.

Since you are tolerating Paxil well you want to continue with it. Other antidepressants are Celexa and Serzone.

I recommend you discuss your concerns with your psychiatrist.

Best Wishes,


HFHS M.D.-SW

[dave]

I tried some of the ones y9ou tried, and found them to be a little troublesome as far as side effects go.
My current med is serzone.  Took me about three weeks to get through some of the initial side effects, and to feel better.  Now over 2 months into it, I feel great.  My other comment is that once you stabilize your dosage, and the side effects diminsh, it's worth the trouble.
I have tried 9 or 10 meds in the last 11 years of my depression, diagnosed w/ biological depression (can't do anything exept medicate all the time)and my current med, serzone has little or no sexual side effects.  That can be an issue with husband/wife/lover.

Try some other meds if you have trouble, for me the prozac and paxil class of drugs really stunk as far as helping depression and side effects.

[Brenda61]

Thanks Dave.  I will discuss with my doctor.  Appreciate the response.