PAXIL-weight gain??

[KathyPeck]

Is it true that Paxil makes you gain weight?
I was thinking about going on it, I have had anxiety/panic for years.  But if it makes you gain all this wieght I don't want it. Is there something else?

[HFHS MD-JM]

Kat,

   Paxil, like most antidepressants can have a minimal weight gain associated with them ,usually no more than 5-10 lbs.  Wellbutrin is one of the antidepressants with much less weight gain than the others but is belived to be less helpful treating panic symptoms.  Regular exercise is helpful to minimize this issue and has been shown to be helpful to improve mood.

Please keep in mind that this information is intended for educational purposes only.  Please consult your personal physician for specific health concerns.

Sincerely,

HFHS MD-JM

Keywords: Weight gain, antidepressants

[Kat]

Does paxil cause weight gain?

[emma]

Paxil has been worth the weight gain for me.

[Toby]

I COMPLETELY lost orgasmic function on paxil.  I literally felt NOTHING.  Most of us can deal with that side effect for a couple of months (I dealt with it for 7), but it reaches a point where I let my doctor know that I was going to become less compliant with my medication if the situation didn't change.  I switched to Wellbutrin and the side effect disappeared within a couple of days.  I've heard that instead of switching from paxil to wellbutrin, that you can simply add it in.  Hope that helps.

[kat-to toby-to emma]

Wellbutrin was mentioned by my doctor, but I also have an eating disorder. (bulimia) She said that tha could cause seizures.
That's why I am concerned about the weight gain.  I have a problem with it in the first place, so I don't want to make that worse.
Toby, are you a guy or female.  I have heard of the sexual side effects.  Do they also pertain to women?
Emma-How much weight did you gain?  My sister was on it and she gained 50 pounds. Is the weight gain just a side effect of the drug, or is your appatiete (spelled wrong i think) increased?

[Toby]

Kat,
I am a woman.  The weight gain question is a little complicated because I was simultaneously taking zyprexa and I gained A LOT of weight.  But significant weight gain is more often associated with zyprexa so I assumed that was it and not the paxil.  Because of the weight gain and the sexual dysfunction, I went off both meds and am now on wellbutrin and depakote.

I am heterosexual but do not have a partner in my life right now.  But on the paxil, I could not even masturbate to orgasm - I had no sensation of pleasure in the act whatsoever, and gradually, lost my libido as well.  The conversation I had with my doctor was something like this:

"We're trying to treat my depression so that I can enjoy life - but the weight gain and the sexual side effects are affecting my self esteem.  I am depressed about how I look, and with my depression having lasted for so long, I have had few pleasures in life.  I need to be able to pleasure myself.  I want an orgasm!  At the rate we're going, we're eliminating a lot of the things that make life worth living (at least for me).  So, this combination of meds is unacceptable."

One thing to bear in mind:  I had this conversation with my doctor AFTER trying the medication.  Attempting to anticipate a side effect will not serve you well.  We are all different.  You just have to gut it out.  You try something and monitor it closely (don't EXPECT it to be a problem - assume it will work just fine), and if you begin having problems discuss them with your doctor at that point.  You may gain weight, you may not; you may have sexual side effects, you may not; this drug may work well for you, it may not.  The only way you're going to know is by trying it.  Good luck!

[crystal freeman]

I have been on paxil for 2 years for panic/anxiety disorder.
I love the drug when I am on it I am calm.
I am a huge elephant now.I gained 35lbs,I am only 5 ft tall-165lbs.I am depressed because my husband can't stand me
I get called names from my in laws and own children,it hurts.
So my dilema is stay on it be not scared or get off it be confident in appearence but scared of my own shadow.
I have tried getting off it but I get dizzy and panic and headaches like you would not believe.I wish I never went on the damn thing.Now I am a miserable depressed fat ugly cow.

[Rose walker]

Listen it is worth switching to another drug I went through severe drug withdrawl from paxil and would never ever get on it again.the only thing that finally worked is tell the dr. that you have side affects . Tell him that you are numb and do not have a sexual appite at all and it is destoying your marriage and then they wiil change it. It was rough but give it about a week and things will get better. Good luck