Paxil (side effects

[ali]

Hi, I started taking Paxil recently to treat my panic attacks (presentaions and introductions).  Even though I have only been taking it for a week, I have experienced the following symptoms:
1) Excessive sweating
2) Headaches
3) Fatigue
4) High blood pressure
Are these symptoms normal?

Also, I thought I was taking this medication to get away from being tense, anxious, nervous and panic stricken.  I read in another article that other side effects include increased anxiety and heart palpitations.  How can this drug reduce panic but increase anxiety at the same time?  I guess I'm asking what is the difference?

[HFHS.MD-AJ]

Ali,

According to the Physician's Desk Reference, Paxil may cause all the side effects that you describe, but these are usually temporary, and tend to last less than 1-2 weeks. Studies have shown that Paxil is useful in treating different anxiety disorders, especially when combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy. To reduce the risks of side effects, some clinicians will start patients on low doses of Paxil, and then increase the dosage slowly, if indicated. I encourage you to discuss your concerns further with your treating physician/psychiatrist.

[rhianna]

Hi,

I suffer from what doctors feel are chronic tension headaches and I was just put on Zoloft the other day. Actually, I've only taken 3 doses so far. But I have felt really wierd too. I am sweating so much it's unbelievable and my mouth is so dry that my throat hurts. And whenever I try to go to sleep I feel kind of detached and paralyzed for a few moments at a time. I am also short of breath. I saw my doc yesterday, but I didn't feel this way until last night. Are these effects normal? Oh, yeah, I'm only taking 25mg in the evening. Is this ok??

[traci]

My husband and I are trying to get pregnant.  He has been on Paxil for the better part of three years.  I am unsure of the dosage, but do know that he take it once a day in the morning.  He briefly went off Paxil and was prescribed Zoloft but experienced ill effects.  Now he is back on Paxil and we are having a hard time trying to conceive because he rarely ejaculates.  This is putting further strain on him and he says that he wants to go off the medication entirely, but I don't think this will do good.  Do you have any suggestions regarding what we can do or other medications that he can try?  He has a doctor's appointment, but we can't get in until late January.

   Thanks,

      traci

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