Paxil side effect?

[jte777]

In June 2004 I turned 50, without much worry about it. But shortly thereafter I noticed a red spot on my leg. For some reason, I began to worry that it was skin cancer, AIDS, etc. Then began looking for other spots, pimples and basically worried myself sick. When it disappeared with no problem, I then noticed a bruise on my leg (I was very sure about how it occurred) but again panicked and worried myself sick for a week. Not just nervous, but true terror. Finally went to a psychologist that I had used about 10 years ago to discuss this. Though I heard what she said, it was hard to accept internally. Then I noticed a gray spot in my mouth where a wisdom tooth was removed long ago and began worrying about mouth cancer. Went to the dentist (very difficult since I have a phobia about doctors) and he xrayed and said "no problem at all". A week later I noticed white spots in my mouth a long the bite line. Again, panic to the point  of nearly hysteria with no sleep possible. Checked in my mouth nearly hourly with flashlight. Went back to dentist and he said he saw NOTHING abnormal at all. My psychologist then referred me to a psychiatrist who could prescribe medication to break what had become a cycle. She prescribed Xanax for immediate relief and to break the cycle. For long term treatment she prescribed Paxil, first 12.5mg then 25mg. When I first took the Xanax I noticed several pimples errupt on chest. Did not itch and doctor said not to stop. When I moved to the Paxil 25% I broke out with even more pimples on chest. I stopped it for about two weeks and they seemed to go away. Then I tried starting the Paxil again and within a few days chest, stomach and shoulders have several pimples. Most are kind of in a line or grouped together. Very minor itching if any. So I stopped about 4 days ago.Pimples are still there though. Also, a small very slightly raised spot appeared on my cheek. Not very noticable, but it is there. Thought it might be ringworm, but do not know where I could have picked it up and it is curious that I did not notice it until after my sking broke out after I began the Paxil. During this time I have continued to take the Xanax  0.25mg twice a day or the worry about the spots would make me even more anxious. Have you ever heard of this type of skin reaction to Paxil? I know that it takes a while for Paxil to build up and wonder if it also takes a while to be completely eliminated from the system. Is that perhaps why the spots are still there though I stopped taking it 4 or 5 days ago ? Unfortunately the appearance of this reaction is causing me more stress than the medications were supposed to relieve. I apologize for the length of this message, but I am quite worried at this point and even the Xanax is not taking the edge off. I appreciate any assistance you can give me to ease my mind. I feel kind of foolish. Until turning 50 I never had such unusually high fear for my health. Even now I feel great physically except for this worry.

[Ivalutie]

I recently switched from Paxil to Cymbalta (which is similar to Effexor).  I suffered absolutely NO side effects (that I was aware of) with Paxil but it just wasn't working well any more (after well over 2 years use).  The withdrawal FROM Paxil, however, was horrendous and I would NOT reccommend that you just stop taking it cold turkey.  You will may well suffer a great deal more than pimples in so doing.  Beginning the Cymbalta gave tremendous relief from the withdrawall symptoms and gave me a 180 degree turn around from the depression I was suffering.   Wishing you well

[kungfugirl]

Hi,
    this an old topic, but new poster. I have been on Paxil 20mg for 2 years now, but I gained 20lbs (now 144 and holding) for the first time in my entire life. I have no sex drive, I barely even think about having sex. But I have no anxiety at all, and I feel like I could emotionally handle anything now (I have GAD). My new psychiatrist suggests I switch to Effexor xr. I am a little nervous about new side-effects, and what the cross-over will be like.
    As for the weight gain, I am currently seeing a trainer, doing cardio and weights 6 times a week, following a very healthy diet. Nothing makes a difference at all. My body just won't change.

    So, anyone switched from Paxil to effexor recently?
    Thanks

[jte777]

I guess I tend to agree. Is this type of side effect somewhat common? And since it takes a while for Paxil to build up in the system, am I logical in thinking that it takes a while for it to be eliminated, thus causing the red spots/pimples to last quite a while before they disappear? Was wondering if perhaps a hydrocortisone cream might help

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Yes, this could come from Paxil but even if it did, it is not a major health risk of any kind, so your worry has to be about something else.  It is not uncommon at such a birthday marker to start thinking again about issues of personal mortality. These get displaced on to minor ailments.  YOu are better off thinking about and talking about these kind of existential issues directly and openly with someone you trust.