First time Paxil user

[TheRover]

I just started taking Paxil three days ago (20mg - 1 a day) and I feel like there's already been an effect on me - sleep easier, sleep better, more focus, when I get mad I don't get REAL mad, etc.

I've read that it takes 2-3 weeks to work. Are these effects just placebo effects or indications that the medication is working for me? Also, I noticed that as the time approaches for me to take my next pill, I feel a little more 'worked up' than usual. Thoughts?

Thanks!

[TheRover]

It supposed to help with bulimia (binge eating). So I suppose it will cut back on my cravings and I'll lose weight b/c as you said well, eating is my trigger. I bet if you hardly eat, then you'll eat more and if you eat a lot you'll eat less. I get the feeling this drug has a balancing effect, brings everyone to the 'middle.'

So far I feel more toned down. I'm able to let things go easily and I can go to sleep so easy when I want to. No drooling though - not yet ; )

And I'm getting more done at work b/c I'm not getting distracted with anxious thoughts or wonderings. No nightmares last night but the first night I had bad ones.

[suzi-q]

I do have nightmares occasionally...I never realized that it could cause nightmares!  So THAT explains it!!!

Bambi-  I have been a yoyo dieter my whole life...many ups and downs. (just like my moods!  LOL)  I have been heavier and also at my thinnest on paxil.  Just eat healthy and exercise and it shouldn't cause a gain. My friend who is on Effexor has gained MUCHO weight!!! So stay away from that if weight is an issue!

[Bambi1979]

I took my first Paxil tonight but I told my therapist that I wouldn't take it if it made me gain weight!!!  Good luck to me!!!

[egilpin]

I have been on Paxil for about 3.5 weeks and I still get nervous. For me I am just starting to feel the effects. But I think that is it different for everyone. Good Luck to you. Dont worry about gaining weight... if you do gain weight it will prob. be a small amount. I know this may be a trigger for your anxiety but think of the benefits of the medication not the side effects.

[marissposa]

I felt effects from mine right away.  It also made me drool when I was first adjusting to it. LOL.  I did not gain weight.  I did become less creative and driven.

[Bambi1979]

Did you gain weight on Paxil?  My dr. started me on it and I haven't taken it because I am SCARED TO DEATH it's gonna make me gain weight!!!  That's part of the reason I am depressed is my weight!!!!!

[TheRover]

Thanks for sharing with me Suzi-Q. I do feel more 'normal' now in a way I haven't felt in years. I'm just hoping to dodge the sexual side effects. Did you have nightmares with Paxil? My first night, before I even knew it could be a side effect, I had terrible ones. Last night, none. Hopefully they will have gone away. And I feel kind of groggy but happy. Make sense?

[suzi-q]

It could be qa combination of both.  I know that  when I take my klonopin I start to relax just knowing it is in me. However, the meds are working too.  I am also on paxil and have been for 14 years.  It has been a long time and hard to remember but I think I started getting relief pretty quick also...like I said, I bet it is a little bit of both....Try not to analize it!!!  JUST ENJOY FEELING NORMAL!!!  Whatever it is, it is working!!!!