Paxil: weight gain

[Christine]

Hi All,
Thanks for this wonderful service!

I have OCD, Panic Disorder & Social Anxiety.  Without medication life is very uncomfortable.  I was on Paxil for 6 months and all my symptoms were greatly relieved.  However, the side effects began to outweigh the benefits.  The side effects were: fatigue, nausea, headaches, loss of libido and inability to orgasm, weight gain and increased PMS.  The fatigue and the weight gain finally caused me to go off the med, I was only able to stay awake about 8 hours a day and I gained about 15 pounds in 1 month.

Question 1:  While on Paxil I was unable to control the weight.  I work out 4 - 5 times a week, eat a very healthy diet, no drinking, and I am HYPERthyroid (not enough to be treated though).  I was very depressed by this out of control weight gain.  Now that I am off the Paxil, will I be able to lose this weight?  I am worried that it is resistant like it was when I was on the Paxil.

I am also looking for advice from anyone out there who has successful strategies for dealing with OCD, Panic & Social Phobia without meds. I have tried other meds (Prozac, Zoloft, Luvox, Ativan, Klonopin).  I reacted horrribly to all of them.  The Panic really focuses on fear of death, impending sense of doom.  I have an irregular heartbeat (PVC's) that scare the hell out of me and cause me to panic.

I am a little scared now that I am off the meds. Anyone out there going through this or can offer advice, it would be greatly appreciated.

Peace to all,
Christine

[efrank]

Here's something to consider:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b30iwhEw9ho

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azkLQpyiGHA&mode=related&search=

[minnie102]

Thanks for your comments. I had success with paxil (except for withdrawals), and it seems I have been reading a lot of negative with paxil. I am glad to hear some positive. I took paxil with my first pregnancy and thank god-my baby had no problems. And of course, at the time they said paxil was fine while pregnant. Since then, that has changed.  I need to get back on meds due to extreme anxiety and paxil worked in the past except for the hell I went through getting off (mood swings, anger, etc.). Did you have trouble getting off when you were pregnant? I am looking into other meds (Wellbutin, remeron,zoloft, etc.) but I feel comfortable with Paxil since I know it worked for me in the past and I am scared of side effects with other meds. I want more children but worry about having trouble getting off paxil when I am ready to try for another baby.I also do noto wnt to gain all the weight back. This decision is making me so nervous, I just hope my decision on what med to take is the right one.

[Brighter Side]

I have been on Paxil for about 6 years now.  It has helped control the depression and extreme anxiety I used to experience.  When I was not on Paxil, I was so nervous and worried all of the time my appetite was not very big.  When I started taking the medicine I finally had an appetite because my stomach didnt feel as nervous.  I have probably gained about 25 pounds since then but I am a little older now and have a 3 children.  (I did not take Paxil while I was pregnant)  If your symtoms are severe enough, the paxil can really help.  I do not suggest it to everyone.

[minnie102]

I have been off of Paxil for 1 1/2 years and am getting ready to get back on Paxil (or another medication), I can not decide. my anxiety and panic and depersonilization have come back full force and my doctors feel I need to be back on medicine. While I was on Paxil (over 10 years) I gained almost 40 pounds. However, I did not have any other side effects. I never was told about the wait gain until the other day. I am now realizing this was from the Paxil, I am scared to get back on it because I now am back to my normal (actual a little lower then normal) weight. I know I need to be on medicine, however, I am feeling good about my weight again and do not want to gain weight and get depressed about it. My husband said he would rather me have weight gain and have my panic under control, then to be thin and miserable. Also, I see where it is now not safe to get pregnant on Paxil. Is anyone else on another anti-panic med that works? Looking for advice. Also, if anyone has the depersonalization that goes along with this, please give advice how you overcome this horrible experience.
Thanks!!
Minnie

[Ambros]

I just started taking Paxil. I've been on it for about 4 or 5 days. You guys are scaring me with all this weight gain. It makes me lose my appitite and dizzy and confused. I dont know. Yeah them pschycoligists just pump you full of pills. I've never been to one of them people before and the first time I went there they put me on Paxil for my anxiety and depression problems. Do you guys know the best meds to take besides Paxil? Help Me Please.........Amber

[~Nicole]

When you speak of "they" are you referring to Jehovah's Witnesses? Because I too was shown that scripture and a large host of other ones during a bible study with them about 10 years ago.

Another helpful one is Revelation 21:3, 4 that promises a time where " he will wipe out every tear  from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." What a beautiful hope for the future we have! ~Nicole