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

[Maria]

Hi Christine, I was on Paxil for about 9 months and I gained 20 pounds, so I know how you feel. I have always been thin, and this was the first time in my life that I was overweight. The good news is that you will lose the weight. I was just as worried as you are. I thought I would stay overweight. I also have a mild form of OCD and I suffer from anxiety and depression. I have just been put on Serzone, and although it is probably too soon to tell, I feel fine. One good thing about it is that it does not have as a side effect, weight gain. From what I have read and what the doctor has told me, it is a drug that works to combat anxiety and depression. I believe studies are being done to see if it is helpful for OCD, panic disorder and social anxiety. Some people claim that it has helped with OCD, etc. You might want to talk to your doctor about it. As for Paxil, I never want to take it again. I have heard too many people say that they have gained between 5 to 20 pounds on it. Good Luck!

[HFHS MD - RG]

If you see an association of your weight gain with Paxil, by discontinuing Paxil and continuing your level of exercise and diet, you should see an improvement of your weight. However, if your weight gain persists, I consult your physician to consider other causes of your persistent weight gain.
Anxiety Disorders are also commonly treated with Cognitive-Behavioral therapy without any use of medications. Consult a mental health professional who specializes in this area of treatment.