Paxil?

[optimistic289]

Hi i was just wandering if anyone has any info on paxil.  Anything good or bad to say about it, did it help anyone or not at all? My husband is starting on it and i was just wandering how effective it is?

[KLKROY]

I know I am not a doctor but I do have a decade of experience with 20mg per day of Paxil for the last ten years and currently on day 63 paxil free (not withdrawal free).  (As a side note I have not been on any other SSRI's or other medication except birth control my whole life so it is more than clear that the effects of Paxil and it's withdrawal are clearly the culprit in my saga).  I didn't even start researching these withdrawal symptons until I realized that's what they had to be not what the doctor was telling me which was that the anxiety was returning and I should continue the Paxil and up the dosage.  Hind sight is 20/20 and I can now look back and realize about 3 years ago I was in what has been referred as "poop out" of paxil and was having withdrawals even that long ago.  I have tapered over a years time and finally finished in January and even with a slow taper it has not been an experience I would wish on my worst enemy.  I have since learned not only how strong I really am to be able to come this far in my paxil recovery but also the natural remedies for keeping anxiety in check, like deep breathing, exercise, and lots and lots of prayer.  I will admit I'm as guilty as anyone for the quick fix and from things I've read that was the initial intent of SSRI's like Paxil to be short term and then use therapy etc.  Unfortunately I learned the hard way.

That being said I do know it took about 4 to 6 weeks for the paxil to kick in when I first started so if it is your husbands best treatment I would give it some time.  Also check out all the info on this forum as well as paxilprogress.org and quitpaxil web site.  It might help you make a more informed decision as whether to continue the paxil before it gets it's claws in or to seek other advice.

Like I said I'm obvisouly not a doctor but as I have learned from many on this web site and others they know the full truth because they have lived it and I just know I will be more proactive in my own health matters in the future.

Good luck to you and your husband.  

[mishey64]

I was on Paxil (20mg) for 1 year.  I've gained 50 lbs in that one year with numerous attemtps to lose weight with no success.  The most horrible thing is when you try to get OFF of the drug.  The withdrawal symptoms are HORRENDOUS!  You have to taper off very slowly and you feel like absolute HELL.  Don't get on this drug if you don't have to.

[LisaAnn678]

I was on Paxil for several years and it worked wonders for me.  Its hard to say how these med's will affect each person so it is usually on a try it and see basis.  Many people say that Effexor XR is great but it only made me worse.  I have rarely heard of anyone that did not like Paxil with one exception.  Everyone complains about the withdrawls symptoms.  I was taken off paxil (due to weight gain) before the makers had labled it as having withdrawl symptoms.  I ended up in the emergency room one night because of it.  I had to be taken from work to the ER because I was shaking, sweating, my heart was racing and I literally could not count past the number 4 because my brain was going haywire.  I know that sounds scary but Paxil and Effexor are the 2 worst for this problem.  It will NOT be a problem as long as your husband follows the doctors orders (if he ever discontinues it) to wean from the Paxil.  All together, it was a great med for me but it gave me the munchies and I ate everything I could get my hands on and gained 20 lbs.  Hope this helps.