Week 3 of Paxil 20mg. My side effects at the beginning were awful, anxiety was worse and I couldn't sleep, sit still, racing thoughts.It's slowly progressing, very slowly. But I still have some side effects. I took it over 10 years ago and it worked wonders but I forget how long it took to work. I don't plan on being on it forever. But my question is, how long does it usually take to work? My dr said 4-6 weeks. I didn't expect it to be magic but I can't wait for full on relief so I can clear my mind and work on myself without having all this craziness to go along with it :)
How long before Paxil starts to fully work?
Question posted by cd3344 on 19 Nov 2011
Last updated on 30 March 2020 by tlsimm
4 Answers
tlsimm
30 March 2020
I doubt few, if any, have had the response I have. After about 4-5 weeks one morning, I noticed a dramatic difference and felt great. The only problem I had (and it was strange) was that I felt VERY stressed one night at a "solstice" gathering for family. This trauma lasted 4-5 days. During this time I continued to take Paxil and even afterward I took it for a couple of months, stopped it for a month and am going to start it again in a couple of days. So strange.
kmaverikaz
26 Nov 2011
As you know, the chemical structure is different for each individual. However at three weeks you are still at the early stages. As mentioned by others give it at least another 7-14 days for the plasma levels to increase to a therapeutic level. You may have to also manipulate the dosage levels and your doctor may augment the medication with others others to facilitate the efficacy of Paxil. Perhaps a Benzo will help eliminate the craziness that goes along with it such as Diazepam (Valium). Hang in there, hopefully it will work soon. If not, another SSRI may be indicated. You also stated you don't plan on being on it forever, depending on your diagnosis, some conditions are based on chemical imbalances in the brain and require lifelong medical intervention so the body's synapses' can operate normally, otherwise a relapse will occur. I wish you the best.
Nobody girl
23 Nov 2011
It takes a little while, 6 weeks usually
Inactive
19 Nov 2011
Hello cd3344. I currently take paxil. Just give it a bit more time. Your doctor is right on. Another week or two and you'll be feeling the full theraputic effects of the drug. Best wishes,
cd3344
19 Nov 2011
Thanks for your response. I think I feed into too much info online and get myself amped up and scared. Just wanted to see if it was common to feel that way when starting the medicine, I know everyone is different.
Inactive
19 Nov 2011
I understand. I started on paxil, just this past May. Now take 30mg. Two downsides, it leaves me tired, most all throughout the day, and gives me an appetite. But the appetite comes and goes. Otherwise, it helps. Its not a benzodiazepine and not meant to work like a benzo.Hope it works, helps you. Have a good one,
emma71
2 May 2013
I am in the same boat. I have been on Paxil 10mg for the past four years and in late March I had a heart attack. I felt fine for a but last weekend I had a panic attack which I thought was chest pain. I had a cold chill that ran throughout body with a vengeance. After that I noticed more sweats and anxiety. I went to my doctor on Monday and she prescribed an increase to 20mg. Well I took it in the morning and after I dropped the kids off at school I started feeling very sleepy, blurred vision and more panic attacks again. I phoned the Pharmacist and he said that some people are more sensitive to dosage increases than others. He suggested to take it down to 15mg. This was yesterday. Last night before bed I took an Ativan .5mg and I had the worst dreams and panic attacks all night. This is worse than the heart attack. If I don't feel better later on today I will have to go to emerg. My family doctor is out of town. I have three kids at home and a husband who need me.
Related topics
paxil, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, side effect, sleep
Further information
- Paxil uses and safety info
- Paxil prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Paxil (detailed)
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