Skip to main content

Paroxetine for Anxiety and Stress User Reviews

Brand names: Paxil, Paxil CR, Brisdelle

Paroxetine has an average rating of 6.9 out of 10 from a total of 159 reviews for the treatment of Anxiety and Stress. 64% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 21% reported a negative experience.

Paroxetine rating summary

6.9 average rating out of 10

159 ratings from 169 user reviews.

Compare all 11 medications used in the treatment of Anxiety and Stress.

10
30%
9
19%
8
14%
7
3%
6
3%
5
5%
4
4%
3
1%
2
3%
1
18%

Reviews for Paroxetine

  • Jac...
  • January 19, 2017

Paxil (paroxetine) "For all of you writing your bad experiences on here really need to rethink the purpose of your post. Writing about an experience that is short of something you would see in an exorcism movie (head spinning, projectile vomiting, sweating, hyperventilating etc.) Be careful. You are posting in a forum of people who have diagnosed anxiety, and they turn to the Internet and read these posts, that more than likely are exaggerated, breeding greater anxiety or worse making someone not take the medication. The medication was prescribed for a reason with hundreds of millions of dollars in research spent in studying it. Ranging from bacterial study to small animal study to large animal study to human trials etc. This medication is very safe."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
1002 Report
  • Lee...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 20, 2021

Paxil (paroxetine) "I started taking paroxetine 10 mg 2 weeks ago, and I am so happy that I did because I feel like myself again. I was on paroxetine 15 years ago due to a difficult time in my life. I did go off of the medication after 8 years, and felt fine. Back on it now due to some life stressors, and it has worked wonders with my anxiety, panic episodes, and mild depression. I had very minor side effects in the first week. So, I am so grateful for this medication because it truly has helped considerably, and I am hoping to see more results within the 4-6 week period. Best of luck!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
216 Report
  • jly...
  • April 27, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "At first, I was a little bit afraid to try Paxil after reading some reviews, but I thought to myself anything has to be better than the daily stress and anxiety that I was dealing with. I've been on it for a month, and I can absolutely say it's been a life-changing experience! I no longer have daily panic attacks, and I can go out in public without a care! Before Paxil, I struggled in public situations. I would often feel anxiety and if everyone was staring and judging me. But now I don't even think about it. I just go on with my business and enjoy my days! If you're struggling with daily panic attacks and anxiety like I was, I highly recommend at least giving it a try!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
284 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Flu...
  • January 16, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) "Paxil has worked wonderfully for me. I now have a life due to it. I no longer feel like I'm being attacked by the world, so I no longer attack back. I finally have a life and I am finally happy with myself as well."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
292 Report
  • Sam...
  • July 13, 2013

Paxil (paroxetine) "I finally feel like I'm balanced now that I have been taking Paxil. Life before Paxil was not life. I have suffered from anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder since I was 8. I didn't start Paxil until I was 34 because of a divorce, but it truly has cured me. I no longer feel anxious, depressed, and the racing thoughts have diminished. I feel normal and rational. I do get very sleepy though while on Paxil, and I have found exercise to help combat that side effect. I don't know how my life would've turned out if I had been on this medicine a long time ago. I owe my life to this medicine."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
258 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
  • you...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • July 20, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "I started taking Paxil back in 1996, and it was the greatest drug. It helped me get through my depression and anxiety, and it gave me my life back. Now I am 60. I slowly got off Paxil for 6 months, and now my troubles are back. I am going back on my Paxil because without it, I can't live a normal day. I am slowly letting Paxil back into my system. I need this drug so I can live a normal life. I hope this helps everyone, but everyone's system is different. I have tried other ones, but none worked as well as Paxil. I'll never go off it again, it's my lifesaver. Good luck, but I know Paxil is really worth trying. To avoid the side effects, slowly take them to get back into your system. I wish I had never been taken off Paxil as it is my lifesaving drug. Thank you, Paxil, for giving my life back. God bless you."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
143 Report
  • Tik...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 6, 2013

Paxil (paroxetine) "I've been through several medicines including Abilify, Zoloft, clonazepam, Seroquel, Ativan, and several others, and this medicine is the most wonderful of all of them. With Paxil, I feel so calm and just even-tempered. Is it possible something actually can work? I'm thinking, genius! I can't thank you enough."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
228 Report
  • Phe...
  • December 11, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have experienced anxiety for about 16 years. It took me 12 years to find Paxil, and I thank God for it. I was such a mess! Because of anxiety, I developed agoraphobia. I couldn't get out of the house or be around people at all, consequently, depression followed. My poor husband stuck with me through all of it. I have taken every antidepressant that's out there, none of them worked, they made me zombie-like. Three days into Paxil, I came alive. All that noise and constant fear in the back of my mind quieted down. I could not believe it! I had more energy because I didn't feel emotionally and physically drained anymore. I finally could be in the moment and take it all in! I feel like I can do anything, before Paxil, I felt like a constant failure."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
181 Report
  • Loo...
  • October 23, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "If you are reading this comment, it means you have a problem, and it's not going to disappear by itself. So don't worry about withdrawal because you'll take it forever because it will work. The starting side effects last a month. Take some time off your schedule. It is the strongest of its category."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
109 Report
  • Hop...
  • January 25, 2016

Paxil (paroxetine) "I was on Paxil 40mg for 13 years and decided (like an idiot) that I didn't need it anymore. Withdrew from the Paxil, and it was hard! Three months later, I was in a whirlwind of emotion, anxiety, panic, and fear. Didn't leave my house for four months! I used to go to the beach to destress all the time, couldn't even do that. Went to the doctor, and he tried me on Lexapro, Effexor, and Prozac. Horrible three months of my life with all the side effects. Finally decided myself to go back on Paxil. Within a month's time, I'm back to working 2 jobs, my family is happier, I am way less stressed, and the anxiety is 3/4 gone. Please, if anyone is fighting with stress, anxiety, or panic, take the Paxil! It did great for me both times."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
155 Report
  • Chi...
  • December 15, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "Been taking Paxil at low dose 5 mg. I like Paxil because my doctor said it helps with sleep. With other SSRIs I tried, I woke up throughout the night. Doctor said if I stay at low dose, may not experience weight gain, we'll see. Trying to eat healthy and exercise daily too. Hope this helps, so far so good. Anxiety can be terrible."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
99 Report
  • Lol...
  • March 10, 2018

Paxil (paroxetine) "I'm writing this because I was initially scared to start taking Paxil after reading a lot of negative reviews online, and I wanted to put a positive one out there. I'm currently on week 6, day 2, on a 10mg dose (I'm a small female). When I started, I had gone over a month barely eating or sleeping, and had lost over 15 pounds in the previous few months due to anxiety/depression. I was struggling with every aspect of my life, and felt like I didn't have the strength to pull myself through it. Today, I feel strong and capable. I have my appetite back, and my sleep has improved. I am back to my real joyful self and not just a shell of a person. The only side effects I have experienced are exhaustion in the first few weeks, and some jaw clenching at night. All manageable. So, if you're considering Paxil, don't be scared by all the info out there. Every body is different, and you never know: it might be just what you need to help you through this time in your life and find yourself."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
119 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 4, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "I tried everything from Zoloft, Xanax, Valium, Cymbalta. After a severe rollover accident and 3 surgeries, I had infections in my stomach which led to H. pylori, then 2000mg of antibiotics, which led to Barrett's disease, then severe debilitating anxiety and depression. I am sensitive to all medication. Paxil, a low dose of 10mg, after 6 months, has saved my life, and God, of course. Please don't give up."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
101 Report
  • Ss8...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 25, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have been on this medicine for a week and a half now, and I have regained my life back! The first 4 days on it are hell, but if you just hold on through it, you will notice a world of difference. I can wake up in the mornings feeling like my old self again and go through the day without feeling scared or hyped up. I would definitely recommend it."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
153 Report
  • Van...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 28, 2018

Paxil (paroxetine) "I am 28 years old and have been on Paxil for 2.5 months, and it is the best thing that has ever happened to me! I always thought Paxil was for crazy people. I used to always be on edge, worry about EVERYTHING, have chest and neck pain from stress, and was generally unhappy. Since I have been on Paxil, I feel like I can live again and I even lost weight. I am in school for my RN, and I don’t get angry and stressed about every little thing that doesn’t go my way. It is like my mind and body won’t let me sweat the small stuff. My relationship with my spouse is even better. I haven’t really experienced any negative side effects. Thank goodness for Paxil and my new life!! I couldn’t be happier!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
107 Report
  • Emi...
  • December 28, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) "There is a lot of other reviews that I have read that sums a lot of it up. Yes, you will most likely experience yawning, nausea, and headaches at first. It does go away! At first I also noticed a change in my sex life. I could still get in the mood but found it near impossible to orgasm. Also, with sleep, I did feel tired for a bit, but I think it was because I experienced trouble sleeping at first. I found some things that helped fix some of this: I went from 20mg to 10mg a day. I took it right after breakfast. This one is important! Exercise! I started running again and I found that it had an extremely positive effect and it went well with the medication. A lot of the jitters I got at first went away, it helped me sleep better, and more!"

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
127 Report
  • Hel...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • May 10, 2013

Paxil (paroxetine) "The first few days were hard for me, very groggy and giggly, and my husband says I was totally useless, but I was smiling, and then the fog lifted. It doesn't make the problems in your life magically vanish, but instead of freaking out over everything, I now only get upset when a 'normal' person would. I now have healthy natural reactions to things. I can deal with my problems. I don't see problems in everything, everywhere. Aropax changed not only my life drastically, but the lives of everyone who cares about me."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
139 Report
  • kay...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • October 7, 2020

"I have been taking Paxil for a little over 2 years now. I first started out with 20 mg, my dose is now 50 mg. Paxil has been heaven-sent for me. I went from worrying, being paranoid, and having chronic tearful moments to being calm and handling everyday life so much better. I was afraid of taking it at first after reading the side effects. The only side effect that I experienced was the sweating, which had subsided in a little over 6 months. Taking this medication has helped me become the best version of myself that I could be. I strongly recommend it."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
63 Report
  • cra...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • May 1, 2017

Paxil (paroxetine) "I started with severe panic and anxiety attacks 3 years ago, which honestly made me think I was going crazy, scariest time in my life. I tried Zoloft and Lexapro, and both made me feel worse. In January 2015, I started Paxil 10mg and worked up to 20mg and honestly felt like my old self again, no longer dealt with the attacks. However, in February 2017, I decided to try Prozac because the Paxil had made me numb to everything and I did gain about 45 lbs on it. I have now been on Prozac for almost 3 months and am waiting to switch back over to the Paxil because I feel anxious and irritable on this and miss the Paxil. I pray for all of you who deal with this awful disease and pray one day they can find an actual cure for it!!!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
99 Report
  • ave...
  • December 4, 2010

Paxil (paroxetine) "I had anxiety that was getting more and more severe as the days went by. It was really hard to be around people. I would get nervous and stiffen up and also feel very paranoid that people noticed my discomfort. I started to take Paxil starting at 10 mg. For the first little while, nothing was different about my anxiety, but soon it was amazing. I was talking so much without getting nervous. I could look people in the eye and could enjoy my life. All of a sudden, things were much more bearable. The only bad part was that it made me kinda absent-minded like I didn't really pay attention much, but overall, I was extremely happy with the results and am glad I only have to take 10 mg a day. Hope my entry helps."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
149 Report
  • Anonymous
  • September 29, 2011

Paxil (paroxetine) "I suffered with pretty severe anxiety, stress, and depression. Took Paxil 4 days ago and honestly I feel great. It already started working. A lot of it could be in my head, but trust me all my symptoms disappeared. Side effects: from day one I had a light headache, day two - a little harder headache, day three - unbearable headache, day four (now) no headache, feeling perfectly fine, great mood, even though it's raining and dark outside. GREAT medicine. Also, it's worth to add, it worked the same wonders for me about 8 years ago when I had it for the last time. I was on Paxil for 6 months and it healed me. I had 7 years of a great life and suddenly 6-7 months ago this thing attacked me again. Paxil works again, the same way."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
136 Report
  • pax...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • April 27, 2013

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have been taking this for not only general anxiety but also for social anxiety, panic, and depression. My head must have needed this because I noticed a euphoric feeling after taking my first 10mg dose; within 15 minutes. Of course it won't get rid of the problems that plague you. But on a strictly how your head feels basis, for me this is a great medicine. I can relate to horror stories as I experienced those with Zoloft. Paxil makes me a little more comfortable in social settings and improves the quality of life in general. I'm a guy and it does diminish libido but I have managed to accept that."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
111 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • July 6, 2013

Paxil (paroxetine) "I had anxiety with panic attacks since 10 years ago, treated with Xanax as needed. When my father got ill, the stress level was so high that Xanax was not working well. Paxil 5mg daily changed my life and no side effects. After 1 year on 10mg works better."

Was this helpful?YesNo
108 Report
  • Jpa...
  • July 22, 2013

Paxil (paroxetine) "I started Paxil 6 days ago. I get married next month, and my job switched me to sales. I couldn't take the stress - I went to the hospital thinking I was having a heart attack, to find out it was anxiety. I've had chest pains, palpitations, obsessive nail biting, and chewing. I couldn't take it anymore. I've used 3 vacation days up just because of anxiety. Also, I'm 27 years old. Since I've started Paxil, I've had a lot of side effects that I didn't associate with the medicine right away. I have trouble urinating even when I have to go badly. I've had short-term memory loss like forgetting my work number, I feel hungover and dizzy, blurred vision, shakes, nausea, and inability to reach orgasm."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
107 Report
  • Ang...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 10, 2023

Paxil (paroxetine) "Amazing medication. I have been on it three times in my life and I was scared to get back on it the third time. Starting it again was the best decision I have ever made in my life, no side effects at all, takes a couple weeks to feel better!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
15 Report
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.