Paroxetine for Anxiety and Stress User Reviews (Page 2)

• Pau...
• April 8, 2017

Paxil (paroxetine) "I've been using Paxil for about 20 years, 15 mg daily. I suffered from lifelong depression and anxiety and can attest that Paxil probably saved my life, as I contemplated suicide seriously on multiple occasions before taking the drug. It's good about 100% for depression, maybe 75% effective against anxiety. If I miss it for 2-3 days, I start feeling down in the dumps again. The side effects that some posters noted above are usually only temporary. Over time, they all disappear—I had several of them in the beginning as well—not a big deal. Love this drug."

• Nic...
• October 15, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "I started taking Paxil back in 2002, and I’ve been on and off it until I started to wean off it a few months ago - big mistake. I almost got off of it at my own pace (fast) but at the wrong time (too much stress, plus I was bringing up bad past experiences that triggered anxiety/stress in my life). Last Monday, I had a hard time talking without feeling winded and shortness of breath, plus I was tense all over, and I lost interest in everything. Now I’m back on it at a low dose (7.5 mg (cut), but need to go back up to 20 or 30 mg. 30 mg was my long-term dose). I tried Viibryd for a day, but diarrhea sucked, so no thanks. Figured I should just stick with what worked. I can honestly say I really miss not having to go through this as we all are. I’m definitely looking forward to the day when I can be normal again, like this never happened. Now it’s repair time - brain work. Gotta get some positive mindfulness books. Stay positive as much as you can. Whatever helps for the moment. One day at a time."

• jj1...
• March 5, 2011

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have taken Paxil on and off for about five years. I started to take it after suffering from overwhelming anxiety and panic around the time that my marriage fell apart. My GP put me on this medicine instead of Xanax (which was working) because it was not addictive, etc. And indeed, taking Paxil most decidedly reduces my anxiety and gives me a better quality of life. I stopped taking it about a year ago, and have noticed an exponential growth in stress in the last few months. I've decided to start taking it again, and was doing some online reading when I came across this site. And so I decided to put my two cents in the bucket."

• Mat...
• July 19, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "I suffer from anxiety daily and mild depression. I was on Paxil for 2 years and thought I was okay to get off it, 2 months later, I fell hard into depression and anxiety and recently went back on it and am waiting for it to kick in again. This medicine is a lifesaver for sure. Don't give up on it in a few days, you have to let it kick in. Hopefully, it'll kick in soon for me! On it, I had no anxiety and I suffered daily before it, and I had no depression. Good luck :)"

• Anonymous
• January 21, 2010

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have taken Paxil for about 4 years. It is a drug that I had to get used to for about 3 weeks each time the doctor increased the strength. At first, I felt 'groggy' and 'spacey'. Over time, it helps so much with anxiety, irritability, anger-intense reactions, organizing my mind and allowing me to RELAX. I have, at times, missed a day's dose and YOU DON'T WANT TO DO THAT. The following day, I was very anxious and irritable until taking it again. I think it is a fantastic drug that has given me my life back. I think my kids and my husband have benefited from me being calmer, happier and able to 'roll with life' better. I take 40 mg. and it was initially prescribed by my gynecologist for hormone-based mood swings. Love it!"

• 37...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2022

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have been on Paxil 40 mg for about 2 weeks, and I already feel a big difference in how I feel. Before, all I felt was insanely bad anxiety and panic attacks. First, my doctor tried Prozac, but it had absolutely no effect on me. Then my doctor prescribed me Paxil. Wow, what a big difference I already feel with just two weeks of taking the medication. Before, I had really bad anxiety, on a scale of 1 to 10, my anxiety was a 7. Now it is down to a more manageable level of 2. I feel more relaxed. I am sleeping better as well. I hope this helps someone. Paxil is a good medicine. I am truly happy to be on it."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "So let's just say after my wife had the cops show up at my door, it brought me to Paxil 20 mg. I'm a changed man. Before Paxil, I started having anger outbursts over stupid stuff, hot to cold really quick, and verbally assaulting people. My sleeping patterns were terrible, which didn't help. If I drank alcohol, I'd turn into the Incredible Hulk! On the Paxil, I'm a chill dude now. The only thing that I don't like is that it makes me a little too chill, and I find myself shaking it off, but maybe after another week or so I'll better adjust. I'll take this mood over what I previously had any day!"

• Liz...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 1, 2016

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have been on this med for 9 yrs after the death of my daughter, it changed my life dramatically! Recently, I have lost a brother, and my anxiety came back. My doctor has, from today, increased my dose to 50 mg, so praying this helps soon. Hope due to my body being used to the 40 mg, the extra 10 mg kicks in fast. It is a miracle tablet!"

• med...
• November 11, 2009

Paxil (paroxetine) "Paxil has changed my life for the better. My PCP switched me to Paxil after trying Zoloft first. Zoloft didn't help my anxiety and I still needed to take Xanax. I had immediate relief the first day on Paxil and haven't needed Xanax at all. And my hot flashes are gone. Life is beautiful!"

• Kra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2013

"I am almost done with the 4th week of 10 mg, and I feel so much calmer. Before, I couldn't look at my husband without scowling at him. Anxiety and anger hit me hard in this economy. I look back and see how irrational I was... and what a great man he is for putting up with me. I even look at my children in a better light. I have been one of those people who has never wanted to be 'one of those pill poppers', but at 36, I can see myself as me again and am thankful for Paxil. It took a bit over 2 weeks to kick in! I realized it was working when, for days, the normal little things that bugged me no longer angered me or created anxiety. I breathe easier."

• Nan...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 20, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "I've been on 60 mg of Paxil daily for years now, but I am so sad and disconnected from everything and everyone. It helps with my anxiety, but I've gained a lot of weight! To say the least, I am depressed over it, but I am afraid to stop taking it since I've been on it for so long. It's turmoil not knowing what to do to help myself."

• Ren...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 15, 2021

Paxil (paroxetine) "I’m not exactly sure of the day I started taking it, but it’s been at least 20 years. I started with 10 mg, and at one point my anxiety got a little worse, and my doctor suggested upping the dose, but I didn’t. When I get anxious symptoms, my chest feels tight and I can’t get a full breath of air. At one point, I also tried to stop, but the situation that makes me anxious is still there, and my doctor said to continue taking it. I wanted to stop now because I was afraid of the long-term effects, but I just read it’s pretty safe. I’ve never had any problems with it. I’ve always taken it at night, but in the last week, I’ve started taking it in the morning. I feel fine. I eat more or less healthy and do exercise about three times a week. I’m 70, and Paxil is the only drug I take besides my asthma inhaler. I’m actually a little fearful of stopping."

• Anonymous
• March 27, 2012

Paxil (paroxetine) "Have had problems with social anxiety since I was a teenager, and I must say, after trying Paxil, Seroquel, Zoloft, and Wellbutrin, Paxil is by far the best. Only big catch is don't miss a dose, you will have a panic attack."

• Mar...
• April 23, 2017

"After living most of my life with undiagnosed anxiety and thinking I was normal, it wasn't until life got serious that panic attacks and severe anxiety took their toll. After seeing many doctors, one finally prescribed paroxetine, and now life has never been as good. It took 2 weeks to build up in my system, and it was like taking a fire extinguisher to the constant adrenaline hits to my stomach. Definitely worth a try."

• dip...
• January 9, 2011

Paxil (paroxetine) "1st week: Paxil worked for my depression and anxiety instantly, which is out of the norm. I was nauseous all the time and experienced yawning quite frequently, this went away as time went on. Paxil had an almost euphoric feel for me. I was laughing at everything and enjoying life. 1st month: Yawning still exists, euphoria has worn off as well as any anti-depressant effect. However, it still works for anxiety. 3rd month and beyond: Outside of excessive sleeping and somewhat of a fatigued feeling, Paxil is awesome for anxiety, but the antidepressant effect wore off rather quickly for me. I recommend it for anxiety, but not for depression."

• RR9...
• December 13, 2010

Paxil (paroxetine) "I've been taking Paxil for roughly 4 months. I started on a low dose of 10 mg per day, then my doctor increased that to 20 mg per day. I started taking Paxil because I began having panic attacks. At first, I really didn't notice a big difference, but as the weeks went along, I stopped having panic attacks. Additionally, Paxil has been very helpful with controlling my mood swings. In the past, I've been known to get a little agitated quickly and often. That has ceased as well. Side effects: At first, I was tired, but this is no longer an issue. I feel fine in that regard. The sexual side effects are minor. I don't think about sex as much, but getting in the mood has not been an issue. It does take longer to have an orgasm."

• Fra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 5, 2019

"Was on Lexapro (escitalopram) for 5 years, then pooped out. Nasty side effects and withdrawals. Know your doctor, if you don’t like him or her, change. He had me taper off Lexapro without any help in meds for withdrawals from 20 mgs till nothing was in my system. I got off in a month. Lexapro is nasty when it stops working, by God, absolutely horrible. Got a new doctor who got me on paroxetine (Paxil). Started out, saved my life. Don’t be scared, it’s made to not make you scared anymore. 12.5 is what I started. Little dizzy, little hunger, nausea. Stay close to a bathroom if you catch what I mean (from your bowels). I take mine before I go to bed anyway, helps with all the side effects and 0.5 Xanax for anxiety spikes before the full effect of P hits in the next weeks. They work beautifully together."

• WJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 28, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "Worst AD I have ever tried. The medication actually magnified my anxiety to the point of madness. My brain was out of control. Body pain, cramping, muscle tension, blurred vision, headache, severe back, spine, and stomach pain. If you're a male, do not take Paxil. It will destroy your libido, and as far as male working parts, it will strip you of your manhood. Nothing will work if you're sexually active. This medication is awful. As soon as I stopped taking it, the side effects disappeared. Doctors are over-prescribing ADs. If you suffer from pain, they take you off pain meds and create a new set of problems with ADs."

• sma...
• May 13, 2011

Paxil (paroxetine) "I was on Paxil since I was 16. I didn't know how good it was until I went off of it 16 years later. Major panic attacks and life felt like it was not worth living! I tried other SSRIs which didn't work and made me feel worse! (Zoloft and Pristiq were the worst!) I'm going back to Paxil. I never should have quit it in the first place! I hope to get the joy I once had back!"

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 1, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "This medication is terrible! The most horrible medication that someone could be on! I slept non stop for 7 weeks while on it and in three months I gained massive weight (15 pounds) and, although I have been off it for 2 years, I cannot get rid of this excessive weight I gained while on Paxil! And, terrible withdrawal effects. It should be pulled off the market for its serious side effects and it cannot help with anything!"

• Lov...
• September 17, 2011

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have been on Paxil a little over a month now. Before I started taking it, I had terrible anxiety, stress, and depression. Since I've been taking it, I've felt happy and stress-free. The only problem I've had is that it can work a little too well. My grandpa went into hospice care, and we knew he would die, but I was still happy and stress-free. I ran out of my Paxil, and that's when it hit me that he's dying. Then he died, and I reacted as I should have, sad/depressed. I refilled my prescription, it's been less than 2 days since he died. While it is great I feel so much better, I wish I could feel the sadness I should be feeling."

• Ash...
• January 6, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "I love Paxil, but I have to say I have put on weight being on it, and I have the most horrible vivid nightmares where I can't wake up. I think it works great for anxiety, but I think maybe this medicine has stopped working because I've been on it so long. It has improved my life for the better, but I'm thinking of changing now, 'cause it just doesn't do the same for me anymore."

• Syl...
• April 4, 2023

Paxil (paroxetine) "Excellent. I have been anxious for years because of severe trauma in my childhood and had severe panic attacks whenever I would go to unknown places. On the smallest dosage of Paxil, I was able to go anywhere. Paxil changed my life."

• DWh...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 27, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "I had a headache 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for a little over 4 months. I saw a neurologist who told me that it was tension causing my headaches and that it was all in my head. He put me on Paxil, and it was, without exception, the single worst experience of my life. I had never been depressed before, never been diagnosed with anxiety, and nothing to suggest any mental health issues whatsoever, and I was prescribed Paxil. This drug nearly killed me. As I said, no history of mental illness or suicidal thoughts in my entire life, and when I was put on this drug, it made me feel suicidal. I felt like I was better off dead than alive. I was only 15 years old at the time, I'm now 16. I don't think you should take this if you are under 18 years old!"

• C S...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 27, 2016

Paxil (paroxetine) "Took Paxil for 1 year (at the end, was taking 50 mg a day) for severe anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. It was a lifesaver. Stopped crying so easily, stopped yelling at my kids, stopped being so moody. After about 6 months, I noticed I was not laughing anymore, no sex drive, weight gain. I stayed on it. When I hit the year mark, I decided I wanted to get off of it. I told my doctor, and she suggested staying on it. Nope. I quit taking it. I took 2 days of 40 mg, 2 days of 20 mg, 2 days of 10 mg, and then nothing. 3 days after that, I thought I would die. Chills, extreme nausea, sweating, hysterical crying or laughing, twitching in my arms and legs, weird noises in the back of my head. I thought I was going crazy. Decided to go back on Paxil. 20 mg."