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Paroxetine for Anxiety User Reviews (Page 3)

Brand names: Paxil, Paxil CR, Brisdelle

Paroxetine has an average rating of 7.2 out of 10 from a total of 354 reviews for the treatment of Anxiety. 64% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 18% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Paroxetine

  • shan
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • July 8, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "This is my miracle drug. I used to suffer from at least 3 panic attacks a day and severe depression. After about 2 months on Paxil, I got a sudden feeling that everything was going to be OK. This dread of the future and hating life went away. However, this did come with the side effects of gaining 15 pounds and losing most of my sex drive. I do still have depression during the hard times of the year but my anxiety is so low and I LOVE it."

8 / 10
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71 Report
  • Forme...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 2, 2013

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have had very bad anxiety and subsequent depression now for about 8 years. I also come from a background of extreme emotional abuse which I think was the largest contributor to my panic and high anxiety and fear. I just began Paxil last week. WOW. I really don't know why I waited so long to seek medication advice. Unfortunately, it took a suicide attempt to get me where I am today, but even after 1 WEEK, I feel so much better. I'm not having severe side effects because my doctor told me to start gradual, which I did, and I think that lessened the side effects significantly! I will keep updating with my progress, but so far so good!"

9 / 10
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131 Report
  • HateD...
  • December 24, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) "Waking up with negative thoughts and anxiety, mostly in the morning most of my life. Due to major problems at work, the doctor gave me Zoloft and the like—all were HORRID. Finally heard about Paxil, got on it, and the days all became sunny, with birds singing outside, even in winter. I was on it (20mg I think) for more than 8 years. The ONLY downside was a major loss of sexual interest. Perhaps the dose was too high. I easily weaned off of it 2 years ago, over 1 month, without problems, except that the anxieties are back. At age 70, I may go back on it."

9 / 10
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112 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Shelby
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 14, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have been on Aropax for 7 days now due to depression and anxiety. In the first few days of taking it I was incredibly shakey and when I spoke my voice sounded distant from my own like I was in a dream like state. I was yawning all the time. Although the symptoms seem to be getting better. I have restless legs, dry mouth, a stiff jaw and neck, I am cold all the time and my skin feels like it is itchy or crawling. I wish I did more research before taking it as I have just read how bad the withdrawal symptoms are. Do you think if I stop taking them now only after 7 days it would be OK? Also I feel like I am gaining weight but eating a lot less due to no appetite and drinking lots more water due to dry mouth. what to do?"

4 / 10
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64 Report
  • melody
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 26, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have been on Paxil for just over four weeks and its been amazing. I was anxious and stressed and had extreme anxiety about my health. I was desperate and even though I read the reviews - and worried about taking it - I decided to try. I can't begin to explain the calm that is now me. Importantly, because I was so hyper sensitive the doctor asked me to start on a quarter tab and each week I went up - quarter, half, full tab. I think the full tab is 20mg. Remarkably I felt benefits straight away and each time I upped my dose I felt tired for a day or two and then normalised. I had some yawning, dry mouth and loss of appetite. I also sought psychology treatment and have been diagnosed with delay onset PTSD from past trauma."

9 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Jenb
  • December 4, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "This pill has changed my life. I had no idea how bad I suffered from anxiety until I started taking this. I take 20mg a day and after a month, I noticed a huge change. It's been 2 months now, and I feel like myself again. I'm so glad I decided to see my doctor and get help. I can't believe I lived for so long being so miserable. I have so much fun now doing things I couldn't do when dealing with my anxiety. I love going out and meeting new people when before I could barely leave the house to grab the mail without having crazy fears. I am able to talk about my anxiety openly to anyone now too, which is a huge change. The only problem I have is sleeping, which my doctor had to prescribe another drug for that."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 25, 2012

Paxil (paroxetine) "Before Paxil, I had used multiple medications for anxiety and depression, and they would mellow me out, but I didn't really feel 'better'. After starting Paxil, I can honestly say I'm the happiest I have been in years, and my coping skills are greatly improved. I feel healthy again, my appetite is back to normal, I don't look sickly anymore, and I can sleep. Paxil was the miracle for me."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • July 23, 2008

Paxil (paroxetine) "I was given Paxil 3 years ago. I didn't know what a basket case I was until I started getting better. No side effects at all. I will encourage anyone to at least try it for 6 weeks; it is a great drug if you truly need it."

10 / 10
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150 Report
  • Woool...
  • March 29, 2009

Paxil (paroxetine) "I started taking Paxil about 7 or 8 years ago for anxiety. I had been in the hospital for an arrhythmia at age 24, and it totally freaked me out. After that, every illness I had, I was sure it was my heart, and I started to panic and check my pulse frequently. I ended up in the ER about twice a month thinking I was dying. My PCP finally suggested Paxil. Since then, I have had ZERO panic/anxiety attacks. I have had problems occasionally with ejaculatory dysfunction, but not often enough for me to be that upset. Besides, the trade-off is feeling better and living normally. It has been great for me, and I hope you have a similar experience."

10 / 10
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142 Report
  • Summer
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • October 31, 2012

Paxil (paroxetine) "I first tried Paxil in 2003, after trying everything, and I do mean every antidepressant on the market. I couldn't believe in less than a week I was already feeling relief. My mistake: I kept going on and off of it. It eventually stopped helping. So for 3 years, I went on Celexa, which helped less than Paxil but more than others. Recently, I began getting severe generalized anxiety disorder along with my depression. I finally decided to give the Paxil a try again since so much time had lapsed since I'd been on it. Well, it worked again. Feeling better than I have in a long time. Message: Everybody is different so Paxil won't work for all. But if it does for you, STAY ON IT. Don't try the on and off thing. Good luck!"

9 / 10
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  • Fitsc...
  • October 28, 2009

Paxil (paroxetine) "I am on my 3rd week of taking Paxil. The first week was difficult as my side effects were nervousness (which makes you think you are having an anxiety attack) and sleepiness. After about 4 or 5 days, I started feeling better and better. I have only had 1 very small attack since being on it. I feel SO much better and happier. I finally feel like myself again. Good luck to all of you!"

10 / 10
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129 Report
  • Whist...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 4, 2016

Paxil (paroxetine) "* Reminder, everyone's experience is different, and you won't know how this medication works for you until you try it.* I'm 18 and used to suffer from severe social and general anxiety, and mild depression. I've had a bad past with antidepressants, but I decided to try Paxil (20mg) because I was desperate. My anxiety is 95% gone, I'm wanting to be more social, and I'm happy all of the time! I don't worry anymore, and it's amazing. There are some side effects (which were terrible the first week but reduced with time): headaches, reduced libido, tiredness, smaller appetite {I'm thankful for this one}, and insomnia. Paxil works amazingly for my anxiety, and I'm so happy I tried it. I'm making new friends, and I think I'll secure a job soon :)."

9 / 10
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82 Report
  • tric
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 22, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "Before taking Paxil I was suffering from anxiety. Feeling like I was dying, hypochondria, heart felt like it was always beating out of my chest, sweaty hands, etc. Now that I’m in 20 mg a day for the last 5 months all of my anxiety symptoms are gone. The first month I had to trouble orgasming, but it’s resolved. I gained about 10 pounds but that’s better than my previous suffering"

8 / 10
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56 Report
  • Sound...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • May 17, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) "Really worked for me, paroxetine definitely took the edge off and lessened anxiety symptoms. Would still have benzodiazepine as needed but this was 1-2 per month. Great antidepressant for anxiety & panic disorder."

9 / 10
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95 Report
  • goldm...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • February 5, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have depression. I suffered for many years in the dark, big time. I was too scared to say anything. I finally had to say something. I am a male, of course (got to hide those feelings). Things were getting very, very bad. I talked to my doctor and a shrink, and they got me on 20 mg of Paxil 15 years ago, and it really does help with the hell I felt within for years. Please be patient. Hang in there one day at a time; if I can do it, you can too. I was really bad from what docs say. It takes time to adjust to the medicine, but well worth it. Drinking and not taking reasonable care of yourself won't help at all. Living a cleaner life does make a difference. No guilt. The side effects for me are constipation and a bit of brain fog."

7 / 10
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97 Report
  • JNoonie
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • May 18, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) "I took Paxil for 5 years for severe panic attacks and anxiety. I got to the point where I could barely leave the house without anxiety. I was on 20 mg once a day and it worked wonders for me. I felt 'normal' for the first time in years. HOWEVER... I gained 50 lbs. I decided to get off and weaned myself very slowly but still had withdrawal symptoms: brain zaps, severe headaches, dizzy, restless, faint, weak, and the list goes on. I have been off for 5 months now and still have symptoms."

8 / 10
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94 Report
  • Corey...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • January 6, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "Paxil is better than other medicines I have taken for my anxiety by far. But, there are flaws with it. Being forgetful, I forget to take my medicine sometimes, and if I forget, I will get sick due to withdrawal. I am also a very skinny person and a picky eater already, and with taking Paxil, I have an extreme loss of appetite. Eating to me is now a chore and my body will not tell me when I am hungry until I go into shock due to malnutrition. But, all of this is worth it to get rid of my terrible anxiety. It is extremely worth it."

7 / 10
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89 Report
  • Bjoyce
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • October 26, 2016

Paxil (paroxetine) "I started to get anxiety and panic attacks when I was 24. I am now 30. I have tried multiple medications for anxiety, bipolar, depression, etc. I was getting racing thoughts, but worst of all was the whomp feeling you get; it's hard to explain. I was on benzos as well, and nothing helped me. Psychiatrists, group therapy, but you're the only one who knows what you feel; others do not understand it. I have always been a deep person and would think way too much. I got out of that stage on my own. Trust me, it sucks; I still get 'crazy,' but on Paxil, it really helped me. I only take Paxil, nothing else. You name it, I was on it, schizophrenia meds as well. I understand when people say I can't get up, I can't go out. Just try it; all are different!"

10 / 10
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74 Report
  • Anonymous
  • January 18, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "I had my first anxiety attack when my oldest son was 2 years old & ended up in the ER. My doctor prescribed Paxil & it really helped. I've been on it for about 16 years now, even took it when I was pregnant with my second child. The only side effect I've really had is weight gain."

9 / 10
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86 Report
  • KA2353
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 16, 2016

Paxil (paroxetine) "This medication has been extremely helpful to me. 7 months ago, I developed IBS, which made me very nervous about my stomach. I slowly became nervous about everything, not knowing that my anxiety was more than just 'little worries.' I was afraid to go to important events, thinking something bad could suddenly happen to me all the time. My mother was noticing these changes in my personality, so then made me go to a therapist. That was when I was suggested to be put on Paxil. I was afraid to take Paxil, but when I was finally forced to, I noticed changes within a week with just 5mg. I moved up to 10mg, and everyone could see changes in how I acted everywhere. I am currently still on 10mg, but even a little can do a lot, even for you!"

9 / 10
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79 Report
  • Brandi...
  • May 16, 2013

Paxil (paroxetine) "Paxil has been very helpful with my anxiety. I'm not so tired and am much happier. The only bad thing I have to say about it is if you miss 2 days or more of it, it has the worst side effects. I requested a refill too late (so it was my own fault) but I got shocking feelings in my head and fingertips. I was light-headed all the time and there were a few days I would wake up from a night's sleep and automatically start crying for no reason. I'm still on it and intend on still using it. Just make sure there's no room for cold turkey off of Paxil."

8 / 10
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95 Report
  • Aitezaz
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 15, 2017

Paxil CR (paroxetine) "It will do nothing negative. Give it a try to enjoy life. Life is short. Don't take the burden of social anxiety and panic attacks for your whole life. If you still feel terrible when taking Paxil use inderal as well and you will see an improvement in life. My score for Paxil CR is 9/10 in just days. PS if you ignore this illness it will give you IBS, high BP, anxiety, messes with career goals, gives heart problems, sleep problems, low energy, you need short naps, always low confidence and so on. I avoided medicines from age18 to 28 years and now finally I took the step for paxil. Stay blessed ...."

10 / 10
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68 Report
  • SunFl...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • August 19, 2020

Paxil (paroxetine) "I was on Paxil for 3-4 years starting at 10 mg a day to I think 50mg a day? My Dr kept upping the dose as my mood wasn’t really lifting, it made me so drowsy, my Dr told me it would go away but it never did. What I initially loved about it was the calmness I had, I could handle social settings with ease! BUT, then came the other side, I was just so spaced out, people at worked noticed me staring into space and would ask if I was ok!! Then one day driving to the store I made a left turn and smashed into another car. No one was hurt, cops came and as I sat on the curb people asked if I was ok, one guy told me I seemed “out of it.” I saw the car coming, but my reactions were slow. To this day I believe me being on Paxil contributed to the crash. I stopped cold turkey which was awful! Never ever do that . Paxil warns about driving and operating heavy machinery. It might work amazing for some, every one is different. Happiness to all:)"

5 / 10
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43 Report
  • Rachel
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • April 29, 2024

Paxil (paroxetine) "Paxil allowed me to experience what it feels like to live like a normal person. I just wish I could have tried it sooner. I've tried other SSRIs like Lexapro and Prozac, but Lexapro had AWFUL side effects and made my anxiety worse, and Prozac stopped working after 2 years. After only 4 weeks of taking Paxil, I began to notice small, positive differences, and after 8 weeks, I felt like a NEW PERSON. I had little to no side effects. The way I am now is how I should have felt my entire life. I'm honestly sad thinking about all of the things I've missed out on through the years due to my anxiety and how this med could have changed my life sooner. The only reason I gave a rating of 9 instead of 10 is because it makes me really sleepy. I get easily fatigued and need at least 1 short nap a day in order to function (even if that means taking one right after work), but I'd rather feel sleepy than the way I did before. I'm finally living my life. I will never come off of this drug."

9 / 10
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  • Mom
  • September 4, 2017

Paxil (paroxetine) "I was on this medication for years for OCD anxiety depression PTSD , then wanted to get pregnant and switched to Zoloft. The Z stopped working after a year and terrible panic attacks started happening again. Went back on P. Overall, I am happy to not be crying all the time and not snapping at my family. I have a much better time on P than on Z. My only problem is the weight gain that comes with it. It's very sad for me to gain 20 pounds. But still, it's better than being so scared all the time. Please, make sure you take as directed. It takes six weeks for medicine like this to work. You won't know after a day or two. Stay strong"

8 / 10
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62 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.

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