Paroxetine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder User Reviews

• Aan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 22, 2020

Paxil (paroxetine) "Saved my life, literally. I have very high functioning anxiety and my mind would never stop, and I had come to conclusion after trying several antidepressants that was just who I was. Then I developed SI, depression, and found no pleasure in anything. I was miserable and I tortured myself constantly. At my breaking point with SI when I could no longer trust myself, I talked to my PCP and was prescribed Paxil 20mg. My entire life has changed. I have never known a quiet mind my whole adult life. I am happy and peaceful for the first time ever. I have to exercise a lot to combat sugar cravings, but I do not dread exercise and enjoy it now. I still have trouble sleeping, which I always have had, but other than that, this drug has been a miracle for me."

• Amb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 17, 2024

Paxil (paroxetine) "Paxil saved my life. I don't know where I would be now if it wasn't for Paxil. I've been on Paxil since December 2019. I tried to quit once in August 2020, but that did not work out. Fast forward, I quit again in June 2023. Everything was good, until December 2023. I'm now back on my trusty pills, and will NEVER come off them ever again. Paxil is the best medication there is. I'm a very outgoing person, and everyone describes me as a very fun and happy woman. I'm now once again starting it, and never coming off again! Good luck to all of you, everything will be great in the end. Never give up, never ever! Help is on the way ❤️❤️❤️"

• Sea...
• January 26, 2017

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have had great success with Paxil. These personal comments we leave should really be considered with a 'grain of salt'. There are so many unknown variables which dictate success of a drug on one person and failure with the same drug on another person. If you read through the thread of helpful comments here, you will see that there is the need to be very candid with your healthcare provider and be ready to try different medications until you find satisfaction. These medications DO WORK. You just have to find the right one for you. Have faith. You will find the right med for you. Life is amazing and will go on and get better! Never give up. Every day is a new chance."

• Ana...
• June 11, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) "I can honestly say, after years and years of dealing with my anxiety, leaving school to be homeschooled, not being able to function and just accomplish and do the things I wanted to do, being a slave to anxiety every second of my life, finally at 18, after a year of what has been the worst anxiety of my life, I made the decision to take Paxil. 26 days on the medicine and I can honestly say it has changed my life, and saved it. I have never felt so wonderful in my entire life, anxiety does not exist in my life or control me anymore, I am now in control, and it was such a beautiful relief to have such an incredible outcome."

• Rob...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 5, 2020

Paxil (paroxetine) "Upped my Paxil dose from 20 mg to 30 mg 6 weeks ago, and still have slight anxiety. I have been on 20 mg for 20 years, and it worked well, but I needed a boost. Can it take this long? I had no anxiety for almost 20 years."

• Kun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "Many of us think that SSRIs completely cure your anxiety. That is over-expectation. Give enough time to your medicine and remind yourself if you don't have some anxiety, that means you are dead. Paxil or any SSRIs lessen your symptoms, so you don't have severe panic attacks with it. Moreover, you enjoy your life without worrying much. You still have anxiety because you are human, but that doesn't affect your quality of life. Please do understand. Serotonin affects the mood - it is not laughing gas."

• jay...
• June 21, 2016

Paxil (paroxetine) "I've been meaning to write this for a couple of months now. I started getting really crippling panic attacks last year. From the panic attacks came mild agoraphobia and then the depression sunk in after not thinking I could help myself. I went through about 4 SSRIs before being put on Paxil. I can honestly say it has changed my life. I am 95% back to my old self, and every day I actually enjoy getting up. Don't let other people's experiences with SSRIs affect you. Everyone reacts differently, and there is definitely one out there that will work for you. In saying that, there are 2 types of people with anxiety and depression: a person who does nothing, and a person who gets up and does everything about it. (I'm 21 by the way)"

• Jas...
• April 24, 2020

Paxil (paroxetine) "Paroxetine has changed my life. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder about 2-3 years ago and started on Paroxetine back then. Within a month, almost all of my anxiety was gone. It didn't make me gain any more weight than I would have on my own. I've always struggled with eating disorders, and if anything, the Paroxetine helped with that as well. If you take it for a week or two, you won't be getting the real effect. Take it for 1-2 months before deciding if it's the right medication for you; you really do need to give it a chance to work. Good luck!"

• Slw...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 6, 2021

Paxil (paroxetine) "I was on Paxil for 6 years. I stopped for 3 months, and after some life changes, I had to get back on. It has really saved my life. 2 weeks of pure nightmare with side effects, but after that stage, I was so free of anxiety. Please wait it out and keep taking it. The end results are so worth the side effects in the beginning. I will never be on anything else for my anxiety and depression."

• JR2...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 10, 2024

Paxil (paroxetine) "Paxil freed me from a prison I didn't even realize I had been locked up in my entire life. I was prescribed Paxil about 30 years ago during a time of my life when I was really struggling. I fought the idea of ever taking any kind of antidepressants because I saw it as a sign of weakness back then but had gotten to a point in my life where I was overwhelmed with anxiety, depression, and negative intrusive racing doom thought loops. It wasn't just one thing, but panic attacks were hitting me out of nowhere at work, which I didn't understand and couldn't control. The doctor talked me into taking Paxil for a month for the hell of it because I had nothing to lose. When it started to work, I literally felt like the first 26 years of my life were absolutely miserable and I had been set free to pursue my goals with a new level of focus and vigor. My relationships vastly improved, I excelled in my profession like never before, and I was able to tackle so many of my goals that I simply couldn't focus on before."

• GJ7...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 23, 2013

Paxil CR (paroxetine) "I have been dealing with anxiety all my life. I thought that was how everyone lived. Last year, I had a debilitating episode of anxiety and finally sought help. After hearing my history, the doctors wanted me to get on SSRIs asap. I resisted at first due to fears, but eventually relented. Started with 20mg a day of Paxil, was on that dose for three months, and I still had some anxiety. Went up to 30mg, and after the new dose kicked in, I have never felt better. It has been a year at 30mg, and my anxiety is gone, not just health anxiety but social anxiety, and money anxiety. My mind finally works the way it was meant to, and I owe it all to Paxil."

• Meg...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 3, 2013

Paxil (paroxetine) "My anxiety is pretty bad to the point it makes me feel ADHD, depressed, and overall anxious. It's not that I dread or fear anything, it feels more like I'm in a constant panic attack, defensively bad mood! Then came Paxil, and my life did a complete 180. I still have ADHD, but as soon as I notice it acting up, I'm able to laugh it off, stop, and reorganize to get back on track. I don't feel helpless or sad anymore. This runs on both sides of my family but more so on the maternal side. I 'got better', so I stopped cold turkey. Do not do this. It is absolutely horrific, and I experienced some of the worst silent panic attacks ever! Needless to say, I am back on it and will never come off it again!"

• jmo...
• July 1, 2013

Paxil (paroxetine) "I am 41 and have had all manner of anxiety for most of my life. Usually this worsens as my self-esteem drops. I have taken it twice in the past, once for about 3 years, and recently for about a year. I stopped taking it almost 8 months ago and I just went back on it yesterday. 20 mg and yesterday was the worst I ever remember feeling. Headache, restlessness, dry mouth (flu-like symptoms), and I ate only because I needed to. I was not hungry. Couldn't sleep last night so I took 50 mg of diphenhydramine and slept well. Today I feel much better! I am cutting to only 10 mg for a week and then back to the 20 mg. I have to say that when you are calling out from your job and afraid to go in stores, like myself, this medicine works!"

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 15, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "I've suffered from depression for the past ten years, and terrible anxiety since a very young age (especially social anxiety). I've never truly felt happy for any significant period of time. My anxiety can be so severe that I can't even leave my house sometimes. Certain noises, crowds, being out in public, can cause me extreme anxiety which leads to anger and irritability. I also battle alcoholism due to my illnesses. I've been taking Paxil for two weeks and after only 2 days my anxiety VANISHED. My mood is slowly lifting, and I have no desire at all to drink alcohol!! I've even lost weight because I don't stress eat anymore and my appetite has decreased. The first week or so I did feel drowsy/high, but that feeling is going away slowly."

• Nat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 3, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "Been on Paxil for 8 years for generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks, and it saved my life! Recently increased from 30mg to 40mg due to relapse from highly stressful events and can already feel it working again."

• Spe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2024

Paxil (paroxetine) "Started Paxil June 24th, 2024, and it truly saved my life. Finally at 32 years old, I can truly enjoy my life! Will be on the medication for the rest of my life. I want to thank my mother who wanted me on it. I love you, mother! Just have sleep issues, however, I advise someone with an anxiety disorder to go on medication, talk therapy really doesn’t do anything for a chemical brain imbalance!"

• Rev...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 29, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "Paxil literally saved my life. Each person is individual and will react to antidepressants in a different way. I was on Paxil for 17 years, and then I started to feel some major fatigue. I went off Paxil and didn't have side effects. I have also tried Zoloft (zombie effect), Effexor 75 mg (worked on depression and anxiety but caused apathy), Fluoxetine 40 mg (caused SI and had to be readmitted to the hospital to get off it). I am now starting Paxil again after a year off it. This time around, I have slowly increased from 20 to 30 to 40 mg. It is one month since starting again. SI has gone. Mood is 80 percent. I still have some anxiety. I take Melatonin 10 mg and Seroquel 12.5 to help with insomnia, which I have never had before. I take 0.5 Risperidone in the morning to help with anxiety. I have lost 10 kg and food is of no interest. I will keep you updated after a couple of months. Hopefully, the fatigue doesn't reoccur. Paxil is a great medication if it suits you."

• kdc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 21, 2018

Paxil (paroxetine) "Taking for panic attacks and agoraphobia. Started at 10 mg and worked up to 30 mg. The difference in my anxiety, mood, and energy levels is dramatic. I feel normal again, it's almost euphoric how much better I feel. I have more energy during the day, no panic attacks, and I sleep better. I did gain weight (20 lbs.) over six months, but a membership to the gym and joining Weight Watchers has helped me lose 12 lbs. and counting, so it's coming off. This medicine has been a godsend for me."

• Won...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 13, 2014

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have been on Paxil twice in my life. When I was a teenager, my doctor prescribed me Paxil to control depression. I was on it until I started my Master's. I stopped taking it because I did not think that I needed it anymore. For about five to six years, I wasn't taking Paxil, but I noticed that my anxiety got worse. It got so bad that I began to get panic attacks almost every morning. I also developed an ulcer and was diagnosed with severe Irritable Bowel Syndrome. My doctor decided to place me back on Paxil. After being on it for 6 months, I feel absolutely wonderful. I still get anxious every once in a while but not to the point that I feel as though I'm going to have a panic attack. I've also been able to control my panic attacks on my own."

• Pea...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 25, 2022

Paxil (paroxetine) "Ok, so before this, I tried Xanax, Klonopin, and Prozac, which didn’t do anything to help my panic attacks. I had constant anxiety for 3 years straight, it was the worst time in my life. This medication is a miracle! I had one panic attack in the first 6 months of taking it, but now, I haven’t had one in 2 years. Crazy! It also helped cure my agoraphobia. I thought I would never get better, but wow. Just keep trying, you will find the medication that is right for you."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 26, 2016

Paxil (paroxetine) "I was sent to a psychologist for depression and anxiety when I was just 16. She put me on Paxil. It really saved my life. I was unable to sleep and so anxious I could enjoy nothing. After 20 years of feeling normal, although I did gain weight, I decided to wean myself because of the weight issue. Big mistake. I crashed due to stress and have been in a state of extreme panic and anxiety for over a week. I can't eat and I lost 10 pounds in a week because I want to be sick all the time. Tried switching to Prozac, which made it worse! I'm back to Paxil and I know it will help me again as soon as it kicks in. In the meantime, I am on Ativan. I wish I never stopped it. It works great for extreme anxiety and depression."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 13, 2012

Paxil (paroxetine) "Simply amazing. This pill really has helped me gain control of my once terrible anxiety disorder. Sure, it made me gain a LITTLE bit of weight, but my mental health is worth those 5 lbs! It's very effective, without turning me into a zombie. I can function normally, and even better than I have in a long time."

• Ice...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 31, 2024

Paxil (paroxetine) "This medication doesn't help me with depression or social anxiety, but it is a godsend for generalized anxiety. Before Paxil, I was a nervous wreck, especially with driving. Paxil took a couple of months to have an effect, but afterward the fear evaporated and stayed away. I can now handle inner-city driving without much anxiety. Feels like the generalized anxiety is simply gone, as are the panic attacks. Yay! Therapeutic dosage will vary for everyone. I started at 10mg, but had little improvement. Now at 20mg with very good improvement in generalized anxiety. Few if any side effects, but note: withdrawal is murder. Don't skip, and wean off very slowly. Again, Paxil had no effect on depression, and little to none on social anxiety. Greatest improvement was with generalized anxiety disorder after a few months of usage."

• Not...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 27, 2020

Paxil (paroxetine) "Was prescribed Paxil at a young age for generalized anxiety. Eventually, it moved into panic attacks and depression. When this medication works, it works well, but when it quits, it’s the worst thing you can imagine. It quit working (Paxil poopout), and I had tremors, severe depression, derealization, depersonalization, panic attacks, bad thoughts, crying, lost 20 lbs. I’ve been withdrawing for almost a year now from this medicine. The withdrawal from this is similar to heroin. Please steer clear of this medication. It’s not worth the horrible withdrawal it will give you."

• pax...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 29, 2024

Paxil (paroxetine) "WOW! Is all I can say to this miracle drug. Started it over 10 days ago and what a difference in my depression, panic attacks, and especially PTSD. When I watch sad shows, I don't even cry anymore. Or if anything is sad, I don't even burst into tears. This medication, by far, is working wonders for me. At first, I was agitated because I did a direct switch, but that also faded away and I'm only on 20 mg. Here's to hoping for more improvements to come. If any SSRI drug, I would recommend Paxil."