Paroxetine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder User Reviews (Page 4)

• Anony...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 31, 2019

"I have been on Paroxetine 10mg on-and off for almost a year now. Within the first couple of months I gained a huge amount of weight and that is the reason why I'd get off the medication for a couple of days in efforts to try to control the weight gain. I am now several months on the medication and have overall gained 40 lbs... It's very upsetting, but I do not want to get off of it only because it does actually help with my anxiety and panic attacks. As bad as gaining so much weight in such a short amount of time sounds, I rather not have anxiety back. It sucks, but I have realized I will just have to cut back on eating and work harder than the average person to prevent from gaining more weight"

• BreeB
• December 12, 2014

"I started taking Prozac after failing to be able to deal with some traumatic events happening in my life over an extended period of time. The Prozac made me quite shaky and left me with a feeling of extreme nervousness. I kept imagining flying off my balcony (for real). My doctor said it was very rare to have this sort of reaction. I hired a therapist. I switched doctors. I was prescribed Paroxetine. It made me feel normal again. If you have a bad reaction to Prozac, don't be afraid to let your doctor know. People react differently to medicines, even when they're supposed to be close to the same thing."

• Grumpy...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 16, 2019

"I've been on Paxil for the past 10+ years. Started with 25mg and just raised it to 37.5mg CR to me its been a lifesaver without a doubt. It took 10 weeks to kick in, and I mean it kicked in as if a curtain was lifted. I'm 82 yrs old man it worked 90% effective up until about 6 months ago when it started to "poop" out and I could feel myself slipping back. A 50% boost of 12.5mg in meds to 37.5mg got me straight again. Good Luck and I hope it works for you guys."

• Soul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2017

"Had withdrawal symptoms and interactions on other meds and had to come off, I had GAD but got panic attacks during that process that I could not shake off despite CBT helping somewhat. I was scared starting Paroxetine but had a good rapport with my Doctor who thought it would help me after much discussion. I took Paroxetine with my breakfast. 10mg at first now 20mg. The 20mg after a few weeks helped switch panic attacks off and stopped me fixating on subjects. I still have my senses in tact am just not as anxious. I was considering higher dose but prefer to stay low. I have my mojo back at last! Female age 56"

• Dan
• February 28, 2022

Paxil (paroxetine) "I was on Paxil for many years and kept my anxiety stable while life was stable. I still couldn't get in an MRI or have dental work without sedation, I also have eye injections. I saw a psychiatrist who took me off it too quickly developed tinnitus from the stress and went onto sertraline and I came within a whisker of ending my life. Today is was put back on Paxil, it seemed the only option to keep me alive."

• always...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 29, 2021

Paxil (paroxetine) "I was on Lexapro for about 8 years and was doing well until recently. I suffer from SEVERE anxiety and depression. Lexapro had stopped working. I tried Zoloft which made me super irritable and didn’t seem to help any and then Buspar which sent my panic and anxiety through the roof. I was then put on a low dose of Paxil and it was horrible. (Severe stomach pains, vomiting, diarrhea, depersonalization, relentless brain zaps, mood swings,etc) I know the initial side effects will usually go away but it was too bad I couldn’t even handle it. Everyone’s body is different though! Some meds work well and some don’t! I’m currently on Cymbalta which usually gets a bad rap and it’s been amazing for me. The day after taking it my moodiness, brain zaps, stomach issues were almost completely gone."

• Anon
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2021

Paxil (paroxetine) "Paxil 30mg got me out of an acute panic/anxiety period that lasted a few months and resulted in very bad insomnia. It took several weeks to work, but it was well worth the wait. Some side effects, but I'm happy to put up with them for the time being."

• Iliada
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 15, 2020

"Since 2005, I am on SSRIs. I have tried various meds with no results, but few years ago I went on paroxetine 20mg daily. Within a month, I felt much better. After 18 months on paroxetine, reduced to 10mg. It worked for about 7 months, but then, within a month my whole world came apart. It wasn’t the withdrawal because I cut it down pretty slowly. It was as if all symptoms came back in their worst. I took 20mg again and kept it like this for 3 and a half years. I felt really well, but it took triple the time to make me feel human again. Went again on 10mg for 6 months this time but seemed that the drug couldn’t support me so I got back on 20 mg. After almost 3 months now on it and still haven’t felt at least well. I have tremor, crying, not sleeping, lost of interest, back pains as heart attack, gastrointestinal issues, chest pains. My doc increased to 30mg since yesterday so now I pray for being well again. I also gained some weight in the first place - 10kilos."

• Ducks
• January 19, 2020

"I've been on and off on paroxatine for a couple of years, out of all the medications I've been on it’s been the best! Apart from the weight gain that caused me to have high blood pressure and headaches, I suffer from anxiety, depression, OCD, and panic disorder, it helped a lot with the symptoms, but weaned myself off as I didn’t want to keep having blood pressure problems. One thing with paxil (Paroxatine) is it’s one of the hardest to come off, make sure you taper off it slowly with your doctors permission, unless it’s another medication that you are allowed to suddenly swap too, but the doctor will still have to tell you how to start it. I’m currently on sertraline, but I’m finding it’s making me feel depressed , and panic attacks are starting to become more frequent, not sure if it’s because of my ocd."

• Drewd...
• May 9, 2013

"I was angry all the time and feeling like crap about living with my parents well into my 40s. After trying Viibryd and getting no relief (@ $150 a month) my doctor switched me to a generic paroxetine ($10 a month) and I couldn't be better. I'm happy most of the time and things which once set me off now no longer phase me. With Ambien to help me sleep, Paxil has made life not just livable but enjoyable."

• Monica
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 21, 2019

"I’d like to share my opinion about this med. For me it was a life saver. I was taking Paroxetine two times in my life. Every time it worked amazing. I didn’t believe it can help when I tried it first time (I never tried antidepressants before) but it did helped. Side effects for the first 2 weeks were bad - increased anxiety, derealisation, nightmares etc. After around 3 weeks I felt better and it was better and better with every week. I was happy again and I could live my normal life. There were small ups and downs but nothing really bad. I guess after few months I was completely stable like I never had anxiety:) the only downside was constipation and I put on weight about 2-3 kg but it wasn’t a big deal really. I know there are people who don’t like this med but I’d suggest to wait 3-4 weeks to find out if it’s for you. I’m currently on Escitalopram and it doesn’t work as good so far :( and I’ve been taking it 6 weeks. So it’s possible I’ll come back to Paroxetine."

• Demo
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2019

"I had awful experience. I thought I was dying literally. 5 days 5 mg per day started paroxetine. On the 5th day night I woke up like crazy. I was sweating, couldn’t breathe, never such anxiety attack in my life. I had to be hospitalized. Moreover, I became almost blind. Is this a poison? What is this??? Please stay away. I am on Lorazepam to calm down the after effects. Doctor told me to immediately quit paroxetine and never touch again. OMG I felt like I experienced something in between life and death that night. Worst night of my life."

• kidmo...
• April 10, 2009

"This generic works but it sure doesn't work as well as Paxil CR. The generic isn't as potent. But it's less expensive. Paroxetine seems to work for O.C.D. very well, but the weight gain sure can be a bummer. You can be tired after taking it too; so I take it at night to help me get a good sleep."

• BriBri
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 7, 2021

"I have been taking Paroxetine for about 7 months, and I am beyond pleased! The first 3 weeks were, in fact, a nightmare on wheels (nausea, short winded, fatigue, low concentration), but soon after those 3 weeks I noticed that constant mind stress didn't cause anymore of my panic attacks. My appetite came in full effect (started at 108, currently at 143). One thing I will say is, not all medicines are for everyone. Took me 9 years to finally find something that truly helps!"

• Connora
• June 8, 2017

"I was prescribed paroxetine for general anxiety disorder, paranoia and depression. The drug didn't take effect until about 2 weeks which I quickly was relieved from my symptoms. However I spent a further 2 weeks feeling severe side effects- dizziness, further anxiety, difficulty sleeping and waking up, vivid dreams, lack of orgasm during sex, blurred vision and almost grinning as if I was on uppers.. though these side effects did pass I now only have vivid dreams and occasional nightmares... this drug has worked so well for me and I now feel back to my old self again happy everyday, my anxiety and paranoia have completely gone, I strongly suggest giving it a go but it may not work for everyone as you can read:) LOVE LIFE!!!"

• Lea
• March 13, 2015

"My experience has been a positive one, the start up of this drug was a little difficult to get through but after about 8 weeks, wow. I noticed that certain scenarios that would cause obsessive thoughts and anxiety were not happening as frequently and if they did I let them go easily. I began little by little to be brave again and it feels great. I am very sleepy but once i get started it's fine and have increased sweating which is a pain but a lot better than how I was before I started."

• KGano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 9, 2016

"I was originally put on paxil 2 years ago in order to help me gain weight. After taking it for two weeks, with no noticeable effects (good or bad) I went to light a cigarette and almost threw up. It made me nauseous to even think about smoking. It also seemed to "cancel out" my ADHD medication Vyvanse. However, I still felt alert and awake without the stimulant vyvanse. I stupidly quit taking it after two weeks. I got back on it three weeks ago. So far, it greatly helps with anxiety, but kills my appetite. Not an ounce of weight gain. Side effects have been night sweats and jaw clenching, teeth grinding. It has not helped me feel alert and awake this second time around at all. Not sure why that is."

• dude
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2018

"It helps but the side effects, the damn side effects... my vision became tired, I felt weak and my stomach went crazy and when I stopped I sometimes felt like a shock wave came out of my brain and it just confused me and I got so scared. It did not work for me"

• Mano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 21, 2019

"I've only been on it for 3 days. It made all my muscles hurt. I have a really bad headache it made my pupils huge. It kept me awake all night!! It made me randomly shaky or hot or cold just a lot of side affects. So it makes it not even worth taking I hate this stuff I'm never taking it again."

• Due...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 10, 2018

"I was just prescribed this medicine to start taking for my anxiety. After reading these reviews I am terrified. Weight gain? I eat really well and work out every day.. and I am still going to gain weight? Not to mention the brain zaps? The nausea and the dizziness? Come on people.. thanks for terrifying me."

• Melis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2022

Paxil (paroxetine) "20mg daily. I took it for 4 months before changing to new meds. The first week (which I know is the most intense for all SSRIS) was just so hard. My jaw was shaking uncontrollably, I was extremely tiered and I would fall asleep almost anywhere, I had extreme anxiety and sweating. However, I spoke to my psychiatrist who told me to continue as the side effects would subside. So I kept on, and yes the side effects did subside but 4 months in I still felt extremely fatigue. I was a long distance runner and even going for a walk became a challenge for me. I would sleep 8/9 hours a night and still found it incredibly difficult to wake up and I'd need a 2 hour nap in the day (thankfully I work from home). It was difficult for me to socialise, put on clothes and other basic day to day tasks. My jaw was also still shaking and in 4 months I had gained weight (lack of movement I assume). I do believe the anxiety subsided, but the side effects themselves gave me anxiety, especially the fatigue."

• EmJRe...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 15, 2017

"Paxil definitely works....... but I went from 120lbs to 148lbs in 6 months... for some, this may not bother them since the medicine does actually work. But for me, I can't deal with it! I've never changed my eating habits, and I get plenty of exercise. My weight have never changed besides a lb here and there for YEARS. It's no doubt this medicine will make you gain weight... you just have to choose whether this side effect outweighs the benefits or not."

• Anxio...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2021

Paxil (paroxetine) "Before I took Paxil, I never knew what a calm mind felt like! I always felt as though instead of me controlling my thoughts, my thoughts would control me. I couldn’t stand another day feeling this constant apprehension so, I started on 10 mg and I started to feel a difference in my anxiety around week 3-4. Although my symptoms had decreased, I experienced a whole lot of side effects. To name a few: anhedonia, indifference (apathy), emotional numbness, derealization, depersonalization, dry mouth, diarrhea, low sex drive, increased appetite, changes in taste, yawning, drowsiness, mild sore throat, etc. I increased from 10 mg to 20 mg in order to treat the anhedonia, it did relieve it to an extent but I then felt too apathetic. I went back down to 10 and eventually discontinued due to other lingering side effects. Although this medication did calm me down and reduce my anxiety, I’d recommend trying this medication as a last resort! Try Lexapro before trying this one."

• Margie
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 17, 2019

"In short: Pros: Truly helped with my anxiety. Cons: Caused jaw clenching and nasty side effects when trying to quit. Heres the full story: I took Paxil and then the generic form, Paroxetine, for about 15 years. It worked wonderfully for my anxiety. I had some mild side effects in the beginning - sleepiness mostly(which was a good side effect for me). Once I was on it for a few years I started waking with headaches and noticed I was clenching my jaw quite a bit. I got a dental device to help with the jaw clenching which helped temporarily. Then I tried a lower dose which helped for a while but then my anxiety would get worse I'd up the med and the clenching increased. Ultimately decided to switch to Lexapro, which I've been on for about 7 years now. Side effects of tapering off the paxil were awful - major increase in anxiety, inability to sleep and when I did sleep I had very vivid dreams which exhausted me."

• Zano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2019

"I feel like this medication increased my instability, which is not an even trade for getting rid of my trichotillomania, that I didn't even know it treated until tonight. I thought I'd just managed that one on the own. My mood swings are worse, my anxiety is unchanged, I have almost constant rage now, and I split a lot more than I was (BPD diagnosis here). I want to stop taking it but no insurance and you don't want to work off this one by yourself. I had a near suicide attempt, that my boyfriend stopped, while without this medication for 5 days because of an error at the one clinic I can go to a couple times of year. I wanted Abilify, which I knew worked based on previous experience, but it's too expensive without insurance and the generic Paxil is on the Walmart $4 list. So, here we are because my Dr. didn't listen to me."