Paroxetine for Panic Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• November 16, 2011

Paxil (paroxetine) "About 20 years ago, I was diagnosed with Panic Disorder. After a year or so on Desipramine, my psychiatrist switched me to Paxil. I've been taking 20 mg/day for years now. It saved my life. About 10 years ago, after moving to a different state, I slowly weaned myself off Paxil at the suggestion of my former primary care physician. In less than one year, I started having panic attacks again. Long story short: I'm on Paxil 20 mg/day for life. It doesn't make sense to suffer with Panic Disorder."

• AJ of...
• October 4, 2016

Paxil (paroxetine) "I'm an on day 16 of Paxil 10mg. For the past few months I have suffered from increasingly more frequent panic attacks and got to the point where I was afraid to go more than 20 minutes away from my "safe zone," aka my house. After about 4 days of the medication, I felt my anxiety had worsened and almost quit Paxil about a week in. I'm writing this today feeling almost back to my normal self and that's a great feeling! Hopefully the medication keeps working better til I'm at 100%."

• Paxil...
• June 24, 2013

Paxil (paroxetine) "I've been on Paxil for 5 years, and it helped my panic attacks 100%. The good thing is that I can cope with the tremendous amount of stress I am under at work and home with my special needs son. I was going to a naturopathic physician, and the natural remedies worked for a while and then stopped. I couldn't sleep much for four months and kept jumping out of my sleep with massive panic attacks. I started out on 10 mg and now cut my pills in half (5 mg), and it keeps me panic-free. The negative side effects are sexual performance, weight gain, and I feel the medicine is aging me. I now have occasional head shaking that upsets my wife. She wants me to get off this, and I tried to a couple of times with a renewal of panic attacks."

• Nervo...
• July 27, 2014

Paxil CR (paroxetine) "Paxil CR has made a great impact on my quality of life. I started menopause and was dealing with stressful family health issues, both beginning at the same time. I began to suffer from panic attacks and was overly sensitive to everything. I was taking Lexapro, which did not help at all. Paxil CR has been a godsend for me."

• claypot
• December 28, 2008

Paxil (paroxetine) "I've been on Paxil for about 8 years now. I take 10 mg a day. Paxil gave me my life back. I was incapacitated by fear before I started taking it. My panic disorder had progressed over 14 years to the point that I was afraid to go in other people's cars, to drive on the expressway, to fly in planes, of meetings at work, and the list goes on. Now, after 8 years, I am capable of doing all those things. I'm still not crazy about flying, but I do it. I don't think about what I'm afraid of all the time. It doesn't cross my mind anymore to be afraid, only rarely. The only downside is the weight gain and memory issues."

• Anonymous
• June 23, 2011

Paxil (paroxetine) "All I can say is that before I started taking Paxil, I had terrible panic attacks and was about to lose my job. I started to take Paxil 10 mgs a day, and I am here to say it works wonders. I have not had a panic attack since. Paxil has been a real lifesaver to me."

• Kayten
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 8, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "Due to a death in our family, I was put on paxil to cope with the panic attacks that had started, and was leaving me feeling helpless. I was working as a vet tech and had to keep my wits about me. Paxil was a lifesaver as well as xanax. Those two drugs saved me and my job. I just crossed the 6 week mark of being off of Paxil and it is 25 years later!! It's possible to get off this drug, I am living proof. Xanax was easy to stop. Paxil..........Lets just say all the horror stories you've heard about coming off Paxil? They're true!!! But I did it."

• Zentao
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 6, 2016

Paxil (paroxetine) "I was having panic attacks all the time which morphed into a stressful state of depression. Yes, I was falling apart. I'd also lost a lot of weight, no appetite. I started on 20mg but wow, this stuff is strong! My pupils became super dilated, I looked like I was on mdma. I moved down to 10mg for a while then worked my way up to 20mg, then back down to 10mg. I got almost every side effect in the book: constipation, bizarre dreams, sedation, sexual side effects, sleeping ten hours a night, then taking two hour naps late in the day. BUT, the panic stopped! Wow, for the first time in my life I could go to movie theaters, and restaurants with no panic attacks. Gained weight back, it was great. Finally quit when my life was back in order."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 14, 2016

Paxil (paroxetine) "I suffered with OCD and anxiety since I was a teen but as I got older I started to develop fears that were never there before and panic attacks started to get more frequent.My doctor put me on paxil and within two months I feel great,the anxiety is under control and my OCD is gone with the fears it created. My side affects are about a 10 lb weight gain and it takes me longer to reach a orgasm which I consider a good thing haha. I would recommend this to anyone suffering from anxiety and OCD."

• Shawnee
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2024

Paxil (paroxetine) "I started Paxil about 11 weeks ago. It was rough in the beginning because I was coming off Celexa at the time, which helped my depression but not my anxiety and intrusive thoughts. My doctor started me on Paxil 20 mg, and I didn't feel a big difference until 8 weeks on it. I feel I can do things and not be stuck in my head worrying like I was. I feel more relaxed. With other antidepressants, I had trouble sleeping, but I never had a problem with this one. The only side effects I had on this one are some sexual side effects, but it's helping me so I'm not too concerned right now about it. I used to worry about my health a lot, but it has been a lot better since this medication has kicked in. It's given me more energy and motivation to go out, walk, and explore. Give it a try!"

• Pamela
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 12, 2017

Paxil (paroxetine) "I starting having panic attacks around age 19 and I was & constantly heading to ER thinking I was gonna die. First I was put on a low dose of Xanax with only being told by doc that I was just a little anxious. It wasn't til I got pregnant with my 3rd son at age 28, that my OB/GYN knew exactly what I needed and put me on paxil. I remember after a couple of weeks of being on it, I woke up feeling like a normal person again. I actually noticed the sound of birds chirping outside instead of waking up in fear! I have been on Paxil now for about 15 years ( I got off of it for about 4 years and stayed anxiety free til I was robbed at gunpoint and anxiety came back) and it has truly saved my life!"

• Saman...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 26, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "This medication seems to work wonders for many people, but it's definitely not for everyone, and it's not the great and wonderful medication that doctors seem to believe it is. I was put on this medication in 2003 because my physician wanted to take me off of the "evil" benzodiazepine I had been taking for years to help with panic attacks . My doctor also decided I was depressed, and since I had just gotten a divorce I probably was. A few weeks in I felt pretty good, and was pleased except for gaining 20 lbs in one month. My doctor tested my thyroid, and there wasn't anything wrong with it, so I was told that weight gain is sometimes a side effect but it would level off. By the time I was about 4 months in I developed insomnia, by month 6 I was angry, smelly because I could barely get through a workday, bathing was overwhelming, as was cleaning my house. In the end I was 40 lbs heavier and in dark place."

• Pizota
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 18, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "Paxil literally saved my life. I have been on Paxil since I was 26 and I am now 40. Out of the blue, I started having severe panic attacks. My psychiatrist gave me paxil. From that day forward, I have not had any panic attacks. The only reason I gave this medication a 9 out of 10 is because, I gained almost 100 lbs on it. I have since lost 50 lbs. It is a great medication for panic disorder; however for depression, I would take something else."

• Tony...
• October 2, 2017

Paxil (paroxetine) "There was a history in my family or anxiety and panic attacks, but I had never experienced it until I was 55 (3 years ago). When it hit me, it hit me hard. It truly was the worst experience in my life. I went from being Mr. Optimistic to worrying about every ache and pain in my body. It was a living hell. When my doctor realized what was going on with me, he put me on 20mg of Paxil. I must say the first week on it was very difficult, but I believe it's because I wasn't told or didn't hear him tell me to take half a pill for the first week. After about 2 weeks or so, I woke up one morning and absolutely felt like I was on cloud 9. Not because it made me high, but because I felt normal again! I am now on 40mg and still feeling great!"

• panic...
• April 25, 2009

Paxil (paroxetine) "Paxil completely changed my life. I could not go out because I feared everything. My panic attacks were the worst. After two weeks of taking the medicine, I started feeling so well I could not believe it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 13, 2016

Paxil (paroxetine) "I was diagnosed with GAD and panic disorder three years ago. I have tried ever antidepressant out there. None ever gave me relief except for paxil. I truly credit paxil for saving my sanity, and stopping most of my panic attacks. Although I still have anxiety from time to time, it is nothing I can't manage. I've been taking 40 mgs of paxil for about 9 months. I finally feel like my normal self again."

• Jake
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "Was prescribed 10mg for anxiety/panic attacks and have to say that this is not the medication for me. Had very severe chills and tremors along with a pins and needles sensation all over my body and severe panic attacks multiple times a day compared to my 2 that I had prior to taking the medication. Worst part, I was only on it for about 2 weeks! Day three of being off of it now and although I feel better somewhat I can still feel that these horrid pills are still in my system. Please weigh your options or try a medication that sits more well with people and has less side effects like Lexapro if you are susceptible to side effects like I am."

• Dougy
• September 9, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "I've been on celexa for 3 years and just recently switched to Paxil ...for the short time I've taken Paxil I've noticed an overall improvement with my mood and willingness to go out and be social without having a few shots of whiskey to give me the kick I needed. I have a diagnosed panic disorder which is anxiety on steroids. I'm not sure just how well the Paxil will work months or years from now but I must say I'm feeling pretty good now."

• Cat...
• March 20, 2013

Paxil (paroxetine) "Works good for disassociation and also anxiety and panic attacks, however has a lot of sexual side effects as in your erections are gone, but also you won't be interested in sex. This was reversed for the most part (around 70%) after being off it for a year and being on Celexa instead. Celexa allows for erections, however lowers sex drive as well. Would always rather not be interested in sex than panic and fear stricken so I have to say Paxil worked."

• Anonymous
• March 17, 2008

Paxil (paroxetine) "I didn't realize how much Paxil helped with my panic disorder until my doctor tried to wean me off of it (I am bipolar, and SSRIs can cause mania), but now after a couple of weeks of weaning, I am having severe panic attacks. So yes, Paxil does work for panic disorder."

• gypcsol
• October 21, 2011

Paxil (paroxetine) "I began taking 10 mg Paxil when I was 28 (I am now 38) for panic attacks and stayed on it for around 6 years. I felt so good on it that I felt like I didn't need it anymore, so I weaned myself off of it with no problems! After going through early menopause, my doctor put me on 50 mg of Zoloft, that worked well for my hot flashes and mood swings, but when I began having panic attacks again, the Zoloft did nothing. My doctor then increased the Zoloft to 100 mg, it did nothing for my panic attacks, only made me more nervous! I am now taking 20 mg of Paxil. I am here to say that it has only been one week, but what a difference a week makes! I feel like myself, only a little tired. I have no other side effects, and it gave me my life back!"

• A...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 28, 2023

"I started on Lexapro at 10 mg when I was 22. It was working pretty well, but I was noticing weight gain. I talked to my doctor and decided to give Paxil a try and I am happy I did. I am now on 20 mg, which I believe is a standard dose. I was diagnosed with general anxiety and panic disorder, and I really do believe this medication has helped with my ability to cope and manage my anxiety."

• Ivan
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2020

Paxil (paroxetine) "Everything's been good since I started the drug 20mgs my body has been able to adapt and the side effects are mild however one night I had a terribly bad panic attack one I haven't felt even before starting the drug and I freaked out suddenly this feeling of doom engulfed me in the middle of the night and my anxiety just shot up don't know if the drug alleviates panic disorder or compounds it."

• roxxy
• December 13, 2009

Paxil (paroxetine) "I suffer from an acute panic disorder which causes me depression. Paxil is a great drug along with my Xanax. I take 30mg a day of Paxil in the morning and 0.5mg 3 times a day of my Xanax. Without Paxil I would have the fear all the time even if I take the Xanax. This drug has saved my life, as most of us know that having a panic disorder with depression it feels like you are crazy yet we are not. I would recommend this drug to anyone who suffers both depression and panic attacks. I also have agoraphobia which means I can not leave my house. Sometimes of course I have to yet someone is always with me. It has been 2 years now that I have not gone out on my own, because of my fears. I highly recommend Paxil to anyone. It works great for me."

• Becar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "I used Paroxetine (Paxil) as an adjunct medication whilst weaning off Diazepam. This drug may work for some, but it sure as didn't work for me! I suspect I had serotonin syndrome from just two doses of 10mg. Yes, TWO DOSES. Therapeutic! I had insane body shivers, felt like a zombie 24/7 whilst on them, I couldn't do the most basic of tasks, I dry heaved non-stop and had persistent air hunger. The withdrawals are terrible and last 3 months or more. If you just have to have an antidepressant , try Celexa or Lexapro instead - they are much milder. I recommend exercise and natural methods/good dieting over ANY anti-depressant. For the sake of your health, Paxil is just not worth it. If you are unfortunate enough to have started on this medication, get off while you still can!"