Paroxetine for Panic Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• Anonymous
• January 9, 2012

Paxil (paroxetine) "I first took Paxil in high school for minor depression but weaned myself off of it in college. About a year later I began having awful, day-long panic attacks which caused me to take two months off from school. So back on the Paxil I went, knowing that I would probably be taking it for life. I have tried several other medicines as well, but they didn't work for me. Paxil is the only thing that makes me feel "normal" and clear-headed. If I don't take it for a couple of days I do start feeling a little light-headed and anxious, so I wouldn't ever quit cold-turkey. I recommend trying a few different medicines if the first ones aren't a perfect fit, everyone is unique, and Paxil works for me."

• Tina
• February 21, 2021

Paxil (paroxetine) "I started taking paxil 5 years ago for panic attacks . It really works for me, I was going back to my normal life no panic at all, very strong and everything was great. After 5 years when I decided to come off Paxil and I was taking it gradually from 20 mg to 0 within 2 months. Every withdrawal symptoms came to me I felt horrible like it is the end of me seriously (brain zaps , insomnia , nausea, super headache daily, drooping eyelid, blurry eyes). This drug ruined my life now it's been one year I have stopped the drug and I quit my work because of the long term side effect that I have especially daily headache and it's very painful , not enough sleep. I would not recommended to anyone no matter what you have stay away from this living nightmare, I prefer to have panic attacks than having these horrible side effects. Be careful please"

• Painter
• June 8, 2018

Paxil (paroxetine) "I started Paxil along with my twin sister at the age of 19 for severe, debilitating panic attacks/chronic anxiety. I remember we actually felt worse the first couple of weeks but our doctor told us to hold on and push through—that those sick feelings would go away. A low dose of Xanax also helped the first few weeks. I went without anxiety or an attack for 15 years. I weaned off of it for 8 months and anxiety came back. I’m back on 20mg. It took a couple months for anxiety to subside but it’s working like it’s supposed to again. Because I’m now 40 and having hormonal issues, I might have mild anxiety around my cycle. It’s odd when it happens. I have emergency low dose of Xanax for those times—nothing as severe as before Paxil. It has saved mine and my twin sister’s life. It’s a great medication for anxiety. Nervousness and anxiety run in my family as we are all high strung. I didn’t gain crazy weight because I’m an athlete and very active."

• Daedr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2016

Paxil (paroxetine) "I'm super medication sensitive so I started out at 5mg for panic disorder. My doctor said there's no way 5mg is going to help, but after 4 weeks it was like a switch was flicked. I went back to my old self for 3 whole days. I had to come off of it due to uncontrollable neck jerking and head twitching. It's the strangest thing I've ever experienced. It's been over a month since I quit and I'm still doing it alot. Not as much, but seriously way too much. I hope this isn't permanent. Now I have panic disorder and neck jerking. Lovely."

• purpl...
• April 25, 2016

Paxil (paroxetine) "Paxil DOES work to stop panic attacks and general anxiety symptoms. I've had no panic attacks while on it. But my problem with Paxil are its' side effects. I was on Paxil for a few years and had gained weight steadily at the same time. I was trying to lose weight while on Paxil and was unsuccessful, but I didn't blame the Paxil. I went off of Paxil and changed nothing else in my routine & lost 25 pounds in 3 months! I ended up having to go back on it and gained ALL of it back within 1 MONTH. I tried to up my exercise and diet routine to make up for the Paxil, but I can't get the scale to budge more than 5 pounds down. Also, when trying to get off Paxil, the side effects are AWFUL. Wean off VERY SLOWLY! Worst, most addictive SSRI out there."

• CSano
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 13, 2018

"I suffered from severe anxiety that led to horrible panic attacks. My physician rapidly started to give me Paroxetine 10 mg for 1 week, then 20 mg the second week. I had some side effects during the first two weeks, but nothing really horrible. Fast forward 6 weeks, anxiety almost totally gone, but couple of panic attacks that were manageable. Again fast forward 6 months, no more panic attacks, no more ridiculous overthinking about past events, and I honestly feel better than my old self. During this whole period I attended CBT sessions, which help a lot in clearly understanding the functionality of a panic attack and how to cope with it. Very satisfied with this medication so far. I hope my comment will be helpful to you guys, and please rest assure that one SSRI will work you, just do not hesitate to seek help rapidly. Cheers!"

• Missy
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 22, 2021

Paxil (paroxetine) "I took it for 1 year and a half, at first it seemed to work but then it caused 20kg weight gain, nightmares, general weakness, fibromyalgia not being able to even get out of bed, always angry and agitated, chest pain, shievering, restless legs, paranoia, depersonalisation, feeling faint, always feeling hungry, gastritis, IBS, shivering, headaches, tinnitus, seeing blurry, feeling like throwing up, suicidal thoughts, hypersensitivity to sound and light, being violent, it was like torture. I felt like my body was chained. I still kept taking it because my doctor said it is me just worrying. But one day I had a gut feeling and stopped taking it slowly over time, now I can walk again and I feel so much better than when I was taking it. I lost the weight that I had gained and feel happier. Stopping it was hard but it was worth it, if you read this I understand your suffering,I know it’s hard just don't give up.❤️"

• kevin...
• July 1, 2018

Paxil (paroxetine) "Started on 10mg for panic disorder and worked up to 20mg. It enabled me to accomplish things I couldn't do before, but didn't completely rid me of all anxiety, just took the edge off enough to allow me to function. Recently my anxiety/panic has gotten steadily worse, so I'm going to request going up to 40mg, the target dose for panic disorder. I had next to no side effects other than some insomnia and a brief bout of sexual dysfunction where it was hard to climax. I gained about 17 lbs. since starting it, but I also feel better enough to go out to restaurants and I eat out about 4 times a week. My exercise routine has also slackened due to lack of motivation. I suppose it could slow down metabolism, assuming the weight gain isn't entirely my fault (which I think it is), but even so, it's really not a deal-breaker considering how severe my anxiety was. Even though my dosage now needs adjusting, it has helped me lead a semi-normal life for the past year."

• 70david
• May 28, 2021

Paxil (paroxetine) "Taken daily for nearly 20 years. PRO'S: Worked great for my panic attacks, anxiety, and anger symptoms. CON'S: One side effect noticed that especially with advancing age came "diminished libido" due to difficulty in reaching climax. In attempting to research the "libido" symptomsI discovered that THIS is one of the "known" side effects of the drug. In fact it was often prescribed for "premature ejaculation". The dilemma comes when one attempts to recapture their "love-life" by "reducing" or "quitting" Paxil. Depending on dosage and time on the drug, you MAY INDEED hit a wall of "withdrawal symptoms" that "Ain't No walk-in-the-park"! For more details just do a search for say "Paxil Withdrawal Symptoms". It won't be hard to find a myriad of data. DO Talk with your doctor about it before attempting to quit. For me, it's a work-in-progress. Good Luck All"

• Bella
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 11, 2023

"I am not exaggerating when I say this medicine saved my life. I was having daily panic attacks that had me at my wit's end. I was taking Buspirone and it was doing NOTHING for me. I finally told my doctor I needed something else and he switched me to Paroxetine. I had a rough time for a couple weeks while my body adjusted to the switch (probably should have weaned off Buspar), but after that my panic attacks were few and far between. It's been a year now and I finally have my life back. I can't believe how much I've improved. I could barely drive, sit in my office at work, or go to the grocery store without having a panic attack and now I do all those things joyfully again. If you have panic attacks and need help just getting back to your normal self I highly recommend this medicine. And therapy for the underlying thought patterns."

• Teeth...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 20, 2020

Paxil (paroxetine) "Second time in a few weeks I have tried the generic Paxil has anyone else experienced teeth grinding and severe muscle lockdown? I guess that is why I can’t stick with it. I take Klonopin and Valium. Would Zoloft be a better alternative I would like to reduce the anxiety medications. Been on lamictal jacked up thyroid currently reducing Depakote ER because of side effects"

• Happy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 17, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "Amazing pill! Only took 10mg in the morning and already feel a big difference! One thing to note, it can give you headaches and make you fidgety. But apart from that, so far, works great! Better than benzos."

• Panic...
• August 18, 2017

"This is for everyone out there who was me almost 7 weeks ago, reading through all the terrifying experiences, going through something that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. I started having panic attacks over a year ago, and thought it was just a phase, not realizing that I was heading towards a deep dark hole. 7 weeks ago I sinked into 24/7 panic mode, with all the terrible symptoms, stopped eating and sleeping, cried all the time, and was desperate. Paroxetine put me on the right track, and 7 weeks later, I am exercising daily, have loads of energy, am seeing a psychologist and have my life in order. Know this- the meds help, but it's all up to you. You have to add the rest. Don't stop after the first week. It does get better."

• maryl
• June 15, 2016

"I've been taking Paxil 20 mg since 2003, I've tried to wean off of it, but why? I noticed on Paxil, I am happier, I don't worry as much, I don't get anxiety, no panic attacks. Yes you will have terrible side effects weaning off and even after the fact, like I did. But we must keep in mind why we started taking it in the first place. So take it from me, stay on them if you need them, just because you are feeling great and back to your happy self doesn't mean you need to get off of this wonderful medication. Good Luck...."

• Anonymous
• March 1, 2010

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have had panic disorder since I was 15 years old. Paxil has truly improved my life. 20mg doesn't seem to be enough but 40mg does the trick. The only side effects I have is that I sweat more and I have less energy. Paxil is a life saver!"

• Momof...
• August 23, 2011

Paxil (paroxetine) "Panic Disorder/Bipolar/Manic Depressive: Today will be my 7th Dose, I am having a love hate relationship with my Paxil, it made me EXTREMELY tired for the first 4 days, headaches on day 4 & 5, Dizziness day 2-7. I feel spaced out & every morning I wake up & want to stop taking the meds because of how I feel. I am not like "myself" BUT, I didnt like myself to begin with, I suffered from panic attacks that last for days on end with only relief from Xanax. I would have anger outbursts towards the ones I love the most. Now, although my world feels off balance, I have noticed less anger and more smiling. I am going to stick with it for another week, even though I know tomorrow I will want to stop again. Just hope side effects lessen."

• Anonymous
• March 31, 2009

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have had panic disorder since I was about 6. It came and went and has caused me severe avoidance issues throughout my life. I have been taking Paxil for about 8 years and it has worked wonders. It has been awesome...until recently. Within the last 4 months, it just seems to have quit working well. I am having severe attacks from time to time, but I am starting to avoid things/situations. It did make me gain about 30 pounds. I tend to clench my jaws and I startle easily, but those are the only side effect I notice. My family and close friends say I am much more of a pleasure to be around while I am on it. I am not a mean person nor have anger issues, but I am just not so anxious and uptight."

• Anonymous
• April 10, 2012

Paxil (paroxetine) "My general doctor gave me Paxil when I told her I had been having panic attacks and anxiety. I started on 10mg and when I hadn't noticed a difference after 6 weeks she upped the dose to 20mg. I still have anxiety day to day, and feel the beginning of a panic attack a lot, but am not able to go through with it. Sex drive completely gone. All I want to do is sleep. Depression worsened. This is not for me."

• Dee...
• August 19, 2015

Paxil (paroxetine) "I started on Paxil late 1990s for panic disorders and depression...I am 5'6" and was about 118lbs. Stayed on Paxil about 4 years and came off because I wanted to get pregnant. It saved my life truly I felt great and I was able to enjoy driving again, going to the mall, able to take an elevator, able to stay at home alone, wait on lines at supermarkets, work without fear of losing it, etc. after coming off very slowly the good effects lasted about a year. However, while on Paxil I gained 60lbs. After my son was born in 2004 I had postpartum depression so again went back in Paxil it didn't work as good as the first time but it helped get me back to feeling just alright. Came off again due to more weight gain."

• kwakk...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 24, 2022

Paxil (paroxetine) "I've always been more anxious, even though I was very active, had a lot of friends. 15 yo: I started thinking at night about the universe/the world/who we are. This anxiety moved on. Then as an 18 year old I started to have panic attacks. I went to therapy, it went away. I lived my University years (going out, just being young, traveling). But, the last couple of weeks (25 year old) have been hard. It started with being stressed out. Then I had a major panic attack: ended up in the hospital. Since then, I couldn't go outside, even inside the house I was scared and I lost connection with myself. Everything and even I looked so weird. Went to psychiatrist. I am on my 3rd day of Paxil (combined with Alprazolam), and I can already feel positive effects!! Only thing: is tired and bit struggling with 'rollercoaster emotions'. But I am reconnecting with myself!!!! I also do breath work, yoga etc, learning about science/panic and the brain/... I will keep you up to date!!! THERE IS HOPE, I WANT AN ANXIOUS FREE LIFE!!"

• Shah_07
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 16, 2021

Paxil CR (paroxetine) "Pros: I was suffering from anxiety attacks since age of 16 and the frequency of these attacks and generalized anxiety and panic attacks are increasing with age I have been on several medications but none have worked for me as Paxil does. I started with 12.5 mg CR and then 25mg after breakfast it started working for me after 3 to 4 weeks. My panic attacks are gone and after six months I have my life back I can go out with friends, I can drive on highways without any fear of having a panic attack. I feel like this disorder never occurred to me I am very satisfied with this drug and it restores my confidence and I can enjoy my life normally . Cons: Delayed Ejaculation / Very low sex drive (25mg) not with 12.5 mg Weight Gain"

• Anonymous
• January 1, 2010

Paxil (paroxetine) "I started taking Paxil 2 months ago. Since I started taking Paxil, my panic attacks stopped! I did have side effects of increased sweating, increased energy, inability to orgasm for the first month. The excess sweating and increased energy went away, however I have no interest in sex anymore."

• Anonymous
• June 24, 2010

Paxil (paroxetine) "Paxil has been providing pretty good relief at 30 mg- not as effective as benzodiazepines, but I was pretty surprised. I've had horrible trials with SSRI's/side effects for Panic Disorder, but Paxil hasn't been as bad - stomach upset for a month adjusting to it - some weight gain, sexual side effects.. mostly gone now 5 months in. Rough guess, I'd say about 75% fewer Panic Attacks. I've a number of medical conditions, and some medicines will rock the boat, but I'm able to get through with Xanax "as needed" - (used to be 'always' needed). "

• Spenc...
• June 25, 2017

"I just started taking Paxil 10mg (I'm on day 11) and I feel amazing and no side effects. Before Paxil, I wouldn't leave my house and if I had to I would stay within a 15 minute radius from my house. I had crippling panic attacks and nervousness all day long. I lost my job, my 10 yr relationship suffered, I gained weight and lost contact with myself and everything I used to enjoy. Today I decided to up my dose to 20mg. It made me tired but extremely calm. I'm able to drive, run errands, keep up with housework and I am in control of my anxiety with some help of Ativan 1mg if needed. Paxil saved my life and I suggest anyone with GAD,OCD,PTSD and DEPRESSION to seriously consider this drug. God is good and I feel blessed."

• Britt
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 26, 2023

"I got diagnosed with postpartum panic disorder after my first daughter in 2019. I got put on paxil and LOVED it. It also helped my social anxiety which I didn’t know at the time was a problem until I took paxil and it disappeared completely. I asked to be taken off after a year because weight gain and put on wellbutrin which was hell because of the depersonalization issues that was a side effect for me. Put on Zoloft after becoming pregnant with my second daughter since it’s safe for pregnancy. I was on it for a year also but then it felt like it didn’t work for me anymore. I asked to get put back on Paxil recently because I’d rather have the weight gain and be anxiety free than to be skinny and anxious. I’m only on week one of Paxil again and no side effects I can really notice besides grogginess when I wake up but hopefully it’ll go away."