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Paroxetine for Panic Disorder User Reviews (Page 5)

Brand names: Paxil, Paxil CR, Brisdelle

Paroxetine has an average rating of 7.4 out of 10 from a total of 129 reviews for the treatment of Panic Disorder. 67% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 16% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Paroxetine

  • shado...
  • May 24, 2010

"I was prescribed paroxetine 10mgs for my panic disorder and OCD. I've been on it about 1 month. At first I was really tired, could hardly stay awake and I couldn't eat because I felt nauseated, and at times I felt like my body was burning from the inside out. I almost felt like a zombie, just sat there, didn't smile, frown or laugh. Thought I was going crazy. How would I take care of my kids like this? I decided to keep taking it because I hadn't had a panic attack and having one frightened me to no end. After about 2 weeks I was able to get up and clean without being picky, ride in a car without being scared, we had some storms and I didn't panic, and I was playing with my kids again. The pros outweigh the cons! Thank you paroxetine."

8 / 10
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  • Will
  • February 14, 2015

"I've been on Paxil for a few days now, I can already begain to feel it calming me down and controlling my attacks, seems each day I'm getting a bit better. I hope within the next two weeks it completely eliminates them like it has for so many others. Only time can tell I guess, just wanted to say that it is actually working and making me feel better so if you are suffering like I have my whole life (I'm now a 23 year old male) please look into this. This is the only thing I have found to actually do anything for me whatsoever. Don't live your life terrified you going to have a panic attack infront of people and fear losing your friends and life because of it. Make this move and talk to your doctor about Paxil."

9 / 10
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  • kdjag
  • March 8, 2010

"Paxil helped me eight years ago when I had postpartum depression. I have tried twice to wean my self off the Paxil but only to come crashing down months later. I think it is important to realize that I am on Paxil because I have panic attacks and the medicine works. If I had a heart condition, I would not stop taking my medicine. Don't feel guilty that you need medicine to help your brain function. I fell into that trap twice and will remain on my medicine and be faithful in taking it. It is when you feel great that you think you don't need it. The last time I started taking the Paxil again 10mg was enough. After two days my doctor said to take 20mg and I had the three worst days of my life. Start on 10mg for a week and work up only if needed."

9 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Jonny...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • January 15, 2018

"I was given paroxetine (generic for Paxil) for panic disorder. It took about three weeks before my severe anxiety started to dissipate, but from there on out, it definitely helped. The only side effects I had were drowsiness and occasional sleeplessness. I say this definitely can help with anxiety. With that said, it won't take care of all of it. You have to take steps to combat your anxiety as well; this was the case for me. I still had panic attacks here and there and it took me a while to realize I had to improve myself too, not just to rely solely on medication. But with the right combination of medication and mental health counselling, you will get better."

7 / 10
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  • egogo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 9, 2021

Paxil (paroxetine) "Unfortunately I was started on this at the highest dose. I have no idea why. The nurse even said I shouldn't be on 40 mg to start, but it was a doctor in a crisis center that I saw for 5 minutes. After I started taking it I had the worst panic attack I have ever experienced and I was hyperventilating and almost passed out. So, I stopped taking it and was scared to take any antidepressants after that, although I have suffer from severe depression and anxiety. So, it wasn't for me. I just started taking Lamotrigine for depression and propranolol for anxiety. It is really helping. So this might be an alternative for anyone that experienced what I did."

1 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • spotz
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • April 22, 2015

"Withdrawal is a literal nightmare! Headaches, shock/buzz in ears/head, lump in throat, chills, nightsweats, crying. It's been 5 weeks and MD said gastric distress and nausea may still be from withdrawal. Libido and joy of life are returning but give yourself a month without major social events to get back on your feet."

5 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • September 16, 2010

Paxil (paroxetine) "I had extreme anxiety at first time intercourse with a new partner. Mainly happened with girls I liked the most. Read Paxil delays ejaculation so I asked doctor and gave it a try. 20mgs per day. It works a little too well. Effects do wear off, so I just use it when needed."

9 / 10
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  • babym...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 20, 2012

"Throughout my whole pregnancy and even after (my son is 5 months old) I was under a lot of emotional stress. About two and a half months after he was born I started having what I thought were heart attacks so I went to the hospital. Come to find out I have severe panic attacks and saw my PCP the next day and she prescribed me Paxil. The only things I've noticed is that I've lost a lot of weight. I was a healthy 120 and am now 109 lbs. I also bruise extremely easily and could sleep all day long. I still have slight panic attacks but all in all, they have pretty much gone away. I also have times where I seem to be very focused. I highly recommend it to anyone."

9 / 10
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  • corvo...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 1, 2016

"Works wonders for my anxiety and panic attacks, and even depression. But it puts me in a manic / euphoric / agitated condition. Sometimes unbearable. So I have to take Klonopin 2-4mg a day alongside olanzapine 5mg when things get out of control. Side effects for me: hunger, excessive yawning, euphoria/mania, weight gain, lower sex drive, very vivid dreams, they mostly go away within 10-14 days. The withdrawals are lengthy and hard so be careful, go slow. Works for me, meds turned my life around once again."

8 / 10
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  • bob
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • October 24, 2018

"Very potent SSRI for panic disorder & anxiety - been on Celexa & Lexapro before which pooped out. Unfortunately, it has many side effects for me. Extreme sexual side effects, dry mouth, and drowsiness. It also gave me a dizzy feeling when I walked like my brain and feet were not working together (hard to explain) but after a long time, this went away. I refused to take Atypical drugs due to possible permanent side effects. Paxil did not eliminate my anxiety and panic but reduced it by 70%. Doctor added Gabapentin 100mg 3 x day and I no longer have any anxiety or panic attacks. Google gabapentin and anxiety. Paired with Paxil I am symptom-free. Side effects of Paxil do get better with time but it took a long time (1 1/2 years). Sexual side effects suck but get better with time. Still have dry mouth but drowsiness is gone since I take it before bed."

10 / 10
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  • deanima
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • August 25, 2021

Pexeva (paroxetine) "I have panic disorder, and have also been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depression in the past. I tried at least 5 other SSRI's (Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro), Tricyclics (Imipramine), SNRI's (Wellbutrin, Effexor), and Paxil is the *only one* that has worked for me. It takes me from being completely dysfunctional, paralyzed by panic attacks, into feeling like myself. The downside is the side effects - at 20mg, I gained 10 lbs., felt more tired, and had sexual side effects. At 40mg, I gained an additional 10 lbs., and the tiredness and inability to concentrate became more intense. If a different med works for you, I'd recommend it since Pexeva/Paxil is notorious for its side effects, but when you're feeling hopeless and others just aren't working, give it a go. It's saved my life more than once."

7 / 10
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  • Gypsy
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • January 30, 2016

"Hello My story is after 30 years of panic attacks low self-esteem My Dr put me on 60 mg paroxtine a day. 6 months later I fell pregnant my Dr kept me on the same dosage I then moved found a new Dr whom got me to 10 mg per day. When my son was born he had terrible withdrawal stomach cramps among other things. From the age of 3 he started play group the teachers noticed that he was different to the other kids. My son is now 13 he has Autism among other things I do blame my medication for all this."

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  • Gustavo...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 31, 2021

"Paroxetine was one of the few drugs that also had an effect (alongside mirtazapine), but it did not have such a pronounced effect, I was not free from panic attacks; the only difference between the other SSRIs is that paroxetine decreased a little (very little) the amount of attacks in a week."

5 / 10
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  • Ricardo
  • June 7, 2018

"on Paroxetine 10yrs taking 20 mg/day from the start. I read about Paroxetine = Dementia so come off it. 1 week 15 mg/day no problem. 1 week 10 mg/day no problem + think more clearly and recall improved hugely. Then 10 mg every other day. On 3rd day anxiety + panic Sleeping pills helped. Decided to make the leap - went 4 days without Paroxetine then Sertraline 50 mg/day Anxious at first but from day 4 anxiety and panic gone! Feel SO MUCH clearer in my head and my sense of humour back. I drank alcohol when taking Paroxetine (I had always been a drinker but I became somewhat dependant - I drank 6 units most days, with very few days off.) The day I took the last Paroxetine was the last time I drank - I no longer miss a drink (YAY!) The withdrawal was worthwhile. NOTE: ‘The Happiness Trap’ – it’s brilliant, it’s like it was written for everyone on an SSRi. Google it and you might find some peace. Good luck – you are not alone, and you will get to a kinder place."

3 / 10
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  • 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 20mg, and I didn't notice 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 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!"

9 / 10
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  • Minmin
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 21, 2021

Paxil (paroxetine) "Started on Oct.14 2021 to take Paxil 10mg, I’ve been dealing with panic attacks since 2014, but never got a medication for it till now. For the first week on it has been a rollercoaster. First 2 days I was doing fine , till Sunday I started to have a feeling of coldness in the back on my head, that went down my whole body, palpitations, dizziness and a headache. I got scared that I even called my mom. Those symptoms follow up the next day. Tuesday I felt like I was choking to a point that had a panic attack, my body felt numb and cold . I was sweating a lot too.. thank god we got home. On Wednesday I felt emotionless and went to the doctor to let her know the side effects. She said they can put me on another medication but I said no. I didn’t wanted to go through another symptoms so I stick with Paxil. Now I woke up to shortness of breath, and again had a panic attack that I felt chest pain, headache and trouble sleeping. And I have the common side effects. Just hope for the best!"

7 / 10
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  • Tamsen
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • September 26, 2021

"I live in Australia and have been on paroxetine for many many years I think about 15 mainly take aropax but there was a shortage so take some generics except for paxtine did not work for me. However paroxetine has helped me a lot over the years. The benefits is I haven’t had a full blown panic attack since I’ve been on it and it mainly keeps any anxiety at bay. The side effects are sometimes dizzy and long time till you can orgasm. I take 20mg a day in the morning with food."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • November 15, 2013

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have been taking Paxil for 3 years now. It has helped me very much. I'm 21 years old and have had no side effects from it. I'm glad to feel normal again. Without Paxil I would be an emotional wreck."

8 / 10
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  • Cat
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 3, 2016

Paxil (paroxetine) "I suffer from debilitating panic attacks. Just 10 mg of Paxil works wonders. I've tried almost every SSRI out there, but Paxil is the only one that works. Nothing else can touch my panic."

10 / 10
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45 Report
  • Ricas...
  • September 29, 2011

Paxil (paroxetine) "I have suffered with panic all my life. Since taking Paxil I don't have them. If you run out the panic comes back. I've heard bad things about Paxil but it saved my life so its worth it."

10 / 10
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47 Report
  • Anonymous
  • September 17, 2011

Paxil (paroxetine) "Paxil has helped me live again."

10 / 10
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41 Report
  • Dontu...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 4, 2019

Paxil (paroxetine) "I was given Paxil as an alternative to a benzo. Within a day, I was hallucinating and shaking uncontrollably, and dry retching. I quit cold turkey after two days. Take it from me, do NOT take Paxil!"

1 / 10
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  • Jules
  • January 4, 2017

Paxil (paroxetine) "Been on Paxil for about a month and I feel great...I'm on 20 MG but may need to go higher I'm not at 100%"

9 / 10
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21 Report
  • BoDro
  • July 28, 2013

Paxil (paroxetine) "I took it for anxiety, panic disorder & depression. Made me suicidal."

2 / 10
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25 Report
  • Mmmm
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 29, 2021

Paxil (paroxetine) "The best medicine for panic disorder with agoraphobia"

9 / 10
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10 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.