Paxil CR and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• March 29, 2008

For Anxiety "I was taking Paxil for both depression and anxiety. It worked very well for me for the past four years. My husband could definitely tell the difference, and if I missed a dose, the effect was immediate. However, I was not aware that it could cause weight gain, and I have gained over 40 pounds even though I am eating healthy and exercising."

• Anonymous
• July 14, 2013

For Depression "HUGE weight gain! From 135 lbs up to 205 lbs, and there didn't seem to be any way to lose the weight. I am not an eater or a snacker, if anything, I can't manage breakfast, and I eat a healthy sandwich for lunch and can only manage 1/2 the meal that my husband eats at night. For me, depression = loss of appetite."

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

For Panic Disorder "Pros: I was suffering from anxiety attacks since the 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 25 mg 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 (25 mg), not with 12.5 mg, weight gain."

• Anonymous
• July 31, 2009

For Panic Disorder "Paxil CR helped control the anxiety and panic attacks. It did allow me to live my life normally. However, I have had one big side effect. Since January, I have gained 35 lbs. It does not matter that I work out four or five days a week for 1 1/2 or two hours and try to eat a healthy diet. No matter what I did, I continually gained weight. My doctor has now taken me off of it due to the rapid weight gain I have experienced. She felt that the rapid weight gain was not healthy and could lead to obesity if I did not quit taking the drug. So, I am going to come off of Paxil CR, hopefully drop this excessive weight because I have never had a weight problem until now, and I am 31 years old, and just go from there."

• TWG...
• June 7, 2017

"Paxil was a miracle drug for me in that it completely got rid of my anxiety and depression. The feeling of dread I'd been carrying around in the pit of my stomach for years was finally gone! However, it caused a 50-pound weight gain and, as a result, edema and other issues. I'm now on Wellbutrin XL and slowly starting to lose the weight."