Paxil for Panic Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• kev...
• July 1, 2018

"Started on 10 mg for panic disorder and worked up to 20 mg. 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 40 mg, 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."

• Iva...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2020

"Everything's been good since I started the drug, 20 mgs. 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."

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

"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 years 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 a psychiatrist. I am on my 3rd day of Paxil (combined with Alprazolam), and I can already feel positive effects! Only thing: I am tired and a 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!"

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 22, 2021

"I took it for 1 year and a half. At first, it seemed to work, but then it caused 20 kg weight gain, nightmares, general weakness, fibromyalgia, not being able to even get out of bed, always angry and agitated, chest pain, shivering, restless legs, paranoia, depersonalization, 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 was 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.❤️"

• Jak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2019

"Was prescribed 10 mg 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."

• 70d...
• May 28, 2021

"Taken daily for nearly 20 years. PROS: Worked great for my panic attacks, anxiety, and anger symptoms. CONS: One side effect noticed that, especially with advancing age, came 'diminished libido' due to difficulty in reaching climax. In attempting to research the 'libido' symptoms, I 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."

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

"I'm super medication sensitive, so I started out at 5 mg for panic disorder. My doctor said there's no way 5 mg 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 a lot. Not as much, but seriously way too much. I hope this isn't permanent. Now I have panic disorder and neck jerking. Lovely."

• Anonymous
• March 1, 2010

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

• pur...
• April 25, 2016

"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 is 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 Paxil and changed nothing else in my routine and 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 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."

• Tin...
• February 21, 2021

"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, I was taking it gradually from 20 mg to 0 within 2 months. Every withdrawal symptom 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 since 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 recommend it 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."

• Mom...
• August 23, 2011

"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, and every morning I wake up and want to stop taking the meds because of how I feel. I am not like 'myself,' BUT I didn't 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."

• Dee...
• August 19, 2015

"I started on Paxil in the late 1990s for panic disorders and depression. I am 5'6" and was about 118 lbs. I stayed on Paxil for 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 in 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 60 lbs. After my son was born in 2004, I had postpartum depression, so I again went back on Paxil. It didn't work as well as the first time, but it helped get me back to feeling just alright. I came off again due to more weight gain."

• Anonymous
• June 24, 2010

"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 SSRIs/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)."

• Anonymous
• January 1, 2010

"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."

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

"Amazing pill! Only took 10 mg 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."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2019

"After 3 weeks of taking the half dose I am prescribed, I am quitting due to the incredibly lucid nightmares I'm having every night. It did help with my depression, but I can't function without REM sleep and the anxiety I'm having while dreaming."

• Anonymous
• March 31, 2009

"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 effects 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 do I have anger issues, but I am just not so anxious and uptight."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2024

"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!"

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

"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."

• Jos...
• January 25, 2016

"I started Paxil 15 years ago after a stroke. Lately, I felt maybe it's not as effective. My doctor switched me to 40 mg of Celexa, same as my Paxil. After six days on the new one, I felt like I was having problems with weakness on one side and felt like I didn't have long to live, etc., so I got myself into a big panic attack. Back on Paxil for now, feeling better."

• DPO...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2022

"I have had panic attacks and panic disorder for 2 years. I visited the doctor, and he gave me Paxil 25 mg. My first week was a nightmare, I had headaches, nausea, cramping, and heart palpitations. I was literally in another world. After one month, my symptoms started to subside, and my life was back up so I could go out of the house normally. Paxil + therapy session saved my life. I am waiting to get more benefits as time goes on. Don't be afraid, life is beautiful!"

• Zeb...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 11, 2022

"So I weaned off Paxil and was completely off it for about two weeks. At about the two-week mark, my anxiety came back with a vengeance one day. I then realized that I need help and finally admitted to myself I need drugs. I was on 40 in December and was off by the beginning of February. From my experience, I can tell you after restarting the Paxil again, only 10 mg for just two days, I can tell the difference already. It just works for me. And I intend to stay on it."

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

"I used paroxetine (Paxil) as an adjunct medication while weaning off diazepam. This drug may work for some, but it sure as hell didn't work for me! I suspect I had serotonin syndrome from just two doses of 10 mg. Yes, TWO DOSES. Therapeutic! I had insane body shivers, felt like a zombie 24/7 while 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 antidepressant. 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!"

• Anonymous
• April 10, 2012

"My general doctor gave me Paxil when I told her I had been having panic attacks and anxiety. I started on 10 mg, and when I hadn't noticed a difference after 6 weeks, she upped the dose to 20 mg. 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."

• Pau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 16, 2016

"I started Paxil to control anxiety. The first brand was Auribindo. It worked for about one month. I was using less Klonopin. Then, out of the blue, I had a panic attack that put me in the hospital overnight. Then I switched generic brands to Zydus. On my first dose, I thought I would die. It felt like I had overdosed. It happened within 10 minutes of taking that brand. It was only 15 mg. I have now received the Dylan brand and will take it in the morning. I say this for people who think Paxil may not work. You need to do a trial run on these no-good generics. I felt like I was dying, plus so nauseated on the Zydus brand. Hopefully, the Nylon will work. I am running out of brands to try."