Paroxetine and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Hop...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 26, 2019

For Anxiety "I took Paxil for 19 years, and it relieved my anxiety and depression. I gained 40 lbs over those 19 years, but I was happy. In May, I decided to try Lexapro, and sure enough, I've lost 25 lbs. But at the expense of anxiety and depression returning. My doctor increased the dosage from 10 to 20 mg 5 weeks ago, and now I can't sleep. I'm going back to Paxil, I'd rather be fat and happy than skinny and depressed!"

• Aan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 22, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Saved my life, literally. I have very high functioning anxiety and my mind would never stop, and I had come to conclusion after trying several antidepressants that was just who I was. Then I developed SI, depression, and found no pleasure in anything. I was miserable and I tortured myself constantly. At my breaking point with SI when I could no longer trust myself, I talked to my PCP and was prescribed Paxil 20mg. My entire life has changed. I have never known a quiet mind my whole adult life. I am happy and peaceful for the first time ever. I have to exercise a lot to combat sugar cravings, but I do not dread exercise and enjoy it now. I still have trouble sleeping, which I always have had, but other than that, this drug has been a miracle for me."

• TMM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2024

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Paxil has literally changed my life. I am so grateful I tried it and persevered through the first week of mild, manageable side effects (like some nausea and insomnia). I did have to use a sleep medication to help me through the insomnia for at least 4-6 weeks and nibble on biscuits to settle my stomach during the day, but I could feel Paxil's positive effects within the first two weeks, so I knew it was worth continuing. It quieted my overactive mind and helped me let go of many of my OCD-type behaviors around my health anxiety. I started slow at 10 mg, increased to 20 mg after a week, and then to 30 mg when I felt some of the panic and anxiety creeping back in after two months. 30 mg seems to be my baseline. I am just so grateful for this medication. I wanted to write this review to help anyone who is scared to try it. I know medication is different for different people, but other SSRIs didn't work for me, so if you've had a similar experience, maybe Paxil will help you too."

• Lif...
• June 15, 2019

For Panic Disorder "Look, Paxil is a game changer. For sure. People, listen up. To start, you’re going to have some side effects. Ears ringing, sleep issues, “brain zaps”, sexual dysfunctions, dry mouth, I could go on. But, one day I woke up after taking it for about six months and wouldn’t you know it, no more panic attacks. And these weren’t mild panic attacks, these were almost driving off the road on the way to work in the morning because you can’t breathe, you're shaking like a leaf, throwing up, and can’t see straight type attacks. Severe. I’ve been on 60mg a day for around a decade, and I can’t believe how one little pill can completely change your life in the way it has changed mine. This is so so sooooo much safer than benzodiazepines, and it’s nonaddictive. But, if you stop taking it, you can rebound quickly. Just trust me on that one. So I’m never coming off of it. It’s a small price to pay, right? Thanks!"

• Emi...
• December 28, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "There is a lot of other reviews that I have read that sums a lot of it up. Yes, you will most likely experience yawning, nausea, and headaches at first. It does go away! At first I also noticed a change in my sex life. I could still get in the mood but found it near impossible to orgasm. Also, with sleep, I did feel tired for a bit, but I think it was because I experienced trouble sleeping at first. I found some things that helped fix some of this: I went from 20mg to 10mg a day. I took it right after breakfast. This one is important! Exercise! I started running again and I found that it had an extremely positive effect and it went well with the medication. A lot of the jitters I got at first went away, it helped me sleep better, and more!"

• Jen...
• April 12, 2014

For Hot Flashes "I have been taking Brisdelle for two weeks now, but had to stop taking it due to the unacceptable side effects. It worked like a charm on my hot flashes, reducing them from at least 12-15 times in a 24-hour period (with night sweats) to only 1 per day. However, I found it impossible to sleep, I could not keep my hands and feet still, I had congestion so bad that I thought I had a sinus infection, and also suffered blurred vision. I tried taking it in the morning instead of at night, but it made no difference to my insomnia. I have, therefore, discontinued it altogether."

• Hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 9, 2019

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I have suffered with social anxiety, depression, and panic for a good while now! Currently, I am taking 10 mg of Paroxetine (the lowest dose), and it is working great. The first few days, I experienced stomach upset and a bit of insomnia, but it diminishes day after day until you get used to it. It has done wonders for me, I am able to go out without my heart rate going crazy, not worrying about others looking at me, and I can enjoy things in life. Give it time, if it doesn't work for you, there are many other options out there. Best of luck to you, things will work out for you."

• Jen...
• December 4, 2015

For Anxiety "This pill has changed my life. I had no idea how bad I suffered from anxiety until I started taking this. I take 20mg a day and after a month, I noticed a huge change. It's been 2 months now, and I feel like myself again. I'm so glad I decided to see my doctor and get help. I can't believe I lived for so long being so miserable. I have so much fun now doing things I couldn't do when dealing with my anxiety. I love going out and meeting new people when before I could barely leave the house to grab the mail without having crazy fears. I am able to talk about my anxiety openly to anyone now too, which is a huge change. The only problem I have is sleeping, which my doctor had to prescribe another drug for that."

• Cub...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2020

For Panic Disorder "I was diagnosed with severe depression and panic disorder many years ago, which was associated with fibromyalgia. I had been on all types of medicines and even spent time in a mental health unit. Fast forward to the present, my psychiatrist and I discussed trying out Paxil, which my sister had suggested to me since nothing else was working. In February 2020, I started on 20 mg of Paxil. At first, I had horrible night sweats, lack of sleep, foggy, dizzy head, but I decided to keep on it. So the doctor increased me over time, and now I'm at 40 mg I take before bed, and I must say it's a MIRACLE medication for me!! I care about things, have more energy, and try to enjoy life as much as possible. Only side effect is my vision isn't the best, and I eat more than usual, and I'm having a lot of memory problems with forgetfulness. But I don't care, this medication is the best thing to ever happen to me mental health-wise!! Thank you, God!!"

• Whi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2016

For Anxiety "* Reminder, everyone's experience is different, and you won't know how this medication works for you until you try it.* I'm 18 and used to suffer from severe social and general anxiety, and mild depression. I've had a bad past with antidepressants, but I decided to try Paxil (20mg) because I was desperate. My anxiety is 95% gone, I'm wanting to be more social, and I'm happy all of the time! I don't worry anymore, and it's amazing. There are some side effects (which were terrible the first week but reduced with time): headaches, reduced libido, tiredness, smaller appetite {I'm thankful for this one}, and insomnia. Paxil works amazingly for my anxiety, and I'm so happy I tried it. I'm making new friends, and I think I'll secure a job soon :)."

• jmo...
• July 1, 2013

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am 41 and have had all manner of anxiety for most of my life. Usually this worsens as my self-esteem drops. I have taken it twice in the past, once for about 3 years, and recently for about a year. I stopped taking it almost 8 months ago and I just went back on it yesterday. 20 mg and yesterday was the worst I ever remember feeling. Headache, restlessness, dry mouth (flu-like symptoms), and I ate only because I needed to. I was not hungry. Couldn't sleep last night so I took 50 mg of diphenhydramine and slept well. Today I feel much better! I am cutting to only 10 mg for a week and then back to the 20 mg. I have to say that when you are calling out from your job and afraid to go in stores, like myself, this medicine works!"

• Ait...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2017

For Anxiety "It will do nothing negative. Give it a try to enjoy life. Life is short. Don't take the burden of social anxiety and panic attacks for your whole life. If you still feel terrible when taking Paxil, use Inderal as well, and you will see an improvement in life. My score for Paxil CR is 9/10 in just days. P.S. If you ignore this illness, it will give you IBS, high BP, anxiety, messes with career goals, gives heart problems, sleep problems, low energy, you need short naps, always low confidence, and so on. I avoided medicines from age 18 to 28 years and now finally I took the step for Paxil. Stay blessed ...."

• Spe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2024

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Started Paxil June 24th, 2024, and it truly saved my life. Finally at 32 years old, I can truly enjoy my life! Will be on the medication for the rest of my life. I want to thank my mother who wanted me on it. I love you, mother! Just have sleep issues, however, I advise someone with an anxiety disorder to go on medication, talk therapy really doesn’t do anything for a chemical brain imbalance!"

• Mis...
• October 26, 2014

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I have been depressed with major social anxiety for over five years. I've always been scared to try any medication. Lately it's been unbearable. I have too much social anxiety that I can't even sit through job interviews or simple things like going shopping alone. I'm 25 and have been on Paxil for less than a month. The first two weeks were bad. I'd wake up at odd hours of the night and be wide awake. I'd feel like puking throughout the day along with being very drowsy. Don't worry. It does subside. I feel like going out more and I'm not too worried as I usually am about people judging me or looking at me. I participate in small talk with strangers. I am free to go out without worrying. I'm content."

• Rev...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 29, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Paxil literally saved my life. Each person is individual and will react to antidepressants in a different way. I was on Paxil for 17 years, and then I started to feel some major fatigue. I went off Paxil and didn't have side effects. I have also tried Zoloft (zombie effect), Effexor 75 mg (worked on depression and anxiety but caused apathy), Fluoxetine 40 mg (caused SI and had to be readmitted to the hospital to get off it). I am now starting Paxil again after a year off it. This time around, I have slowly increased from 20 to 30 to 40 mg. It is one month since starting again. SI has gone. Mood is 80 percent. I still have some anxiety. I take Melatonin 10 mg and Seroquel 12.5 to help with insomnia, which I have never had before. I take 0.5 Risperidone in the morning to help with anxiety. I have lost 10 kg and food is of no interest. I will keep you updated after a couple of months. Hopefully, the fatigue doesn't reoccur. Paxil is a great medication if it suits you."

• Lux...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 5, 2022

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was diagnosed with high-functioning GAD years ago. Most of the years I’ve been able to manage it with meditation, spiritual podcasts, and therapy. But in 2020, my anxiety took a turn for the worse. For over a year, almost 18 months, I felt absolutely miserable. My fight or flight was constantly on. I couldn’t sleep unless medicated. I started feeling very angry and could barely get off the couch at the end of a workday because it took so much energy to keep my cool at work. I finally gave in and consulted a psychiatrist. She diagnosed me again with major anxiety disorder and also with moderate depression, even though I was not sad, but the anger I felt was a huge symptom. I started with Zoloft, but started to lose all my hair, had major jaw clenching, and also trouble sleeping. Eight weeks ago, we changed to Paxil 20 mg. I feel amazing. I no longer have daily panic attacks, rumination, intrusive thoughts, and get a full night's sleep every night. I am excelling at work. No side effects."

• Anonymous
• April 6, 2012

For Depression "While this medicine may not be for everyone, it's helped me immensely. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and depression. I was having intense mood swings where I'd alternate between being so anxious I couldn't sleep for days and then so depressed I couldn't get myself out of bed in the morning. I felt like I didn't matter anymore and that I could stay in bed all day since no one would realize I wasn't there. I started out on 10mg of Paxil for 4 days before increasing to 20mg. After a few weeks the effects started to wear off and I fell into a deep depression, so my dosage increased to 30mg a day. I take it before bed, and all my insomnia problems have gone away. It's done wonders for me. I have my life back."

• 4UB...
• June 26, 2008

For Depression "I have chronic mild depression and have been on Paroxetine for 5 years, and it has the least side effects. I tried Prozac, Effexor, Wellbutrin, and Lexapro. With Lexapro and Wellbutrin, I had horrible insomnia, I was up all night. With Paroxetine (Paxil), I sleep like a baby."

• Sti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2019

For Anxiety "I was really hoping that Paxil would work for me since it worked for my sister. I have intrusive thoughts and anxiety. This medication ramped my anxiety up bad. Thoughts way worse. I'm stopping after 6 days. I know there are those who say keep with it. I am getting 1 hour of sleep on this drug. I can't stay on it. It's not for me. I realize it may help people, but my comments are for those it didn't work for. You are not alone. I have insomnia, increased anxiety, I am a mess."

• Str...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 11, 2014

For Depression "I experienced severe postpartum depression after my twins were born, actually, it started after I stopped breastfeeding them. My hormones were all over the place. I was sleep-deprived and suicidal. Paxil worked great on my depression, but I had negative side effects. First of all, it really flattened my emotional response. Nothing much upset me, but nothing made me excited either. I had zero sex drive and could not achieve orgasm at all. I also gained a lot of weight in a very short amount of time. Also, I had trouble falling asleep. I switched to Wellbutrin and actually lost weight. I would still have difficulty coping some days, but it was manageable, and no negative side effects."

• ann...
• January 28, 2010

For Anxiety "I've had insomnia and anxiety problems since 2005. I was on Paxil for around two years because I had really bad muscle tension and excessive worry. I finally got to the point where I could not sleep two hours at night. I've tried Effexor, temazepam, trazodone, Lunesta, and Paxil is the only medication that calms me enough to go to sleep and stay asleep. I can easily get eight hours after being on Paxil for 4 days to a week. I tried to get off of Paxil once to see how I would do with no medication at all, and after 9 months, my insomnia came back again long term and lasted for over 3 weeks, so I went back on Paxil again and I've been getting quality sleep ever since. Paxil was a lifesaver for me."

• Liv...
• August 26, 2017

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I started taking Paxil 20 mg a few days ago. I just started a new semester at uni and got a new job, and I don't handle stress well at all. I am petrified of social situations, and I'm always 'nervy,' and everything bothers me...literally everything! Very easily annoyed and very easily stressed out, which is all part of anxiety. Anyways, this medicine has worked wonders for me so far. I can actually walk through the halls at uni without feeling the terror. No panic attacks or flu-like symptoms afterwards anymore. So far, I've lost my appetite and have trouble sleeping, but nothing I can't handle. I wouldn't say I feel like a zombie, but I feel relaxed and slightly tired. I'm taking metabolism-supporting vitamins, hoping it prevents weight gain."

• Kar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 17, 2018

For Depression "I had been on Paxil years ago for a very long time until it kind of “pooped out” and stopped working. After several attempts at trying to find another antidepressant that worked, I asked my psychiatrist to once again put me back on Paxil. Just a little over 4 weeks of being back on Paxil, the dark cloud that followed me lifted, and I was able to see the sun once again. I didn’t give Paxil a 10 only because I experienced many sleepless nights when I first started it, but all in all, it has given me my life back."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2018

For Depression "While on the medication, everything seemed fine. I can see why people like to take it. It helps with anxiety and depression both. What the doctor didn’t tell me was that there’s a chance of gaining 20-50 pounds in the first 6 months. I gained a total of 18 pounds in the first 4 months. I had taken other SSRIs before and never experienced weight gain, so I thought, “Why take Paxil if I can take something else that doesn’t cause extreme weight gain?” I began tapering off like I always have when I wanted to stop a medication, and what I experienced was pretty awful. Let me just give you the breakdown: brain zaps (constantly), electric shocks going through my head (constantly), dizziness when standing, vertigo, diarrhea every single day, chills, insomnia (I didn’t sleep once for 4 days straight), outbursts of uncontrollable crying, mood swings (I literally had lost control of all my emotions)."

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

For Panic Disorder "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 a dark place."