Paroxetine and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say

• lif...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 3, 2022

For Depression "I rate Paxil 10 out of 10 because it saved my life. I was on the verge of ending it all after years and years of anxiety and depression. Every day had become a nightmare. I now have virtually no anxiety, and my depression is much improved. I am 67 years old, and I have suffered from anxiety and depression all my life. I have been told repeatedly to take medication, but I had a policy never to take any medication on principle. There have been a few side effects, such as some weight gain and low libido. But these side effects are microscopic when compared to the joy of being able to sleep again and to just sit quietly and enjoy what is around me. I am currently looking over my lovely garden and listening to beautiful music, not a note of anxiety in my mind. Please at least give this a try and do not wait three decades like I did. This is the first review I have ever written, but if it helps even one sufferer, I will rejoice. Thank you, Paxil."

• Hal...
• April 16, 2013

For Anxiety "Paxil has helped me immensely. At first, I was really scared to try it because I was reading tons of bad experiences online, but then I decided I needed to do it. Well, when I first started it, I had a few side effects like speedy feelings, restlessness, lack of appetite, and lack of sex drive and orgasm. Now I have been on them for 2 months, and it is working out great! I have not had any really bad side effects, and the ones that were there when I first started taking it are gone. This medicine has made my life so much more bearable and worked out great for me!"

• Eth...
• January 23, 2017

For Anxiety "I don't understand why people quit after 3 days starting it. It made them too anxious or depressed - isn't this why you are taking it? It doesn't work overnight. I too am very impatient and would prefer a quick fix. But the first 2 weeks are rough, but if you persevere, the benefits outweigh the startup. I'm into my 3rd week and it's working really well, it is like a lightbulb moment. I gave a 9 because for the life of me I cannot orgasm, but I'll take that over the suicidal thoughts and feeling lifeless any day... remember, give it time, your brain needs to adjust... stay strong x"

• Lad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2017

For Anxiety "I started on 10mg Paxil 2 months ago, and my life is changed. I was able to recognize how amazing life is without the shadow of anxiety which caused my depression. I came back to myself. My therapist recommended doing a trial of 20mg to see if my remaining anxiety issues could be subsided as well. I just started today and I feel a little more lethargic than I'd like to and I fear for my sex life. I'm going to try it for a while until my body adjusts and if I still feel out of sorts, I'm going to drop back down to 10mg. The first week or two of symptoms was pretty terrible, I was yawning excessively. VERY nauseous, tired often...but as soon as my body adjusted, an amazing sense of clarity came over me--first time in 15 years. Life changing."

• Pan...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 18, 2014

For Anxiety "I have taken Paxil on and off my entire adult life. I have always stuck to a low dose at 10mg a day. I do not have depression, I am just very sensitive especially in times of high stress, and panic attacks start to take over my life. I had to put my degree on hold, I missed out on vacations with my family, and my professional life suffered as well. Paxil calms my nerves. It keeps me in check so I don't freak out in times of stress. The side effects do exist, but keeping a low dose helps. My libido is affected a bit, I do get dizzy from time to time, and I also have dry mouth. At 10mg a day, once I feel like I am in control again (usually 8 months to a year of being on the medicine) I can stop without any of the bad withdrawals."

• Sky...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2020

For Depression "Seems like a lot of people have a good experience with Paxil, and I really wish I could say the same. I took it for about 2.5 months and had chronic diarrhea the whole time, which only seemed to get worse as time went on. And, of course, the usual sexual side effects that come with SSRIs. I couldn't handle it anymore, having diarrhea for that long just left me feeling very sick all the time. So I tapered off, which is where things have gone from bad to worse. I've never had a problem coming off of any type of medication in my life, but this is HORRIBLE. Brain zaps, nightmares, highly increased depression, and crying spells. This stuff is freaking poison to my body. I would never recommend this to anyone."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 29, 2016

For Anxiety "I have been taking Paxil now for 3 months. Within 2 weeks ALL of my random panic attacks stopped. No more frustration or trying to understand why I have crushing panic attacks... they are gone and I sleep like a baby. It is Godsend, I lived in turmoil for years. I'm taking 20mg every morning. The only bad part is, I have almost no appetite, and my sex drive is slightly lower than normal. Small price to pay to have peace of mind. Hope this helps."

• Hat...
• December 24, 2014

For Anxiety "Waking up with negative thoughts and anxiety, mostly in the morning most of my life. Due to major problems at work, the doctor gave me Zoloft and the like-all were HORRID. Finally heard about Paxil, got on it, and the days all became sunny, with birds singing outside, even in winter. I was on it (20mg I think) for more than 8 years. The ONLY downside was a major loss of sexual interest. Perhaps the dose was too high. I easily weaned off of it 2 years ago, over 1 month, without problems, except that the anxieties are back. At age 70, I may go back on it."

• JTo...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 30, 2014

For Panic Disorder "I've been on Paxil since I was 19. I am now 34. This medication has saved my life. I have read a ton of negative comments about Paxil, and I truly believe it is not for everyone. It either works great or not. For me, life before Paxil was horribly scary. I had massive panic disorder and was sheltered in my home all the time. I used to struggle with a few of the side effects of Paxil, such as decreased sex drive and the feeling of nausea. However, I have learned over the last 15 years of being on it how to change the side effects through other positive reinforcements such as meditation and positive thinking. I no longer have the side effects. Perhaps 15 years have helped with that too. I stayed on Paxil when I had all three of my children."

• pax...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 27, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking this for not only general anxiety but also for social anxiety, panic, and depression. My head must have needed this because I noticed a euphoric feeling after taking my first 10mg dose; within 15 minutes. Of course it won't get rid of the problems that plague you. But on a strictly how your head feels basis, for me this is a great medicine. I can relate to horror stories as I experienced those with Zoloft. Paxil makes me a little more comfortable in social settings and improves the quality of life in general. I'm a guy and it does diminish libido but I have managed to accept that."

• 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 :)."

• nrc...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 19, 2015

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I have taken Paxil since 1995 after having a nervous breakdown. I also weaned myself off of Paxil for 13 months in 2000 so that I could get pregnant. In 2001, I experienced postpartum depression with no anxiety and went back on the Paxil. Paxil is best suited for patients with anxiety and MDD. It is a very potent SSRI. On dealing with the side effects: Weight gain can be prevented with proactive exercise. Constipation can be prevented by diet, suppository, etc. Sexual side effects can be reduced by reducing the amount of Paxil prior to sex (cut your dosage in half that day). SAD can be minimized by adding vitamin B12 in the fall and winter."

• Jpa...
• July 22, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "I started Paxil 6 days ago. I get married next month, and my job switched me to sales. I couldn't take the stress - I went to the hospital thinking I was having a heart attack, to find out it was anxiety. I've had chest pains, palpitations, obsessive nail biting, and chewing. I couldn't take it anymore. I've used 3 vacation days up just because of anxiety. Also, I'm 27 years old. Since I've started Paxil, I've had a lot of side effects that I didn't associate with the medicine right away. I have trouble urinating even when I have to go badly. I've had short-term memory loss like forgetting my work number, I feel hungover and dizzy, blurred vision, shakes, nausea, and inability to reach orgasm."

• Mr ...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 6, 2016

For Anxiety "Paxil is going to affect everyone differently. What worked great for me may be the worst medication you've ever tried. I've been on Paxil for 20 years, and for a large majority of those years, Paxil really helped me with my anxiety. I've been back and forth between 15-30 mg many times. I never had any major side effects from it (not libido, not weight gain). The thing with Paxil is, there's the potential for what's called 'Paxil poop out' (yes, it's real, Google it), where the Paxil stops being effective. I was completely unaware of this, so I was totally blindsided with debilitating anxiety and horrible panic attacks out of nowhere one day. I was really bummed because Paxil had done so much good for me. It's a great med when it works."

• Mar...
• October 29, 2013

For Depression "Bipolar, ADHD, OCD, etc. Many of the symptoms overlap and crossover into each other and others as well. Depression is found in each condition, and I find for myself that depression is by far the most debilitating condition of all. I first tried Paxil 12 years ago for depression and anxiety. The Paxil worked great. The side effects included a little nausea (which is basically eliminated by eating something with or soon after taking the med) and some sexual issues (which I believe can be negotiated after you get used to the Paxil). I quit taking it when I switched insurance and because of the perceived stigma I had with taking anything for conditions I didn't want to even acknowledge. Now I'm back on it and will keep it up!"

• Abx...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 25, 2022

For Social Anxiety Disorder "A gods drug. Paxil saved my life. I used to be a very shy guy, always walking around with my head down in school, work, etc., all because of fear of people. I just couldn't cope being around people. Been on paroxetine (Paxil) for two and a half years now, and man, this is the best thing to happen to me! I’m so social, always happy, love meeting new people. I’m the confident one now and can see all the other people who are in the position that I used to be in. Since this drug kind of messes with your sexual things for men, just save sex for your partner. On this drug, I can go forever in bed lol."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2018

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I have been on 10 mg of the generic of Paxil for post-menopausal symptoms for 2 months, and I have noticed significant improvement in my conditions. My sex drive as of today is not affected, however, it takes more time to reach orgasm. I've stopped stressing out severely and only have controlled concern over what I would have considered upsetting matters. My anxiety/panic attacks used to last for days, and I felt as if I lost myself. Those horrible feelings are now gone. My hot flashes have lessened, and I sleep much better. My personality has not changed in a negative way, in fact, I am more pleasant to be around. I used to yell at my kids and husband every weekend, so I'm thinking I should have started taking this medicine a long time ago."

• Bra...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 8, 2019

For Anxiety "I have been on Paxil 20 mg now for over a year, and it seriously helped my anxiety during a very difficult period of my life. Now that I want to come off, the side effects are awful. I experience brain zaps with the lower dose or when I accidentally miss a dose, which makes me want to just go back to my regular dose because they are so uncomfortable. I am tired no matter how much sleep I get. My sex drive comes and goes, but I can go longer amounts of time without even thinking about it. About 5 months ago, I was experiencing brain fog, where I was forgetting what I was talking about halfway through a conversation. All in all, there are pros and cons to the drug. It really does help, but there are so many other things to consider. I really want off, but I am so afraid to experience any withdrawal symptoms. Good luck to you all!"

• Kim...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 26, 2019

For Social Anxiety Disorder "Incredible. Paxil is the only medication that works for my GAD, SAD, and stress. Side effects are only sexual. Wonderful drug, what would my life be like without it?! Too scared to think about that. This is an extremely strong anti-anxiety medication that works great. Placebo can go, it does not exist with this."

• Wes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 13, 2013

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking 30 mg of Paxil daily for about 4 years. It truly changed my life. I have had more issues with anxiety than depression, I couldn't sleep, I was angry all the time for no reason. I had constant pressure on my chest. Paxil put an end to the sleepless nights, nipped the depression in the bud, and took my anxiety level down by about 90%. The only problems are if I miss a pill, I get those nasty electric shock feelings, I feel like my emotions are almost a bit too subdued (can't cry, sometimes you got to pet or go out), and lastly, I have NO sex drive. For this reason, I'm in the process of tapering off, and my doctor is putting me on Viibryd. But if that doesn't work as well as Paxil, I'll definitely switch back!"

• Pax...
• June 24, 2013

For Panic Disorder "I've been on Paxil for 5 years, and it helped my panic attacks 100%. The good thing is that I can cope with the tremendous amount of stress I am under at work and home with my special needs son. I was going to a naturopathic physician, and the natural remedies worked for a while and then stopped. I couldn't sleep much for four months and kept jumping out of my sleep with massive panic attacks. I started out on 10 mg and now cut my pills in half (5 mg), and it keeps me panic-free. The negative side effects are sexual performance, weight gain, and I feel the medicine is aging me. I now have occasional head shaking that upsets my wife. She wants me to get off this, and I tried to a couple of times with a renewal of panic attacks."

• RR9...
• December 13, 2010

For Anxiety and Stress "I've been taking Paxil for roughly 4 months. I started on a low dose of 10 mg per day, then my doctor increased that to 20 mg per day. I started taking Paxil because I began having panic attacks. At first, I really didn't notice a big difference, but as the weeks went along, I stopped having panic attacks. Additionally, Paxil has been very helpful with controlling my mood swings. In the past, I've been known to get a little agitated quickly and often. That has ceased as well. Side effects: At first, I was tired, but this is no longer an issue. I feel fine in that regard. The sexual side effects are minor. I don't think about sex as much, but getting in the mood has not been an issue. It does take longer to have an orgasm."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• November 24, 2009

For Anxiety "I was on Paxil for 13 years. It helped my anxiety in the beginning but made me emotionless. I almost never cried or got angry. My sex drive was non-existent. I had terrible withdrawal symptoms when I tried to get off of it. If there is another option for you besides Paxil, look into it."

• Djf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2015

For Social Anxiety Disorder "Amazing. Before Paxil, new social situations in my new city at my new job made me almost faint for no reason. I would break out in a sweat and get extremely nervous and rethink how terribly the conversation went until I started Paxil. I'm on the 12.5 mg extended release, which is amazing. The night sweats were bad at first, but now I don't sleep with the same comforter I used to, and they typically never happen anymore. Dreams can be very vivid and intensified, especially if I've drank that evening or taken a Xanax. Overall, it's seriously changed my life for the better, and I haven't gained any weight. One side effect would be sex - for the first month or two, it was difficult to reach orgasm, but now it's back to normal in month 3-4."