Paroxetine and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Lol...
• March 10, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "I'm writing this because I was initially scared to start taking Paxil after reading a lot of negative reviews online, and I wanted to put a positive one out there. I'm currently on week 6, day 2, on a 10mg dose (I'm a small female). When I started, I had gone over a month barely eating or sleeping, and had lost over 15 pounds in the previous few months due to anxiety/depression. I was struggling with every aspect of my life, and felt like I didn't have the strength to pull myself through it. Today, I feel strong and capable. I have my appetite back, and my sleep has improved. I am back to my real joyful self and not just a shell of a person. The only side effects I have experienced are exhaustion in the first few weeks, and some jaw clenching at night. All manageable. So, if you're considering Paxil, don't be scared by all the info out there. Every body is different, and you never know: it might be just what you need to help you through this time in your life and find yourself."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2019

For Anxiety "I have been on Paxil for just over four weeks, and it's been amazing. I was anxious and stressed and had extreme anxiety about my health. I was desperate, and even though I read the reviews and worried about taking it, I decided to try. I can't begin to explain the calm that is now me. Importantly, because I was so hypersensitive, the doctor asked me to start on a quarter tab, and each week I went up: quarter, half, full tab. I think the full tab is 20 mg. Remarkably, I felt benefits straight away, and each time I upped my dose, I felt tired for a day or two, and then normalized. I had some yawning, dry mouth, and loss of appetite. I also sought psychology treatment and have been diagnosed with delayed onset PTSD from past trauma."

• mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2019

For Anxiety "I have been on Paxil for just over four weeks, and it's been amazing. I was anxious and stressed and had extreme anxiety about my health. I was desperate, and even though I read the reviews and worried about taking it, I decided to try. I can't begin to explain the calm that is now me. Importantly, because I was so hypersensitive, the doctor asked me to start on a quarter tab, and each week I went up: quarter, half, full tab. I think the full tab is 20 mg. Remarkably, I felt benefits straight away, and each time I upped my dose, I felt tired for a day or two, and then normalized. I had some yawning, dry mouth, and loss of appetite. I also sought psychology treatment and have been diagnosed with delayed onset PTSD from past trauma."

• 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 :)."

• Kt5...
• June 25, 2017

For Anxiety "I started Paxil approximately 3 weeks ago, and my life started changing for the better about 2 weeks into it. I feel my social anxiety dissolving, I didn't realize how depressed I was, but life is starting to look so much brighter. I suffered from bad PE, which made sexual intimacy impossible, and this has pretty much gone away. I am becoming more outgoing and able to express myself to others, and I am working hard to remove everything in my head that caused my anxiety by talking with my spouse and others in my family. I am also becoming much more comfortable in social situations. I sure hope it continues because I can't imagine going back to my old self. I had bad nausea and was so tired the first week, but it was so worth it."

• Pap...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 1, 2020

For Depression "I was on this Paxil for 11 years, it didn't help my depression, but it managed to ruin my life when I came off it too quickly under the advice of my doctor. Fast forward to present day. I now use a mobility scooter/electric bike due to suffering horrible physical symptoms of CFS/M.E., which were triggered by coming off this drug 11 years ago. My circadian rhythm is utterly destroyed, as is my stamina. I constantly live in a heightened state of hyper-arousal. I have no energy and constantly have to meditate 2 hours to get back 20% of the health I used to have. (That is only until the symptoms slowly return with any activity.) These drugs are dangerous and wreck lives. I am a real person, and the above story is true."

• 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!"

• dip...
• January 9, 2011

For Anxiety and Stress "1st week: Paxil worked for my depression and anxiety instantly, which is out of the norm. I was nauseous all the time and experienced yawning quite frequently, this went away as time went on. Paxil had an almost euphoric feel for me. I was laughing at everything and enjoying life. 1st month: Yawning still exists, euphoria has worn off as well as any anti-depressant effect. However, it still works for anxiety. 3rd month and beyond: Outside of excessive sleeping and somewhat of a fatigued feeling, Paxil is awesome for anxiety, but the antidepressant effect wore off rather quickly for me. I recommend it for anxiety, but not for depression."

• Can...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 6, 2016

For Social Anxiety Disorder "Been on Paxil since 2012. All in all, there has been good and bad, like any medication. Some side effects people complain about, like tiredness and appetite increase, for me have been to my advantage. Anxiety robbed me of my appetite and sleep. It has helped me with my social anxiety in ways other media didn't. It actually made me want to be more sociable and made me finally see how small my fears were, which I made out to be so unreal. Anyways, now I don't fear public places or people anymore, I feel normal, as I would call it!"

• Sha...
• February 14, 2017

For Social Anxiety Disorder "For years, I felt depressed and shy and had anxiety, but was too young to understand and definitely too shy to say anything. As I got older, I decided to talk to my doctor about how I was feeling. After a few years on and off of antidepressants, feeling so sick I couldn't take them anymore. And now I'm 21, I have been on Paxil for about 6 months. The first month was really hard because I felt so nauseous and shaky, and my heart kept racing and I was extremely tired. But I fought through it all. And today, for the first time, I feel alive, happy, loved, and most importantly, I feel like myself and how I should have felt a long time ago. Please do not drink on this medication or any other antidepressants. It will definitely slow the process down."

• A19...
• February 12, 2014

For Anxiety "After trying a few medications, my psychiatrist put me on Paxil. I felt like it did help with my anxiety and depression, but that came with a price: drowsiness, huge loss of libido, and horrible withdrawal symptoms. I was always lethargic and never wanted to go out and do anything, but I felt less anxiety and depression. I would literally go 7 days without sex (with my partner of 3 years) because I just didn't feel like it, and I could definitely feel the negative toll it was taking on our relationship, but luckily he stuck with me. After getting fed up with the intense side effects, I quit cold turkey-a huge mistake. I felt like I had the flu, and the brain zaps were never-ending."

• 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."

• bea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 5, 2020

For Anxiety "Worst medication I have EVER been on in my entire life. Constantly tired, sleeping 16+ hours a day on short school mornings; cried when I had to work a job at night due to exhaustion. Could physically not bring myself out of bed, worsened depressive episodes and dark thoughts. Depression went from a 5 to a 10 within a few weeks. I would genuinely not recommend this medication to anyone suffering from depression or any other ailments for that matter; I wouldn’t risk it even if the doctor was sure it was going to work. You might have a good reaction unlike me, but I would not wish the risk of feeling this way on anyone I know."

• bea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 5, 2020

For Anxiety "Worst medication I have EVER been on in my entire life. Constantly tired, sleeping 16+ hours a day on short school mornings; cried when I had to work a job at night due to exhaustion. Could physically not bring myself out of bed, worsened depressive episodes and dark thoughts. Depression went from a 5 to a 10 within a few weeks. I would genuinely not recommend this medication to anyone suffering from depression or any other ailments for that matter; I wouldn’t risk it even if the doctor was sure it was going to work. You might have a good reaction unlike me, but I would not wish the risk of feeling this way on anyone I know."

• Day...
• August 18, 2011

For Anxiety "On day one, I noticed a calmness come about me. Now I'm on day 6 of 20 mg and still calm, but not emotionless. I love that I'm not quick to anger anymore. I am having minor panic attacks, however. The doctor said it may take a full 6 weeks to feel the full effects. I was having serious panic attacks at night in my sleep, and those have gone away. I keep clenching my jaw, that started on day 2. I am really tired, like I've taken a Benadryl, and I have to nap or I won't make it to bedtime. I am enjoying life much more, though, and I'm seeing all of the things I missed because I couldn't relax or enjoy the moment. I have two months of pills, and then the doctor wants to see me, so hopefully she's not going to pull me off. I feel like a new woman."

• jan...
• May 2, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was suicidal for many years. I tried NOT to commit suicide but ended up trying 5 times. I started on 180 milligrams of Elavil but craved sweets, gained weight, and was always tired. I started on Paxil and have taken it for 20 or so years. I started at 50 mg and now take 40 mg. I feel completely normal. I haven't gained weight. My diagnosis was Major Endogenous Depression."

• Fel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 3, 2024

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I’ve been having problems with most drugs not working for me, but this is a godsend. I’ve been struggling with PTSD for over five years, and honestly, I probably wouldn’t be here if not for this. Started working somehow almost immediately, and I haven’t been in a major crisis for at least half a year now. I take the minimal dose, but it works great. Honestly, the only complaint is that I’m majorly tired, but I feel like it’s not that bad for how much this drug helped me."

• Som...
• April 28, 2016

For Social Anxiety Disorder "Changed my life. I can function at work-even facilitate meetings-and have social interactions without the physical 'fight or flight' response kicking in. It does make me tired, and there are some sexual side effects, otherwise, I would have rated 10."

• Anonymous
• March 26, 2008

For Anxiety "I have been taking Paxil for about 6 months. Before that, I was taking Zoloft for depression. While I was no longer depressed feeling on Zoloft, I realized that I was getting stressed out about little things. I have always been 'high strung' and full of energy. Since starting Paxil, I have calmed down, and I am able to relax. I have just started taking Niravam for high-stress moments. I have gained weight, and I am also tired feeling, but the peace of mind is worth it."

• KTM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2019

For Depression "I have an eye disease, and I am losing my central vision. I was laid off 2 years ago and ended up on disability. I was feeling depressed, and my doctor prescribed Paxil. When I started taking it, I became very lethargic and could sleep 10-12 hours and still be unable to get motivated. I yawned all the time. I started gaining weight (6 lbs in 4 weeks), and I could tell my sex drive was fading. I thought that my body would eventually adapt. A few weeks into it, I was trying to make love to my wife, and I could not have an orgasm. That was the last straw. If you want to be a fat zombie that can’t have an orgasm, well, the big pharma chemists at GlaxoSmithKline have got a pill for you! BTW, after some research, I learned that GSK was fined $3,000,000,000.00 (yes, that’s $3 billion) in 2012 by the US Department of Justice for withholding data regarding Paxil. Please don’t ingest this chemical."