Starting on Paxil - Depression Message Board

Batmanfan1 · 05-17-2004, 03:06 PM

I'm just starting Paxil(20mg I think) tomorrow after being on Wellbutrin for 5 years. Can anyone tell me what to expect? Side effects that are common & such? Wellbutrin worked well for me for a long time, but I have too much anxiety for it now. Can anyone compare the two? Many thanks to any replies!

crabbyroad · 05-17-2004, 04:39 PM

I haven't been on both, but I have been on Paxil, starting dosage usually is 10mg, but if your going 20mg that may be due to switching anti-depressants and see if there is a difference in the anxiety with the dosage you were on with Wellbutrin. My most common side effect was jitterness, but it did subside after about week and half, some doctors will prescribe a low dose benzo with start up dosages to offset this or use as needed, until those inital first few weeks are over. You wouldnt be on the benzo long enough to be addicted and low dosage with no withdrawals.

Crossbow · 05-17-2004, 09:28 PM

I've been on both, and I've even used both together.

The effect is almost the exact opposite of Welbutrin. You might feel really tired in comparison to how you felt on Welbutrin, because Welbutrin is energizing and Paxil is more sedative.

I really liked Paxil. You do need to be sure you never quit cold turkey, though. About 60% of people get withdrawal from quitting it, and the withdrawal can range from the slightly annoying to the virtually debilitating. (For me, it was just ringing in the ears and a sense of vertigo.)

If you decide to go off it, talk to your doctor first and he'll tell you how to taper off.

Batmanfan1 · 05-17-2004, 10:07 PM

Thank you for your input. I really appreciate it! I hope it isn't too sedative for me, as I'm having trouble with fatigue right now. My Dr. told me to take it at night if I find it makes me tired. Guess I'll find out how it is soon.

hairdur · 05-18-2004, 01:49 PM

I am on paxil cr. it has been 4 years and I can not remember if i had anything happen when I first started it. That leads me to belive it was fine or I would have remembered somthing BAD! LOL.
My husband started it however in March and he has found maybe a slight stumach ache at first. Now it is the CR formula and the DR has him taking his at night to help him sleep. Mine, I take in the AM. So either way...../shrug