Metallic / bitter taste...anxiety? paxil? reflux?

LWolfrom · 06-21-2006, 05:13 PM

Hello.

Around 2 weeks ago I noticed a random bitter / metallic type taste in my mouth. After a few days it got nearly constant and was very annoying. A few days after that it seemed to subside a little bit, but was still pretty much constant just not as prevalent. Its basically been like that since, still there but not as noticable as it was when it first started. Sometimes it almost seems sweet, if that makes any sense. Its mostly in the front of my mouth...tip of tongue, gum area.

I have been diagnosed with an anxiety problem and my doctor wanted me to go on Paxil CR. I resisted this for awhile, but gave in shortly before this taste started. I only took it for 2 days and then stopped as I am very against the idea (started only because I had another panic attack, or what my doctor says are panic attacks, a few days prior). I first noticed the taste shortly after stopping the Paxil, and its been 2 weeks since then and it still lingers.

I also have some digestive issues, nothing too severe but it seems like a mild form of IBS...excessive gas, bloating, constipation comes and goes.

Just trying to get to the bottom of this taste as it is very annoying and has me a little worried. A side effect from the paxil maybe?

Thanks in advance.

trg247 · 06-21-2006, 08:32 PM

I get the metallic taste and smell but it is more than likely caused by taking lithium. I don't remember paxil causing it though

trg247

KittenPaws · 06-22-2006, 10:40 AM

just curious why your on paxil since its an anti-depressant, ocd type of med.. why not klonopin, xanax, or some other ANXIETY med LOL. i personally think doctors prescribe anti depressant drugs too readilly and think they are a cure all for everything wihtout giving the problem much thought.

i get metallic taste too but have no figured out WHAT it is exactly, been on paxil for 2 years now and had it before then as well.

LWolfrom · 06-22-2006, 12:44 PM

Well, I'm not really "on" Paxil. I was prescribed it back in December, didn't take it until 2 weeks ago and that was just for 2 days. To answer your question, though...

Up until 4 years ago I never had any health issues (I'm 26, btw). One day I was driving and out of nowhere my heart started racing / pounding. At one point I thought it had stopped but that was just panic. I went and had an EKG / stress test and echocardiogram and the cardiologist said my heart was fine, nothing to worry about. So, my doctor said that it was most likely a panic / anxiety thing.

Fast forward 3 years. I've started taking better care of myself (down from 240 to 195 lbs), haven't had another incident since the first one. One day it happens again, and since then I've had several more. Always the same...heart starts racing / pounding, I get lightheaded, have a sense of doom / losing control, think I'm going to die / have a heart attack, tingling / numbness sensations in the body (usually left side), always goes away after a few minutes. I've been back to the cardiologist for another round of tests, again he says nothing is wrong. My cholesterol levels are good, my blood tests all normal. So, my doctor prescribed me Paxil CR for my apparent anxiety problem.