Questions about Paxil

[BeckyW]

Hi,

Care to share experiences with Paxil, mainly: did it work, how long it took, any side effects...how long?. I've been on 12.5 mg. for 1 wk. Doesn't seem to be doing much yet, but Doc said it'd take 2 wks.
I was prescribed 2 wks. of Doxycycline for sinus infection, so some of my symptoms may be a result of that (mainly digestive), and I stopped after week since I've had bouts of IBS in the past. Also on 1/2 -1 tab of Ambien which works only 3-4 hrs. I feel like a stressed out zombie.
I'll be talking to my doc later today so don't worry, I'm not looking for a diagnosis here, just wanted to compare notes :

swings in mood and appetite (losing weight)
upset stomach/bowels
increased insomnia & fatigue
slight dizzy feeling occasionally

these are in addition to symptoms I was already having, mainly isomnia,anxiety, inner trembling, followed by exhaustion and depression. Also Increased heart rate.

BeckyW.

[marys62]

I went through the same thing about 2 years ago and went on Lexapro. After about 10 days on it I felt much better. I also went on a low dose birth control pill at the same time and that is what I think helped with the insomnia, rapid heart, etc.

The Paxil will help with the anxiety and if you are having hot flashes and the racing heart it should help too. My doctor told me that the insomnia is caused by fluctuating hormones and the pill really straightens that out.

Good luck!

[molly123]

Hi Becky,

I had almost all the symptoms you listed (plus others), except I didn't really have bad stomach problems. They are all horrible memories for me now! Paxil CR worked for me. I am also on the 12.5mg. Have been on it for a year now. I was fearful about taking it b/c I had such a bad experience with Wellbutrin. But with the Paxil, I felt better almost immediately. The first night I took it, I couldn't sleep so I switched to taking it during the day. Then I felt tired during the day - it could've been a side effect but then I was already experiencing extreme fatigue for months anyway. I didn't have any other side effects. I started feeling "normal" within a month.

The Paxil could be making you feel sleepy but Ambien a sleep aid so that would definitely making you sleepy. It would be hard to tell.

molly

[scout94510]

I have to give my 2 cents about Paxil. If there is any other anti-depressant you can take, please switch to it now. Paxil is the worst offender regarding weight gain and it is also the most horrendous to get off of once you decide that you don't need it anymore. Maybe my reaction won't be the same as yours but check the internet and see what you think.

[Nance77]

Originally Posted by scout94510

I have to give my 2 cents about Paxil. If there is any other anti-depressant you can take, please switch to it now. Paxil is the worst offender regarding weight gain and it is also the most horrendous to get off of once you decide that you don't need it anymore. Maybe my reaction won't be the same as yours but check the internet and see what you think.

Just be careful with the Paxil...My son was on Paxil CR for depression, and had alot of side effects from it that didnt resolve while he was on it (dizziness, stomach upset, mood swings etc)..It did help with his panic attacks and depression though, but the side effects werent worth it to him..He had a rough time getting off it, had to gradually cut the dose down, but still had withdrawl symptoms...Even while he was on it, if he didnt take the next dose at the exact time he should have, he immediately started withdrawl type symptoms (tingling, numbness, weird sensations in his head , etc)..Not everyone reacts the same, so you might not have any problem with it, but alot of doctors wont even prescribe it anymore due to side effects and withdrawl symptoms..Now this was Paxil CR, maybe regular Paxil is different.. Good luck with it...