Quote:
Originally Posted by MariaBB
 My doctor is switching me from 40 mgs of Prozac to 40 mgs of Paxil. I've been on Prozac for 13 years and am sort of nervous about the change. Does Paxil cause weight gain? I only know 2 people who take Paxil, and both are overweight. Although I don't know if their weight is related to their meds. If Paxil causes weight gain I'm going to tell my doctor to scrap that prescription and please write out one for Prozac.
Also, what about side effects? Are they different with Paxil? I have enough Prozac to last a few days before beginning the Paxil. I hope to get some responses before I have to switch. |
Hi there... If overall you're doing well on Prozac, why change?
I'd be very careful about taking Paxil. This is just one girl's story but I think it's worth sharing if it'll save you from the agony I experienced...
I was diagnosed with clinical depression in 1987 and have been on various anti-depressents ever since. I have been on Prozac now for years and have done very well on it. The only down side for me is that I do have to make myself eat or I'll lose too much weight. Before Prozac I was on Paxil for 2 years and had problems with side effects the entire time... yawn, itching, stomach upset, mental confusion, sleep distrubance, twitching, restless legs, and the list goes on and on. And for all the side effects, Paxil was not very effective in helping to control my depression or anxiety. I tried several times to stop taking Paxil but would end up really sick with something like bad flu symptoms. I ended up having to see a psychopharmacologist who put me on a cocktail of Paxil and Prozac in order to gardually wean me off Paxil. His words to me were "You cannot just stop Paxil like you can some anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medications. You must wean off of it gradually for your own safety." It took several months and I felt sick the entire time. So, my advice to you is to do your homework first. Don't listen to the manufacturer. Paxil is addictive and dangerous. If you ever want to get off of it you'll have to wean off with the help of other meds. Find out everything you can about Paxil before agreeing to take it so you know what you're getting yourself into. Remember it's your body and you don't have to take anything you don't want to.
Good luck to you!!
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