Paxil and depression

All i can say is WOW-
i am so relieved- i have mild to moderate OCD/anxiety which has not been diagnosed "officially", but i have done a lot of research on this and i definitely am-
my Dr tried me on wellbutrin first, which i had a lot of freaky side-effects- twitching, Bruising and Crazy Itching- i would become itchy, and then scratch- and i would welt up like crazy- of course my doctor determined that i was allergic-
next she tried me on celexa, and wow- that was a mess- besides SEVERE mid-day exhaustion, i had headaches, terrible twitching (so weird!) and SEVERE bruising- i read in the warnings that bruising is very rare, but can happen- my palms of my hands would bruise, weird spots that you couldn't even hit hard enough to, bruised, it really looked as if i was beat-up at times on my arms- so of course i went off- i had terrible dizziness and major withdrawal from celexa.
now i am on paxil, i really don't like it- it did not do anything for my OCD and anxiety, and i actually felt depressed on it- i have decided to ween myself off, and now have awful nausea(all day and night) severe dizziness,depression, and i almost feel as if i've been drinking (all DAY!), can't sleep, because when i close my eyes i feel the bed spinning, but i'm tired, a bunch of crying, (that i wasn't doing before!) and crazy rage that i can barely control, the rage thing totally scared me, but thankfully it is a lot better today than it was yesterday, and hopefully it will keep getting better! -

i am so thankful for this site because i just thought i was going crazy, and that this was all in my head- someone in a previous post said that people just want to complain on here because she/he thinks paxil is amazing- good for you! it's not for everyone, and i appreciate everyones "complaining" because i now know that, this too shall pass, and i am not losing my mind! i am in search of natural meds, so if anyone has any suggestions, i'd love the post, because i now know that i am not meant to take SSRI's

i wish you all luch in your journey off this "non-addictive" drug-

I am a 44 year old woman and recently went to the ER for depression. I have lost both parents recently recently and have a very ill biological mother and Gramma. I thought I would be admitted for psych. Instead a Physicians Assistant prescribed me Paxil and sent me home. I have very little memory of the following week, but I did get arrested for drinking and driving with my son in my car. I don't remember doing either. I have had episodes of memory loss, sweating so badly I was akin to a human fountain, shivering uncontrollably, dropping things, total confusion and sleepwalking. My doctor says none of these are side effects. I have since quit taking it, and other than my legal problems life has returned to normal. I think the depression was better than what I went through for those 8 - 9 days.

I am a 21 year old female and just started taking paxil for anxiety & depression. My mother is on the same thing (heart problems run in the family), and I have only been on it for 2 weeks so far, but have experienced many side effects. They have included: Dry mouth, headaches (only a couple slight ones and this wasn't bad since I do get migraines now and then), urinating more frequently--especially the first few days but this has already gotten better-- strange, vivid, night-marish dreams, flu-like symptoms (I missed 2 days of work last week due to this, and it is hard to know if it was the meds or not since the flu is actually going around!), a very itchy rash on my left inner wrist that came and went the same day, mood swings--which I also had before-hand, however-- More hungry but also get full fast, so I eat more often but have smaller portions.

The plus-side so far is that my boyfriend and I both notice I am happier. I feel more like I use to and it's nice. I just don't know yet if it is worth the side effects now and when I need to get off of it.. I am concerned also about getting pregnant and what will happen then if I am still on the paxil. I have read about a lot of health problems with pregnancies and birth with women who are on paxil even during the first trimester, yet you are not suppose to abruptly stop taking it. Has anyone else gone through this I can talk to or who can post about it?? I'm nervous that I am just too young still to be on it and I do want a family.. also has anyone heard of paxil causing infertility? I have been looking for more info but not found what I'd like...

Thank you, C.

I would like to make a general statement about Paxil. The indications are so broad spectrum that I believe this medication deserves an award for, in many cases, effectively treating a plethora of conditions. It is known and purported to treat anxiety, depression, phobias, panic, and other forms of common psychological maladies. Those interested in Paxil and the benefits that it can bring into one's life should seriously discuss this option with a medical practitioner. Medical doctors aren't the only ones who can prescribe this medication; in several states (or possibly all states), you can get a Nurse Practitioner or Physician's Assistant to prescribe it. Clearly you must always consult a licensed medical practitioner before considering any prescribed drug. I'm not a doctor, but I believe that discussing one's mental health with a medical practitioner is one of the smartest choices one can make in life (if you think you have a mental health condition). Go see a doctor or practitioner to get checked out, if you think it's appropriate.

I never had anxiety or depression before and consider myself quite happy and well balanced. A unique life event all of a sudden through my head on a tail spin. I became very worried, had panic attacks, became depressed, emotional and lost a lot of weight. My doctor prescribed Paxil (20 mg). He told me that it could take up to a month for the drug to be effective. At first I was miserable. The stress and the Paxil taken before bed, gave me insomnia for almost a month (I never had sleeping problems in the past and used to brag about my solid daily 8 hours of sleep). After 3 or 4 weeks on Paxil, I became a new person. I do not feel depressed, anxious, and I am now able to sleep without taking medicine. The issue that triggered my depression is still present but somehow it does not seem that threatening as before.
I did however started having night sweats. At first I was very worried as night sweats can be related to some kind of infection, but having no fever was reassuring. I was at peace when I found out that Paxil can indeed cause the night sweats. I intend to wean off Paxil in a few months, once my issue is put to rest and will do so with the help of my physician, but for now I must say that I highly recommend its help.

I have been on paxil for over ten years and it was my life changing drug, i always had depression and then i started getting panic attacks driving and it took it all away now that i am taking a generic i don't know if i am taking enough but i cant drive at all except locally and i swear it because i think generic is not as good as real paxil but insurance will not cover.

I've been on Paxil for almost 9 years. I suppose it's a success for me because it has kept the depression away most of these past years. I'm on the maximum dose - 40 mg a day.

I've always been an over-achiever, a type A personality, friendly...with the Paxil I am lazy, no longer care about details, VERY friendly.
My home used to be pristine and comfortable....now I rarely put things away, there are stacks of books, magazines, and 'stuff' everywhere. Because of the mess, we haven't had visitors in our home for YEARS! I used to host parties on a regular basis in our home but these days I would die of embarrassment if anyone saw my home!

My memory is shot...I can't remember names, faces, details...seriously, I can watch a movie over and over again because I NEVER remember the ending!

My sleep cycle is shot as well. In years past, I only required about 5 hours of sleep. On Paxil, I don't fall asleep so I take lots of over-the-counter sleep aids to fall asleep and they knock me out...I can't wake up until almost noon!

I MUST take the Paxil at the same time each day otherwise the "zapping" starts. It isn't painful...just very annoying.

On the positive side, I have achieved many great things because I'm no longer apprehensive about public speaking. I've chaired several successful fundraisers for charities. But because the memory loss has become so profound, I'm no longer capable of chairing these types of events.

I've gained weight but it may be due to having thyroid cancer & having the entire gland removed...metabolism is shot.

I've only tried to go off the Paxil once but the depression resurfaced immediately and I cried for days on end...it was frightening! Of course I went back on it.

Speaking of crying, when on Paxil, it's almost impossible to cry! The tears just won't come.

Now for the really scary part...the effect of the Paxil on my depression is not what it used to be....but I'm on the maximum dose! I've tried several other meds but they just don't work as well. So what in the world will happen when it doesn't work for me anymore? That black hole called depression is the last place I want to be.

I took paxil when I was around 24 years old. The stupid psychiatrist (who was so cold, and never smiled, and then asked me to tell her how I felt) at the time never warned me about NOT stopping it cold turkey. So one day I did stop and I experienced symptoms already described by other people: extreme relapse into depression and anxiety, felling like I "wasn't real", social phobia, agoraphobia and feeling suicidal. Now I am on Effexor and my doctor says "there are no withdrawal symptoms". I was put on Effexor due to a diagnosis of major depression last 6 months ago and I believe it was all precipitated by hormonal birth control. All the doctors and psychiatrists I spoke to about the possible link between hormonal birth control and depression and anxiety told me there was no link (or that it was very rare). I hate the attitude of the medical community:(

I have been on Paxil off and on now for about 5 years.... the current length of treatment for the past 1 1/2 years. I need to be on it ( or something for that matter ) for my panic disorder. I am a 36 year old nurse/ manager and some days was almost debilitated by panic attacks. Depression was part of it, but not nearly as much as panic. I must say, that I have been experiencing memory loss now for about a year.... I thought maybe it was due to overwork/ stress...which I do understand it COULD be. However, I find it interesting that I am seeing so many more people with memory loss than I imagined. Is it due to stress in this type of people's lives, or is it in fact, the drug Paxil?
Keep in mind this is an SSRI ( Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor ) ~~ even though there is no solid evidence (YET!) this is a side effect of the drug, I would bet my license on the fact that that it is!
I have tried time and time again to wean myself off of Paxil.. ( with and without my Dr's advice )--- I did succeed for a few years to be without the medicine, however being on a slew of other meds in the interim did not help as much for the panic as does the Paxil. Paxil, honestly, scares the hell out of me!
Besides the "numb emotions", memory loss, sexual appetite decrease, yawning, lack of sleep, etc... the side effects of coming off of it are worse! As I read earlier, it IS addictive, indeed! The brain gets used to the drug being there ( as with any addiction ), and the "surges" of dizziness, sweats, and out-of-body-like experiences I experience coming off of the drug are excruciatingly harder to bare than the depression itself. Those above symptoms of withdrawal are just that....withdrawal!
Once your body is "allowed" to reuptake serotonin (as it is supposed to), this is when those symptoms raise their head...sometimes for weeks or months until they subside.
I would welcome anyone with help on this matter---is there another Drug out there that can help with anxiety/depression symptoms, and not cause the plethora of side effects we have all discussed here?
Diane

Just wanted to let you know that I took Paxil 6 years ago for about a month and had to come off because of the side effects. The medicine worked great for me as far as made me feel "normal". I was able to be happy and sad when most people do. My very first side effect was 2 to 3 days after I started I had my first hot flash in the K-mart. I thought it was weird then it became something that happened the whole month I took it. I couldn't sleep at night and would lay awake with my eyes wide open but was tired all day long. I also had stomach pains and would vomit often. I had a constant headache. So I came off and tried Zoloft. It didn't have as much side effects but it didn't help the anxiety/depression. My doctor did say if I could put up with the side effects they would get better with time, but I couldn't stand it.

My mom, 72, has been sick for a year and a half now with drenching night sweats, chills, fatigue as well as some other symptoms. She has undergone every test imaginable and has been to tons of doctors. Every test is normal and the drs. don't know what is wrong. We recently came to the conclusion that she switched to a generic heart medicine at about the time she became ill as well as recently started to take generic paxil because she thought she was having a nervous breakdown. We have just switched her meds to all name brands to see if this will stop the sweats and her general ill feeling. Has anyone heard that taking generic drugs could do this? Specifically Verapamil and the generic paxil. Thanks.

I am taking a few meds and im having trouble distinguishing which side effect goes with what lol ..i.e. paxil for anxiety panic attacks and depression topamax and HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE for borderline blood pressure ,well i have experienced tingling in the hands and the feet ..lack of appt,i wouldn't say my desire for sex is gone but im experiencing vaginal dryness itching and numbness like a tingling feeling as well as problems climaxing sorry tmi lol ... thought it was a yeast infection but its kinda different? any girls ever exp that before while on paxil ? would love any feedback on tihs been on paxil now 2 and half weeks take it in the morning because it was keeping me wide awake at night insomnia lol doctor told me to take it at bedtime i tried for a week and i was wired so the pharmacist told me to take it in the morn said it causes insomnia also when i first started taking it made me feel really jittery for the first few hrs then i would get a real mellow feeling lol so i guess i was getting my high then my low i dunno but now it has even out and i feel great oh ya btw the other day i was watching a sad movie and i wanted to cry felt the need to cry but the tears wouldn't come out lol i was laughing i said damn paxil hahahhaha but hey rather be non emotional than emotional wreck lol ...so far so good exept for the vaginal thing its driving me crazy any suggestions that may have worked for you ? thanks .....

I have night sweats also, and from reading above, i can now say its from Paxil! thanks. and i have gained a lot of weight, 28lbs. my sister takes it also, and has lost a lot of weight. when she tried to come off it, she started gaining weight again. I'm switching to Effexor because I'm sick of being fat and lazy and tired all the time. i call out sick way to much.

good luck to all of you!

I would like to stop taking paxil, I have been on it for 3 yrs. When I skip my medicine I get what feels like electrical shocks in my neck & head. I wasnt sure if I had a pinched nerve at 1st but began to associate this with the event that I had not taken my meds. I also have onset of panic attacks & rapid heart, & terrible terrible forgetfulness, as to even what cabinet I would like to open, I open the wrong one, go into the wrong doorway, wrong driveway. I am very concerned. I have told my Dr. that I would like to get off this Paxil but Ive been told that it would be best since I was suffering from anxiety attacks in past. I would like to be committed to be able to handle the withdrawls. If anyone has been successful in stopping Paxil and now feels pretty back to normal, please let me know. Thanks

Hello All - I have been on Paxil for about 3 years now. I'm a 31 year old male who suffered awful for years before Paxil with anger issues, constant depression, trouble sitting still & rushing through everything, not being able to feel "normal" - I had constant stomach aches, afraid of everything ect.

I have to say I have not one complcation from using Paxil - No issue with sex drive - no sweats, i sleep great, work at a normal pace, can hold friendships and foucus on everthing, small amount of weight gain but i"m very active and have a ton of energy so I stay in shape. I really cant find anything i dislike about taking Paxil, the other thing i find is that I'm in a constant state of ---------it's hard to explain, the line i typed is sorta how i feel, just even keeled, nothing gets me really excited much, and i dont get mad either - It's all just a feeling of ------ haha - anyone feel like that too? I tend to find myself being alone, and i have a big social life, but sometimes i rather be left alone.
Sometimes i feel like if i never talked to anyone, had a relationship, friends ect i would not even careless - It's normal to cry and get excited and mad and that's the only part that I dont enjoy, otherwise life is awsome but I guess it could be alot worse!!! and trust me it was!

I'm actually taken Proxiten,, the genaric version of Paxil. I just stopped taken it a couple of days ago and my body is going through seriouse withdraw. I feel light headed and dizzie most of the day, in spirts. Its really weird. I also feel aggression and angry and very irritable. One of the reasons why I stopped taken it is because it made me numb to everything. Its like I did not have an emotion on this pill, and lets not talk about my sex drive. It was already nonexistent when I started and after ... for get about it. The sade thing is Im still in the 20's. oh yes and the doctor never mentiond that I would have the the craziest dreams I have ever had in my life. Thinking about things that I should not or dream of uptopian places. There has to be something natural to take for depression. Any suggestion

For me, Paxil is miracle drug. I have taken Paxil for about three years with a brief switch to Zoloft in year two. Paxil's impact has been positive and dramatic with anxiety, depression, and OCD. Nothing has worked better. Nothing even close. After a gradual increase I eventually leveled off at 60 MG/Day. The sweats are annoying. But annoying is a small price to pay for the benefits I've seen. I've not had weightgain, my energy level returned once I got off my butt and started exercise again.

RE: Guest # 10243
I have been on Paxil going on three months and I experience terrible night sweats. I wake up drenched and it feels like its freezing. Sometimes to the point where I get up in the middle of the night to shower. As time goes on, it doesn't seem to be getter any better or any worse. I have recently began having night terrors as well. And also I wake myself up at night from grinding my teeth. Since I have been on Paxil I have found myself again. I know who I am. My depression is almost non-exsistance as well as those dreadful panic attacks. The bad out weighs the good for me. To all of you who Paxil hasn't helped, I hope you are able to find what works for you..good luck.

I have been in and out of psychotherapy at least 7 times over the past 20 years for panic attacks and depression. The only thing that has ever worked is medication, and Paxil in particular. The benefits for me of taking medication considerably outweight the costs, bar none. Having tried everything under the sun, and having a Ph.D. in psychology myself, I know that I am not covering anything up, nor am I resistant or anything else. I have a chemical imbalance that is responsive only to medication.

Having said that, I had a drenching night sweat last night and would like to know if it is related to my taking Paxil. I take 20 mg of Paxil and 25 mg of Lamictal. Has anyone else had night sweats with Paxil? Thanks.

I have been on Paxil 40 mg for approximately 7 years now. I've never had a problem with it, and hope I never do, after reading all the messages posted. In the first week of taking Paxil I remember feeling great. I told my mom that everyone in the world should be taking this drug. There wouldn't be any war! But after reading these postings, I've realized that I'm very lucky. I suffered from Depression. I had suicidal thoughts but never followed through. I would cry every night in bed. I couldn't fall asleep at all. The list goes on. I also had anxiety attacks. Paxil has helped all of these things. I am more outgoing and comfortable talking infront of groups of people. I do remember feeling extremely tired when I started taking Paxil. I had the yawns. But that was it. I only wish that all of you could feel the way I did/do with Paxil. I did try weening myself off of it but I just wasn't ready. I had a baby 3 months ago and he's fine. I took the Paxil all through my pregnancy. I did my research on Paxil and pregnancy. So far so good. Yes I would love to stop taking it. It's medication that I'd prefer not to have to take but i'm just not ready yet. I'm happy with the way things are right now.

I have been on Paxil CR 25mg for over 2 months and it has changed my life for the better. Hardly any panic attacks or depression. I can actually fuction is society. I have a few side effects like yawning and night sweats but nothing major. Paxil is the best thing that has happened to me. Good luck to all of you!!

I have been on paxil now for about 2 years, have not had any adverse side effects!! The benefits of paxil have been great, no more panic attacks, and very little depression.

I've been taking Paxil 30mgs and Elavil (first 10 mgs then switched to 25mgs) for the past 12 years. I was diagnosed with depression at age 16, 18 years ago. First I was on Norpramine, then Deserel, then Prozac. I was put on Paxil and Elavil because of horrific migraines where nothing worked to help them, at one point I could not open my eyes. Occasionally I experience not being able to urinate as quickly as usual but I really haven't had much else. If I were to go off it, the first side effect I get is terrible itching on my back, then trouble breathing, like there is a weight on my chest. Right now I'm trying to get off Nuerontin, and hopefully some day both the depressants but I'm not optimistic since no doctor ever has been able to explain why the horrific migraines are there.

I have been on Paxil for about 3 months now. I feel a whole lot better with me depression. It gives very strange dreams, things that are just not normal. I have also noticed myself eating a whole lot more that I usually do. I haven't had any bad experiences with the drug yet and hopefuly I won't. Does anyone know why Paxil gives you such strange dreams? Thanks Shelley

trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, drowsiness while on the medicine. Since I have come off of it I have trouble sleeping, confusion, more depression than before I started taking it, and severe episodes of vertigo.

Not feeling any releif for depression. Loss of sleep, nervousness,shakey,Loss of appetite, Lack of concentration. However my moodswings are about 80% better and I don't get angry about things that would have before caused my Rage. I have been on Paxil CR for 3 weeks. Sometimes my heartrate is extremally rapid but this medication has it's pro's and con's.

Tiana Ponciano