Paxil and panic attack

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

I was on Paxil for 9yrs, but have been off it now for 8yrs. It was prescribed by my family Dr for extreme PMS. At the time, it was a new drug just on the market, and there were no boards like this to describe any side effects.
After I was on it for several years, I tried to come off it. But the side effects were so bad, every time I tried, I decided to stay on it. I realized I couldn't stay on it any longer when it was affecting everything in my life. Paxil was making me so exhausted I was sleeping up to 20 hours a day. It almost ruined my life. Because I couldn't get to work, I lost my job and was out of work for 2 years while I was trying to come off Paxil. Of course my Dr refused to believe I was going through withdrawl, because he said Paxil was not addictive. We all know now that is incorrect. I had to slowly wean myself off it 1/4 of a tablet at a time over several month, and I still had horrible, very scarry withdrawl symptoms. I suffered from vertigo, tremors, tingling throughout my body, numbness in my hands, feet and legs, brain shocks, vomiting, dizziness, slurred speach, memory loss, heart palpitations and the hallucinations were the worst. I became easily aggitated by everything, unable to stand up without losing my balance. I was seeing floating black waves across my vision when my eyes were open. I can say it was hell, and I wouldn't want anyone else to suffer through it. I'm writing this to warn others that if you are on it for a long time, and then come of it, some of the withdrawl effects never go away. So be very careful how long you stay on it. To this day, 8yrs later, I still get numbness and tingling in my legs and feet. I still get brain shocks every so often. I still get short-term memory loss. The worst part is Paxil ruined my digestive system. Before I was on it I had no problems, now there are only certain foods I can eat. Paxil effects the serotonin levels in your brain, but it also effects the serotonin levels in your stomach and intestines. I went through several thousand dollars worth of health tests only to discover it was caused by all my years on Paxil. So please be careful and only stay on this drug as long as need be. It may have a negative affect on the rest of your life.

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

Im a 20 year old male and about 6 months ago got injured and was forced to stop playing golf. This was very difficult and it gave me pretty bad anxiety, and i also had 2 panic attacks. All this occured all in about 2 weeks. I was put on 20mg paxil and about a day or two into it I started to see wonderful effects. I thought it was amazing. After about a month i was back to normal with minimal if any anxiety, had very minimal side-effects; drymouth,headaches. I just recently bumped it up to 40mg due to stress, worked good, but i did get a few new side-effects like trouble ejaculating, weakness, slight trembling, very vivid dreams(which is kinda neat just due to the fact that i would never remember my dreams and now i remember 2-4 a night) and a headache every once and a while. I think this drug is good and can be bad. Ive been reading a lot of troubling stories about other peoples experiences with getting off the drug, and quite frankly, its got me a little worried. But I plan to eventually got off this drug and get through the withdrawals and continue my life accordingly. I think if anyone is going through these problems and does get over it, it would be very helpful to all the people who are struggling, if you would write about your struggles and explain that this does happen and it does end. Show how everyone eventually gets over the hard times and gos on with the rest our their lives. Good luck to all, your not alone, and it will get better

I was previously put on Lexapro 10mg a day after having my first child with the intention of helping me calm down my new mother nerves. It made me feel aweful and I started having panic attacks. (I have never had them before) My doc then changed me to Paxil 10mg a day for the first week, then 20mg a day thereafter. Well, I am only 2 days into it and I already feel like a shell of myself. I have had crazy dreams and wake up several times in the night. And most frustrating I have been so irratable, biting my husbands head off at minor things. I noticed I am eating like crazy, in fact I have gained 5 pounds since Friday. I know these meds take a while to take effect and the doc said I could experience things like this and even suicide thoughts at first, but now I am terrified that I am toying with my sanity and I was better off before the medications in the first place.

Just Weight gain other than that Paxil changed my life.
I do everything now fly, elevators, drive, no more panic attacks. Anyone wants to contact me to talk be my guest.

I started taking Paxil 20mg a couple months ago and at first it made me feel disoriented i didn't want to go anywhere and felt really lost, after a while it started to kick in and i slowly started to feel better, then i noticed for almost two weeks it was hard for me to get out of bed. I would sleep for on average 18 hrs. and the only reason I would get up was the fact that I could still stay sleeping for 24 hrs. and that scared me. I then abruptly stopped taking it because I was sleeping so long and I seemed to be OK. After a little while i noticed my anxiety was really high again so i started taking my paxil again thinking it would help. I started having panic attacks while on it and they were very intense and had high suicidal tendencies and negative thoughts. A complete nightmare and depressing time I'm going to my doctor to see what I should do from here

i have been on paxil for about 3 or 4 months now following several life traumas over a short time. my side effects from paxil have been as follows:

- very vivid dreams/nightmares, sumtimes hard to determine if it really happened or not.
- palms sweat like crazy
- gained at least 10 pounds
- hair texture seems to be dry and thinner
- urinate frequently (has gotten better after a few months)
- very sleepy, yawn frequently (yawning has gotten better)
- can sleep for almost 24 hours straight (18 hours last sat.)
- does not mix well with alcohol!!! enhances the effects of alcohol and has made me hysterical.
- upon waking up and laying in bed, objects appear to "jump" and colors look faded.
- no pain, just upper neck and back stiffness
HOWEVER the major BENEFIT outways all: no more panic attacks and much less anxiety...i feel so much calmer and like my old self again. Good luck to everyone!

my life changed,since i started taking paxil.before that it was hell for me...but now,after reading all these stories about the withdrawal, i m scared I've also gained about 40 pounds on Paxil and don't feel like exercising or doing anything energetic. Still, the panic attacks were much worse, I was ready to kill myself.

I was put on Paxil after a recent miscarriage. I had an emotional breakdown several days after the D & C. Instead of thinking it was just hormones, the Dr;s thought I was having panic attacks, which I have never had before. They put me on Paxil CR &Xanax. I did not take the Xanax after the first does because I hated the way I felt. Almost as soon as I took the Paxil I became sick. Nausea, vomiting, total loss of appitite, insomnia, headaches, dizzy, cramping in my legs, and finally heart palpitations. After only 4 days of this drug, and being told I had a "bug" I went to the ER. They were baffeled by my heart problem, because after many tests my heart appeared to be fine. After the ER Dr made many phone calls she discovered that heart complications is a RARE side effect to Paxil. This was NOT listed on the papers the RX gave me, nor is it on the website for the drug. I was immediately taken off of it. Emotionaly I am fine. Physically I have been having all of the same symptoms, however they are decreasing. I will never take a drug again without doing my homework. This hate been a nightmare, and I have lost nearly 3 weeks of my life.

I have been on Paxil 10 mg for panic attacks since 1998. I have to admit it's been a great drug for me and has helped remove the panic attacks. It makes me very sleepy and tired, and my sex drive is a lot less. I've also gained about 60 pounds on Paxil and don't feel like exercising or doing anything energetic. Still, the panic attacks were much worse, I was ready to kill myself. I cannot take the generic Paxil, it does not work for me at all.

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 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 went on Paxil CR (12.5 mg) because of constant panic attacks that lasted for about 1 month. I was so anxious for this period of time that I rapidly started losing weight, broke out in hives and eventually couldn't trust myself to function normally in common situations (i.e. work, driving, etc.). I was on it for 1 year and noticed a significant difference within 2 weeks. The panic attacks stopped, I returned to my normal weight and remained there, and I had an overall feeling of contentment. I went off of it 2 months ago because it was making me feel too content and I was starting to make bad choices (some anxiety is a good thing). I just want all of you to know that it can be used as a tool to help you get back on track, it should never be the solution. I had a few side effects coming off of it (dizziness, feeling electric-like shocks), but have not had any panic attacks or unusual anxiety. It sounds as if a lot of the side effects listed here could be a symptom of anxiety itself. If you make changes to your lifestyle, and are confident in your decision, you can leave Paxil behind.

I have been taking Seroxat for about 6 years now, for panic attacks and mild depression,at first i didnt like the feelings i was getting, but stuck with it ,glad i did coz they turned me into a very happier more confident person,very rarly get a panic attack now and i can even go out and get drunk without thinking im going to die,did not effect my sex drive at all,started remembering dreams for the first time ever. I have lost hair and i have put on a lot of weight but this could be put down to getting older and drinking ? who knows ,
I would like to stop taking Seroxat just to see if i lose weight , but I cant coz I know, after forgetting to take tabs for a couple days the cold turkey is horrible ,

Paul

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 have been on Paxil CR for over 3 years. I gave had debilitating panic attacks since I was 11 (I am 28 now). For the first 3 months I eperienced side effects such as: loss of appetite, VERY LOW sex drive, yawn, tremor and a little headache. After the 3 months all has gone away and I truly feel as if this drug has saved my life! I don't know what I would do if it was off the market. Those of you who have been on it for a few days or months: stick with it, it may work well for you! For thos of you who have been on it for years or trying to get off: good luck and may you find the right RX to help you.

I STARTED TAKING PAXIL 2 1/2 YRS AGO I HAD A REALLY BAD PANIC ATTACK THAT SEEMED NOT TO GO AWAY THE DRUG MADE ME FEEL BETTER I STARTED MISSING DOSES I WOULD TAKE IT ONLY 1TIME A WEEK BECAUSE LOSE OF INSURANCE WELL LATELY MY ANXIETY HAS GOTTON SO BAD LIKE PANIC ATTACKS THE WHAT IF HORRIBLE THOUGHTS BUT THATS WHAT ANXIETY IS RIGHT? WELL I WANTED TO GET BACK ON TRACK SO I TOOK IT TWO DAYS IN A ROW AND THESE SIDE EFFECTS FELT LIKE HOW I FEEL ONLY WORSE MORE PANIC TEETH GRINDING DRY MOUTH SO I WENT TO THE DOCOTR SHE SAID TO START FROM THE BEGINNING TAKE 10 MILLIGRAMS AND MOVE UP GRADUALLY IM SO SCARED OF SIDE EFFECTS I WANNA CUT THAQT IN HALF AND ONLY TAKE 5 MIL AND MOVE UP ALSO SHE GAVE ME XENOX SO I WONT FEEL THE SIDE EFFECTS AND TO HELP ME I WANT HELP I NEED IT BUT IM SCARED ITS LIKE I DONT WANT TO GO TO WORK IF I HAVE TO FEEL BAD SIDE EFFECTS ON THE OTHER HAD AFTER THE SIDE EFFECTS GO AWAY I WILL FEEL NORMAL IS THEREANYONE WHO HAS STARTED AT 5MIL & WENT UP AND IT WORKED FOR U ???? PLEASE EMAIL ME IS THERE ANYONE WHO STOPPED FEELING ANXIETY ON YOUR OWN ??? PLEASE EMAIL ME BACK ****** THANKS FOR THE OPPRITUNITY!!

I have been taking Paxil since October 2003, as I was suffering from panic attacks and mild depression.

After the initial two weeks of getting used to the medication (20 mg each morning) (I had to take a week off work as I was so spaced out, achy, shaky, feeling sick, sweaty), I found that my symptoms of depression and panic attacks eased off and have now completely gone.

I've been feeling great ever since. The only side effects I get now are the constant vivid dreams which are so real that I sometimes really don't know whether something has happened or not, I've put on a massive 28lbs which is loads for me as I've always been a petite size 8-10(UK). Every now and again I would experience what I would call a "judder".

I have started to come off the tablets (10 mg a day for a few weeks and then see what my doctor says) I am experiencing these "judders" all the time. I have also not had a period for six weeks - is this normal (I have taken three pregnancy tests so I am just waiting to see what my doctors says about it)??? I am also sweating a lot and feel very flushed.

I have been on Paxil (20 mg/day, taken in the morning) for 18 days now, and I am feeling way better than I was before starting it. Before, I was weepy, depressed, prone to panic attacks, quick to anger, and wondering why I was alive.

Now, I am thinking much more clearly. I do not feel depressed. I have not experienced any panic whatsoever, even during times when I usually had panic episodes before. I feel moments of normal happiness, which I had gone a very long time without experiencing.

I have experienced a slight sensation of detachment since starting the Paxil, but it's not awful. In fact, it is probably best for me, anyway. My emotional instability was pretty bad before--crying at the drop of a hat, freaking out at my poor husband for something minor--and the Paxil has put me back on an even keel again.

The only "bad" (note the quotes) side effects I have noted are night sweats (actually, increased sweating overall), insomnia (particularly bad the first week of taking Paxil), and teeth grinding in my sleep.

My doctor prescribed me a short course of low-dosage Xanax for just the first few weeks, so I pop two 0.25 mg pills before bedtime. This has helped the insomnia, and I am no longer grinding my teeth during the night. The longer I stay on the Paxil, the lesser I notice or experience the bad side effects.

Overall, for me at least, the good outweighs the bad with Paxil. I feel like myself again!

I began taking Paxil CR for postpartum related panic attacks in January of 2004. By mid February I began to really struggle with terrible memory loss. It was impossible for me to leave one room and go to another without forgetting why...My healthy libido was down the tubes, I have gained about 10 pounds and my whole body aches. I honestly wish I would have put more thought and research into taking Paxil CR. However, my panic attacks were so terrible that I would not sleep for days on end. At the time it was so necessary for me to get as much sleep as possible while caring for my newborn. I spoke with my MD in March, during one of my monthly appointments, and she said that the side effects were more related to "being a new mother" than anything. Translation, your nuts! Little did she know I was not a new mom...this was my second child. My first is in his teens. It was at that point I realized I needed to be referred to a specialist. I also attempted to discontinue the medication over a 2 week period of time. That was a big mistake. The dizziness and out of body like experiences were way to horrible. I went back on the meds and made an appointment to see a psychiatrist. After months of this I now believe it is very important to see an MD that specializes in prescribing medications like Paxil. One who understands the side effects and can prepare you for what to expect. I don't believe Paxil CR is a bad medication. It is just like anything else, it works for some but not for others.

i have been on paxil cr 12.5mg for 2 months and i have lost 6 pounds and it has helped me a lot-the only thing is that i do dream a lot and have night sweats but i guess this is normal??? it has helped with panic attacks tremendously.

I've been on Paxil for 8 months now and it has helped tremendously to control my panic attacks, anxiety, and depression. However, for the past 2 months or so, I've been feeling, off and on numbness throughout my body. It comes and goes quickly, my head, my arms and legs, my chest seem to go numb for a few seconds and then back to normal. Very annoying situation....hope it doesn't get worst

Ive been on paxil for 5 months, never suffered from aniexty once in awhile little panic attacks, it positively took the "what if" out of my head. What if meaning what if it happens again? Normal side effects first 2-3 weeks otherwise feel like my normal self, wanted to stop at first but stuck with it. I dont know it these are side effects but I have dreams at night(nice ones) night sweats, constipation. Not sure if these are from the paxil though. I guess I will the first to say I recommend it.

I have been on Paxil since March 7th and i will tell you this is the best thing that has happened to me-i have no more confusion and dizziness and less panic attacks-i am only taking 12.5mg at this time-i do however have some night sweats on occasion. I actually have lost like 3 pounds since i have been on it weird? since everyone has been gaining weight??

Tried Paxil CR lowest dose for panic attacks. Didn't help, but I was on it for 19 days only. Going off was terrible for a few days-I almost passed out whenever I turned my head with my eyes open, and felt like I was getting shocked. While on it I looked like a junkie-my eyes were fully dilated and unresponsive to light change much of the time.