Paxil and paxil cr

I've been on some form of Paxil for about 9 years now. Overall, it has been fantastic. My anxiety is nowhere near as bad as it used to be. The only time I've had any trouble with it is if I go off it for a couple of days. The withdrawal is terrible. I get very jittery and shaky and the stomach aches I used to get before I went on this drug come back. I've tried going off it before, but have only manage to get down to 20mgs, which is where I am now. Any lower and I get withdrawal.

Paxil CR, on the other hand, was a bad idea all together. My doctor tried to switch me to that several years ago, and it was not a good experience. I became severely depressed and started having suicidal thoughts. Needless to say, I was put back on regular Paxil and everything went back to normal.

I have been taking paxil cr 25mg for about a month now and it has really helped my anxiety. The first two weeks were hell but my body has gotten use to the drug and now I feel fine. My only side affects are yawning like crazy, no sex drive, and low appetite (this part I love I have lost 15 pounds) but will the yawning and no sex drive go away eventually? please if anyone has an answer please let me know

This is both one of the BEST and WORST drugs for anxiety/depression. I was on Paxil CR 37.5mg for five years for moderate anx./dep., and yes, the weight gain (10-15 lbs.), vivid dreams, sweatiness, etc. were all side effects. But the Paxil so thoroughly balanced out my anxiety and depression that the side effects seemed a fair tradeoff.

(P.S. Nothing kills a libido like Paxil.)

And then, I went off the Paxil b/c I was changing insurance companies. Having read all of the terrible withdrawal symptoms, I scheduled myself a full four months to taper off. I lowered my dosage every week by only 2-3mg at most. (This involved cutting up the pill, which *they* say never to do, but of course *they* also claim that there are no withdrawal symptoms.) As a result, my withdrawal symptoms were negligible at best.

This past year, I went back on the Paxil CR 37.5mg and for a short while it worked again. And then it suddenly STOPPED. *They* don't want us to know that once you've been on, then off, Paxil, when you return to it, its chances of working again are slim to none. I took less time (only 2 months) to withdraw this time around, and the withdrawal symptoms were HIDEOUS. I've never felt so scared of what my body exhibited--unbelievable dizziness, terrible electric "shocks," headaches. And abject rage that I've never experienced before in my life. So much incredible nervous energy that I couldn't sit still. A rotten memory and confusion. Horrible symptoms. And yet, while I was withdrawing, I could see my body improving in other areas--far less appetite, for one, far less need for sleep, and less exhaustion.

While my anxiety and depression have returned, and while I'll probably need to be put on a different pill, I now at least know to research not just "official" medication Web sites but also patients' anecdotes. If I'd done so the first time around, I never would have stopped the Paxil at all. Pharmaceutical companies are just pimps who own doctors, so drs. are never going to warn you about the bad side effects of what they prescribe!!

I recently was changed from Paxil CR 12.5 MG to regular paxil 20 MG, after taking the regular paxil for the past ten days, I have felt horrible. I am back to the sleepy feeling all day, headaches and feelings of uneasiness. I was doing so well on Paxil CR. I even started cutting the pill in half and I still feel horrible. The Paxil CR was working so well for me, I wish I could go back to it.

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 imput several posting on this site about how great Paxil CR has been for me. However when I went for my last refill I was told that Paxil CR was taken off the shelves because of problems concering the "Control Release", so i was give Paxil 20mg, which is a lower dose that what i was use to. Now i have been having very bad migraines that last 2-3 days. I get very tired early in the day and feel just wore out to the point I cant get out of the bed as early as 7pm. I have no energy and feel real bad in general. Has this happened to anyone else? I went from calling Paxil CR my life saving drug to regular paxil a nightmare drug.

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've been on Paxil CR for about 13 days now for mild depression and social anxiety. I was on 12.5 mg the first week and now am on 25 mg. The only side effects I've had are slight nausea, yawning, and being tired earlier in the evening than normal. Since I've been on it, my tolerance is a little better, my self-consciousness (feeling like people are always talking about me) has slightly subsided and my feelings of guilt have gotten better. I've barely been on the drug for two weeks, but I feel it will help my anxiety and depression even more as time progresses.

I began taking paxil 30mg for anxiety attacks with xanax to help with the breakthroughs. Then it was upped to 40mg but that made me very aggitated, so it was reduced to 30mg again. I've been on Paxil since 1996. Recently, my dr. increased it to paxil cr...with this I havee moments of dizziness and dis-connected feeling even if I'm just sitting still. I worry about the side effects and wonder if I am doomed to stay on this forever. I have had to add valium and geodon for auditory voices,and now a stomach pill to help the stomach pain all these drugs cause. At first, I thought this drug was a life-saver, but now I'm not so sure,especially at 40 pounds heavier.

I've been taking Paxil CR for 2 weeks now and have had a few side effects:
Increased urination
Sweating (for no reason)
and dry mouth (bad breath)
Not sure if the side effects are not worse than what the pill was meant to cure!!
Should I give it more time - maybe 3-4 weeks??? Do some of the side effects ever go away? So far, the pill seems to have no effect on my metal attitude.

I was put on Paxil about 3 months ago and was recently switched to Paxil CR. Neither one has given me any bad side effects other than the ones I was told were common. One being a low sex drive, or when coming off the pill, having extreme sick feelings of nausea and dizziness. I would much rather deal with these side effects, than having the kind of attacks I would get before taking this drug. Eveyone should know that before taking ANY drugs, you should do research and make sure that you are willing to deal with the side effects that are listed...........otherwise you are wasting your time and your Doctors.

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've been taking Paxil CR for over a year now for anxiety attacks and mild depression. I haven't had any problems with it until recently when my prescription ran out and my mom hasn't called the doctor to re-order it (I'm 17). I've had a chronic migraine for 3 days, dizzy spells where I have to hold onto things when I walk to keep from falling, nausea, difficulty breathing, and a racing pulse. I'm convinced these symptoms are withdrawls from not taking the Paxil for over a week. I, too, have had an overactive sex drive from Paxil. The constant feeling of being on the verge of an orgasm is truly annoying. Glad to know I'm not the only person with that problem.

headaches , dry mouth, vivid dreams ending in sweats. sweat so much i need a towel to dry off, i dont get it. im taking 37.5mg each day. i dont feel good at all(( not suicidal no way) after a year and a half on the paxil cr. at first it helped to postpone anxiety attacks so that i could function and get groceries. whats happening now i have no idea but im told i will be on this long term even tho i have expressed that i want to get down to a minimum dosage of like 10 or 12 mg.

i HAVE TAKEN PAXIL 60MG FOR A YEAR. MY DOC SWITCHED ME TO PAXIL CR AND I THINK IM GOING CRAZY. HAS ANYONE ELSE SWITCHED AND REGRETTED IT. MY DOC SWEARS THE CR IS BETTER.

I have been on paxil Cr For 3years and at first it helped me gain weight and no attacks. Well now i have tried to get off of it and i cant. I get really sick and start shaking and having fevors and cant eat or sleep. I have tried everything and I cant get off. I am talking to a Lawyer now and I am tring to sue the manafacture. I want everyone to know that this isnt something that you mess around with. Yes it helps you for awhile but try to get off of it and you will be back where you started or even worse. I cant leave my house or anything or travel out of state away from home without taking more than normal so i wont get sick. I have tried to wing myself off and it doesnt work. My doctor doesnt believe me when I tell him whats going on. I jut want everyone to know that its not a safe medicine. If you just started it get off now and dont wait this is serious. Thanks Lindsey

I have been on Paxil CR for over a year now and it worked great for awhile, but now I am experiencing frightening side effects. My mom is a nurse and won't let me go off of it (I am 18). Is delayed side effects normal? Will it get better? Please e-mail me with your comments or suggestions. Thank you-

Lauren

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 WAS ON PAXIL CR FOR ABOUT 7MOS. FOR ANXIETY. I HAD 20MG PER DAY. I EXPEIRENCED DREAMS, INSOMNIA, DIZZINESS AND LIKE EVERYONE ELSE, WEIGHT GAIN. I PUT ON 24 POUNDS WITHIN THE LAST MONTH. MY ANXIETY WAS BETTER BUT THE DREAMS AND DIZZINESS WAS VERY HARD TO COPE WITH. MY DR. TOOK ME OFF THEM AND I AM CURRENTLY TRYING ZOLOF. FOR THE LAST WEEK DURING THE CHANGE OVER I WAS EXTREMELY DIZZY. I DO FEEL BETTER WITH THIS DRUG. I AM SLEEPING BETTER AND FEEL CALMER. THE DIZZINESS IS GETTING BETTER. MY HUSBAND IS ON LEXAPRO AND SEEMS TO BE HANDLING THAT FINE. THAT MADE ME VERY ILL. I'M GLAD TO KNOW THAT THIS IS NOT JUST ME.

My husband is on Paxil cr. Has been for about 8 years. (Was on Paxil and then Paxil cr. He has a plasic heart valve. He had surgery in 1988 first and then in 1996 he had an angorizim (spell?) by it. He has always been hyper and anxious, but this scared him so much. He is on coumadin, metoprolol, digoxin, and colestoral medications. He also started having siezures. He has been on dilantin for about 5 years and still had siezures. The siezures can be from just dizzy, vomiting, to a full grand mal siezure. No one can find out why...Recently he had been put on lamictal, by his nurologist. He has been very anxious, and just angry at the world and depressed. He argues over everything. Could it be that he has been on paxil for a long time and it isn't working anymore or could the lamictal cause this? He deffinelty needs help and I don't know where to turn. He also has had irregular heart beats. went to cardiologists but they say it is electrical, not circulatory and not dangerous. I took him to emergency the other night and they said the same. He is misorable. do you have any advise????

I have been taking Paxil CR 25 mg. now for about 3 months. I don't really see any change and still have the anxiety, night sweats, no sex drive, dizziness, headaches, insomnia and a lot of other things. I am not sure what to do at this point. I was on Prozac before and felt kind of the same, maybe not as anxious. Zoloft did not work for me at all. I know for sure, you have to wean off of these drugs you cannot just stop taking it or the side effects get worse. I am going to talk to my doctor about something else. I know they do not like to give out Xanax unless it is on a short term basis.

I took paxil for over a year, I stop cold turkey because I read one of the side effet,affect your liver, I felt dizzy spells my head felt disconnected, I had terrible nightmare my sex drive decreased, weight gain, chest pain , slow heart beat , felt so tire and sad after getting off paxil, I'm going back to my doctor . I'm reserching every medication prescribed to me before I take it.

Don't take Paxil or Paxil CR.

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.

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

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.