Paxil and weight gain

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.

Please stay away from this drug if you are not already addicted to it. I have tried unsuccessfully to get off of it many times by "Weaning" into another drug, but the side effects are unbearable. I have memory loss too, but what really gets me is how physically sick I feel if I haven't taken it for 2-3 days. I get nauseous and VERY dizzy, to the point where it makes me sick to even turn my head too quickly. I've had to miss work/school until I had a prescription refill.

I didn't realize the memory loss I have been experiencing may be due to Paxil, but it makes sense. I have forgotten the year on numerous occasions, and cannot recall names of people I used to have no problem recalling. It seems to be getting worse. I am only 27 years old, and my friends don't seem to have these issues...

im a twenty four year old student on paxil since i was fourteen.
coming off this medication is nearly impossible, i have tried at least ten times. The reason i have decided to come off it for good is because of memory loss. I can spend up to one hundred hours studying for a test and still only get about seventy percent.
Another reason i have decided to come off paxil is tooth decay. I now have a cavity in every single tooth and have lost three teeth due to paxil.
A common side effect of paxil is dry mouth. With out salivia in your mouth, it becomes difficult for your mouth to wash away bacteria, leaving you with tooth decay.
Im coming off slow, cutting up pieces of paxil to take each night, about two milligrams less per night. Ive been all the way up to sixty milligrams and im now down to twenty and hopefully will be free and clear within a few months. This is not a medication you can come off by cold turkey. you must cut it down very slowly

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

In 1998, my father died suddenly of a cerebral hemorrhage. I was only 33. This was devastating to me being a single daughter who still had aspirations of having him walk me down the aisle and all. I became extremely depressed and cried all the time. I was prescribed Paxil by my GP in this state of mind. No psychology or counseling offered first. And nothing was said to me about it being an addictive drug that would be next to impossible to stop taking. Nothing was mentioned about the long-lasting side effects. It was only a few weeks into it though that I realized if I missed a dose or didn't take it on a scheduled time each day, I would experience these "brain lapses" or "shock type feelings" in my head. I couldn't think a thought through without confusion. Having a conversation was like being a walking-talking robot that was short-circuiting. My other symptoms from this drug was the weight gain (about 30 lbs by the end) and the total absence of libido (not that I didn't want it but that I was totally numb in parts that I wasn't before), which was not normal for me. It was like many of you have stated... sort of a no-feeling zone ... and I decided this drug was NOT for me.

It took me at least 4 months to taper off 20 mg of Paxil. The side effects included severe trouble thinking or remembering things, anxiety attacks, more gain weight (which I attribute to low energy or enthusiasm for most things), angry outburst, easily tearful, then the feet swelling. At first it was just my left foot that would swell up and I attributed it to maybe a hereditary condition and dismissed it being any part a Paxil withdrawal symptom.

Another blessing I feel is a result of my Paxil is a very sensitive stomach. I have GERT (or acid reflux) most of the time. The GP put me on Protonix which helped the acid problems but then my hands and feet would go to sleep at night. I didn't think that was a good payoff so am not taking that either.

The edema increased to an almost daily occurrence for both feet. Sometimes they are so swollen I cannot bend my ankles and my hands and face are swollen too. Over the past 7 years, my GPs have prescribed varying kinds and doses of diuretics to help elevate the fluid in my system, which at first helped some, but now it doesn't even effect the edema in my feet. The only thing that helps really is to wear a closed shoe (like a tennis shoe) or -- which instead forces the fluid up into my ankles. Just yesterday I was told that compression hosiery is the only fix beyond maybe losing weight (I am not obese but am about 45 lbs overweight at 185) and that the diuretics were really not necessary.

When I exercise on an elliptical machine both feet go to sleep after only 15 minutes. I am much more active now and play tennis 3-4 times a week and when playing my hands and feet get numb.

Ten years later, I have chronic (almost daily) edema in both my feet and in my hands and face sometimes. I am way more active and exercise regularly by participating in sports (tennis and other running sports) but I do not lose weight. I still get the numbness in my hands and feet when I exercise for any length of time.

In the past 3 months I have had my blood tested for any and all problems - diabetes, low B12, high sodium, cholesterol, heart Doppler exam, CT of abdomen, and more. I am healthy as a horse from the results, but I am still having daily edema in my feet. I was told by a friend living in Italy that they prescribe a drug called Daflon for circulatory improvement. It seems this drug is not available in the U.S., probably because it is known for having no adverse side effects. I did find that a natural plant extract called Pycnogenol is supposed to help with circulation and other inflammation. It is also known as a Vitamin C "action-helper."

The reason I am sharing my side effects from Paxil, is that before I took this drug, I had no known problems with my circulation and I feel it is what caused it. I also have the ongoing trouble of remembering things. I feel this drug did a number on my body and I was only on it maybe 8 months. I can't imagine what someone on it for years will face. Thing is, I was sad about my father; I wasn't suicidal. They prescribe something that has long lasting results to someone that is in a weak state of mind and then don't warn you that there are so many serious repercussions -- no. 1 being that this drug is chemically addictive to your body's delicately balanced system. NOW because of deaths and Paxil-related murders the FDA has questioned this drug's safety.

You have to wonder if the doctors are really thinking about the patient or if they are just promoting the latest new drug for some personal gain of their own. I feel like a live guinea pig and there's no solution to the side effects I'm left with.

I want to encourage those that are thinking of getting off this drug that the side effects will wane some over time -- you can't do it cold turkey or you will pay the price -- but don't take it any longer than you have to because the long-term effects are not worth it. Better to learn how to deal with your emotions and find something that will be a boost for you in a healthy, non-drug related way (or at least natural), than let this Paxil industry continue.

weight gain, numbness, diminished (non-existant) sex drive, dependance on the "daily fix".

Any suggestions on how to discontinue usage, with the least troublesome withdrawal symptom? I would love to stop taking Paxil, but am scared of the withdrawal process.

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!

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!!

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.

continual sweating, extreme weight gain

Used it years ago and fine except weight gain norm 118 went up to 134 at one point. Now my concern over Paxil is impact on sex - anyone used any of the natural products since all of these seem to come with a host of side effects - horrid ones. I have MS, work related stress, commute has caused issues - oh weight is now 109, no appetite, and just trying to get my bubbly self back. Help!

I have been on generic Paxil 30 mg for 4-5 months. Overall, my anxiety and depression are much better. I no longer have severe nervous breakdowns. My only complaints are that I am tired all the time and I have gained about 10 pounds. If I don't force myself to get out of the house in the morning, I end up napping on the couch all day long (which is bad because I have two young children that end up watching tv all day). The weight gain is due to me eating nonstop at night. I don't know if the drug is to blame for the late night cravings and the tiredness but overall it is worth it.

I have been taking Paxil for the last couple of months to help me get a good nights sleep..I have Fibromyalgia...I have been having vivid dreams and seem to be starving to death all the time. I eat something and when I'm finished, I'll start looking for something else to eat. I'm not exactly gaining weight but I cannot loose any. I'm unable to exercise enough to loose any weight because of the muscle soreness of the Fibromyalgia. I stopped smoking after a heart attack 2 years ago and gained weight. I started taking Prempro again a few months ago for Menopause and gained more. I stay home and babysit a 10 month old and eat and eat all day and gained a few more pounds. I just wonder if the Paxil is the reason for the hunger...I don't mind the vivid dreams but I still don't get more than 4 hours each night. Thanks for this forum...it has given me lots of info over the past 2 years..

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 taken paxil 2 - 3 years probably, started out taking 12.5 miligrams but during the last year and a half increased to 20.m.g. I have terrible night sweats, clinch my teeth really bad, have dreams that are "hair raising", not frightening all the time but just wake you up feeling strange.I've gained weight but that may not be the paxil, I have a real urge to eat sweets that I've never had before the last year or so. I have very hard to explain popping in my ears when I'm laying down. It affects my hearing and I even see flashes when I'm trying to go to sleep. I have miagraines and attribute some of this to that. However this did not happen prior to taking the paxil and I wonder if other people have the same symptoms. I'm in the process of stopping taking this drug and have just about gotten off it. How long will it be before its out of my system? Does anyone have these "strange feelings with their ears and head?"

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.

This drug should have been researched more before dr. prescribed it. Paxil has ruined my life. I have been on paxil for two years now not only do i have strange dreams i still have panic atttacks, weight gain no trouble with sex and three attempted suicides. I have tried to stop cold turky and the dizzyness, sleepiness and out-of body feeling was too hard to bere. So I am still on it and am searching for relife. I despriatly want my life back that this drug stole from me.

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.

Experienced the side effect of llightheadedness, dizzy, fuzz like not all there when out. Xanax is the best drug for me for panic and anxiety attacks but doctors don't like to give it, it can be habit forming. 1/4 of a mg twice a day works for me, so why should I take Paxil or Prozac, Prozac had the same side effect as Paxillll, those mind altering drugs are drugs are just what the are called. Mind altering, lost sex drive, gained weight. Having problem with rapid pulse, have been off for 6 months now, will never go back. I have friends that use Prozac or Paxil and swear by them. These drugs are just what they are called drugs.

difficulty sleeping, and weight gain

Paxil caused weight gain, lightheadness, vertigo, weird felling of not been all there, like a fuzz when out, was perscribed Paxil for Anxiety and panic attack but I stoppped cold turkey. this caused my blood pressure to rise really high , also a racing pulse, am weaning off after told by doc to get back on a see if it had an effect on blood pressure and pulse, it has lowered my blood pressure and pulse but i feel terrible with the side effects, can't wait till I get off and find something that workes for me, Xanax does by they don't llike to prescribe it for very long.

Weight Gain after taking Paxil, Loss Balance and light headed while skip one day.

Nikki

My sexual drive has disappeared. Weight gain. Taking 50 mg. and still having some night and day sweats. There has to be something else to use than this drug. I am going to try to wean myself off of it and put up with the sweats although I do not know which is worse.

Been on paxil for six months.....tried going without it, but almost went nuts..have gained weight, and have had a lot of sleepless nights, night sweats, forgetting alot..doctor said to take it or deal with the problems..I choose to deal with it

I took paxil for a little over a month. I had weight gain and it didnt stop my moods that I was having. I took myself off of it, and i havent had the moods or the wieght gain ever since. knock on wood. Im doing great without it.