can anyone tell me what its like to be on Paxil? I have a fear that it will change me in some way that I will notice a distinct difference being on and off of it.

My Dr put me on Paxil 5 yrs ago. I only took it for about 6 mos. I was working a stressful sales job at the time. I did see a difference in my personality. I was more assertive and outgoing. I would always get flushed during high stress, the Paxil didn't really help that problem however. The best thing about the medication is i rarely scrutinized everything big and small happening in my life..I didn't even care about my KP at the time.
I stopped the paxil because I wanted to get pregnant. 2 children later and a bit of PostPartum, I may consult my doc for a prescription.
I hope you have positive results w/ it. It took a good week to start feeling the effects in my system. Good Luck.
Nicky

I was on it for about 6 months, as well, and originally got on it because I was supposed to testify in a trial/was having a lot of anxiety in general. I would no longer become flushed when in normally-anxiety-producing situations, and I felt like that gave me more confidence.

Getting started: For the first few days, I would rec. taking off of work if you can. I had a very difficult week or so adjusting - felt a lot of vertigo & like I was out of my body.

Getting off of Paxil: When I dediced I would like to taper off the drug, my dr gave me lower & lower doses for about a month. Yet even at the lowest dose, my withdrawal from Paxil was horrible, with up & down mood swings, crying for no reason, feeling out of control. These were not in any way feelings or behaviors that I was having BEFORE I had been on the drug.

I know it's prescribed fairly easily by docs, but from my own personal experience, I would take the decision to be on it very seriously & also check out sites dedicated to Paxil, where I got a lot of info at the time I was giong through those withdrawal symptoms.

I too would be very careful with Paxil. I took it for about a year. The first few months are really good. You notice an improvement in stress and anxiety levels, but then in gradually starts to "not work" anymore and you have to increase the doseage. Paxil has some harsh side effects, the worst being the lack of sex drive, which can be difficult if you are in a relationship.
I too experienced awful withdrawls when stopping Paxil, although I followed the Dr's advice and slowly lowered the dose. I too had mood swings, crying, anxiety, etc.

I think prozac works alot better, if it is depression you are looking to treat. You might want to talk to your doctor about it.

I was on paxil for several years...I noticed no difference other than i didn't have my little fits of rage and temper tantrums...maybe less anxiety..don't remember...I haven't take for years now....your sex drive definitely decreases...but if you're a guy...that will just bring it down to an acceptable level LOL I didn't experience any withdrawal symptoms...it must be done right...

is the lack of a sex drive related to testosterone levels going down? I don't know if I like that idea...I train pretty hard all week long in the gym, and wouldnt want to suffer any setbacks.

however, i am struggling with Social Anxiety Disorder, a bad temper - esp when I drive, and possibly OCD as well so I do need some help...

I was on Paxil for a short bit. It caused me to be tired all the time. Sometimes I was barely able to function. I had nightmares often, which also caused me to be tired all the time. However I can only speak for myself and I have to say that I have been sensitive to medications my whole life. My other problem is I don't weigh much, so meds affect me worse than most.

I was recently prescribed Paxil and I got too afraid to take it. Ironic? Not sure. But I just couldn't start in on a drug that 1) took so long to take effect 2) had weight gain side effects and 3) was kinda costly and seemingly addictive, in a way.

So I spent the $30 on a bottle and now I haven't even opened it up. I have anxiety, and mild OCD. But I'd almost rather have my symptoms than make the Paxil jump.

I took paxil a few years ago and It didn't work for me. Made me feel worse, plus grumpy! Then I tried Cipramil and I think that was a LOT better.

I wouldnt take Paxil again if someone paid me. The withdrawal symptoms will make you wish you were dead.

I had this HUGE heart warming post and by the powers of modern technology it dissapeared b/c I wasn't paying attention! AHHHHH!


I suck at the internet.

Basically drs want your money and the drug co. money so they will be quick to prescribe pills and to not listen to you. Really, I have had it happen too many times.

The best Rx is propper nutrition and exercise, no joke!