Question:
Is this the Paxil or something else?
3 days ago my new PCP put me on Paxil 12.5 Mg and since the day after I have lost all my appitite, I don't want to drink, and I am constantly sleepy no matter how much sleep I get. Can the Paxil do this or is it probably something else? I see my surgeron next week, but if it is the Paxil I want to stop taking it, not wait another week. Thanks — Lynda T. (posted on July 12, 2002)
July 12, 2002
I haven't had surgery yet (open rny 8-6-02), but I have been on paxil in
the past and yes it probably is what is causing all of that, but it to
shall pass. I does take a couple of weeks to stabilize out and have the
best effect, stopping now would not really benefit you. 1. because it is
still in your system and takes a while to leave and 2. you are already 1/2
way there, things should start getting better. Hope all goes well, hang in
there until your next Dr. visit and decide then. Good Luck.
— Dana B.
July 12, 2002
Paxil is the most sedating of the SSRI's (Selective Serotonin Reuptake
Inhibitors), but is a very effective anti-depressant. I've personally know
3 people who say it "saved" their lives. Here's a tip I can't
believe people's physicians don't automatically tell patients, "TAKE
IT AT NIGHT." I hear people saying it "takes time" for the
side effect of somnambulance (sleepiness) to wear off, but it's very
sedating. That side effect NEVER wore off for me (oops! Didn't mean to
admit I'd ever taken an antidepressant!), it's a sedating medication.
Depressed people frequently have a very hard time sleeping, or staying
asleep after they finally do drift off, so why not do the thing that makes
sense. Take it before you go to bed, or at least in the evenings when
you'll be kicking back anyway.
— pam C.
July 12, 2002
No, it takes two weeks to get into your system. I have been on Paxil 40mg
for fours years now and I can't function with out it. I recently tried to
weine off of it and take Wellbutrin....but didn't work so now I'm back on
my paxil and feel great with it!
— Emily L.
July 16, 2002
I took Paxil for about a year to help me with a phobia. It is not really
an anti-depressant. I will say this it is hell to get off it. I tried
twice and finally had to gradually go off of it. The dreams and
nightmares! I actually joined a Yahoo group of people trying to get off of
that. There are better anti-depressants. Despite the problems you hear
about Prozac, I about 10 years ago (when it first came out) and it worked
for me.
— Lisa N M.
July 16, 2002
As someone mentioned, Paxil is definitely an anti-anxiety medication, not
an anti-depressant. The Paxil can definitely be the cause of your symptoms,
but I'm a little surprised that you are having such sever symptoms on a
relatively low dose. I took Paxil for a year or so, and while it helped
with the anxiety, over the course of that year, I developed SEVERE
depression (had to be hospitalized). I agree that it is a bear to get off
of, but to me it was worth it. I am now taking an anti-depressant (two
actually) and they have helped with the anxiety. You definitely need to
speak to your doctor about this. Good luck. Maria
— Maria H.
July 16, 2002
Im a therapist specializing in the treatment of mental health problems.
Paxil IS INDEED an antidepressant, an SSRI to be exact. It has shown to be
effective in treating anxiety as well. Ask you doc about taking it at
night. If the side effects dont minimize in 2 week you can ask for another
antidepressant trial. There are several classes, tri cyclic, MAOI, SSRI
etc... DONT GIVE UP! It just takes finding out what works best with your
body. Also a psychiatrist specializes in prescribing these meds. Your PCP
is a generalist who can treat a sore throat or a sprained ankle. Try
getting into a psychiatrist for 'expert care'. Good luck!
— k r.
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