Paxil & my story

I had my RNY in 2003.  I had complications and almost died.  I watched my BP drop to 57/15 on the monitor before I was wheeled back into surgery for internal bleeding.  I survived though.  I should have gone on something for PTSD then and there.

I had lost 100 lbs from 320 to 220 with WLS.  220 was the same weight as when I was 12! Embarrassing but true.  I've always eaten to combat my anxiety but found that exercise helped too.  Once I stopped exercising I started eating again.  I was always able to eat a lot after surgery.  Not sure why.  It was all about willpower and exercise.

Once I met my husband I saw how he ate and thought, "hey, I've been on a diet my whole life.  Why can't I eat Doritos?  Why can't I eat...?"  And then I did.  Add in emotional issues with both our families and whammo --  I ended up gaining almost everything back over 7 years and 2 pregnancies.

I also started noticing my social anxiety was getting high.  I always wanted my husband to drop DD off at preschool, etc.  Finally I broke down and went on a prescription for Paxil a few weeks ago.  I figured it was post-partum anxiety from having my son this Summer, etc. 

All I can say is that I wish they had this for me when I was 12 years old.    I've only been on it 2 weeks and have lost 12 lbs.  I will also admit I weaned my son starting then as well because I didn't want Paxil in his system.  Breastfeeding does make you hungrier.

Whatever the reason, my need to emotionally eat is a lot less.  I don't need the empty carbs or my husband's Doritos, etc.  I feel a lot more in control.

I always wondered why I have willpower with everything else.  It's not like I gamble, drink, drive recklessly or make other bad decisions. 

I am just writing this because I wish I had read something like this a long time ago.  If you eat due to anxiety this may help you.  It's still about the usual: exercise & eating how we're supposed to.  

Good luck everybody!

I was also struggling and agreed to go on pristiq.

Be certain to track you weight loss since the medicine (paxil) was added to your life.  Sometimes these types of meds can actually promote weight gain.

Stay on track and stay in touch with your doctors..  You can beat this demon called food!!!!

Hugs!

We all battle our demons don't we??  So glad to see you got help and are re-battling yours ^_^
Good luck xxx

If anxiety is the reason why you eat and the Paxil is controlling it are you losing the weight now?

I wish you well and hope you are able to lose back down.  You have two babies to care for and being over 300lbs is not an ideal weight to keep your health.

If the Paxil does not help you to lose, you may want to consider the Duodenal Switch.

All the very best to you,
Leila

Yeah I've lost 15 lbs in the 3 weeks since on it!

 that is simply fantastic!!!  Glad you found a solution that works for you .

Take good care,
Leila

I'm happy that it's working for you.  I took Paxil for a couple of years.  I have been on antidepressants for many years due to panic/anxiety issues, hope to kick this last one this year.

I started on prozac but didn't like it, switched to zoloft which worked fine for several years ... till it didn't.  During a horribly stressful time I started having major breakthrough panic attacks.  Doctor switched me to paxil, which also worked okay.

But I found that if I missed ONE dose, I had what I called "brain zaps."  When I turned my head it felt like a little zap of static electricity in my brain.  Uncomfortable.  My doctor put me on the time release formula, which was fine, but no generic and very expensive.  What tore it for me was the time I was away from home and accidentally dropped my pills down the sink and missed three doses and had a petit mal seizure driving back from the pharmacy.

My doctor switched me to generic celexa.  Thank God I had no problems switching.  Since 2009 he has refused to prescribe paxil in any formula. 

My experience with antidepressants is that the weight loss is temporary, and I personally believe that they contribute to long term weight gain due to metabolic changes. 

If paxil works for you, that's fine.  But please, please don't ever run out, and if you want to stop them or change the dose, TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR FIRST!  Paxil withdrawl is NASTY!