Depression and Paxil

Hello Ladies!      I was just wondering. I went to a new doctor yesterday ( not a specialist) and I told him that I had been experiencing with some depression. Especially dealing with the frustration and stress of having this stupid disorder. Well, needless to say he put me on Paxil (paroxetine). I am a pharmacy technician and I know how scarey SSRI's can be. Especially with withdrawals from the drug. Has anyone tried it or is currently on it? He told me he also wanted me to try it because I was concerned with the weight I've recently gained. He said that it could help me by decreasing my appetite somewhat. I don't know. I'm really scared to get on it and become dependent on them. Can anybody relate? I greatly appreciate any feedback. THANKS!

Hi-I don't know anything about Paxil-but I have been on Prozac for several years now.  I don't function without it.  I had WLS Nov 2005 and have lost 125 lbs so far.  I had PCOS for my entire adult life - had to take hormones to have kids - had a complete hysteroctomy in Dec 1995.  Felt better after that than I had ever felt - except for the depression.  I don't feel like I'm dependent on Prozac, like it's an addition - I feel like I'm dependent on Prozac cause it is something my body needs help making enough of (like insulin for diabetes).  Don't know if this will help but wanted you to know you aren't alone.  Good luck.

i dont like to share with everyone that i take paxil because i think some people think that makes you crazy but for me personally it has made 100% difference don't be scared off by people who have read things and heard things but never tried it themselves... you're dr wouldnt prescribe it if he didnt think it would help.

shooting_star, I read that you say that you worry about people thinking your crazy, I suffer from manic depression and I am on strong medication and personally Its a problem we all cant help, most of the time those of us who suffer from such issues its cause of a lack of chemicals we need in our brains to function right, I hope you will change your way of thinking, its not that your crazy its just an imbalance. marisol

Thanks! I'm glad to know that I have nothing to worry about. I know what you mean by telling people that you're taking it. I told the pharmacist that I work for and he's been pretty supportive. I appreciate your responses, they really do make me feel a little more comfortable. I'm not ashamed of taking them, but I just thought I would never be on them. I guess it's just kind of strange. I guess whatever it takes, I'll try anything.

Hi there. Small world. I'm also a Pharmacy Tech. I have taken Paxil. It was great as far as my mood. It made me gain weight personally. I finally decided to come off of it due to some side effects like bleeding gums and constipation. It was a living heck to come off of. I went into major withdrawals and I had a melt down. Then again this is my experience and everyone is different. Good luck! Teresa

I was taking Zoloft and then my doctor changed it to Pazxil but i never got used to it. I don;t think i took it long enough for it to have any effect on me. Now im back on zoloft and im not 100% but i do feel better.

Paxil was like a wonder drug for my depression and anziety issues.

I had no side effects, non weight gain, no problems sleeping, nothing!.....

UNTIL....

I needed to wean off the Paxil, then it was terrible. For me the withdrawl symptoms were terrible, I felt like I was losing my mind, I felt like I was having seizures (tiny elecrical jolts in my head.) It lasted about 4 weeks and Then it was gone.

Would I take paxil again? Never!

Do I think it is a terrible drug? Not at all! Not everyone will have problems with withdrawls and it did work well for the depression.


I am no trying to scare you, I just want you to have both sides honestly.

Okay Guys Update!      I am doing wonderful on the Paxil! I am however still concerned about the withdrawal side effects. I am so thankful for all of your input. It did help to decide to just give it a shot. I am aware that the withdrawal symptoms are very real and will deal with them when I get there. I just had a follow up with my doctor and I asked him how long should I stay on it and how do I wean off of it. He said he just wants me to try it for just six months and then we'll discuss how I'm suppose to get off of it. I have heard so much about the side effects that I was really scared. But my doctor felt it was the abolute best choice for my situation. Oh, and I have lost 5 lbs! Again, thanks a bunch!