Question:
Paxil and Weight Gain

I was prescribed Paxil 20 mg. (anti-depressant medication) in October of last year. Recently, as of 3 weeks, I stopped taking it "cold turkey" 1. because I am no longer working and my insurance ran out and 2. because I found out the side effects. I am slowly weaning off the meds (hating it!!!) but I am doing it. One major side effect is..you guessed it-weight gain! I am too afraid to get on a scale but I am fitting in a 14/16 (more or less the 16s) after getting to a size 12. I look down at my legs and see them expanding. I look at my stomach and see it hanging. the only thing that has saved my arms is doing massage is so physical that my arms haven't lost the muscle, and my face is starting to look "round" again. I dare not even get near the scale to see the number. I am upset because I gained the weight but even more upset because now I can't stop eating. I have not eaten anything "right" in a while now. I even drank a soda the other day after not drinking them since 6 mos to a year BEFORE surgery (12/2/02). Exercise- I was walking when I was working but now since I am trying to find a job my focus has been on that so I haven't really been to the gym or exercised much. One good thing is I am craving vegetables but I also craving sweets and breads. I know "get back to basics" but how do you do that again??? I just need some guidance!! Thanks in advance. Rochelle    — ROCHELLE S. (posted on May 17, 2005)

May 17, 2005
hi there rochelle all i wanted to tell u is dont give up and im very happy for u that u got yourself off of those anti-depressant im proud of u
   — missallboutme

May 17, 2005
I know this from experience - Paxil is NOT a medication you should stop "cold turkey". It could actually be the effect of the withdrawal that is giving you some of your problems. I decided to quit once and after about 3 weeks I was a mess emotionally and physically - it was not pretty! You should discuss your concerns with the prescribing doctor and get their advise. Good Luck.
   — Deborah G.

May 17, 2005
as deborah said , paxil often needs to be weaned off of over a several month period, which is true of all SSRI drugs. (just went to a sminar on it last Thursday!) You can have really serious effects and need to be monitored for symptoms by a dr. If you don't have ins. call your local family services etc for referrals, suggestions. If your depression was not fully resolved you are also highly at risk for severe! depression coming off of the SSRI. If weight gain on the paxil is an issue there are other groups of antidepressants that do not have weight gain as a side effect. As the chemicals your body produces ie, serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine shift as you come off the paxil you could easily have changes in appetite. For your own mental and physical health try to find a dr to follow you as you go thru this preferably a psychiatrist who is well versed in the management of these meds.
   — **willow**