I suffered with undiagnosed social anxiety disorder for years, beginning when I was a very young child. I had an extreme fear of public speaking and even of small group or one-on-one visits with people, as I was always worrying about panicking and feeling embarrassed. I had extremely low self-esteem, and did not feel on an equal level with others, as I felt that there was something very wrong with me. I certainly was not comfortable in my own skin, and it caused me feelings of depression and anxiety for years. I would read self-help books having to do with coping with anxiety and discovering my true self, but nothing worked all that well, until I told my doctor about my anxiety and she suggested I try Paxil. I got on it, and the drug has completely changed my life! I no longer have any panic attacks; I have quit my dead-end job that I worked at for 15 years just because I thought I couldn't do anything else, and am now a sales representative with my own home-based business; I am a better mother to my four children; I no longer have a sick feeling in my stomach so much of the time like I used to have (in fact, I don't ever have that sick feeling at all anymore!). The only drawback I may see to this is the fact that I have not experienced this self-confidence ever in my life before this, so sometimes I get a little carried away in social situations, and maybe say too much or act a little wilder than a lot of the other people. I now do not worry about anything, and I have a general feeling that everything will be fine in life. I have gone from one extreme to the other with dealing with stress, and I definitely like this extreme a lot better! Published: December 21, 2007 ::

The Paxil works great while you are taking it. However it is VERY DIFFICULT to get off the drug. I urge anyone considering going on the drug to do some research on the web and discover the awful things that happen to people that are experiencing withdrawal from Paxil. Published: September 28, 2007 ::

this med has helped me greatly. i have a good feeling of well being and have been able to do things that would normally of been difficult for example going out with a crowd of people , Published: September 20, 2007 ::

Paxil has truely been a life saver. My panic disorder was so bad, my husband had to drag me out of the house for my son's b-day party. I went but was terrified. I have been on it for almost 3yrs and can count on one hand how many panic attacks I have had. There has been a little weight gain, sex drive returned to normal after 2 months. Overall, I call my Paxil my wonder drug! Published: May 08, 2008 ::

This medication could cause you to gain weight very quickly! I was on Paxil from June 2004 through December 2006 and during that time gained 50 lbs. No other changes in appetite or exercise. When i tried to take off weight, it was very difficult. My doctor finally changed me to Cymbalta when she realized that I had ballooned in weight and she thought that the Paxil ahd something to do with it. It also lost its efffectiveness after awhile and I began to have some depression symptoms returning. Now that I am on another medication, I'm takign off weight easily and feel much better. Published: February 05, 2008 ::

It works fine, with a very slightly euphoric sensation after the first 2-3 weeks which goes away in a few months or less. Initial inability to climax during intercourse (men and women) fades after several months. Only real problem is that quitting is REALLY hard. I haven't had any psychological withdrawals, but the physical withdrawals were FAR more intense than the 'slight flu-like symptoms' described by the manufacterer. My symptoms were more like serious sea-sickness or a bad hangover... inner ear seemed to be off in me and I felt the room spinning until I took some of the drug. I took it initially in 1998 after a breakup and have been unable to kick it due to the discomforting side effects. Anyone have a solution? Published: January 01, 2008 ::

I have been on Paxil for over a year now and its really helped me with my anxiety, and even with symptoms that I didn't think were related to anxiety! It is nice to feel clear-headed and peaceful again. Also, I have had no sexual side effects or weight gain. Be warned though, do not miss your doses or try to get off the med cold turkey without your doctors guidance!! It will give you severe vertigo/dizziness and crazy mood swings. Published: February 27, 2008 ::