I have been on this medication for 16 years! It was pretty new on the market when I tried it. At that point, it was the alternative to prozac which was always in the news. I didn't want any part of that! I've had excellent results with this medication. It gave me life! I was a mess before starting (depressed and anxious) and had been that way for about 12 years, but within 2 weeks I started to feel "normal". I was concerned about being on the medication when I got pregnant for my second son, but he is 4 years old and completely normal. I had tried to go off the medication a few years prior to my pregnancy and I also experienced withdrawal type symptoms. I was decreasing the amount I was taking over a few weeks. I reached a certain point and it was not possible to go any further. I don't mind taking it because it allows me to be "normal". It would be nice not to have to depend on it, but it beats the alternative. I just pray they never stop manufacturing it! Just like a diabetic that takes insulin to live, I take Paxil to live. I don't think we should feel bad about that. If a diabetic stops their insulin, they will have serious problems. The same is true for us. I think we should be glad that we have medications available to us. Sure it would be nice not to take them, but sometimes that's not possible. Published: January 21, 2008 ::

This is a follow-up note to my 1+ years on Paxil. The star rating says it all as it pertains to the treatment. THIS POST, addresses the weight gain issue of some users. I have NOT gained any weight on Paxil. That's not to say that if I didn't realize what was happening, I'd be bigger than a house by now. For whatever reason, Paxil' beneficial effect turns off the "I'm full" button in your head. For me, I could eat until I exploded and not feel full. This must go along with the sedative/calming or (la-la-la who-cares) effect of this group of drugs). The weight gain is YOUR responsibility. Establish portion sizes and STICK WITH IT!! No 2nd's!! (That will be just the next step before 3rd's, ect.) When you wake up at night, AND YOU WILL, do not raid the pantry for chips, cookies, ect. This is the area to consentrate on. Meals are now VISUAL BASED since you'll have a hard time getting the "full" feeling any more. Hope this helps! PS: If you ever say to yourself "this one small amount of ???? at 3AM won't hurt", you need to re-read this post. Published: March 06, 2009 ::

1st of all I read all the reviews and just laugh, all meds work differently for EVERYBODY. It will work for some and not for others. This med gave me my life back! I was suffering from panic attacks so bad I couldnt do a single thing without having an attack. Ive been on the med for around 4 yrs. I never liked the idea of taking pills but once I started on 10mg I up'd my dose to 20 mg and have been on that since. I have about 2 weeks where I had to be off the med and it wasnt the greatest but was doable. Just made me feel lightheaded and dizzy. but in all reality I would much rather feel that then another panic attack ever. So basically if this is a med that can work for you I say go for it. it was a miracle for me. Published: January 13, 2009 ::

WARNING!!!!! I am a 45 year old female that has been on Paxil, Paroxetine for about 20 years. Although the medication caused weight gain, which to a woman is very stressful I continued to take it for my anxiety and depression. I was told many years ago by a therapist who wanted me to try a different medication that I had to wean off of the paxil. I did not notice any side affects because I immediatly started the new med and then with in a couple of weeks due to a reaction from the new med was put back onto the paxil. Long story short, I recently have tried to go off of the paxil. About 3-4 weeks ago now. Since I have weaned off, I am experiencing debilitating side affects. If it weren't for starting a new medication for a different issue that can not be mixed with Paxil, I would go back onto it. I feel awful!! My head feels woozy, and my lips are tingly. All my limbs feel numb and tingly. When I move my head, I get these weird feelings of electrical shock in my brain. I have a headache most of the time and have had extreme mood swings. I have no energy. I have been trying to find a source to get more information on this, but it has been very difficult. At no time did the doctors tell me when I went on this medication that it would make me so ill going off of it. It has been almost over a month and I still feel horrible. I just want to let all of you know who are planning to go onto it. I do not know why the doctors do not express how bad the withdrawl is. If I had known, I would have asked to try something else or taking short breaks off of it. Please be careful taking this med and take care of yourselves. Published: September 16, 2008 ::

I have had bipolar depression since I was a child. I suffered with it until I was properly diagnosed in my late 30's. Life was very difficult for a long time. After trying everything else, such as herbal remedies, vitamins, etc.. exercise, talk therapy, etc, with little success, I finally gave in and tried many different antidpressants and tranquilizers. This was not easy either. I went through alot of side effects that affected my work, personal life, everything.. but I knew I had to keep searching..because I knew that I had an imbalance that needed to be treated with the correct medicine and that I needed to see a therapist who among other things could closely monitor the drug reaction, this is very important, you must see a doctor on a regular basis and be aware of and communicate any feelings, emotions, that you have that are questionable. After much trial and error I have finally settled on paxil. I started with 15 mg. and am now up to 60 mg. (my doctor calls it a "therapeutic dose"). I feel better with the higher dose. It has helped with my peri-menopause symptoms, anxiety and bipolar depression. I will take it as long as it continues working, along with continuation of exercise, proper diet, etc..which is very important because one of the side effects for me was weight gain. I would suggest trying this medication if you need to, however, if you decide to go off of it, remember, you must wean off of it very gradually and be monitored by a doctor, there are intense withdrawal symptoms that can be difficult if you don't stop properly. Remember to communicate with your doctor at all times. I wish you well. Published: June 24, 2008 ::