I have been given paxtine for anxiety. I do not have panick attacks but have had heart pulpitations now for 7 days in a row,everyday,I had blood test and an ecg all fine,doc said its the anxiety,I do feel out of breath and think am over breathing,if that makes sense. Reading up on the net about paxtine, I cant seem to find anything good apart from people writting about how hard it is to come off it. I have been told to only take 1/2 a tablet which would be 10 mg.The side effects ar overwelming,it can cause anxiety? lol, dizziness,vomiting,zapping,personality change,diarhea, etc etc,is it worth it? Whats the difference in anxiety and all these side effects? Dont know what to do,just wanted to take something,while I also go see a psychologist who can help.Any advice? Thank you.   (Sat May 2 1:04 2009)

After being on Paxil for about 3-4 months, my
prescription has run out and I don't have the time to go in
to see my doctor at the moment (I'm a senior in college
with a full schedule, an internship and finals on their way).

The withdraw symptoms have become insanely debilitating - I haven't been to bed before 4:30 in over
two weeks, my dreams for the past two months (way
before I started withdraw!) have been so vivid and
anxiety-ridden that I wake up feeling emotionally drained
every morning, I sweat like a linesman in a steam room
non-stop, my head feels like it's going to explode and
even Excedrin doesn't help, and now, on top of all this, the
head spins have begun.

I'm only 22, but I've been on at least 5 different
medications (Cymbalta, Lexapro and Celexa, just to name
a few) in the past year - not a single one has been worth
the side effects. Nausea, vomitting, dizziness, muscle
spasms, ataxia, tacchardia, increased anxiety - I've had
them all and nearly failed classes because it's usually so
bad that I can't even attempt to function. Teachers seem
to think that my explanations of anxiety and side effects
are just excuses because they don't understand the
severity.

I'm done. I can't handle my anxiety on it's own, but this
feels even worse. I'm hoping with all my heart that the
head spins at least subside so I can make it through the
end of school, but I'm not banking on it and I wish more
than anything that my Dr. had been kind enough to warn
me about how severe this would be - I was lead to believe
Paxil was a good option because I WOULDN'T suffer
symptoms like this...   (Wed Apr 30 22:48 2008)

Just to add Aropax helped me to remain calm in times when I would have been terribly anxious, however they did not help with dental anxiety and I still had to be put to sleep at my last visit. I felt they helped with a very general feeling of wellbeing. Like nothing bothered me generally. Because of that though I felt almost numb and unusually euphoric. I had little pms and my kids thought I was wonderful because nothing they did bothered me. My libido went right down to nothing and I didn't even need a hug from anyone cause all was well in my little world. It was strange and my friends used to ask me why I was such to low responder to anything. I want to be normal again and I'm gonna tackle my anxiety without aropax.   (Thu Apr 24 17:46 2008)

Have been off Aropax for eight days now. Tried to wean off over two weeks (doctors advice) but have gone cold turkey now. It is sooooo difficult to come off. I have the shocks, nausea, headaches. Thought I was getting the flu on the 4th or 5th day. Can't sleep, crying all the time. My temper is so short that I can't be around my family. I am still working fulltime and trying to hide it. When it comes to the boss, friends and family there is little understanding or sympathy. When I mention it I am considered freaky or a whinger. I have had suicidal thoughts just to rid myself of how bad I feel. I can't sleep and I'm worn out. I keep wondering is this what I was like before I went on them? I felt good on them but had no libido at all. I decided to come off for that reason as my poor husband was frustrated. Please someone tell me that it will be over soon! Everything is overwhelming, even the housework which I don't normally find too hard. HELP!! I'm going crazy...   (Thu Apr 24 17:21 2008)

For those looking for natural alternatives for depression or anxiety, look into 5HTP (I use Jarrow which is free of contaminants that others have). I used to take Lexapro and had vertigo and nausea when weaning off (took about 2 weeks) but once I started this I felt much better. I get the same help w/depression AND get better sleep ALL WITHOUT SIDE EFFECTS. 5HTP is a natural amino acid needed by your body and can help w/fatigue, sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, etc.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK AND EMPOWER YOURSELF! Some dr's prescribe because they don't want to truly help you and others know of no other way, leaving YOU to deal with the side effects which can be debilitating. One just put my mother on Paxil to enable her to get better sleep and she is NOT depressed - I'm angry that they do this just to make the pharmas money! Now she needs to wean herself off of this just to get to something natural -- but the switch will be worth it!    (Thu Apr 17 12:43 2008)

Day 9-feel that my brain is gonna colapse.the eye shutter stutter thing has decreased,the nausiation is still there constantly.the last 2 days ive felt im gonna pass out-like no oxygen or blood in my brain.has anyone felt that?still got pulpations in my head,brain and ears.increased libido.my doctor is not aware of what i am doing.been on aropax about 8 years.going cold turkey feels like it will be the death of me.   (Fri Mar 14 6:42 2008)

my father took paxil and it made him go insane. He was paranoid and very strange. This "anti-deppresent" has had an effect on many people. My dad ,whose name i cannot put on here without his permission, went completely crazy and had thought of suicide and he even ran his truck through our house(doesn't that sound familiar to some of you?) My father has been of the drug for some time now and is doing perfectly fine. He testifies against the drug and helps people overcome their horrible experiences. thank you for your time    (Mon Feb 4 8:22 2008)

I started to take paxil for three days. Those three days i suffered from crying spells and seriously contimplated suicide. increased my depression and felt like i was emotionaly out of control. I stopped taking it and this is the 4th day. I feel a little better but still not the same. I know it works for some people but for me it was soooo bad for me. Just thought i should add this note.   (Sun Jan 6 0:54 2008)

Ok everybody knows that the withdrawal symptoms when coming off paxil is hell. What i want to know is if while you were on it DID IT HELP WITH ANXIETY, PANIC ATTACKS AND OR DEPRESSION?? My anxiety is so bad sometimes that i pray for a solution and if paxil works for me then i dont really care about the withdrawals. If your going to post about paxil list the pro's and the con's please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   (Mon Dec 31 18:17 2007)

i've been on Paxtine for about 5 months now and my dose has recently been increased to 40mg/day. I had the usual revolting side effects at the start and again when I increased the dosage.
Now the main symptoms I have don't seem to bother my GP. I have profuse night sweats every night. It's gross!!! I've gained at least 8 kilograms and I still feel emotionally strung out and I have outbursts of anger that I never had before I started on this drug. It's frightening.
Can anyone suggest an alternative anti-depressant that can at least go some way in making me feel ok about myself???   (Wed Oct 24 1:52 2007)

I know this is off the paxil subject but i have found Marijuana helps Deppresion and some what anxiety, mabe a sativa which is harder to come by because of prolong growing period comparded to any indica most likely a sativa indica mix would be the anxiety solution and also deppends on Personal mind. If any one else has found something helpful please post.   (Fri Aug 3 20:18 2007)

Im about to start taking it, or possible start taking it from this message bord im seriouly doughting that i will this drug sounds horrible and so far i cant believe i was prescribed this. Also does any one know of a natural med that helps anxiety and deppersion Thanks Peace

I have been off aropax now for one month, at first I was unable to sleep at night and I had this amazing energy level I would be up early in the morning and start cleaning the house all day I couldn't sit still I would sit for a few mins and would have to get up. I had a constant cough which went on all day and always had trouble with my sinuses when I was on aropax now that has stopped no more coughing and no more sinus problems I am still having trouble sleeping, which is why I am writing this at midnight, I feel much better in myself it hasn't been easy and I am hoping I can keep staying off them. I have been short tempered with my partner through this but not as much as I thought,I have been having alot of muscle pain and flu like symptoms which can be hard I have stopped working to get off the aropax I must get off the antideppessent since I have been on aropax I find I haven't been able to stay at any jobs I keep changing my job and I was still getting bad anxiety even with taking the aropax the side effects on the aropax were getting so bad that I felt like I wanted to kill myself just to stop the way I was feeling I carn't believe doctors can prescibe this medication to people the side effect got worse the longer I was on the medication, the withdrawl has been slow I first managed to work myself down to half a tablet from one I would feel sick and vomit, feeling dizzy at gradually this stopped and I stayed on half a tablet for a year now I am off I don't miss the aropax or feel I need it, however I don't know how I will cope if I and when I have to go back to work I have stopped work for 2 months and 1 month is gone my partner carn't support me forever, this is the scary part because I find I have touble with my concentration and my mind doesn't take things in very quickly I think this is part of the withdrawl and will go away eventually,since I have been off the aropax I haven't had any feelings of killing myself like I did when taking the aropax I am wanting to do more laughing more enjoying life more the cloud over my thoughts and feelings has been lifted even with the side effects, I went to a new doctor and he is helping me to get of the aropax and he has sent me to a clinical scicologist to help with the anxiety he is teaching me how to contol the thoughts the go through the brain and to notice your thoughts and learn what to take notice of and what to ignore, this is helping especially he has given me a meditation tape I find it helps relax me which helps with the withdrawl I find getting up and dressed every morning no matter how you are feeling even if you are feeling so bad u just want to stay in bed and hide you must have a shower and get up at early in the morning like u would if you were going to work and try to do something with your day even if it's reading anything than staying in bed helps the withdrawl,the last two weeks of this month have been the worst I thought it would be the easiest I have been feeling physically sicker and my body has hurt these last two weeks with bad pains in my back front and all over but I am not going to give up after all the pain of this last month has been to hard just to go back on to the aropax no way that would be such a large step back since I have come all this way I am going to make it, this week I have to go back to the doctor for my first check up and then i will be on to my fifth week and I feel proud of myself.   (Mon Jul 2 7:46 2007)

Don't know if this will help, as I only know that it is helping with my Cymbalta withdrawal "ordeal". I've been through Paxil withdrawal several times...initially because I neglected to get my prescription refilled and was without it for 3 days...HOLY CRAP...and, finally, when my pdoc switched me to Lexapro without a "merging" of the two (i.e., increasing one while tapering the other).

In any case, that particular withdrawal wasn't as terrible as the one where I went without ANYTHING for those 3 "oops" days.

So, I have recently come off Cymbalta and was still "withdrawing" with some NASTY side effects that, if I recall correctly, were quite similar to the Paxil withdrawal. Even two weeks later, I had zaps, spacial disorientation (a quasi-dizziness), severe nausea -- such that it was necessary to drink water and force myself to vomit, because walking around feeling that bad was absolutely THE WORST sensation and for a while after vomiting I would feel somewhat better and have a brief respite from the nausea.

Decided that the symptoms were so very much like motion sickness that I tried a motion sickness aid (I'm in the USA) -- meclezine hydrochloride (found at 25 mg in the over-the-counter meds marketed as Dramamine and as Bomine).

Just thought of this on Thursday when all I could do was go to bed, turn on the fans and SLEEP (so long that my joint aches finally drove me out of the bed...that's a lot of sleeping!!!).

Upon rising Friday morning, I took one Dramamine around 9-ish. A friend had a partial package of the Bomine (ooooh, flavored chewables, though certainly not tasty). I didn't read the directions of the Dramamine (oops, 1 tablet and no more than 2 per 24 hours), so after 4 hours, took 2 Bomine (1-2 a day). Had NO zaps, NO nausea, NO spacial disorientation...a REALLY excellent day!

Saturday, following package directions, took ONE Dramamine around 11 a.m. (late night, late morning!!). The zaps came back around 7, so took a second Dramamine, and all was okay...felt fine the rest of the day and evening.

This morning, took a Dramamine around 9:30...the zaps and some spacial disorientation have been back for as much as an hour (it's 6:30), so just took another Dramamine...shoudn't have let my body get ahead of my "solution", a my stomach is feeling rather icky!!

So, I've decided that I need at least TWO tabs. Now, I weigh 250, so that might be a factor in how much MY body needs to keep shut down the withdrawal symptoms.

Am going to check with a pharmacist to see if I can take three a day -- two in the a.m and one in the late afternoon. If so, I'll certainly maintain that dosage, since Friday was such a really withdrawal-symptom-free day.

Oh, and I've finally learned that mdocs and pdocs only know how to prescribe this stuff...they know far to little about combinatory effects of meds, so ALWAYS TALK TO YOUR PHARMACIST ABOUT YOUR MEDS (prescription, OTC AND herbal concoctions). No point in killing oneself when that wasn't the intended outcome!

Blessings on you all!!

   (Sun Jun 10 17:47 2007)

I am from NZ and I am trying to get off aropax I have been taking it for 2 yrs and find I have put on weight and I feel I have no personality when I am taking the full strength aropax,I am tired constantly and I have no interest in any sexual relations with my partner. At the moment I have been taking 10mg I cut the dose down by half, now I am on nothing I am trying to get off completely. I have the support of my doctor through this which helps alot. I wish everyone luck who are trying to quip Aropax it is hard, but it's great to know I am not the only one going through this.
























   (Thu Jun 7 7:28 2007)

Have been off Aropax for two and half weeks.
Physical symptoms have abated, but am an emotional wreck...is this an effect of coming off Aropax or my depression returning?
List of emotions...agitated, angry, crying over nothing and anxious.
Don't know if to go back onto anti-depressents of give it more time.
I would apprecitate any feedback. Feeling really confused at the moment.   (Sat May 5 3:17 2007)

Hi all, firstly I want to thank all of those who contribute to this site as I am also a new user of Aropax and what a journey I have had!!! Reading this site has helped as you realise you are not alone or are the only one feeling this wicked sensations when on these drugs.
I went onto Aropax only 6 months ago, had a little melt down I think caused by many things but looking back now mainly STRESS!!!
Not depressed but severe anxiety attacks which was totally out of character.
The side affects when beginning the aropax were horrendous..head noises, tummy upsets, migraines....freaky stuff!! I was basically bedridden for 1 week and it took 3 weeks to feel slightly normal again. I started on 20mg then went to 40mg...(that was depressing).
I have since knocked back the dose very slowly to 5 mg (half a tablet a day) and feel fantastic. For those trying to come off, I seriously recommend the following, it may work for you. I went from 20mg (2 months) to 10mg(one month) to 15mg (one month) and now to 5mg(for the next month. I have had absolutely no side affects coming off this slowly. I am very tempted to just stop but don't want to muck it up. I also have a great doctor who reccommends diminishing doses slowly for all drugs. One terrible feeling I had when on 15-20mg was a terrible bloated sensation and lump in the throat type thing. I seriously thought this was anxiety back and considered increasing the dose again, I didn't thanks to my pig headedness and once I went to 5mg I have not had this sensation again and feel great. There is life after Aropax and what you read may not necessarily be what happens to you. we are all differnet so if your experience if different to any you have read please write about it as I am sure there will be someone who will relate to it and not feel so alone.
As with most Aropax users, the weight piled on over the first 2-3 months, 10kg in that time!! It is coming off now though and I am not trying too hard. The sex drive also sucked, orgasms were extremely hard to achieve (I am a female so it's not only men that suffer here) that alone is enough to drive anyone off this drug!! I can safely say I am back to normal now.
I hope someone can relate to this story and if you need any help in getting off Aropax I am only to happy to discuss.
You can do it! (Wed Apr 4 22:55 2007)   (Thu Apr 5 6:01 2007)

Hi Everybody.
I live in New Zealand.I am, after 22 years on antidepressants of differing sorts,finally trying to come completely off these drugs.I have been taking Aropax for 3 years now,and started tapering off my 40 mg per day dosage 4 weeks or so ago.Even while taking the 40 mg dose per day,I would often have those notorious brain "zaps" so often mentioned by other users.I knew of course when I started to wean my dose down I would have to put up with a much increased occurance and severity of these annoying and now much more severe brain "protests".
I went from 40 mg straight down to 20 mgs per day over a two week period.Withdrawal symptoms annoying but bearable,still able to work.Since going down to 10 mg and now completely off all dosage for 2 days,the nasty and unpleasant symptoms have really kicked in.Zaps all day long,more severe,like being punched in the side of the head (without the pain),nausea,mouth filling with saliva as happens when ready to vomit,pains in the lower abdomen,liquid stools frequently,headaches,loss of balance,confusion,memory failures when asked simple questions.Not able to work this week if it does not improve quickly,luckily I have some time off owing to me.All of these things put you in a "fight or flight" state of mind..you can either go back on this horrible drug,or get angry with it as I have,and vow to perservere until completely rid of it from my system.I know it will take weeks of putting up with feeling totally alien in my own body,but I am so glad the underlying anger with this drug is just making my resolve stronger to keep off this hideous drug..to "grin and bear it" until things start to get better.I have put on approx 25 pounds of fat since starting to take Aropax,despite being a bodybuilder and exercising frequently,not consuming alchohol,watching my diet ,eating healthy.Extremely frustrating and contributes to a feeling of being "fat and lazy" when I do my best to keep the weight off.I know now it is the drug which causes this negative side effect.Sure...maybe a little weight gain is acceptable,but lately my waist has been expanding rapidly despite weight lifting,tough uphills rins regularly.At this rate I would be morbidly obese very soon.Scary stuff for anybody.

I have a history of depression in my family,plus losing my only child all made me go on anti d's in the first place at 20 years of age.

I have been looking for reassuring words in the texts on these pages,seems there is light at the end of the tunnel...even if the light is weeks or months away.

I will post again as I go through this withdrawal nightmare..day 3 tomorrow.

Hope everybody else going through withdrawal hangs in there..we will get through ok Im sure.

Take care.   (Sun Mar 11 4:44 2007)

...........and natural ginger tablets (from health food store), crystalised ginger (from supermarket) or anything containing sufficient ginger is very good for nausea. Ginger was proved to be more effective than anti nausea tablets in a documentary I watched on tv some time ago. I stay away from pharmaceutical drugs. They always have side effects!!! :)   (Mon Feb 19 17:31 2007)

haha I forgot to add... I ahve experienced some unpleasant withdrawal symptoms coming off paroxetine. Mostly "zaps" in the head (!) and upset stomach. However and much as this sucks I am happy to be just clearing this substance out of my body. I am a very driven individual and I was almost wanting to go cold turkey but I have been sensible and have come off paroxetine really slowly. Be kind to yourself :) You will get there!!! Keep it up   (Mon Feb 19 17:28 2007)

This is the first time I have been on this website and I just wanted to say how much I liked Jazzys post 'Keep Trying'. I have spent approx 2 years on 40 mg of paroxetine but I am now down to 10mg. I have never felt better. I hate how in New Zealand doctors prescribe antidepressants so easily! My own opinion is that they should never be prescribed without proper support. These drugs are dangerous. Therapy should always accompany medication. I can't talk though because for ages I was just on medication and at first I thought I was getting better but I never really got better til I started therapy (as hard as it was to go the first time!! :))

Blah blah blah anyway I have the attitude that unless I really have to keep putting this crap (sorry) into my body I would come off it and explore every other option there is. I do accupunture and its fabulous and im starting meditation. I really believe that medication is a last resort and that it should never be treatment on its own!

The last thing I want to say now is FIND A GOOD DOCTOR!!! Please! I have been told alot of crap by doctors/psychiatrists over the years. Find the best doctor and the best therapist you can. GPs are just not trained enough most of the time to be handing out such dangerous drugs!!! My old doctor was really really nice but he just kept wanting to increase my dosage and now I'm down to 10mg and never felt better. In fact all the other doctors I have talked to can't believe that I was put on Aropax as a first option!! I also see a naturopath because there really are amazing natural substances out there without the dreadful side effects of pharmaceutical drugs for almost every condition...and they work!!

Sorry if I rant but I feel so strongly about all this stuff! It's taken a long time for me to get to this place but I am happier than ever. I don't want anyone to ever feel like there is nothing left to try. YOU WILL GET BETTER!! :) :) :)   (Mon Feb 19 17:24 2007)

As I read the notes from some people who have just started on Aropax I worry. I believe that alternate methods should be found as this drug is not good. I have been on it for two years and tryng to get off of it, contrary to my doctor's orders, is difficult but I feel really good about myself. The physical withdrawals are awful and very difficult to describe to someone who hasn't experienced them, which sometimes makes me feel alittle crazy. I can't wait to be independant from this drug, using exercise and meditation, or natural medicines to help my depression and anxiety. Keep at it if you're trying to quit! We're in this together   (Tue Feb 6 21:44 2007)

Me again! No aropax now for 5 weeks. Only this week have I had 2/7 'normal' days! I am taking anti-nause to try and calm the nausia and vertigo. Just still so 'spacey'. It's really annoying, but determined to keep trying. It's at the stage now, and I'm thinking, is this still withdrawal symptoms, or is it a 'brain thing'. Has anyone out there had symptoms this long after stopping??   (Sat Jan 6 5:21 2007)

i have been taking paxil for about 13 days and have not felt any different i also have gotten drunk 3 times. I know im not supposed to drink but it calms my socail anxiety. I was wondering if my medicine will still have effect or will those three bad days i had completly erase all the other days. I was really just wondering how long it takes to work and something i could do to help me get through until it does.   (Mon Dec 25 12:52 2006)

Katay: The electricity has reduced to a point it only happens maybe 4 or 5 times daily usually seated and when I move my head but significantly less than 3 weeks ago.
The sexual side effects are gradually getting restored. It proves the old adage 'Use it or lose it' 8 years virtually 'celibate' because you couldnt perform (nor cared less about it) takes time. Erections are still a bit pathetic but one can only perservere. I dont want to get hooked on another pill , like Viagra,my view of the drug industry is a bit tainted after my experience with Paxil.
All I can say is I am so glad I quit, it was more difficult than quitting smoking but I now realise how 'bland and emotionless' it made me.   (Sun Dec 24 6:56 2006)

Like Keith, I have been on Paxil 20mg daily, for about two
years.

I finally decided to wean when I lost out on a potential
great relationship because I could not keep it up nor
ejaculate.... Some of the blame goes to lack of
understanding by the woman, but I put the primary blame
on the Paxil.....

Results: I reduced my dosage over a five week period from
20mg to 0mg (the last four days) ........ brutal.

I sleep too much, cannot get out of bed, and I am
constantly getting brain zaps, train-whistle noises, and
vertigo ...... but hey, it's nice to be able to jerk-off
again........ Anybody, how long till the electricity stops?   (Sat Dec 23 18:22 2006)

After 8 years on Paxil 20mg, I weaned off starting early October.I did this myself as I cannot find a doctor who will admit it to being a bad drug and so 'drop a colleague in it'.
I have been totally off for 4 weeks now. I stillget 'zaps' but treat them for what they are. I wake every morning with aching legs, no chance of lying in! My weight is starting to go dowm, woithout diet. I put on over 50lbs within the Paxil period.
Plus side, I am surviving well, I am no longer Bland! I am strting to give a damn about all sorts of things rather than let them wash over. Downside is wife preferred me being less argumentative. I cry now when I see my grandkids,Ive had laughs a plenty.
I doint think about Paxil except as a horrid dream. I finally flushed the 'just in case' remaining 10 pills down the toilet this week.
It gets better and better, bland is bad!!
Keith   (Sat Dec 23 10:15 2006)

Hi, This is my second year of Aropax. I use to suffer from severe anxiety attacks and fear of public speaking. Aropax helped greately....side effects ... weight gain. I felt lethargic and sleepy most of the to=ime but hapopy that mt attacks were gone. Weight gain was really bothoring me more and more as the scale went up. I decided to go of it. I cut the opills down to quarters, from 20mg, 10 mg for 2 weeks, 7.5 mg for 2 weeks, 5 mg for 2 weeks until I stopped. I hope the weight will come of. Plase is there anyone that lost all the weight after stopping taking Aropax???    (Sat Dec 23 1:53 2006)

I have been on Aropax for four years for anxiety and depression. Had no trouble in the start with it but as I continued to take it I developed bad mood swings and violence towards my husband and daughter. Ask GP to come off it completely which I have done over a three week period but then the withdrawals set in leaving flutters in my chest, they have gone now but the 'head zaps' are the worse, plus you have a feeling that you are drunk all the time. What a horrible drug! I have started seeing a counsellor which he has said that he can help get my life back DRUG FREE and I am giving it my best shot as I not not taking antidepressants again. They are good in the beginning and help you through life's difficulties but the withdrawls are a turn off. One positive that has come out of giving this medication up is that I have my sex drive and my marriage back which the medication very nearly took altogether. The main aim now is to start thinking positive thoughts and to be a happy, nice person that is going to attract other nice people. If you are not that sort of person you will lose everything and become very lonely, who wants that in life?   (Fri Dec 22 19:04 2006)

Hi All
I was on Paxil for about a year for anxiety. My first attempt to stop was a misserable failure after the MD's suggestion of going from 30mg to 10mg in two weeks time them stop. Well the symptoms were so bad that I ran back to using the drug at even higher dose. Bottomline, do your own research and tailor your treatment. I personally decided to have use a different approach. I reduced my dose from 30mg to 20mg for two weeks, then 15mg for another two weeks, then 7mg for another three weeks (hey buy a pill cutter), and finally one day I woke up forgot to the take the 7mg and nothing in form of headches or any other symptoms occurred. I currently paxil free and don't be fooled with those MD's insisting it is a mild drug and no dependence. That is all BS. I am now just strongly to get off the 20 lbs I gained during paxil use. Anyhow, my advice is different body mechanisms, but that worked for me and I will be stupid to ever try that route again
R   (Mon Dec 18 22:07 2006)

Hi, I'm glad I found this site & thought I'd add my bit:
I origionally took Aropax for my mood swings, I remember one side effect for this drug was that I could remember all my dreams - some I'd rather not remember!!
After a few years, It was reccomended to me to try "Olive Leaf Extract" as I suffer arthritis & it's a great antioxident, plus it would help with memory loss etc, been taking for a month, & although it tastes foul I feel much better! and thought I might give up Aropax just to see how I go, since I was only having half a tablet a day (I pity those who take a larger dose), my third day off & today & yesterday have been very dizzy, especially moving my eyes left to right, I nearlly vomit & fall over, Im 55 & felt like crying at times (what a sap!) I hope this is over soon, I don't want this over the Christmas break!
This is some powerfull drug!!!
Cheers,
Reece. (South Australia)   (Mon Dec 18 0:30 2006)

I got the dizziness and the tiredness. I'm down to 10 mg about every other night or more and now I get this weird exhaustion hit me even in my sleep. It wakes me up and scares me. Feels like I'm falling into some kind of deep deep pit of exhaustion or like a third wind you get after being up way too long. I was wondering if anyone else felt this too? I've read the blogs and I don't see this one. I'm on a super slow weaning process because I'm such a whimp for meds. I took it in the first place for depression because I'm bipolar. My doc is helping me get off this and only after I told him I'm tired of being 30 pounds above my normal weight. My blood pressure started climbing. I've been on this stuff since 1999 right after a breakup. I also feel mad too much. So, I'm having to up my trileptal to compensate. That works. But these weird exhaustion attacks even in my sleep? That's scary. I can see though from th eother blogs that exhaustion is one of the side effects. That at least is reassuring. And that aggression increases as you wean off Paxil. I bet that my doc don't even know that one. The docs read PDRs not blogs from actual patients who experience side effects and later symptoms after they are trying to wean off paxil. Anyone else get these strange bouts of exhaustion even in their sleep?   (Wed Dec 13 21:31 2006)

Hi everyone, I have been on Aropax for the past 3years. I took it after having a panic attack and immediately felt like a zombie. However after time felt great. I am finding that I need a glass or two of wine every night for the past 2 years and am wondering if this is causing any problems. I am feeling that I have learnt how to deal with issues better but still get very emotional some days crying some days very happy. I have to remain positive. Anyway I have taken 3/4 tablet for about 5-6 days and now i am on half a tablet. I intend to continue this until xmas and then go to half none half none two weeks after xmas.
I have very sore shoulder and neck muscles and get the headaches but am feeling more normal.... Ihave two kids 6 & 8 am seem to be coping well; however I am getting paranoid about my partner. Anyone else suffering paranoia since on Aropax??? Anyway I will be strong and by mid Jan hope to be off this Aropax; however I must say I have been so much better than when I was the day I had to take it.
   (Wed Dec 13 5:46 2006)

Hey , thanks for the encouragement. I reduced my dose in half today and I am fighting the symptoms like crazy. I fell confident to do this, but my body is telling me that it needs replenished. What is wrong with these doctors, shouldn't they know what the symptoms are? I just learned that drinking alcohol is a contraindication which I was never told about. I'm not a heavy drinker, but a glass of wine with dinner or a beer now and then is quite nice. What is the side-affect with alcohol, do you know? My friend's dad was just put on Paxil last week after he had a heart attack to reduce his anxiety. I let her read the side effects and she was not happy with what she read. Is any one familiar with anything natural that would help ease the symptoms or the anxiety? I hope I can get through these next few days.   (Thu Dec 7 14:43 2006)

Yes it is scary to withdraw and wait for the inevitable, but if it's time for you to do it, you will. I spent 3 days almost entirely in bed. I couldn't move my head without feeling sick. As you can see by my previous notes, I was full of confidence at one stage! One week on from quitting all aropax, (paxil= same thing)and I'm having acupuncture! I guess the thing that all of us have in common - our brains are not producing enough seratonin for us to feel right. Excercise (hard when we are overweight I know)and certain foods all help boost the seratonin levels. Good luck with whatever you do, but whatever you do, do it gradually and don't worry, there is help here if you need it.   (Thu Dec 7 1:24 2006)

Reading your notes was like reading myself. I've been on Paxil for about 1 year for anxiety and depression. At first it seemed to work, I was more calm and patient, but now I am emotionless, no energy, the shocks in my head, the dizziness has caused me to fall to the point where I am afraid to walk down stairs or on uneven terrain. My Dr. sends me to a neurologist and neither have a clue what I am going through. I've gained weight and has depressed me even more. Now I know it must be the Paxil. I'm on 40 mgs daily and if I don't space the doses just right the withdrawals kick in and the symptoms take over. I'm scared to quit because of the withdrawals, but if I don't this medication is going to ruin whats left of my life. thanks for the support and any advise.

Found Aropax very helpful ,was suffering from Generalised Anxiety.Extremely difficult first couple of weeks taking it,suffered side effects of nausea,stomach cramps and extreme tiredness.battled through and have found it so helpful,but still had vivid dreams and occassional tiredness.Helped get life on even keel.Weaning of now .One tblet a day to 1/2 a day for 2 weeks.Now have just finished one week of 1/2 tablet every alternate day,one week to go then 1\2 a tablet only twice a week for 2 weeks then I'm done.Side affects are annoying but decreasing,when moving head suddenly or turning round get a funny sensation,kinda like your hyper sensitive,but it is improving.Have been sweating abit as well.Hey for me it's been a life saver I guess every one is different ,but I have to agree with others people need to be made more aware of the side effects.Guy's your not crazy and it will get better .   (Sun Dec 3 22:36 2006)

Just to add a note to say I am now taking 2.5mg Aropax in the morning, and 1 tab St John's Wort 2000(Hypericum)in the afternoon. So far so good! I know you aren't supposed to mix the two, but it's a low dose of Aropax.... Hey if it works, I don't care! No feeling of nausea or panic so far. Hot flashes have also decreased heaps. If this keeps up, I hope to nock off the Aropax in another couple of weeks. I might replace it with SJW, so 2 tabs a day. At least it's a natural drug.   (Sun Nov 19 6:09 2006)

Hi all! I started taking 20MG of the regular Paxil back in February of 2000... That was when I was at my worst... I had a SEVERE panic attack episode which led to constant horrible anxiety for days (I lieterally couldn't sleep for 3 days)...

Paxil was basically a miracle drug for me, which after a week or two really settled me down and let me get back to feeling like "myself" again... I really think the absolute WORST feeling in the world, is when you DON'T feel like yourself and you don't think anyone understands... Trust me, I know this well...

Recently (starting about 6 months or so ago) I tried to finally get off the drug... The main side effects for me, were the lack in sex drive (I'm a male) and the overbearing fatigue throughout the day... I weened myself down by about 5mg every 3-4 weeks or so, until I very recently went to 2 1/2 mg every other day (I chopped up the pills to get an approximate dosage)...

Unfortuantely, I am having a very rough time now, and my Doc (who is a GREAT doctor and been a tremendous help through all of this) told me there's no shame in going back up slightly to 5mg... I did that and felt decent for about a week, and then bam, right back into this constant anxiety, depression, whatever you want to call it (where I am presently at)...

I have tried to FORCE myself into feeling better (which hasn't been working too well) and have tried adding more excercise into my routine, by walking over a mile every night, but I can't seem to shake this uneasy on edge feeling of constant gloom...

I work from home and run a recruiting and research business and dwelling on how I feel definitely mkes it worse (you'd think I would know this by now) *LOL*... But just today, I spoke with my Doc and he said it's not a big deal if I have to remain on the drug, andif it takes 10MG or 20MG to get back to feeling like myself, then so be it... It was reassuring to hear that, because I think deep down I really wanted to finally get of of this drug... I will start taking 10mg today, and if I don't feel better in a week or two, I may go back up to the 20MG I was previously taking...

I guess my feeling is that if I was fine for the majority of 6 years, while on 20MG of Paxil every day, then I should be able to get back to feeling "normal" pretty soon...

The past 2 months have been a nightmare... I'm sure all of you out there that suffer from depression, anxiety, panic attacks etc can understand that...

I guess the bottom line and point of my post was to reassure those out there, having difficulty with paxil and anxiety, depression, etc to hang in there and it WILL GET BETTER! Even in my constant state of gloom I am currently in I know that DEEP DOWN! I really can sympathize with those of you out there that suffer the same feelings I do, and there are many, many people that suffer from this sort of thing...

Sorry for babbling so much, but it helps me to get things out and I wish all of you the best... I really hope I can get back to feeling like myself very soon! Feeling of overwhelming anxiety and depression are hard for folks that don't experience it, to understand... I wouldn't wish it on ANYONE and I pray for all of you out there suffering from this horrible affliction!

God bless!

- Dan    (Thu Nov 16 12:54 2006)

this drug makes me sweat for about 4 hours after I take it.I'm not sure I need it anymore but am afraid to quite it because of the side effects. There must be something better out thre and yes it does bother your stomach thats why I take adivan.   (Wed Nov 15 21:57 2006)

Is anyone out there???   (Wed Nov 15 16:18 2006)

That's how it feels, a long dark foggy tunnel. I am well into trying to withdraw from this horrible drug, for the second time. First time I tried, got all the symptoms of withdrawal, but my gp said i should go back on it..he thought my symptoms were my anxiety coming back. I asked him if it could be to do with Aropax withdrawal, he said no, there aren't any withdrawal problems with it!! Because of you guys, I know this to be wrong, so have been weaning very very slowly. I cut the pill into quarters now, and am down to 2 days on a quarter, one day on a half (10mg). Sounds ridiculous doesn't it? Believe me, I know all about it when I'm onto my 2nd day on a 1/4. For a drug that takes a while to kick in to start with, it sure lets you know when you reduce by even the slightest amount, and very quickly too. I have found the best solution to feeling crap, is to go to bed and sleep. Have you ever been drunk, lied on the bed and close your eyes, and everything spins?? Ditto with this. Sleep takes it away, and hopefully you wake feeling a bit better. Go for walks, smell the roses and wait. Wait for the light at the end of this dismal tunnel.   (Wed Nov 15 1:23 2006)

I have been on Paxil Cr for 1 year now.I have tried to rid myself from this drug (3 weeks) but with my side-effects I was forced to get another supply. I have never been so irratable at people for doing things that would never bother me before. I have walked out on lectures from college because of being mad and because of the head zaps. I'm addicted to this drug.Need help to get off this sh**.   (Tue Nov 14 16:47 2006)

I am taking paxil, because I can't taper off, I recently won a lawsuit against GKS, because I can't taper off, I can't introduce anythen else as an anti-depressant, it's not working anymore, I have felt lethargic for years, it's been 10 years last month that I started using paxil, it did help me with some bad anxiety because of being a single mom and not having a job, but to try to go off the drug is impossible for many, if you have depression find anything you can, diet, exercise whatever, don't go on a pill, I was successful to taper off prozac in 1992, paxil lawsuit are taking place because the company failed to put precausions on the literature for the medical community, but did so in europe not usa, I only got $13,000 and my attorney got about $10,000, if you can't get off of it, see a medical malpractive attorney, the amount I got was based on the years I've used it, it's being prescribed like it's a good drug, however if you feel chronically like nothing matters and you lose your edge and passion for things, what good is it....   (Sun Nov 12 23:22 2006)

So this could be a little harder than I thought - coming off aropax having taken 20mg a day for a few years having been prescibed the little things to help with depressionanxietyblablabla. Still at least I now know why I am feeling thick-headed, shivering and -ironically- depressed. Could also explain why I've been well, unloving . . . towards my poor hubby recently - he most likely isn't the monster I thought he was! Thanks to all you brave people out there for sharing your experiences. I now feel encouraged that I am not alone in my efforts to move on - although it must be said it all sounds a bit hard, damn it!! I get scared to pieces too Tracey at times and I will be trying to 'hang in there' with you - wherever you are out there in the world!

I cannot believe I finally found a site that talks about this. I have been on Paxil for 10 years now. It worked great at first, but then the side effects began to take over. The decrease in sex drive was the worst and then the fatigue was next. I am now for the fourth time, trying to wwean myself from this drug. I was on 37.5 then to 25 and now to 12.5. The only side effects that I have so far are the headaches,tiredness, irritability and chills sometimes. It is not as bad as before and I have never gotten to this low dose before. When I got the the 25mg point, the doctor started me on Cymbalta 30mg. Tomorrow my Cymbalta starts at 60mg and the paxil every other day at the 12.5mg and then in two weeks stop completely. I am scared to pieces. I have two young children (4 & 6) and I work and I have a husband and a house full of chores to always be done. But this time, I have so hang in there, because I want off this Paxil for good. I want to have a sex life with my husband again. Anyway, if anyone has done the withdrawal like I have (with the other med also), let me know how it went if you'd like. I just can't beleive I finally found people who are going through this as well. I personally believe that the maker of this drug be held accountable for not telling its consumers of the severe withdrawal symptoms. I would not have chosen this drug if I had known.    (Tue Nov 7 22:15 2006)

I have been on Paxtine for ten weeks,part of the side effect it did not help me at all.The best way to come off do it slowly.I was on 40mg
and I have decided to come off.At the moment I am on 10mg with no withrowal syndrome one more week and Iam off and never going back to any medication it is a very bad drug I would not recomend to my worst enemy.Thank you for this web side It's made me strong to control
my life not Paxtine.Wish all the best to people with the same condition we can beat it
be strong and you will get better.Bless you all.
1/11/2006 Wed 11:30 am
   (Tue Oct 31 22:36 2006)

Hiya, I'm new here and was wondering if what I'm feeling is normal. I was taking Aropax 20 mg for 48 days, and it wasn't helping me with anxiety AT ALL! In fact, I spent most days crying and irritable and found it really hard to wake up. I had forgotten to take my pill for 3 days previous to this and during those 3 days I felt GREAT, like a huge weight had been lifted. In light of this, a week ago I stopped taking Aropax..cold turkey. Since then I've felt exhausted, occasionally over-emotional, bad dreams, waking up periodically through the night, but the worst thing are these "jolts" I'm getting. Not so much "head-zaps", but more like an entire body "zap". I have these almost constantly. If it wasn't for these I think I'd feel okay, but with them I feel really freaked out, like I'll never come right again! This could be the anxiety talking of course, but has anyone else experienced these "body jolts"?
Thanks in advance :)   (Wed Oct 25 22:16 2006)

Phyllis, I didn't take Paxil for menopause -- I was already on hormone pills when I started the Paxil. Didn't experience hot flashes when I went off the Paxil, but have them now as I've also stopped the HRT. They do seem to be getting better. But I just wanted to reassure you that the leg and foot crams WILL stop. I think I had them pretty bad from the time I cut back on Paxil until about a month or six weeks after completely being off of it. One thing that I think helped a lot was drinking LOTS of water, all day every day.

Best of luck as you work your way through the side effects into a Paxil-free life!

Paula

   (Sun Oct 15 22:04 2006)

I started taking paxil three years ago to help with hot flashes. I am going through menapause and my daughter heard it was good for hot flashes. It works great until you try to quit. I went from a 20 to a 10 now I take only 5mg.a day. I'm having night sweats, hot flashes, cramps in my legs and feet at night. Does anyone know how much longer this will last?    (Sun Oct 15 17:59 2006)