Switching From Pristiq To Paroxetine (Top voted first)

My doctor has suggested changing to paroxetin. I have read a lot of reviews and majority are negative about the paroxetine. I am starting to worry. I have bad depression obsessive disorder and anxiety but with all the reveiws it seems not to be a good pill. Can you please tell me the experiences you've had while being on it? Thank you.

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Hello, Dee! How are you?

One thing that you have to remember about online reviews is that the people with good experiences rarely go hunting sites like this to discuss such things. Generally, those that hunt up such sites, are those that have problems and are looking for reasons, or others that share their experiences. However overall, it's a very small percentage of the millions of people that are taking it.

For example, Paxil/Paroxetine has always worked great for my ex-husband, with very few side effects, though the FDA does list the typical ones as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, mood swings and weight changes.

It is really a matter of trying any given medication and seeing how it works for you.

Have you started taking it, yet?

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Hi I am on half a tablet for 3 days then a full tablet after that I'm hoping for a positive outcome

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I was on Paxil for 3 years and felt fantastic. I maxed out on it and the withdrawal was absolutely horrible. My doctor refuses to prescribe it any longer to anyone.

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Hey Dee, I've been on paroxetine for 10yrs, best thing I've ever done. If it ain't broke don't fix it !

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I took Paxil (Paroxetine) for 2 years, for panic attacks. It does have some side effects, like yawning. And be sure you don’t make any important decisions or buy that expensive car you always wanted, because Paroxetine will make you think you can do anything! It gives you “super” confidence! It DID keep my panic attacks at bay, though.

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I have been on Paroxetine now for 10yrs with no problems whatsoever. It's worth a try. It might just be the one med that suits you.

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Re: Kimberly 123 (# 15)

I totally understand what you are saying and going through. When I got off Paxil, because I maxed out and due to weight gain mostly, it was horrible. And I was weaned off by my psychiatrist. Due to those awful side effects when one comes off she no longer prescribes Paxil. It's a shame they have those side effects because for depression it is a great pill. I am now on Pristiq which doesn't make you gain weight.

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All i can think of is if Pristiq has been working, why change? And if change is indicated then why be asked to switch to a medication of a completely different category? Who is asking you to change? I thought i read it was your insurance company this makes no sense. It is you working with your clinicians where such choices and decisions. Insurers are not medical providers. Not qualified to do any thing but pay for what you need to ve as well and stable as possible or not. If not to give good reasons why and a means vy which you and your provider can appeal.

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I have taken Paxil 60 mg. for almost 20 years now. Initially, I started at 20 mg. And over time slowly increased to 60 mg. I have never had one bad side effect while taking my Paxil. Although, a word of advice.... If you just abruptly stop taking it or simply run out, the effects from that alone is awful. You will have severe brain zaps & nausea, just feel terrible physically if you stop the medication. Otherwise, I highly suggest it due to no bad side effects at all for me.

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Re: Dee (# 2)

Hey Dee, I know it's an old post but I hope it worked well for you ?

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Re: Verwon (# 1)
paxil was great for me but the down side is you gain LOTS of weight.i got off it and lost.

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I first started taking Paroxotene for Panic Attacks. It got rid of my panic attacks. Paroxitene changes your whole attitude. If a problem occurs, you are not bothered by it. It also gives you Super confidence. Like a carnival ride that you’ve always been afraid to ride...on Paroxitene, you are not afraid of that ride that made you go upside down, and you ride the ride! It also hides emotion. You don’t cry/tear up when you watch a sad movie, or remember a sad thought. It also makes you lazy! The things you liked to do before, or things that have to be done, you now put them off. Nothing gets done! If you were going to bed at 11 pm, you’ll be lucky to stay up at 9 pm! And don’t buy anything really expensive or make important business decisions while on Paxil - It’s the Paxil talking and not your true thoughts!! I did not feel like myself while taking Paroxetine...and I wanted my emotions back, and anger too - it’s ok to have some anger. And I also needed to get things done around the house. So I stopped taking it after a while. Short term use, like 3 months, is ok, then get off of it, otherwise, the Paroxetine will start thinking for you!

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Re: TRANSPLANTED YANKEE (# 11)

Paxil is great. Downside is you gain tons of weight.

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Re: dobbs (# 12)

I didn't gain weight on Paxil. I've been taking 60 mg for years now.

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Re: Kimberly 123 (# 13)

I'm happy that you didn't gain any weight on it but most that do take it have a problem with weight gain. If it works for you stay on it because as far as treating depression it is a fantastic drug. I'm so sad the only reason I got off it was because all the weight I gained.

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Re: dobbs (# 14)

I've read many, many reviews about Paxil & weight gain was one of the top complaints. I am fortunate that it didn't cause me to gain weight. I'm not even certain I am benefiting from the Paxil anymore considering how long I've been taking it. I only know when I skip a day or two or run out for a day or so, I am physically affected by it. I experience severe brain zaps, nausea, & flu like symptoms.

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