Posted by caroline h. on March 20, 2001, at 19:03:28
In reply to Paxil and weight gain and water retention, posted by Red on November 30, 2000, at 1:58:58
> I've been on Paxil for about 4 months. Began at 20 mg and am now up to 40 mg. I've been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The Paxil seems to help my anxiety, and the initial increased fatigue (thought that was what Paxil was suppose to help with Chronic Fatigue Sydrome!) is decreasing. I'm not sure if that's because I'm taking some GNLD multi-vitamins, plus the Super B Complex GNLD vitamin, or if it's just the symptom decreasing as it's suppose to do. However, lately I've noticed that I'm gaining weight, and especially the last 2 days, I'm retaining water/fluid in my legs and feet. Has anyone had this experience? I don't know if it's the Paxil or the combination of the Paxil and the vitamins (which are made from the true food source - not synthetic). Also I take compound "natural" hormones. I get them from a compounding pharmacy. I hate Premarin because I have a serious phobia of cancer. I'd appreciate any feedback. Thanks!
Red-my sympathies to you re:CFS. I still have residual symptoms after three active years and three roller-coaster years with CFS.
Just saw this posting of yours - wish i had seen it sooner.
someone could disagree with me, but i can't understand why anyone would prescribe Paxil for anyone with CFS. Although many people's CFS cases are different, (they tend to group in terms of clusters of syndromes,) Paxil is an infamous sedating anti-depressant and weight putter-oner for non CFS people. CFS also puts weight on people cuz of slower metabolism, and God knows, you don't need sedation except perhaps at bedtime. the best CFS antidepressants are Prozac and Wellbutrin becuz they are the most stimulating. CNS stimulants (ritalin, dextrostat, adderall, desoxyn and provigil) also can help, but some doctors think CNS stimulants help CFS people but hurt them in long run. Selegilene (spelling?), particularly Eldepryl, (brand name) is also good for cfs, but its effect can be subtle and/or dosages need to be high. some mix of eldepryl and provigil is thought to be better for a cfs-er's system; it's more gentle than the SSRI's and the amphetamine cfs stimulants.
if you need more help with cfs, you can email me directly (chdurie2@aol.com) i certainly don't know it all, but i've been around the CFS block quite a few times and have seen and learned a lot.
i hope you're able to get well soon.
caroline h.
poster:caroline h.
thread:49669
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010319/msgs/57012.html