Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 125185

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Paxil, weight gain and sleepiness

Posted by WorryGirl on October 25, 2002, at 12:46:21

I am probably going to start taking Paxil in about 2 weeks.

From reading posts and talking with a few people who have taken it I was wondering:

1) Will taking paxil cause weight gain? I am trying to recover from bulimia, as well as chronic anxiety, and have been told that some people gain weight on it, while others lose weight. What is the explanation for this?

2) I've also heard people say that they experienced excessive sleepiness, especially at first, which sometimes wore off, but often never really did. Is the feeling of being on paxil sort of like taking an antihistamine? Whenever I've taken those I felt the reaction pretty strongly, experiencing sort of a dazed feeling.

Also, I understand that it takes about 4-6 weeks to notice any improvement. When and if it happens, will it be dramatic or so subtle that I just realize the change one day?

This will be my first time ever taking an antidepressant and I'm a bit nervous.
Thanks in advance.

Re: Paxil, weight gain and sleepiness

Posted by Jefff on October 25, 2002, at 19:56:08

In reply to Paxil, weight gain and sleepiness, posted by WorryGirl on October 25, 2002, at 12:46:21

Howdy,
Ive been on paxil for three years. I hate it. When I first started it (for about the first three weeks) I was dizzy, dizzy, and very very dizzy (like when you turn your head you'd feel like a huge wave of dizziness and nausea). It was hard to focus my eyes and I felt like I was in a partial coma due to being so tired. Yes, these severe symptoms do go away, although I still remain tired all the time (which could be not from the paxil, I dont know).
But dont dare miss a dose either or even go past 24 hours without your dose otherwise these wonderful symptoms come rite back (the dizziness, sickly feeling).
I was on 20mg but this past June I cut down to 10mg/day... and of course it was hell for about three or four weeks until I adjusted. I next plan to cut to 5mg, etc... and eventually get off this stuff (and perhaps try an maoi).
As for the weight gain: I personally began gaining weight before I even started the paxil (and have unfortunately continued to do so) so I cant say it contributed or not... but I have read that many people do gain weight on it. Id also like to know if there is a specific reason for this or are people just wrongly blaming the paxil?
It did somewhat help with my depression (after a few weeks) but it wasnt at all a dramatic, life altering experience (such as they portray in the commercials). And it did absolutely zero for my social or general anxiety.
BUT thats just my experience. I have no idea what it would do for you.... so I hope this helped anyway.
Jeff
Oh yeah... and the sexual side affects might be a problem too.

Which meds are the most similar to paxil?

Posted by WorryGirl on October 26, 2002, at 11:34:17

In reply to Re: Paxil, weight gain and sleepiness, posted by Jefff on October 25, 2002, at 19:56:08

Thanks Jeff,
Have you heard of any similar meds that might help with less negative side effects?

Re: Which meds are the most similar to paxil?

Posted by Kat26 on October 28, 2002, at 12:56:19

In reply to Which meds are the most similar to paxil?, posted by WorryGirl on October 26, 2002, at 11:34:17

What about trying Prozac, is has been used a lot with bulimia and is less likely to cause weight gain.

Kat26

Re: Which meds are the most similar to paxil?

Posted by Jefff on October 28, 2002, at 14:35:32

In reply to Re: Which meds are the most similar to paxil?, posted by Kat26 on October 28, 2002, at 12:56:19

> What about trying Prozac, is has been used a lot with bulimia and is less likely to cause weight gain.
>
> Kat26

Yeah, I was also going to say maybe you could try Prozac (only because I was on that as well on two different occassions and it had none of the symptoms Paxil does). But youd really be better off getting advice from more experienced people here, or hopefully your shrink will be able to understand your cocerns and prescribe you something accordingly.
Jeff

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