paxil and weight

[Laura]

Man that Paxil is a great drug for severe panic attacks and anxiety. It has stablized my life. I've been taking it for about 8 or 9 yrs. 30mg. per day. Yes, I've tried to quit or taper off with no success. I always decide a few days or hours into it that I'd rather be overweight and addicted than a crazy, frightened, panicked nut case!! After having 2 children (Paxil babies), my weight is at an all time high. It seems like after starting Paxil, I added at least a 15 lb. cushion. Now it just seems hard to lose the weight. My doctor confirmed that Paxil can make it difficult to lose weight. I can't lose it!!!!!!!!! I'm 36, 5'4" and 168lbs at 4 months post partem. I hovered around 147-155 before 2nd preg. and around 135-140 before 1st preg. Before Paxil I was about 125-130. (4 yrs. between pregs. )Plenty of time to lose the weight. I want to quit so badly because I don't want to be a fatty and so uncomfortable all the time. But, I cannot tolerate the severe, and intense withdrawal. Any ideas?? I'm sure there are no good ideas but it doesn't hurt to ask. Thanks, Laura

[feelin'_wiggy]

Hi Laura,

Yes, Paxil can be great for relieving anxiety until it turns on you. There are other ways to combat anxiety without the complications. I think the first question you have to answer is why you want to quit paxil. Is being overweight the only problem you have with it? If so, you'll probably have a difficult time committing to the work involved in withdrawal. In your previous attempts, what was your tapering schedule? Why not try tapering 5mgs at a time until you get down to 10mgs and then make smaller cuts until you reach zero. If you decide that you are ready to make an honest effort to withdraw, there is support here 24/7 and answers to all of your questions. Start by reading the Paxil Withdrawal Guide. The FAQ and Supplement sections also have lots of information. Good luck!

[rdjanis]

Hi Laura, welcome! Yes the withdrawal is difficult. Withdrawing from paxil is something you have to 'want' to do. In order to be successful you need to inform yourself, know what to expect, and keep someone close to help you through the process. The slower the withdrawal the better, it is not as severe this way.

Take care.

[Katesmom]

Laura,

I am new to the forum. I have been lurking quite a bit getting validation for all of the symptoms I have been experiencing during withdrawal. I read your post and could really relate. I was first given Paxil while I was pregnant in Oct. 2003. I had severe pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and was having a tough time with the blood pressure meds they were trying out on me. By nine weeks into my pregnancy, I had been hospitalized twice, on bedrest, no less, and my blood pressure remained high. My ob felt that Paxil would help with both the depression associated with being stuck in a hospital bed for nine days and the anxiety over my blood pressure. And it's likely that it did.

Unfortunately, I was really naive about Paxil's side effects and pregnancy totally masks them. 1) I gained 70 lbs. I could not figure out why I gained so much, and as I'm sure you know, once you gain pregnancy lbs they are with you your entire pregnancy. I dropped my "real" pregnancy weight (35 lbs) within 2 months of delivery. Fourteen months later and the other 35 lbs hover around my waistline. 2) I was really forgetful and inarticulate. This is classic pregnancy symptom. One that is recurring during withdrawal, and I guarantee that I'm not pregnant now! 3) Fatigue. Again, a classic pregnancy symptom. I didn't even remember what is was like to be the person who worked out 5 hrs a week by the time my daughter was born. I excused my lack of energy and inablilty to lose weight on being a new parent, on breastfeeding, etc. If I had known that it could be Paxil's fault, I would have quit months ago!

I decided to get off Paxil because the reason I started taking it had gone away. I am determined to because I need to lose this 35 lbs. I am 5'5" and currently weigh 170. I miss my clothes, I miss enthusiasm, I miss energy, and I miss feeling strong and healthy. I want to be able to chase my daughter around without needing a nap worse than she does. After all, I got on Paxil so I would have the chance to be her mom!

Kim, Kate's mom

[scotty]

Welcome Laura, and Katesmom!! Laura just like the others have said getting off paxil is a committment that you have to be prepared for. The reasons that you went on paxil are still there and will have to be dealt with. Now is the time to start doing that. Therapy,books,anxiety workbooks etc.. are all great places to start. Read the withdrawal guide(available here as a download). It will give you a good idea of what to expect. The MOST important thing to remember is that this isn't a race to get off paxil. Slow, consistent tapering will minimize the symptoms. Weight loss comes way down the withdrawal line! Post away, we've heard it all and are here to guide you through the process if that's what you chose to do.

Katesmom, You are experiencing what most do when taking paxil. The "zombie" effect is a powerful motivator to get off this drug. You have a great motivation in your child.

[MicheleT]

Welcome Laura and Katesmom. Thanks for sharing you stories.

[feelin'_wiggy]

Hi Kim,

Welcome to the site. You've come to the right place for help. Having Young children is a powerful motivator for working to regain your life. I wish both you and Laura the very best.