How did/does paxil work for you?

I've read a lot of conflicting information online. I'm starting 5mg tonight for social anxiety! I'm anxious constantly.

How fast did it help you? Did it/does it help you?

Have you noticed any side effects?

I've heard it can cause weight gain, but seroquel can also cause weight gain. and, it never caused me to gain a pound. I've also heard horror stories about "brain zaps" not sure what they are but yeah.

I'm young and slender, and I am definitely worried about gaining massive weight. I wouldn't put up with that! Just making sure I'm not starting a horror drug. Thanks.

It made me emotionally numb. I couldn't get angry. Which was good, because at the time I was angry all the time for no reason. It was the only SSRI that did anything. I was on it as a teenager, and I don't remember gaining any weight on it.

Thanks. Glad you didn't have a bad experience with it.

I'd rather be numb than feel what I'm feeling now.
Did it work pretty quickly?

From what I remember, yes.

Given what you're going through though, I think you will probably need a benzo to get you through the next week or so, until the Paxil kicks in. Did you ask your pdoc for some benzos?

She doesn't feel comfortable prescribing benzo's.

Says they're too addicting.

Tell her about what happened and tell her you need something short-term to get you through the nights until the Paxil kicks in. If she still refuses, ask for pregabalin. It's non-addictive, but works quickly.

I don't know anyone with bipolar disorder who doesn't have horror stories to tell about certain medication. The funny thing is though, it is different for everyone. Both Prozac and Zoloft made me a pepped up suicidal person who saw things and Celexa had me so spaced out that "I" didn't exist. I'm not sure where I was but, my personality was gone. I didn't even have thoughts! So weird. Stopped each one without tapering no problem. After that I said, no more SSRIs ever so, never did try Paxil. Point is, there are loads of people who do well with the three drugs I mentioned or who for whatever reason have issues going off them. People are more likely to be vocal about the bad experiences.

That being said, I freakin' love Wellbutrin except that for the last year or so I'm never properly hungry and can't sleep without Seroquel but, I don't wanna anyway!

Paxil made me completely numb. Couldn't get angry, sad, or anything. But at that point in my life it was a good thing. Its the only SSRI that even attempted to do anything for me. I was on a cocktail of Paxil, Wellbutrin and Doxepin for Major Depression and bi-polar. I loved the paxil, didn't like the brain zaps from quiting cold turkey. DONT DO THAT.

Thanks. So, I keep reading good stuff about it. But, super horror stories from just quitting abruptly. And, on top of the things you guys are telling me, I'm feeling pretty positive about it.

I tried it last night, and it knocked me out. More so than my seroquel already does. I didn't sleep too long though and don't feel groggy. So, let's hope it'll work.