how to lose weight from paxil

I have been taking paxil for about 5 years now. I never gained a pound from it and was always very thin (98-103lbs and I am 5'3"). I only started gaining weight in late 2006 and by then I'd already been on paxil for 3 yrs. Can anyone tell me if this could be a delayed side effect to the paxil? I have gained about 25lbs and I'm desperately trying to lose it. I want to take diet pills but I know it is not recommended while taking a SSRI. Does anyone have any advice? I've also tried getting off of it but the side effects are just horrible. Now that I hear I might not even be able to lose the weight when I get off is even more frustrating. I really wish I knew more about the drug before I decided to go on it because now I wish I never had.

I was eating a high fiber, reduced calorie diet and lost only 5 lbs. while on paxil. The Doc switched me to Zoloft (for GAD) and I lost 10 lbs. in 4 weeks without any other changes in diet or excercise!

after i had my first son i was hit with postpartum depression, and lost 25 lbs immediately after he was born, partly from baby weight, partly b/c i couldn't eat (i'm 5'10, pre-pregnancy weight was 165 or so). i was prescribed paxil, which was like a wonder drug for me. but i started to gain weight. i went from 175 to 196 in the year i was on it, and my weight wouldn't budge. a year after i started it i weaned, and it couldn't have been easier. no withdrawal effects, nothing. a couple months later i was pregnant w/ baby boy #2. i went thru the first 6 months alright, even lost 25 lbs from morning sickness. but i developed pregnancy depression, and it was worse than last time. i was put on lexapro, and that helped a lot, but after baby 2 was born, and i was kicked off my insurance, i couldn't afford it, so i switched over to paxil, again. i went from around 190 something to where i am now, almost 230. i weaned off of paxil a week or so ago, and it was harder than last time, but successful. i've been working out 5 or so times a week...i'm just hopeful that i can lose this weight w/o getting pregnant and throwing it all up!

I have been on Paxil for the last 2 1/2 years and I was even on weight until a Shrink upped me from 20 to 40 mg. I have gained 30-40 lbs. in the last 8 months. I have weened myself off Paxil in the last few weeks and could not feel better in regards to a clear mind and not feeling so lethargic. How long do the side effects(bloated stomach, headaches, nausea) last after you are of Paxil?

I had been on Paxil on and off for 14 years to help with cycles of panic attacks and would only be on it for 6 months at a time when needed-no problems with weight gain.
Three years ago, after getting walking pnuemonia, the panic attacks came on very frequently and strongly. I went on paxil "full-time" for just over two years. I went from being 140 lbs (I'm over 5'7") to 180 lbs. I was shocked at how fast the weight came on and like many others, no improvement in eating habits or exercise helped keep it down.
I stopped taking Paxil 8 months ago and consulted a Naturopath. I've been told that drugs like Paxil can linger in the liver for 2 years and continue to affect your metabolism, etc.

It was suggested that my panic attacks were actually bodily reactions to weakend adreanal glands (they control the fight or flight response-hmmm...). I was skeptical at first, but after following my Naturopath's recommendations, I have been panic-attack free for 8 months (and I was having 6-7 severe attacks a day).

We have worked together on liver cleanses and balancing my body with proper supplements, vitamins, more mindful eating and rest. The next step is to work on the weight loss. Apparently, the weight won't come off until the body reaches a more balanced state, otherwise it behaves as if there is danger...and therefore holding on to the fat stores.

I took paxil for ten years since I was 15 in the year of 1996 without warn by anyone, and everytime the doctor suggested to discontinue, he just stopped it, which I now understand why I had withdrawal symptoms and ended up in the psychiatric unit everytime(the manufacturer didn't even bother to warn physicians about the danger of stopping the medications, especially for minor.) Anyway, back to the weight issue, while I was taking paxil, I went from 100lbs to 150lbs in ten years, it made me hungry all the time. However, I was doing very good socially, and academically (4.o GPA). The important point is that everyone is unique, and while the side effects of a medication can be generalize, the impacts of a medication on each individual are distinct, you just got to play attention to your physical responses while you are taking it. And for certain I can tell you that once you are on paxil, expect to take it for the rest of your life, and don't risk to get pregnant. I tried to discontinue paxil in the year 0f 2005 and switch to Zoloft, but now I finally have to face the reality and back to Paxil because with Zoloft, the impact was only lead me to control sadness, while with Paxil, I was on top of my world (goal-oriented with high achievement).

I read linoleic acid can really help! Check out this article.
theroadback.org/weight_loss.htm

I used this medication a few years ago, thinking it would help, but in the long run, it only F'ed things up even more. Temporarily relieved anxiety, thinking wow this is a miracle drug that actually helps. I saw it on TV and thought wow that little white circle with a smiley face could be me. What was I thinking? After a few months, I experienced weight gain, which I never had to worry about my whole life. Also, I noticed changes in my health. Years later, what happens? So libido decreased, vision problems to the point where I might have to consider laser surgery, hair loss, pretty much the whole damn aging process has sped up. On top of that doctors say Oh you are just getting older this and that, but I knew in my heart it was the medication because these changes only started happening after I took the medication. On top of that, it makes you even more depressed because of the weight gain, and then you get even more anxiety thinking why the heck did I take this medication and wondering what would happen if I didn't take it. This has caused too many physicial side effects and insomnia, from my experience, I would not recommend it. Who knows though some say there are people with positive experiences, but look at forums and actual reviews from PEOPLE who actually took it and went through the pains, I definitely would have to recommend doing your research before going on any type of medication, especially ones like this.

I am getting ready to wean myself off of Paxil...I have done this before with only slight headaches lasting a couple days...I would rather have a sip of wine here and there for my anxiety,as well as exercise even more! I have gained 15 lbs. and my stomach is so big that I went to the Gyn. to ensure that I didn't have a tumor,or something...I am assuming from reading these blogs that I may not lose this weight very easily...I have been on Paxil 20mg. for 3 years now. I will break the pill in tiny pieces over a few weeks period. I am grateful to hear that taking Omega 3 and vitamin E will help boost my depleted metabolism...thanks for the info regarding the liver and how long it takes to right itself-that was promising info! I definitely eat constantly and half the time don't even realize I just ate...this is weird medicine! Please keep the stories rollin',because it is helpful...Good Luck to each of you in ur endeavors with Paxil... .

RIGHT ON! I have experienced just about everything stated in the previous post and agree with the post whole-heartedly. It's as if I wrote it myself. I wish I would have never tried Paxil. I'm so fat now, it's unbearable.

I have to say that I think this drug contributed in ruining my life. I, too, gained a ton of weight when put on Paxil and I've never been able to take it off. I've been asked by people if I'm pregnant because I have a big bloated stomach. I eat even better than ever - rarely eat red meat, only lean turkey, fish and beans. I don't drink or do drugs. I've tried every diet in the world and I still have a big bouncy pregnant looking belly.

They've tested me for everything and nothing shows except low vitamin D and some osteo and arthritis. I've since been diagnosed with soft tissue rheumatism which I'm sure is related to this big bloated body.

Thanks Paxil!

Hi.
YES Paxil makes you gain weight and don't let doctors tell you otherwise. I went from about 150 lbs to 200 while on antidepressants, paxil was the worst when it came to weight issues, my metabolism was a mess everything I ate stayed! I tried homeopathy and in 1 month I have lost 15 pounds and I am not completely off the antidepressants yet. I was very ashamed of my weight but now the doctor explained just how bad the antidepressants mess with your metabolism and while I am mad at my doctor for prescribing them I am very happy I had the courage to seek help elsewhere.
If you are like I was and ashamed DONT BE!! Many of us share these side effects but we must stay strong and look for help. In my case I could not lose weight with even the most strict of diets and exercise routines. Seek help and maybe you can also find an alternative. Good luck! :-D

After being on Paxil for about a year,I gained 10-15 lbs. I've always been thin and healthy before taking Paxil. At 5'6" the thinnest I used to weigh was under 120 lbs. Now at 138lbs. I had to get off of it. I've switched to Adderall because for me, it's better for my symptoms and causes weight loss due to the increase of energy. After being pregnant 10 years ago, I had taken Ephedra (now off the market) to lose weight and it worked wonders. From what I've read, Adderal is in the same family as Ephedra. So far, I have increased energy, happiness, motivation, and decreased appetite and anxiety. I'm able to focus finally on work and get things done instead of staying in a Paxil daze and feeling tired and foggy. I got off Paxil by doing what the other person on here said too: by cutting the pill in half and then into 1/4 and gradually going lower and lower each week until I was off completely. For me, Adderall gave me the energy to actually go work out, drink a lot of water, and stay positive. It may not be for everyone. These drugs are so misused- Hollywood's biggest diet craze is Adderall right now. That's riduculous. If it's abused, they will end up taking it off the market and replacing it with something else, and then those of us who really need it will be screwed.
Either way, it was worth getting off Paxil and changing drugs. The weight falls off when you're done with Paxil. I'd suggest changing drugs if possible, or going off altogether if you think you can make it. Always keep in good contact with a good dr. while doing so. These drugs, no matter how low the dose, affect us so strongly emotionally and mentally.

I'm not sure what planet you're on but weight loss w/ Paxil?????????? Hardly. How 'bout severe weight gain! Maybe you're a drug rep or something of that sort? Paxil may be very life saving for people w/ anxiety disorders but the side effects of long term use have to be considered carefully.Serious weight gain, which has lead to hyper tension, which has lead to yet another pill, as well as having to up the Paxil dosage a couple of times because of "break through' symptoms of electrical zaps, heart palpitations, increased mood swings, etc. I am tapering off this drug by lowering my dosage and just dealing with the nasty side effects as a result of lowering my dosage because in the end I will be better for doing so.I would highly recommend never stopping cold turkey.The body reacts in very bad ways to that method.I feel it's better to be patient,take 6 months or so to taper down and quit and deal with some side effects to reach the goal of getting off this stuff for good.Keep that goal in mind & it's very tolerable actually.Good LucK!!






Although prescription Paxil is not for everyone, it is generally well tolerated. As with many medications, there can be side effects with Paxil as well. Some of the side effects may include infection, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, and constipation. I found it interesting for you that side effects are also reported as decreased appetite, dizziness, sweating, tremor, sexual side effects, injury, yawning, weakness, insomnia, abnormal vision and sleepiness. However, I could say it is a safe and effective medication, which has successfully helped people treat their depression. The most commonly observed adverse events associated with the use of Paxil were asthenia, infection, constipation, decreased appetite, dry mouth, and nausea. Significant weight loss may be an undesirable result of treatment with Paxil for some patients. However, on average, patients in controlled trials had minimal, which means about 1 pound, weight loss versus smaller changes on placebo and active control. There were no significant changes in vital signs such as systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse and temperature.

I just got on paxil 2 months ago, and I have lost 36 lbs - but I have been eating healthier and trying to lose weight. I don't know if the paxil is a key factor or not.. - Trey