starting Paroxetine (Seroxat) tomorrow - what to expect?

[Lottapianos]

Very scared. Been suffering depression and anxiety for months. Had a massive panic attack today and am feeling like death. Got prescription for Seroxat from GP a couple of months ago, had resisted taking them but can't go on like this. I'm starting the pills tomorrow. What can I expect in terms of side effects? Will I feel worse before I feel better? How long before I feel better? Anything I should do or not do while on them? Thanks for advice

[Lottapianos]

Bump

[Crawling]

i had decreased sex drive and numbed vagina i was unable to reach orgasm it changed my taste buds preferring fatty foods it also made me feel worse for about a week but then i felt better and the side effects started to get better its excellent for anxiety. no drinking on them good luck hope they make you feel better soon.

[Lottapianos]

Thanks Crawling. Am expecting to feel worse initially but a week or so is not too bad.

[keekeeblue]

Hi Lotta

As Crawling, I am also unable to reach orgasm. I have been taking paroxetine since March. Have put on weight not sure how much but my clothes feel quite tight, but that could also be due to the fact that I had to leave work because I was so poorly. I get night sweats too, not every night, but I keep a clean sheet and pyjamas next to the bed just in case. Overall the benefits outweigh the side effects as I feel much less anxious about things. Good luck.

I had a dream about drinking a large glass of red wine!! I miss my wine and Christmas is coming.... but I am determined to be well and I am sure the meds will help me cope with my parents coming for Christmas Day!! (what was I thinking??)

[orangeandlemons]

I started on a low dose and built up slowly. I did feel a bit crap at first.

The only side effect I have had is hunger. Well not hunger, more greediness...

They are excellent for anxiety. I went through a whole raft of them which all made me feel crap until I landed on paroxetine. It's definitely one of the better ones....

[Lottapianos]

I'm on 20mg, don't know if that's a low dose or not. On day 3 now, have had a bit of nausea, difficulty sleeping last night and feeling a little bit spaced out but I guess it's early days

[TheSilverPussycat]

For me, paroxatine suits me v well, been on 20 mg off and on since 1998, they were the first ad's that touched my depression. I had initial slight insomnia and nausea, that went after a few days. Main problem once they'd kicked in was forgetting to take them because I felt so much better.

Last year was the last time I re-started them, I got well enough to address the source of my depression, and am now divorced!!

[Lottapianos]

'I got well enough to address the source of my depression'

Yes yes this is what I'm hoping for TheSilverPussycat. I'm seeing a psychotherapist weekly as well - have a lot of work to do with coming to terms with my emotionally abusive childhood and ongoing issues with my parents. I'm hoping the ADs will relieve some of the emotional agony and stop the panic attacks and weeping fits so that I can feel healthier and more stable and stronger.

'I am sure the meds will help me cope with my parents coming for Christmas Day!!'

Same here keekeeblue - we are going to visit my parents and I am dreading it and wondering why I'm doing it. Oh well, that's 3 weeks away so hopefully I will be feeling much better by then

[TheSilverPussycat]

Have you had a look at the "Stately Homes" thread in Relationships, lotta? it's for those dealing with difficult/toxic parents.

[Lottapianos]

I have - its' great and very supportive. Thanks