[bubbles]

Is anyone else taking this? I was just prescribed Paxil and was wondering if anyone's had success with it, both during and after treatment.

 

[diamondgirl]

Hi Bubbles,I took Paxil for about a year when I was having really bad anxiety and panic attacks. It really, really helped, and I had no side effects from it. It didn't bother my IBS-D at all. I was so afraid to take it at first, but once I did, and it kicked in, I was happy I did. I took a very low dose of Xanax too, until it started working. When I felt that I had the anxiety under control, I slowly weaned off the Paxil. But I would take it again. Of course, all people have different reactions to different drugs, but I just wanted to share my positive experience. Hope you feel better soon!

dg

 

[AZmom1]

I take Zoloft which is an SSRI like Paxil. I too was given Xanax to take for the first week I took Zoloft. These drugs CAN cause panic attacks, and the Xanax takes the edge off. If you have experienced panic attacks in the past, your Dr. should be informed. This side effect lasts only the first week or sthers on this board have tried Paxil. Be sure not to stop suddenly, or without your Dr's OK.AZ

 

[Guest]

I just started Paxil myself last night .How long does it take for this drug to kick in ?I havent really had any bad side effects but then again its only the first day.That was the only solution my doc offered other that high fiber diet.He said ;"Go on Paxil for a month and then if that doesnt work colonoscopy..."I figured Id give it a try .I had bad diarreah last night I dont know if its the Paxil ,or the IBS or my menses?Confusing I tell you!Hows it going bubbles?Paxil do the trick ? Fill me in ...NyC

 

[Guest]

Hi BubblesI started taking Paxil about a month ago for anxiety. Atfirst I had really bad d but now that my body is getting used to the medication I am almost 'normal' again. I haven't really noticed any big differences in my anxiety yet. Well, maybe I have. I think I might be a little less nervous all the time. Are you taking it at night or through the day?------------------Jane IBS-D type

 

[GBSfan]

I've been taking it for 2 months now. A few side effects, but nothing serious. It kicked in very gradually, and I'd say it took a good 6 weeks. Didn't notice much until then. It is working really well for me now. IBS D has also settled down, but that is likely the Dicetel.

 

[shyra22f]

Hi Bubbles, Glad you asked. I have some Paxil sitting in my drawer that I got last week and my biggest concern is how it will affect my IBS. I'm looking forward to some more responses from people who took it and if it did/didn't affect their IBS. I understand everyone's different, but this is my major concern about it. I'm taking Ativan right now and am a bit concerned about the addiction factor!

 

[Guest]

My problems with IBS D first started 7 years ago after the death of my husband when I began taking Paxil. I have often wondered just how much the Paxil had to do with it (I know there was also a stress element that comes with the grief over the loss of a loved one). I have read literature on IBS that talks about the syndrome having to do with serotonin levels in the colon and I know that Paxil is a "serotonin re-uptake inhibitor." Don't know what this means, and don't have any medical training, but I have wondered about this. I took the Paxil for about a year with terrible, immobilizing IBS while on it. After I got off of it and it left my system (and this took a while) the D was better -- but, of course, I still have trouble with IBS D - but not as bad as when I was taking the Paxil.

 

[Guest]

I thought that I'd put in my 2 cents about Paxil. It has been a lifesaver for me! I have been taking it for about a month now. I was feeling like I was at the end of my rope with my IBS-D until I went to my new doctor. I was sooooo reluctant about taking Paxil. My mother finally made me take it! The instructions for Paxil started me taking 10 mg. a day for a week and then 20 mg. a day from then on. I took it at night so that I wouldn't be worried about the possible side effects. My side effects were real mild and only lasted the first week. My side effects included a headache that lasted two days, some nervousness, heart palpitations that lasted one day, and one small episode of D (probably due to the nervousness side effect). I love Paxil! In fact I mostly have "normal" poops...sometimes leaning toward C. I have had one or two loose stools but I don't suffer any anxiety or nervousness at all which helps prevent further D. Mentally I think Paxil makes me feel so normal. So if you have been prescribed Paxil and are debating whether or not to take it, I suggest that you at least try it for ten days, you've got nothing to lose and everything to gain! I am a believer!

 

[Guest]

Bubbles,I tried paxil for a brief time last year. I couldn't tolerate the side effects. It made my IBS-D much worse.