Hold,
I experienced the same side affect. Along with losing any sexual craving, orgasm was tough to come by if at all. The good news is that when you stop it comes back. Make sure you wean off of it. I was really dizzy, headachy and nauseated for some days after quitting.

I also experienced a change in my vision. Was blurry for the first 2 weeks starting it and then again when I went off. Doc said it was a side effect and recommends not getting your eyes checked until you have either been on it for awhile if you intend to stay on it long term or until you have quit taking it for some time.

AS for the good effects, it did "level" me out but it also made me want to sleep 12 hours a day. I was still depressed because of my situation.
Edited to add: the wiegh gain is a killer. It just comes out of nowhere. It can still get ya even if you are eating properly and have regular excersize. Watch out!!
Good luck.
Symphony

<small>[ June 16, 2004, 03:32 PM: Message edited by: Symphony of Life ]</small>

Holdingon,

Paxil? I'm almost certain that is what my Dr. wanted to put me on. I was not sure I needed it. Dr. explained if I exercised it would release a chemical...endorpins or something like that. He said I would have to up my calories though as I had already lost almost 30lbs in 9 weeks and should not take any more off.

So I go 3 or 4 times to the gym a week (4 miles on the cross trainer) and make it a habit to be active on weekends, like hike or bike. I feel much better.

struggling

Geez, Hold, thanks a lot!

Now I'll never be able to look at apple pie again the same...especially a la mode.

Doggone it all...


<img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" />

My doctor recently talked to me an hour after I disclosed my husband's affair. He knows me quite well anyway. He did not think I was depressed, but could use a "chill pill" in my purse and perscribed Xanax.

It works. But one works for me a long time. If I took 3 a day, I think I would be stoned. I try to only take them on a day I can feel myself getting worked up.

I was on paxil for about a year some time ago. It did help me to overcome my depression. Now, Im not sure if thats due to its chemical affects or because it made me completely lose my appetite which lead to a year long diet in which i lost over 100lbs (no congrats due...most are back on!).It also made me stop biting my nails. Now, two years down the line I am on antidepressants again. I started with paxil but it basically made me just want to sleep ALL the time and made me incapable of achieving orgasm. No loss of appetite either <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="images/icons/frown.gif" /> I was changed onto prozac which doesnt seem to do much. Ive started biting my nails again after 2.5 yrs without doing it....