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Taking Paxil And Having Tiredness. Feeling Less About Self. Is It Normal?

Posted on Sat, 21 Sep 2013

Question: I have been tAKING PAXIL FOR SEVERAL DAYS. I am noticing what seems to be more sober thinking and extra tiredness. In addition I feel a little less myself and a little spaced out. Is this normal at the outset?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about your heart disease. I am happy to know you are taking full control by adhering to your medications. I must admit that I don't see the exact reason why you are taking this drug, paxil. Maybe you didn't just report your complete history.

However, the changes you have noted are common with paxil consumption. I will advice you to monitor closely and if the symptoms should become more concerning, you may want to XXXXXXX and discuss with your doctor on what the possible solutions could be given the indications for treatment.

I hope this answers your query fully. If you have any more related follow up questions, please feel free to ask me and I would gladly address them.
I feel honored having had this opportunity to address your query today.
I wish you good health.
Dr. Ditah, MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (4 hours later)

Thank you for your prompt reply. History: After my heart attack I experienced several significant life losses as well (3 deaths in my immediate family). The result is that I struggle with anxiety that expressed it self through various body symptoms that later showed no actual physical basis other than anxiety. Toward that end my medical caregiver prescribed paxil. I can put up with the symptoms that I described if there's light at the end of the tunnel. I've been told that it takes a week or two for the medicine to take effect. The side effects seem pretty quick. Can I assume the side effects will be reduced and that the positive effect will strengthen? Am I correct to assume my current side effects are not an indication of a bad reaction to paxil? P.s. other side effects are a slightly tight throat and lot's of yawning.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I am positive, believe there would be light ahead!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am so sorry to hear about these events that led to you being prescribed this drug. I feel your loss, the pain and your reaction to this isn't surprising.

These side effects cannot predict treatment outcome. However, I am positive and believe that the side effects will slowly give way to you feeling a lot better. These side effects are not an indication of a bad reaction to paxil. Also, yawning and the throat discomfort should not be too much of a problem at this time.

For now, continue the medications, these side effects are not life threatening and we expect better tolerance and treatment outcome ahead. These are not concerning enough to warrant stopping treatment. They don't also predict any failure of treatment.

Feel confident and believe that better days lie ahead. Feel free to keep the discussion going. I wish you well.
Dr. Ditah, MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (22 hours later)

It is another day. Last evening I felt a little better but come morning I felt very sober. The anxiety I now have is far more than when my dr and I considered treatment. It's odd that such debilitating anxiety should be part of the process toward treatment. I was on cipralex last year and have no memory of such side effects. I'm considering stopping the medicine. It is Sunday. I have no access to my dr. Until Tuesday.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Only stop if you are better off without.

Detailed Answer:
Am sorry for only got to see this now.

The truth is we can never for real predict exactly how each and everyone would react to a drug. The trends are often for the general population and individuals can at times show great variation fro the general trend.

If you find these side effects unsupportable, then stopping it ay be a good option. However, you would need to consult your doctor for his input.

Cipralex does exactly the same job. If you were good with it last year, then i suggest your doctor consider trying it out as it has shown to be more friendly to you in the past.

Hope this helps and let me know what your decision is.
Dr. Ditah, MD

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar