MFP peeps on Paxil

It has been about a month, give or take, since I started taking Paxil for my depression and anxiety. Works like a charm, I must say....HOWEVER...I've gained thirteen effing pounds!!! I can't seem to stop craving carbs...and I can't seem to control myself to the point where I give in to each and every craving. (And lemme tell ya...that's a LOT of cravings.) I just had a baby Feb. 2nd and I'm on hormonal birth control for the first time in my life (only an IUD though)..so obviously my body is still trying to find normalcy...but c'mon! I was fine the first three months postpartum. Anyone else having weight problems with Paxil and if so what do you do to keep yourself in check (if its even possible to somehow control)? Any suggestions for controlling these cravings from someone who understands would be much appreciated!!!!

**I used to be obese. I know what overeating is...and I can also tell you that even then, my appetite wasn't this insane!!!!

Replies

  • lblert
    lblert Posts: 55
    I was on Paxil years ago when I was in college. I gained a lot of weight on it. I ended up switching to Effexor and the weight came off pretty easily.
  • dittmarml
    dittmarml Posts: 351 Member
    I put on 40 pounds while on Paxil many years ago; craved carbs constantly. Started counting calories and still gained - that's with regular gym sessions. The drug is notorious for weight gain; with my bad joints it was a poor choice. Switched to Welbutrin and started swimming; it came off. Effexor, Welbutrin don't seem as bad.
  • ArmyVet92
    ArmyVet92 Posts: 35 Member
    I've been on Paxil for my PTSD and anxiety for about two months and I've gained about 7 pounds in that time frame.. no matter if I am in calorie range and working out regularly. I am thinking about asking my doctor to possibly switching me especially after reading this thread.
  • jaymie_x0
    jaymie_x0 Posts: 265 Member
    i am 5'11..i USED to weigh a healthy 165..(good my height) stated taking paxil back in 2009...gained 40 pounds....started weening myself off of it two weeks ago...already down 10 pounds! I no longer crave carbs, sweets or ALCOHOL! Yes, paxil made me crave alcohol! crazy right? i'm having withdraw effects as i type this (dizzy brain zaps) but my doc gave me xanax to help cope for the next month...ugh this is miserable...i think paxil needs to be taken off the market completely! losing weight while i was on it, was IMPOSSIBLE