When I first started on Paxil, I felt focused but a little numb; it was nothing to really concern myself with because I was prepared for the side effects that I know will hit me once I began to take anti-depressants. What I was not prepared for was the progressively short-term memory lapse that I will soon encounter.
Paxil is a type of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). It works by blocking or inhibiting the area within the brain that reabsorbs (reuptake) serotonin, a natural substance in the brain needed to stabilize certain moods and anxieties.
I was initially prescribed Zoloft for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) but due to weight gains, I was switched over to Paxil.
I started noticing that I couldn’t hold down jobs because my memory was so bad! This is not like me at all considering that I am an honor student, active in clubs and organizations and worked full time while all this was going on.
After almost two years on Paxil, I couldn’t hold down a job, didn’t want to go anywhere and cannot even do anything that needs some attention to detail. It got so bad that I cannot even accurately edit and proofread essays. My visual acuity and photographic memory was also affected and I had trouble remembering faces and names! I’ve completely lost all my confidence and my family and friends began seeing changes in me and encouraged me to seek help.
Being a science major, I’m used to questioning the biological and science reasoning of things. I began to watch what I eat and my habits to see what could possibly be the cause of this Alzheimer like condition. After ruling out all the possibilities, I can say 100% that it’s the side effects of Paxil that is causing me to have these memory lapses.
According to the medical literatures, the majority of people taking Paxil will experience some type of side effects from Paxil. Side effects from medication is almost inevitable in any type of treatment however, the least popularly experienced side effects are usually the ones causing the most grief in those who suffers from it.
Typical Side Effects of Paxil:
*Seizure;
*Tremors, shivering, muscle stiffness/twitching;
*Motor problems such as balance and/or coordination
*Agitation, confusion, sweating, fast heartbeat;
*Easy bruising and/or bleeding;
*Nervousness, restless, unable to be still;
*Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness;
*Insomnia.
My Personal Side Effects:
*Wake up in the morning, takes nearly an hour to get ready because of brain fog;
*No fear or anxiety – also No emotions whatsoever, barely could feel;
*Loss of motivation;
*Big time memory loss – forgetting names, faces, etc;
* No longer have the ability to work with details;
*Slower at learning new things;
*Common sense and courtesy is slipping;
*Doing everything deliberately at a slow speed;
*Bad visual problems;
*Can no longer edit essays and letters – just forgot how.
I have since stopped taking Paxil and surprisingly, my memory improved drastically! I was also surprised to find out that weaning off Paxil for me wasn’t as hard as most people had experienced.
*Please note that this is just a personal review based on my experience with Paxil. Everyone is unique in their interaction with drugs and some are more sensitive than others. Paxil may work wonders for others but unfortunately I can’t say the same for myself.
