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This article is only based upon my personal experience and those of people who have had similar experiences. Everyone's body is different and effected differently by medication. I have taken SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors) on and off since I was a child. This family of anti-depressants is very frequently prescribed and consists of brand names such as Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, and Luvox, among others. Paroxetine Hydrochloride is known under the brand name Paxil. It is one of the strongest SSRIs. I went through several years in my mid 20's without medication. After experiencing an extreme depressive period of my life, along with frequent panic attacks, I decided I better go to the doctor. I was constantly full of anxiety, and had begun having trouble working or even eating properly. I was prescribed Paxil. For the first two weeks my symptoms increased, and I was even worse than before. I forced myself to give the medication a chance, and within a month I was feeling better. Within two months I was feeling great! My emotions were stable and I was thinking clearly. The only drawback to Paxil was that I began craving things I didn't normally want to eat. In the middle of the night I found myself craving sweets and other foods very high in carbohydrates. I am 5'9 and at the beginning of my medication I weighed 135 lbs. I actually was a bit on the slim side. After 4 months on Paxil I had gained quite a bit of weight. By the end of the first year on Paxil I weighed 190 lbs. I have many friends who also experienced this on the drug. I no longer take it and have switched to another, most of the weight has come off. I do think that Paxil was highly effective for me and recommend it strongly to people suffering from panic disorders. The weight gain is not necessarily going to happen to everyone, but it is a common side effect, and must be considered when deciding what drug is best for you.

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