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Dr. wants to prescribe Paxil or Effexor for anxiety. Can anyone give me some info/feedback if one worked better than the other or if one has less side effects than the other, etc. Thank you in advance.

I would try Paxil first. If that doesn't work try the Effexor. I had a much easier time with Paxil than Effexor.

I take Lexapro and highly recommend it.

I know that it maybe confusing but go with Effexor. Paxil is very hard to come off of.It is one on the hardest anti-depressents to stop for many due to the facts it is very addictive.
I know i have been trying for a while now.
Just my experence.......read up on them both

Paxil is extremely hard to come off of, I am doing it now and it is one of the hardest things I have ever done! Really think twice before going on any medication and try the more natural approach if you can! Vitamins, relaxation, Yoga, herbs, anything natural over medication IF possible. There are some really good books out there too that may help. Try these things before Meds if at all possible!!! The pills are the easy fix at first, but hard to come off...

I think it all comes down to what works for you. I did wonderfully on paxil but I gained quite a bit of weight. On the plus side I felt like a human for the first time in years. I had no problem getting off paxil, my doctore recommended cutting the dose down gradually and I felt fine. I actally felt well until 2007 when some major events in my life caused me a downward spiral. I have decided against taking any chemical meds right now, I just dont want the weight gain but I have started a natural antidepressant Amoryn. I havent been on it very long, only 3 weeks so I cant say that it is really working yet. I am on session 2 and hoping that if I put in the work I wont need anything else.

I used Paxil for two years and have recently weaned myself off of it successfully. I still (once a week?) will use .25 mg of Xanax. I orginally was prescribed Zoloft -- but was switched to the Paxil. My Doctor told me that Paxil was more for anxiety than depression.

I'v had Lucinda's program sitting in my living room for at least three months and have, just tonight, listened to the first cd. Strangely, I felt the anxiety rising just opening the box?

I have been on paxil for 10 plus years and it is wonderful for me. I have also come off of it as well for awhile, no withdrawl symptoms at all. It truley is as individual as the drug itself is to each person. You need to see what will work for you.

I've been on Paxil for 10 years as well. I've been able to successfully go off of it only during the summer, when I don't have to work. When I try to stop taking it during the school year, I've found myself slipping back into depression. I've often wondered, which would be easier, quitting my profession or this medicine? If only I could win the lottery to find out!
Whatever works for you do it! Being depressed is worse than having to take a pill. I wish I didn't have to take anything, and could just naturally feel good, but that does not look like it's going to happen.

I would take the Effexor over Paxil.....the side effects are less