I am not a PWP but am on here as support to my boyfriend and to learn as
much as I can about the disease.

I have been prescribed Xanax for Panic Attack Disorder and when I confronted
my doctor with my concern about it being habit forming (when I was first
prescrbed it I was told it was not habit forming!) she prescribed Paxil as
an alternative and said it was not habit forming. I did my own research
(good old 'net) and from what I can determine only the manufacturer and my
doctor consider it to be not habit forming!!!

I read many, many stories of people having severe withdrawal symptoms. Much
worse than any of the stories I have read of people coming off Xanax. My
personal opinion is that both are habit forming but Xanax is the lesser of
two evils!.

Elaine
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jo Ann Coen" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, August 23, 2002 5:54 PM
Subject: Re: PD/Paxil


> There has been some discussion about Paxil and PD patients, that when the
> following article appeared in the Houston Chronicle, I thought it best to
> copy it and send it to you.  This appeared on Aug 23, 2002. The REAL
> reason I'm copying it to you, is concerning the habit-forming part of it
> that causes withdrawals, not the main topic, although that may be
> important to some.
>
> QUESTION::   No one warned me that Paxil might affect my sexual ability.
> I suffered impotence for several years until I stopped taking Paxil.
> Then the problem went away.
>
> Stopping Paxil turned into a nightmare.  It took weeks of gradually
> decreasing dosages to get off the drug, and even then, I had withdrawal
> problems.  Fortunately, sexual inability was not one of them.
>
> The company advertizes that Paxil is NOT habit-forming.  I'm not sure
> what "habit-forming" means to them, but if it has to do with withdrawal
> symptoms, then they are lying.
>
> If I ever need another medicine for depression, how will I know which one
> won't cause impotence.?
>
> ANSWER:  Antidepressants like Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft are notorious for
> affecting sexuality.  Impotence, lowered libido and inability to achieve
> orgasn are possible side affects.
>
> You are quite right that the company states that Paxil "is not
> habit-forming".  But the official prescribing information warns that
> "discontinuation (particularly when abrupt) may led to symptoms such as
> dizziness, sensory disturbances, agitation or anxiety, nausea and
> sweating"
>
> Antidepressans that might be less likely to affect sexuality include
> bupropion (Wellbutrin), trazodone (Desyrel) and nefazondone )Serzone).
> THE END
>
> As a side note, I received a letter from a lawyer, who is filing a class
> action law suit against the makers of Serzone, because the med causes
> shortness of breath,  fatigue and general malaise.  I've taken it, but
> probably will not joini in the lawsuit.
>
> Best wishes to all
>
> Jo Ann
>
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