You started Paroxetine 12.5 mg one week ago.
Your symptoms:
• Nausea
• Daytime drowsiness
• Brain fog
• Reduced appetite
• Increased anxiety
These are very common early SSRI side effects, especially in the first 1–2 weeks.
Important points:
✔ Paroxetine commonly causes:
• GI upset (nausea)
• Sedation
• Appetite changes
• Initial anxiety worsening
✔ Increased anxiety during the first 7–14 days is well documented with SSRIs. It usually settles as the brain adapts.
✔ One week is too early to judge effectiveness.
At this stage, this does not mean the medicine is harmful. It is part of the adjustment phase.
Next Steps
✔ Continue 12.5 mg for at least 2–3 weeks unless side effects become severe
✔ Take after dinner (which you are already doing)
✔ If daytime drowsiness is significant:
• Shift dose slightly earlier in the evening
OR
• Discuss dose timing with your doctor
✔ Seek urgent review only if:
• Severe restlessness
• Suicidal thoughts
• Severe vomiting
• Severe agitation
If anxiety becomes unbearable, sometimes doctors temporarily add:
• A short course of anti-anxiety medication during initial weeks
Do NOT abruptly stop paroxetine — sudden discontinuation can worsen symptoms.
Health Tips
✔ Avoid caffeine excess (can worsen anxiety)
✔ Maintain sleep routine
✔ Light exercise improves SSRI tolerance
✔ Eat small frequent meals to reduce nausea
✔ Remind yourself: early worsening ≠ treatment failure
You are only 1 week in — this is the adaptation phase. Most patients improve significantly after 3–4 weeks.
If you’d like, we can review your anxiety severity, sexual symptoms, and decide whether dose adjustment, augmentation, or reassurance is best.
Booking an online consultation will allow us to personalise this properly and prevent unnecessary worry while optimising your treatment.