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Anxiety and Depression
Hello Doctor, I Am Single Unmarried, I have been taking Paroxetine 12.5 mg for the past 1 week for anxiety, mild depression, and premature ejaculation. I take it at night after food as prescribed. Since starting the medication, I have been experiencing: • Nausea • Daytime drowsiness (even after sleeping 8-9 hours) • Occasional brain fog • Lack of appetite in the morning, Are these side effects normal during the initial weeks? Should I continue the medication or consider adjusting the dose? i Am Tensed I Feel My Anxiety is Increased
Answers (9)
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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.
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You continue the drug , these are the normal side effect of antipsychotic drugs. Initially these symptoms occure but its settled in 3 to 4 weeks because of there receptor binding and loading dose maintain. After effect produce. So no worry continue your treatment.
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Need few more details for proper understanding of your issue.
You can consult with me online on Practo or whatsapp on eight three one eight four six nine eight eight six for proper diagnosis, conclusion and management
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Yes these are normal side effects of this drug so you don't feel stressed about this and for further advice you can contact me through this application
Next Steps
you should take your medication with proper guidance and dosage as suggested by your clinician and also you connect to me if you further assistance
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Dr. Gaurav Jaiswal
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Jhansi
Avoid fried and spicy food
Water intake more
Kindly do connect and consult
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Rachna Pande
Internal Medicine
42 yrs exp
Bhopal
You are having side effects of tab paroxetine. Avoid taking anti depressants. Keep yourself mentally busy in creative or productive work, follow a healthy life style and relaxation techniques.
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Practitioner
7 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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