Paxil Side Effects: Sexual Sedation?

During the 2 or 3 years prior to and right after my divorce I was prescribed Paxil for my depression. I was told that the common Paxil side effects might include headache and dry mouth but that these symptoms should go away as soon as my body had assimilated the drug. For the most part this proved true. I did experience more headaches then was normal for me and my mouth did feel dry frequently but these symptoms did, indeed, pass and Paxil did help me to feel better as far as the depression was concerned. However, there was one Paxil side effect that didn't pass and it caused me additional frustration and emotional pain. Frustration I could have done without considering the problems I was already dealing with.

This side effect was extreme sexual dysfunction in the form of pronounced decreased interest in sex and the inability to reach orgasm. It was as if I had been sexually sedated. I was already depressed and facing serious marital problems and I believe that this particular manifestation of Paxil side effects caused me unnecessary emotional turmoil. To compound the matter I was embarrassed and worried that there was something profoundly wrong with me so I did not report it to my doctor for a long while. When I finally stopped taking Paxil it took several months for my sexual function to return to normal. If you are considering taking Paxil be sure and discuss the possible side effects with your doctor. And be sure to report any and all Paxil side effects to your doctor as soon as possible. There is no reason to suffer through ongoing side effects when there may be other drugs that will work better for you. Remember, anti-depression drugs should help you to feel better not give you more to worry about.