I have been on Paxil for over a year and I have noticed that my venous insufficiency has worsened. I was having trouble before I was on Paxil with swelling on my feet. However, after I started on this medication my legs also started to swell and still are swelling. My doctor informed me that it was NOT the medication and then promptly put me on Furosemide 40 mg tablets to reduce swelling. However that has not worked. My legs and feet are so swollen that I cannot wear normal shoes. I suffer also from Stasis Dermatitis and that has definitely not improved due to the excessive swelling. Compression stockings are not doing anything to reduce the swelling either. Please tell me if Paxil causes swelling on the legs and feet when a person is already prone to that condition. I was diagnosed with GAD by my doctor. I know once I get off the Paxil the swelling should go down. If not...well then... I guess I better find a new doctor. Any knowledge of edema being a side effect of Paxil would be appreciated.

From a brief search on Google for Paxil and Edema, I found: http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/parox_ad.htm http://www.mentalhealth.com/drug/p30-p02.html (the charts are easier to read here, I think) which both indicate from the pharma company's own literature, that edema is indeed an 'infrequent' side effect of the medication. Various dermatological side effects are also indicated. I hope this helps you on your road to exploring the difficulties you have related here.

Thanks for the info on edema. It give me hope that maybe I can stop this swelling. I have another question. I am on Paxil CR and I cannot cut this pill to reduce the dose. I started skipping a day about a month ago and now have moved to skipping two days. I thought I would stay at this level for another week or so and then try three days without it. Paxil and Paxil CR are different drugs? I have not noticed any electrical shocks in my head. I have noticed some dizziness but nothing to be concerned about. I am sleepy more than usual though. How can I reduce my pill intake when I cannot cut the pill in half? I figure the only option I have is to skip days until over time I can quit altogether. Is there a forum where I can talk about Paxil CR and get support from others who are withdrawing from this drug?

A Google search of Discontinuing use of Paxil gave me 4 results right off the bat that would be good for you to look at, including one site which has some very clear step by step advice, and also user forums.

http://www.medicinenet.com/paroxetine/article.htm also deals with the same subject in a very brief, clear way, with things to watch out for.

Paxil CR is indeed different from regualr Paxil, it is Controlled Release, so the ingredients and the overall effect on the body would be different. Have you talked to your doctor/pharmacist about cutting them up, and if so, about a professional pill cutter? They are not that costly and could be a real help in this situation. Your doctor or a different one might also make different recommendations as to dosage. There is flexibility depending on reasons for taking it, as indicated in the url mentioned above. Best of luck!

Is mania or manic behavior (i.e., exageration of one usual personality) a likely withdrawl effect of or caused by Effexor? It should be noted that the person stopped taking Effexor cold turkey and did not taper down. Also, the person had been on Effexor for approximately 1.5 yrs. This manic or mania behavior has never happened before and this was the first time taking Effexor. What are other comparable medications to Effexor? And would Effexor be appropriate for treating bipolar disorder as well as depression?