paxil
What is Paxil?
Paxil (paroxetine) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) form of anti-depressant which helps to correct the imbalance of chemicals in the brain.
What symptoms does it treat?
Paxil is most often used to treat depression and other mental health problems such as anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, it can also be used to treat IBS. IBS patients are often given lower doses than depression patients.
How is it taken?
Paxil comes in tablet form.
REVIEWS OF PAXIL
Review by John 
I have suffered from IBS since I was about 29, and I am now almost 53. It has gotten harder to control over time and my tolerance for different foods is worse each year. However, I did find relief with Paxil off and on over the last 10 years or so. When I am on Paxil I seem to be able to eat more things with less negative side effects and I feel less discomfort overall. It is slightly constipating, but that is a benefit to me since otherwise I am running to the bathroom several times a day with mostly gas, mucous, and incomplete evacuation. Paxil seems to reduce this problem although it is not a cure.
I do not believe that Paxil alone works for me and I eat yogurt, take probiotics, watch my diet and take other prescription drugs sometimes as recommended by my doctor, but Paxil definitely helps. I do often try to go without Paxil because of the negative side effects. I don't know if this would apply for women, but for me Paxil definitely reduces sexual response significantly at the 20mg level and above and less so at 10mg. However, at 10mg I don't get the IBS relief as much so it's a balance issue.
Review by Stefanie 
I was put on Paxil from the ages of 18 to 23 (I am now 27). It really never helped my IBS but it did help to relive my symptoms of depression and anxiety. In the later years I started noticing severe side effects, including worsening depression and anxiety, irrational behavior, and I even attempted suicide twice. It got so bad I could barely maintain my full-time job.
Finally, I decided to stop taking it cold turkey, which was easier on the extended release tablet, and it was the best decision of my life. I still suffer from IBS (one tiny movement every three to five days) but I take senna, bisacodyl and various bulk laxatives to relieve my symptoms.
As Zelnorm was taken off the market I will look into Amitiza but I am very wary of its long list of side effects, although my symptoms from taking senna for three years are just as bad. I thought I had chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia!
Review by Amanda 
I have suffered from IBS-C for at least five years now, and about three months ago my doctor put me on Paxil as a last resort before further studies. It worked! It took about a month to really kick in good, but now I’m normal again and can eat whatever I want, no bloating, no pain, no gas, BM every morning! Five stars and thank you Paxil!
Review by Joe
I am a late 40's male with alternating IBS. Paroxetine for me is useful as part of a broader medications approach. It does seem to flatten the highs and lows that my digestive system goes through every day, and I get my benefits at only 10mg per day (half a tablet) - my gastro calls me a cheap drunk!
On the downside, once you've been on it for a while getting off it can be very difficult (SSRI withdrawal syndrome is nasty, I've experienced it). So, paroxetine is a long-term commitment. I think it doesn't greatly solve IBS on its own but it can improve the effectiveness of the other IBS pills (I am on Colese/Colofac, Lomotil, a restricted diet, probiotics, and vitamin supplements).
Review by Jerry
I am a chronic IBS sufferer and nothing has helped much. For the past month I have been on Paxil and I am feeling much less anxious about the IBS, and other things too. I don't have a feeling of dread and I allow myself to eat out a bit more.
The downside is that Paxil can be constipating and, unfortunately, I have the constipating form of IBS. However, with the Paxil there is much less pain. I have been taking a standard colon cleanser type treatment (the kind you use for a colonoscopy) once a week and after that, with the Paxil, I actually feel pretty good for almost a week.
Obviously, you need to check with a doctor about Paxil. For men there are certain sexual side effects that you need to ask about. I don't know anything about its use with woman. Based on my experience, if nothing else is working for you, I would consider asking your doctor about Paxil.
Review by Linda 
I have suffered with IBS for over 20 years. I have been told 'It's only in your head', or 'You're doing this to yourself'. Well, I would not wish this disease on anyone, much less do it to myself!
I use Lomotil, take a half a Paxil every day and have gotten some life back. I can go to work (over 25 miles one way) without fear of having to get to a bathroom fast. There are still some days that I fear I won't get there in time, but not like it used to be. I too left life to remain home except to go to work, no other alternative! I sent my children to the grocery store, or even Wal-Mart because as soon as I would go in a store the gut uneasiness would start and I would have to find the bathroom.
I can now go to the store and walk around and shop, except on occasion when it will flare up. I am interested in the Lotronex and wonder if it would help me. I have been so happy to be constipated, just so I could leave the house. It is so embarrassing and hard for people to understand why you can't join in society.
I can't stand and talk to someone because it seems gravity is pulling it all downhill. Sorry to ramble, but I have felt alone out here with this and just needed to vent.
Do you suffer from IBS? Have you tried Paxil? Please send in your review.