#5: Sexual Dysfunction, Weight Gain and Hair Loss
March 17th, 2001. (Basic Facts – continued)
This list keeps getting better and better, doesn’t it?
The sexual dysfunction and weight gain are almost-guaranteed side effects of taking Paxil. The weight gain may be particularly worse for women, but the sexual dysfunction seems to happen with everyone right across the board. The sexual dysfunction can gradually be dealt with (details are given in several postings throughout this site), but the weight gain, or I should say losing the weight, seems to be the most trouble even after getting off Paxil; it just takes time. As for the hair loss, or thinning of the hair, this may be a result of extreme stress or it may be because of the Paxil, but it’s something I experienced myself and have read other accounts of, from women as well as men.
The good news: 1) My hair seemed to return to its normal thickness a few months after I stopped taking the Paxil. 2) For many people, their sexual function and libido also return to normal soon after they stop taking the Paxil. (Again, more details are given on this in several postings throughout this site.)
P.S. (Sept. 2006): This may not be the most informative post. I suggest going to paxilprogress.org and doing a search for “sexual side effects.” For instance, I just found this discussion thread that began with a guy asking about sexual side effects while taking Paxil. Here’s an excerpt from one of the responses:
Delayed orgasm is ok for men, to begin with. On a low dose it’s not so bad. Unfortunately, after a while — and especially if you up the dose — it will degenerate into impotence. I mean, it might take a few years, but it will happen. And then when you come off the drug you may well find yourself having extremely bad premature ejaculation. Worst of both worlds.
I hear that.