Sexual side effects after a brief period on Paxil. Scared. I need help from anyone who has used it

Two weeks ago I was prescribed Paxil after a terrible panic attack. I had always had anxiety and depression but never considered antidepressants. That day was different because I really felt like offing myself.

Anyway, I was supposed to take 10 mg a day. On the first day I took 20 mg and had strong, weird side effects (tension in my jaw, ringing in my ears, eyes tearing up, CONSTANT yawning, sleeping 12+ hours a day). The sexual sides were the worst. I had zero libido and, when I forced myself to masturbate, my penis felt like a wet noodle.

I didn't take Paxil for a while after that. Three days after taking the 20 mg dose, I was fine. I began to think I had overreacted, and took a 10 mg dose. I had these same sides again, but not as strong.

That second time (the 10 mg) was the last time I took Paxil. It was maybe 11 days ago. So in total I took 30 mg, or three doses. Almost nothing.

Since then, all the non-sexual sides have disappeared. I do have some libido now and I can masturbate, orgasm, and ejaculate. I've noticed something very worrying though -- my erections are basically gone. I don't get morning wood. When I'm turned on or even masturbating, my penis is maybe half as hard as it used to get. Just a few weeks ago I would get monster, 8 inch, embarrassed-about-my-pants-in-public spontaneous erections and I was sexually aroused all the time. Now I just can't get a proper erection when I try.

I don't really know what's going on right now. It's scary when my body is acting in such an unaccustomed way. I can't get any answers online. I've read stories about permanent sexual side effects (post-SSRI sexual dysfunction) lasting for years after being on Paxil for a short time, and they're scaring me. I'm only 25.

I would never have taken Paxil if I had thought it might have persistent side effects. My doc didn't tell me anything, and all my pharmacist said was that it might reduce my sex drive..

I'm going to see my doctor tomorrow but he'll probably be useless. He barely seems to know anything about the drug's side effects. I've heard that physicians refuse to believe SSRIs can have sexual side effects that persist after quitting treatment. I'm thinking about trying Wellbutrin because I've heard it restores and even improves sexual function. I'll also try different penile supplements like L-Arginine. I'm hoping someone who's been on Paxil in the past can give me some input here, because everywhere else on the Internet I'm drawing blanks.

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