You might try a triciclic rather than an SSRI--most specifically Imipramine. Start with 25 mg and up to 50mg if need be: these are very low doses and should not affect weight. Propranolol a beta-blocker can also be extremely effective and non-addicting. With panic they may need to combined with something like Imipramine or Ativan. Ativan is awesome but can be addicting--although I'm not sure how something someone needs is truly addicting: My opinion is that when you want to take it but don't need it, then you're addicted.
I also was on Paxil for years with good results. Then changed to Celexa because of weight gain. Then is summer..got myself in a real "funk" with 9 weeks of Bladder Infections and doctor put me on Efffexor. I did not care for it and it upped my blood pressure. So now we are weaning me off and I have been so sick. I going to go back to Paxil. This is been a terrible month..can't wait to find the right "potion" again. Anxiety..shaky, no appitite. What a life!!! Nana
Have you looked into Prozac or Zoloft? Those drugs are similar to Paxil..however, they may have the same interaction as Paxil because they are also SSRI's. I also like the above suggestion about maybe changing blood pressure meds.
Good luck!
Look up Holistrol for high blood pressure. It works wonderful for me and is natural and can be t aken with any medication