Alternative for Paxil CR

I started out taking 20 mg of paxil and ended up on 40 mg of paxil CR. All together, I took paxil for 6 years. I decided to stop taking it because it kept me from concentrating and memorizing which is vital since I am in college to be a school teacher. In addition, I gained so much weight due to the medicine. My doctor helped me get off of the paxil which was a horrible experience that I never want to repeat again! Now my anxiety has come back and it is becoming worse. I tried lexapro and it didn't help. Before paxil I tried zoloft and it made my anxiety intensify. My doctor is basically leaving it up to me as to what I want to take for my anxiety. I need help as to the best anxiety medicine to take that won't make my symtoms (symptoms) worse. Can you give me some suggestions?

[Paxiled]

Please, anyone reading the above, please research these substances on science sites, not the sites mentioned above selling this stuff.  Meds are tough enough on the body without fooling around with things the body can't absorb or drugs FDA has denied approval to.

[MMahon]

What type of doctor are you seeing?  They are leaving your treatment up to you?
Is the way you feel now better then the way you felt on paxil?
You have a serious condition and the meds are there simply to help you cope with the symptoms.  They are NOT cures and, as with EVERY OTHER type medication, have side effects, some more then others.  Getting treatment can't be an 'all or nothing' thing.  There isn't any miracle pill or herb that's going to make things go away forever and make you feel like a million bucks in the process.  It doesn't work that way for anxiety disorder or 95% of the other serious ailments you can have.  
You should find a competent psychiatrist and together work on a treatment plan. There are numerous medications out there and many  types of treatment that you can pursue. For many of us anxiety disorder is a significant disability that impairs or lives in many ways.  We have to live with side effects and inconveniences as does every other disabled person, like it or not.  

[jul04]

Please consider going into therapy.  There are many different medicines for anxiety.  I agree that a psychiatrist would be best for you to see.  They can prescribe meds and teach you coping skills.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Paxiled]

Please ignore my comment -- the post I was referring to has thankfully been removed.