Taking Paxil / need advise

[janety33]

In the last year my anxiety has turned into panic disorder. I can't go anywhere, not even the grocery store with out panicking. So I started taking paxil.

I'm on my fourth week on Paxil. I started with 5 mg the first 3 weeks and just increased to 10 mg this last week. I noticed that my anxiety actually increased this week. I'm guessing its becasue I'm taking a higher dose.

When will it kick it? And when should I try a new med?

[Paxiled]

Any anti-depressant can make you more anxious, as they can be stimulating.  When they do, it means that probably isn't the right med for you.  On the other hand, it takes 4-6 weeks to tell, and you're not on the therapeutic dose yet -- that would be at least 20mg for most people.  What I would say is, if the Paxil seems not to be your med, decide that sooner rather than later, as it is one of the most difficult to quit.  It is a very effective med for many people, but the question to answer is whether it's worth the cost.  Most shrinks don't prescribe Paxil as a first resort med anymore, they usually will start with Prozac or Lexapro as they have fewer reported problems.  As for me, what happened to me won't happen to you, so don't worry.

[allmymarbles]

First - Check with "Paxiled." He is very knowledgeable about Paxil because it destroyed him. As to your anxiety, you might want to have your adrenals checked. High cortisol can cause anxiety. It is treatable.