Paxil Dosage

Hello. I'm a 28 year old male. During the past year I moved from a large house to a small studio in the busy city. Since then, I started to experience panic attacks. I quit my job and started doing freelance graphic design work at home because I couldn't go to work or leave my house. My Doc gave me 10 mg, then 20 mg of Paxil. It helped for a bit, but stopped helping after about 6 months. I saw another Doc, and he told me to take 40 mg (he seemed more concerned). My heart sometimes skips a beat late at night or when I'm stressed out. I get scared that I'll faint in public. I feel weird and dizzy most of the time. It is so odd. I've heard that panic symptoms are very complex and sometimes mimic more serious illnesses. I just want to feel like "me" again. Maybe I should see a shrink or something about this. Right now it is just my GP that gives me the Paxil. I'm scared to take 40 mg because it actually causes more anxiety for awhile when the dosage is changed (2-3 days transition). Do you have any info or advise for a guy like me? It would be most appreciated.

Regards,

Andy

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Andy, seeing a therapist is a very good idea. You should get to the source of the problem. You can start from at home by going to the masteringstress program(link above).

Regarding medication,ask your doctor about decreasing the Paxil and adding klonopin for the anxiety. When you decrease Paxil, it should be tapered so you lower the dose 10 mg each week.