PAXIL/ANXIETY

[Gryffin900]

I was diagnosed by my psychiatrist a little more than five weeks ago with social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression. I'm a 18 year old male. I'm also seeing a thearipist. For a little more than five weeks I've been on Paxil. I started with 20mg and am now up to 40mg. I started 40mg about 9 days ago. When should I start to see the full thearaputic effect? How does it happen? I haven't really had any side effects. Sometimes I feel like I'm really hyper and then then I'm tired. Do you know what causes that? My psychiatrist uped the dosage to 40mg because I wasn't really feeling any reduced anxiety. I feel like my mood is better and my obseesive thoughts are reducing and I'm more energetic. But it has only has reduced a small part of anxiety. I need something more for anxiety. Do you think Serzone would work better since there are no anxiety side effects and is the most sedating? I don't have a problem with feeling tired or dizzy. Would Klonopin also work to releive my anxiety? Could I take Paxil and Klonopin? My next appointmet with my psychiatrist isn't for another 7 weeks. Do you think this is a too long of time. Should I call him to see if he could do anything else for my axiety?  Could you please try to answer all my question fully? I would greatly appreciate it. Sorry for all the questions.

Thanks for your time,
DAN

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

You are seeing some positive effects, you will probably want to stay on paxil. I would suggest you call your doctor and ask him re klonopin to help with anxiety. You should have seen an effect by now, so adding a specific anti-anxiety medication would make sense to me if your doctor agrees.

[chrismary]

I am taking klonopin to reduce the hyper effect I got and still am getting from prozac. It helps some. It's addictive though. Oxypam works too and of course Ativan if the doc will prescribe it. Also Xanax...all are addictive but they to work.
Chris

[Gryffin900]

Thanks for your comment chrismary. I read klonopin works best for reducing anxiety with social anxiety disorder. What effects did klonopin have on you when you first started it? Did it reduce anxiety? Any side effects? I read your post, what is mask face? I'm glad I didn't have the same side effects as you when I started taking my SSRI. Hope it's not too bad. Could you reply to this post or email me? I would really appreciate it.
Email: ***@****

Thanks,
DAN

[lucylucy]

paxil is the best drug that I have tried for anxiety/social phobia and obsessive thoughts.  Why don't u just continue on this drug since u have noticed some improvement... and see if u improve further?  by the way, i have tried serzone, and it did absolutely NOTHING for my anxiety.  I would hate to think that u start on some cocktail of drugs at such a young age.. anyway good luck,
Peggy

[Gryffin900]

I called my psychiatrist and he prescribed 0.5 mg of clonozepam 3 times daily. I'm also taking 40mg of paxil daily. The clonozepam has helped sooo much with my anxiety. I din't know he prescibed me the generic clonozepam, I thought he would prescribe klonopin. So I'm taking the generic clonazepam right now. Does klonopin work better than the generic clonazepam. Does anyone know what the difference is?

Thanks,
DAN

[MarcTravis]

Paxil worked for me for social anxiety and panic attacks. The trouble came when I tried to get off of it. I experienced severe nausea, shocking sensations in my chest and brain, aggressive tendencies, etc., etc. You should look up the symptoms of withdrawals to be aware of them at least. I've never taken Klonopin, but I have seen complaints about it's side effects too. Good luck.

[DeeC]

In 1999 I was having difficulty in all facets of my life. I sought help by a recommended psychiatrist and was put on 20 mil of Paxil per day.  I have been on the medication since 1999 and it has helped me tremendously.  In the interim I tried to lower the dosage on my own but I could feel the withdrawal symptoms. I went back to the doctor and he would not take me off.  I strongly disagreed with him but I had no choice but to stay on the medication.

I am now settled in my life and knowing myself, feel I don't need to remain on Paxil.  I was never one to take medication before being put on Paxil. I decided to do some research through the internet to learn more about the withdrawal symptoms and what alternatives  are available in order to wean myself off.  Much to my surprise I discovered Paxil creates a physical dependence on the user.  After reading testimonials I realized I am not in this alone. The terrible sensations I experienced were experienced by all that tried to withdraw.  

Please send me a list of guidelines to follow so I can pursue coming off Paxil.

Very truly yours,
DeeC

[dyface]

I saw you request for information on getting off of paxil.
I have and am experienceing side effects and want to try to go off.  I had to go off for 7 days due to lack of prescription and had NO IDEA what was happening.  But now I can not get a doctor to discuss getting off. or questions about less is less?  Or replacement medications with out certain side effects.
Would be highly interested in any information you may obtain.
Feel free to email me directly or through forum.  THANK YOU>
                                        Yours truly,
                                        ***@****

[Gryffin900]

Clonazepam helps but over the few weeks the effect is reducing. Maybe I'm just getting use to it or the dose isn't high enough. I know I can take 1mg or more 3 times daily because when I first started clonazepam it only caused my to be a little tired and dizzy. It seems like the more sedated I am the less anxiety I have. Now I don't really experience any side effects. It seems like when I take a dose it last for only about 2 hours. Is this because I'm on too low of a dose or my body is getting use to it. Is there another benzodiazipine that last longer like Xanax, etc.?

Thanks,
DAN

[STARLA GRRRL]

I'm sorry I'm not a doctor, so I can't tell you what is "normal" for these meds...or anything else like that. But I can tell you that I totally know what it is like to suffer daily from unbelievable anxiety, panic attacks, and everything else under the sun related to anxiety disorders. I know how difficult and exhausting it is.
I suppose the only way I could possibly help you though, is to just mention that maybe you should consider everything you are taking. I mean, I support the use of meds if it is actually helpful to the situation, but you need to remember that these medications (while effective) do not last for the long term. Usually (I find) if someone has an anxiety disorder, it takes more than just meds to make everything better again.
Lifestyle changes cannot be overstated here. Excersise, good diet, herbal teas, creative outlets, and getting your mind on other things, like with school or work can be VERY helpful...maybe even more helpful than meds sometimes?
I don't know, because I'm not you. But I do urge you to look up all of the meds you are considering, and get the WHOLE story. Unfortunately most doctors don't make it a priority to tell their patients the whole story behind the meds they are giving them.
I hope everything works out for you.
God bless.

[KEV78]

Hi EVERYONE...I'm new to the forum.  Ive got tons on my mind and many questions to ask.  Seems as if my probs started one day when i used cocaine.  Just that morning I suddenly freaked out and was afradi my heart was going to explode cause of how it was beating etc.  Had used the stuff for two months on weekedns with no probs.  EMT's told me everything seemed fine and that it was prolly a panic attack.  But deep inside i thought for sure i may have screwed up my heart or something.  Few weeks later i tried it again and a few times after that and each time i freaked out swore I was gonna die.  Anyhow i stayed clean and didnt mess with the stuff anymore. However then i starteed to get thesee weird episodes like I had trouble breathing like a smothering feeling and concentrated alot on my breathing cause thought if i didnt i would stop also a slight abnormal feeling or i guess sense of sight was weird or seomthing not sure how to explain it.  Suddenly one day i had a panic attack i guess again and that was the end of that afterwards i think i fell into depression.  Then started to get these weird heart skips..alot everyday for about a month and a half all day long really scarey.  Bad thing is i was afradi i messed up my heart and now it was doing all that weird stuff.  got my heart checked out and doc said everything came back normal maybe just stress.  Ive got alot of symptoms including sleep disturbances like i wake up suddenly in a panic i guess doesnt last too long and i go right back to bed easily but very scarey.  I still worry about my health alot..just wondering if something is being overlooked etc.  get tons of muscle twitches all over my body..in the mornings when i wake up i feel shaky inside and out..i also kinda feel off balance like i feel like i sway alot when standing straight up or light my head or body rocks back and forth when i am at rest kinda goes along with my heavy pulse rate.  I am taking paxil 37.5mg CR.  I am alot better than I was but still have tons of doubts.  Can somebody help me with my questions or have any responses..please email me at ***@****  THANKS SO MUCH!!!!!!!

P.S.  also a little more depth about my history..previous to this all the only thing I can think of that has some importance is i ised to take alot of Ephedra dieting pills also drank lots of coffe and smoke cigarettes...and did have a bit of a stressfull realtionship too...dont know i was thinking maybe all that had to do with it too...who knows?

[chrismary]

Did Wellbutrin help you with Paxil withdrawal? I am really upset coming off Prozac and having problem for so long.
Chrismary

[atmfee]

I have been on Paxil CR for about 2 months now. 37.5 mg. The doctor also put me on klonopin. Ever since I started taking paxil, I have felt tired all the time. I was told only to take klonopin when I go out, but I am too tired to ever go out. Does this go away ever or am I just going to sleep my life away? I have NO energy whatsoever.

[sleeepy]

I tried the Paxil 12.5 mg for a few days and it sapped ALL of my energy out of me.  I couldn't go to work.  I had gone to the doctor saying that my main problem was that I'm too sleeepy, too often, and then he suggested Paxil.  It seemed to be the exact opposite of what I needed.  I don't know what to try now.

[thekrazeeone]

Hi guys, I need some help in a bad way.  Please read.  I'm a 23 year old male, who kind of had a rough childhood.  At the age of 17, I was put on zoloft for depression, and the doctors were considering lithiam because they said I might be bi-polar.  After 2 years of taking zoloft, I quit, cold turkey because it didn't seem to make me happy...just not depressed.  So not being happy or depressed I felt like I had nothing.  No black or white...just grey.  That was 4 years ago.  Now, about month and a half ago, I was driving to work...hadn't really eatten or slept in about 2 days.  I was tired, and had just gotten a greasy pork roll sandwich for breakfast.  About 5 minutes after eating it I went into what I would describe as "shock."  I started getting delierious, felt like I was going to pass out...started getting cold sweats, and my heart was going nuts...and I'm driving. (which was horrifying)  I was so dulusional, that I thought about calling my girlfriend on my cell phone to ask her if I was home sleeping next to her.  It honestly felt like I was dreaming.  It subsided in about 2-3 hours. For the next 3-4 weeks, whenever I was tired, in my car in the morning I would have almost similar attacks, but not as bad.  Just felt like I was dreaming..and would have to convince myself that I wasn't.  To be truthful, I felt like I had smoked pot. (which I haven't done in years)  It all came to a head 2 weeks ago, when I had three seperate attacks on my way home from work..which is only 20 minutes away.  I was to meet some friends for food, and after being there for only 10 minutes, I asked my girlfriend to take me home.  They said I was pale as a ghost and kept asking if I was alright.  I went home and 4 hours later didn't feel any better.  I had the feeling that I was literally leaving my body...so I went to the emergency room.  That day I got my car back from the shop and they told me there was still a leak in the exaust so I had the doctors there test me for carbon monoxide.  The test came back negative and he told me about anxiety disorder and gave me a week supply of xanax.  The xanax worked great but I could feel myself getting hooked on it bad...and didn't want that.  I would take one in the morning and feel okay almost all day.  I went to my doctor just as I was on my last pill.  Diabetes and hypoglycemia run in my family so he sent me for blood test but gave me a 2 month prescription to paxil 10mg just to be safe.  I got tested for tons of blood related stuff...and they all came back negative.  Now, I've been on the paxil for almost a week...and this is what's going on.  I'm starving, but I can't eat.  I did weigh 129, now I'm down to 118. The food I do eat has to be wet food such as fruit, jello and the like or else I fell like I'm going to vomit.  I'm having trouble sleeping...the heat here is killing me, making me break out in cold sweats...and I still feel delusional like I did before I started taking anything.  I vaguely remember zoloft doing something like this...but now I'm paranoid that there is no cure for whatever I have.  I'm afraid to drive my car because I might pass out...and I'm not doing well at work.  Someone let me know if you've had similar problems with paxil..and how it works.  Nowhere I go can give me a straight answer.  How long does it take to kick in?  What happens in the first few weeks?  Please...any info is helpful.  Feel free to email me at ***@****  Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

-john.

[thekrazeeone]

Hi guys, I need some help in a bad way.  Please read.  I'm a 23 year old male, who kind of had a rough childhood.  At the age of 17, I was put on zoloft for depression, and the doctors were considering lithiam because they said I might be bi-polar.  After 2 years of taking zoloft, I quit, cold turkey because it didn't seem to make me happy...just not depressed.  So not being happy or depressed I felt like I had nothing.  No black or white...just grey.  That was 4 years ago.  Now, about month and a half ago, I was driving to work...hadn't really eatten or slept in about 2 days.  I was tired, and had just gotten a greasy pork roll sandwich for breakfast.  About 5 minutes after eating it I went into what I would describe as "shock."  I started getting delierious, felt like I was going to pass out...started getting cold sweats, and my heart was going nuts...and I'm driving. (which was horrifying)  I was so dulusional, that I thought about calling my girlfriend on my cell phone to ask her if I was home sleeping next to her.  It honestly felt like I was dreaming.  It subsided in about 2-3 hours. For the next 3-4 weeks, whenever I was tired, in my car in the morning I would have almost similar attacks, but not as bad.  Just felt like I was dreaming..and would have to convince myself that I wasn't.  To be truthful, I felt like I had smoked pot. (which I haven't done in years)  It all came to a head 2 weeks ago, when I had three seperate attacks on my way home from work..which is only 20 minutes away.  I was to meet some friends for food, and after being there for only 10 minutes, I asked my girlfriend to take me home.  They said I was pale as a ghost and kept asking if I was alright.  I went home and 4 hours later didn't feel any better.  I had the feeling that I was literally leaving my body...so I went to the emergency room.  That day I got my car back from the shop and they told me there was still a leak in the exaust so I had the doctors there test me for carbon monoxide.  The test came back negative and he told me about anxiety disorder and gave me a week supply of xanax.  The xanax worked great but I could feel myself getting hooked on it bad...and didn't want that.  I would take one in the morning and feel okay almost all day.  I went to my doctor just as I was on my last pill.  Diabetes and hypoglycemia run in my family so he sent me for blood test but gave me a 2 month prescription to paxil 10mg just to be safe.  I got tested for tons of blood related stuff...and they all came back negative.  Now, I've been on the paxil for almost a week...and this is what's going on.  I'm starving, but I can't eat.  I did weigh 129, now I'm down to 118. The food I do eat has to be wet food such as fruit, jello and the like or else I fell like I'm going to vomit.  I'm having trouble sleeping...the heat here is killing me, making me break out in cold sweats...and I still feel delusional like I did before I started taking anything.  I vaguely remember zoloft doing something like this...but now I'm paranoid that there is no cure for whatever I have.  I'm afraid to drive my car because I might pass out...and I'm not doing well at work.  Someone let me know if you've had similar problems with paxil..and how it works.  Nowhere I go can give me a straight answer.  How long does it take to kick in?  What happens in the first few weeks?  Please...any info is helpful.  Feel free to email me at ***@****  Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

-john.