is internal nervousness "anxiety"?

[michelleanne]

well it's been almost 6 weeks of 20 mg of paxil, and i *still* have this internal nervousness that sits in my stomach and up my throat.  my question is, is the nervousness really anxiety?  i take paxil for panic attacks, and haven't had an attack since march, so i know it's working.  but i've been taking the klonopin to ease the "nervousness" after taking my paxil.  should i be on a diff. medication than paxil?  i know i should talk to my doc, but just wanting experienced advice from those who have been there.

ps.  i take .5 klonopin daily, but this morning i've already taken .5 and think i'll need another .25 this evening :(

[nursegirl6572]

Hi there...

The "internal nervousness" you are feeling very well COULD be anxiety...but it could also be the Paxil as well.  Most SSRI's cause an initial increase in anxiety, and a "jittery" feeling, but usually it starts to subside after the first week or two.  Did you notice the nervousness starting AFTER you started the Paxil, or was it there prior?

If it started after, have you noticed ANY improvement in it since you first started the Paxil?  How long have you been on the Klonopin?  I'm just wondering if perhaps you need a slightly higher dose of the Klonopin (like maybe twice a day instead of once).

You definitely need to discuss this with your doc.  I know it's rough...because it DOES seem like the Paxil is helping with the panic attacks....but if the nervousness started after the Paxil, you just may not be tolerating it (which of course there are other SSRIs you could try if that is the case).

Talk to your doc about it...and try to maybe write down your symptoms...when thery occur....how they relate to when you take your meds (do they get worse/better?)...and take a hard look at the symptoms prior to and then after the Paxil was started.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.  Certainly if it was JUST a side effect of Paxil, it should be improving by now.  So, it would obviously either be an intolerance to the Paxil, or the anxiety itself.

[cj29]

Have you been talking to a therapist during all of this?  In my personal opinion, you are doing the right thing by taking this medication as long as you are combining it with talk therapy.  SSRIs can cause a little increase in anxiety, but in my experience Klonopin is a good benzo to be on...it has a longer half life and is often prescribed for long term treatment as far as benzos go.  In my experience, it is less addicting than others.

Also, as nursegirl says, I would definately consult with my doctor about any questions and concerns.  Please keep us posted.

[TheRover]

Hey chicka -

We're almost at the same place. I'm in my 8th week on 20 mg of Paxil. Whatever you do, don't start drinking, even a little. I think that's what messed me up right now. Good luck and don't rely on your friends/family to give you therapy. See a doc and talk until you feel better.