Downward Spiral?

[fqmk48Ge]

Hey All,

I am a 22 year old female.. I have had anxiety for the last few years, however it has been off an on... Over the summer, it became absolutely out of control to the point where I almost had to quit my summer job - which I loved. My anxiety did, however, result in my taking the year off of school... A year I had been looking forward to. I have been diganosed with anxiety and panic disorder, depression.. and ocd as a result of both depression and anxiety. (my way of trying to control some element of my life) Now, I am home and living with my parents and brother...

I have been on Paxil since the beginning of September. I started taking 15 mg for a month as the starting dosage.. then after a month of being on that, my doctor increased my dose to 25 mg. This seemed to have more of an effect on my mood and made me feel pretty good.. I hadn;t been having panic attacks, or severe mood swings and was feeling that things were going well.. However, this last week I have started to feel absolutely terrible.. I woke up one night in a state of panic.. and I have no idea why.. usually my attacks are a result of irrational thoughts, but this is different. Also, I have been feeling on edge and extremely irritable the past week as well.

I thought my medication was working... I don't really know what to do with myself right now. I hate being irritable all the time and my mood swings are crazy.. One minute I am excited to go out with my friends, the next I just want to go to bed and stay in for the night so I don't have to socialize.

Any words of wisdom would help.. I haven';t had anyone to talk to about this besides my doctor who is understanding, so I am finding it very difficult to deal right now... thank you.

[fqmk48Ge]

Oh I will definitely look into both the tea and the audio book - thank you both!!!

Also, yes, I do get physical pains with my anxiety.... all of the above, along with a lot of spaciness feelings - when it gets really bad i experience numbness or muscle cramps too.. it's so weird. I can't believe something in my head is doing this to myself.. it's so strange..

I really appreciate the comments everyone :)

[criveros]

do you get any symptoms like physical pains, tiredness, diziness that accompany your anxiety?

[AnxiousGurl]

I know how you feeel......so you are not alone. Im not into meds and have found some helpful natural ways to help a little.

On seperate occasions ive found L-theanine relaxation tea helped me
5-htp helped a little (which you cannot exceed 300mg a day)
Ive also heard suntheanine is good.

You can find them at any health food or vitamin shop, however I would consult with your doctor first before trying any of it especially if your on meds.

Best wishes

[fqmk48Ge]

Yep - the pink would be the 25's I believe (which is what I am on). I am definitely going to do some research, I have in the past - but found that all I was seeing was the addictive side effects of all anxiety medications, so I just figured it was something I would haev to deal with later. Definitely a great idea to talk to my pharmacist about it as well.

It's taking so long for an appt. because unfortunately I don't have healthcare benefits right now, and can't afford counselling without it... But, luckily I love to read and definiitely plan on looking into that book - I have also read another one by Lucinda Basset called From Power to Panic, and it is great - she writes from the heart.

Thank you again fo ryour messages!

[fqmk48Ge]

Thank you so much for your post, it makes me feel better to know that there are people out there who are around to talk to.. even if it is just a listening ear..

Thankfully I have an appt. to see a psychologist in December.. a long wait - but originally it was supposed to be a 4-6 month wait at another place I was planning on going to! I will definitely ask my doctor about the paxil.. I in no way want to have to be on medication for the rest of my life... I was also prescribed Lorazepan (sp?) and have heard alot of dangerous stuff about that, and have been completely avoiding taking it...

I have never gotten "zaps" thankfully.. but now I know that if it happens, I am not the only person to experience those side effects... what kind of dosage was your partner on with paxil?

Thank you again

[fqmk48Ge]

Also, anyone who is also taking Paxil - any side effects? I feel very dizzy sometimes and was just wondering ...