New here just looking for a little help~

[kylady1980]

O.K. So I am new to this, forgive me if this question is out of place. I am 29 years old and I just moved to southeastern Ky....From Cincinnati, OH..BIG CHANGE. Alot is going on with the family, my dad just had a stroke. And to be honest, I am really feeling the effects of all this. I went to the doctor the other day, trying to get something to help me sleep and to keep me calm thru the day. I worry all the time, and with my dad he is very angry and bitter towards me and my family. Well the doctor prescribed me something and when I got home I found out it was an antidepressent  (PAXIL )...
I will be honest my grandma in Cincinnati has given me klodipin and xanax before and it really helped me. I am wondering how to get your doctor to put you on this kind of medication. Do you just have to ask, or what? I really could use some input here. New to the area, and stuck... I live in Corbin area.
Thank you in advance for your time and help!

[optimus22mac]

I am not a regular poster...well, I do every once in a while.  I often use this site to see what other people's experiences are with certain things:  their injuries or diagnosed conditions, surgeries, the therapies tried or diagnosed by their doctor, the meds they take, etc etc.  I then feel more educated agree or disagree with what my doctor might recommend.

I find it very useful to know all possible experiences...for example:  If I was researching Paxil as an option for my anxiety, I would be interested in reading about people like Paxiled, who had a different (and negative) outcome to the Paxil, and about someone like myself, who has had great success with Paxil, and everyone in between.  I would want to try to find out as many possible outcomes, so that I can make an educated decision as to whether or not I would try that therapy or medication.  This of course would be in addition to the actual medical advice given to me by my doctor...but I think we all know about the inconsistencies in the medical profession--and that sometimes, doctors may not be the most knowledgeable.  It is our responsibility to take our medicine ONLY as prescribed, and it is our own individual responsibility to become as well informed as possible, about new medicines, etc.

Now, as the GIVERS of information, we need to state plainly that we are telling our story or experience.  That "****" was good for me, or I had a very bad experience with "*****".
I personally, deep inside of course, have taken offense to a few things on this forum.  Paxil saved my life! I have had anxiety all my life, but I had a particularly bad case of post partum anxiety. After some trial and error with different meds, and after the first month with Paxil--when my body got used to it, I felt like myself again, and I continue to have a great quality of life today.  I do suffer a negative side effect of weight gain....but my Doc said "Besides the weight gain, how is your overall life with the Paxil?" and I had to say it was fine.  And since it seems to be the only one to work for me, I'll continue to take it, and tell people my experiences.

So, when Paxil is bashed so openly as something so awful...I'm thinking that maybe it might save someone else's life, or simply make their life a little better.
Now on the flip-side, I've taken the negative info on Paxil withdrawals, and put it aside for the day I may need it (IF I do).  It all comes down to this:  treatment is very INDIVIDUAL.  Each person is different, and for one person, Paxil can be a nightmare, but for another, it may save a life.
Thanks to everyone, for helping to make this forum so great.

[cj29]

No, I don't think anyone would ever question the value of anyone here.  Paxiled is one of the most parcipitative members here which is great.  Difference of opinion is what makes this site storng and enables it to flourish.

Flob, you hit the nail on the head when you you say, we need to ensure that we inform people to know that we are talking about what we have learned from our experiences and we are by no means stating fact.  For example, I had a bad experience with Celexa years ago, but that does not mean that it could not be the med of choice for others.

Also, some people choose not to ever use medications, which is fine also. We all choose different paths and how we go about our treatment is a very personal matter and should be tailored to the individual in my opinion.

So, don't be afraid to share your particular expriences and opinions with any medication, therapy, etc :).  It is encouraged here...we just need  to ensure that we don't demean a particular path of treatment as fact...what might work for one, may not work for another.  Heck, my opinion may be really of base for someone and may not be the right course, but I have to make sure that what I am suggesting is a suggestion and I have been definitely been corrected once or twice which is a GOOD thing.

So please keep the level of participation up!

[flob]

and the post by cj that i refer to is "to all posters"...

there. i'm done now. i wish i could just go back and put this all in one response. ha.

[flob]

in addition to what i've just said...i thought that i might share that i've seen a community leader suggest a certain medical direction for a poster on an issue that clearly they weren't entirely informed on. i don't say this to point to any particular post and say "see what was done here...".... i say this only to suggest that each person can provide medical advice without even noticing they are doing so and that boundaries are different for each person. in the post i'm referring to, no doubt they had good intentions...but again, the boundaries seem to be rather blurred. what can we say and what can we not? i think the answer to this would ease my confusion.

and i really hope that in both my posts, my tone wasn't lost to words. as i said, my intentions are more towards clearing confusion on my part more than anything else...because to be honest, when i first saw the post by cj, i wondered if i'd said anything i shouldn't have.

[flob]

since the post was made telling people to essentially watch what we say, i've been very confused as to what i can and can not say to people. it seems every post regarding a drug i have taken is laced with "for me" and "i'm not a doctor" and "may be different for you" etc etc etc. i've never believed in using this forum to suggest medical advice to others...but with the recent post it almost feels as though anything 'medical' should not be commented on at all which, in turn, puts very strict limits on exactly what this forum can be used for and almost defeats its purpose.

perhaps, paxiled, your comment would have been valued more if you had left off the "don't take the paxil!" and added a few "for me's" and "i'm not a doctor" in there.

the last thing i intend to do is involve myself in any form of debate as to what we may share in this forum without it being censored. i do think it's important to share my view, because for some who frequent this forum, they may be wondering exactly what we're allowed to say and may no longer share information that can be completely relevent to a topic for fear it may be over stepping certain murky boundaries. the post made a few days ago was rather general and so are the suggestions made here, so some of those who have read them may be confused, just as i am, as this has not been such an issue in the past. these are all just thoughts though...not arguments. its quite possible i'm the only one who entertains such thoughts. it wouldn't be the first time.

but paxiled, i doubt your value to this forum is in question. few could question that. perhaps it's just that your limit should merely be with sharing experiences and make no suggestions at all on ones own medical direction. it seems that its a safer road to travel. again...just thoughts. my thoughts don't always align with popular opinion.

[Paxiled]

Ask cj to share my PM to him with you.  I didn't want to have to learn what I was forced to learn, but once I learned it, it would be rather cowardly of me not to share it, wouldn't it?  And as for natural remedies, I only try to help people use them properly.  I would never, and have never, guaranteed they will help any more than I can guarantee medication or therapy will help.  I only offer it as an alternative that, unfortunately, our current allopathic practitioners learn nothing about in their training and are in fact taught to reflexively discourage.  But as for me, I'm beginning to question my contribution to this forum.  I've been censored and censured for not sharing the prevailing opinion of the website.  Perhaps you are right and I am wrong and am only hurting here.  That's not how I see it, but we see ourselves least well of all.  Peace.

[nursegirl6572]

Afterthought..lol

Just wanted to add that obviously my above post is penned with all due respect.

I appreciate and recognize your contribution to this forum.

Also wanted to add in regards to natural remedies.  I don't have a problem with them at all and realize they help a lot of people, I just feel it is important to mention that, like ANY medication, one's doctor should be consulted and made aware of any natural supplement that a person is taking.  Same with a pharmacy...they should be aware of everything a person takes, prescribes, OTC and natural, as there is a potential for interactions and contraindications.

[nursegirl6572]

THANK YOU CJ!

Paxilled...you know I've spoken up about this in the past.  While I completely understand you had a horrid situation, it simply IS NOT FAIR to make statements like "DO NOT TAKE PAXIL!" And saying that it is a "problematic" drug?  For YOU, it was...for a LOT of others, it was a miracle.  You simply CANNOT discount that.

While I think sharing your opinion is important...PLEASE remember we are on an anxiety forum with people already scared to death...PLEASE choose your words more carefully.  

[cj29]

That is ok...the difference in opinion is what makes this forum strong.

[Paxiled]

The last post doesn't make much sense, sorry.  I replied to your personal statements about me with an argument about the importance of this and that, but it apparently got censored by the great censor in the sky.  So that post is a second post, which is why it starts "oh, and".  All that wonderful pontificating lost in the ether!  Oh, well.

[Paxiled]

Oh, and cj, don't discount people who have had bad experiences.  That's how we learn.  And on a personal note, after three years plus of this nonsense, I finally found out what I have.  It's called Protracted Withdrawal Syndrome.  You most often find it with addictive drugs, but it also happens with antidepressants.  It's most common with benzos, apparently.  Look it up.  Problem is, doesn't seem to be a cure other than to prevent it from happening in the first place, or at least I haven't found one yet.  

[cj29]

Again, let me remind everyone here that none of us are doctors and just because some of us have a bad experience with a medication does not mean that you will.  Paxiled is obviously biased against Paxil, so take it with a grain of salt.  What is bad for him, does not necessarily mean it is bad for you.

Furthermore, medication combined with talk therapy can be a VERY powerful combination, it talk therapy alone does not work.  I agree that there is no 'magic pill,' but it can help in my opinion.

Be very careful at people that 'push' 'natural' remedies.  They can be just as harmful, if not more harmful than any medication you could take.  

Taking medications is definitely a personal choice.  Some do not like the idea at all, some believe in them, while others believe in a balance between talk therapy and medication....keep us posted!

[optimus22mac]

I agree that Paxil seems like a drastic choice for your situation.  It will take maybe 4-6 weeks until your body adjusts to it, and it will make you feel extra-anxious during that 4-6 week period.  I agree with paxiled, that some sort of talking therapy or counseling would be the best thing to try first.  Then, if talking therapy is unsuccessful, you may want to look into drug therapy with a doctor who is knowledgeable, like a psychiatrist. You say that you worry all of the time, so an SSRI may be the right thing for you if the symptoms have been around for a long time, as they are intended for long term use.  The Xanax and Klonipin that you have tried are benzodiazepines, which are very addictive, and are intended for short term use, so if the worrying is a result of recent stresses, probably temporary...they may be an option.

I happen to take Paxil for my anxiety, and I've had great success with it, but it took a lot of trial and error until we found that it was the best option for me.  I take it because I do have anxiety all the time.  I also used to have quite a few panic attacks.  Now, I have a much better quality of life.  There are many other SSRI options--Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro; and other non-SSRI options also.

Whatever you end up doing, it is a major commitment, and a major responsibility.  I hope you find a way to relieve your anxiety soon, since it can be very debilitating.

[Paxiled]

Don't take that Paxil!  It can be a very problematic drug, and very hard to quit.  It doesn't sound like what you're suffering right now is a Paxil situation, or a situation for any antidepressant.  It sounds like what you need is therapy before you try any of these strong meds, since you have a specific problem with a specific cause.  This is where therapy is your best bet.  Don't expect these meds to act like magic pills; they don't.  They're for those of us who haven't a clue why we feel as we do and for whom therapy didn't work.  There are also natural remedies that don't affect the brain in such a significant fashion that might help, such as melatonin for sleep, or Calm's Forte, a homeopathic remedy.  But it sounds like what you need most is to talk this out with a professional who isn't related to you.

[cj29]

SSRIs like Paxil are prescribed for anxiety.  Just remember that they can actually increase your anxiety for a few weeks while your body adjusts to the medication.  Quite often, a doctor will prescribe a medication like Xanax to use as your body adjusts, but they are usually prescribed short term because they can be addictive and can lose there efficacy after awhile.

While I am a big poponent of medications like Paxil, in my opinion they will never 'cure' anything but can be quite effective when combined with counseling.  Sometimes, just getting it all out on the table can really help you confront and beat this in my opinion. And NEVER do anything concerning these medications without consulting your doctor! Keep us posted!

[remar]

Hi, and welcome to Medhelp.
I've taken Paxil before and it did work great for my anxiety. Yes, It is an antidepressant but alot of Drs use it for anxiety.
It will probably take from a week to 4 weeks for it to start working. We're all different so it's hard to give you an exact time frame.
If you have anxiety all the time this may be the med for you. If your just having an occasional panic attack then a short acting med like Xanax would probably help you.
Klonopin is longer acting and you can talk to your Dr about this med. Tell him/her that you only have anxiety, if that's the case, and would prefer not to take an antidepressant, only an antianxiety med.
If you have any more questions just let us know. Take care. Remar