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Paxil roundabout
My psychiatrist gave me a prescription for paxil, just 10 mg to start -- I took it for about 2 weeks but felt like it was causing more anxiety instead of taking it away (along with the other initial symptoms of tiredness and nauesea), so I stopped taking it. Off it for about a week, then I thought maybe I did feel slightly better emotionally when I was taking it - so I went back on it for about a week or two. Then I stopped again because of the anxiety AND the sexual side effects. I think I took one pill about a week after that but haven't taken one since. My question is this: I feel a little weirded out - dizzy, overtired, light-headed - could this be minor withdrawls since it was probably starting to get into my system? or is the dose too low? I'm wondering if I should start taking it again and see if this feeling goes away... I feel like I'm screwing up my brain chemistry even more than it already is!! :' ( My pshychiatrist is a 'resident' -- that means he still learning, right? I sometimes am concerned that he doesn't really know what to do with me. (different subject, I know...)
Thanks for any input!
Thanks for any input!
Best Answer
There is an adjustment period with these types of medications, and you should report any side effects of them to your doctor right away. He can tell you if it's your body adjusting to the medication, or if it's not the right medication for you. Often it is trial and error as to what will work best for us, which can be frustrating. What works for one, may not for another. It takes 4-6 weeks for you to get the full benefit of the medication and to feel better. Plus, never stop these types of medications cold turkey, you have to be weaned off of them. I think with you starting and stopping the medication, you may have created some problems for yourself. I doubt you took it long enough to have any real bad withdrawal problems from stopping it. Call your doctor and explain how you felt and do what he recommends. Being a resident he is still learning, but they are followed up by a doctor, so you're okay there. It can be difficult starting these types of medications, but well worth it when you get the right one. A doctor has no way of knowing which one is right for you until you take it, and they go from there. If the 10mg isn't doing the job for you in 4-6 weeks, let your doctor know this, he is your best resource. Never hesitate to call him, they used to this. I hope this helps, and I wish you all the best!
Going on and off meds isn't a good idea, that's probably what's bothering you since you've been on the Paxil too short a time for it to start working, though side effects can start before effects. As for the vitamins, it would take a lot more than just those three to help -- it would take a combination of substances plus the usual -- exercise, meditation, diet -- for natural treatment to work. The fish oil might help with the symptoms you're having right now, though, from going on and off the Paxil so much. You can search for some of my answers on the natural stuff if you want -- they're all over the place. Also try a book by Hyla Cass, a psychiatrist from UCLA, called Natural Highs for a fairly decent overview of what's out there naturally.
Thank you all for your input!! I have an appointment this Friday with my psychiatrist so I'll see what he says. I have stayed off the Paxil for now - just to try to re-stabilize my chemistry. I have taken Paxil before, several years ago and it seemed to work back then so I'm not sure why it seemed to be causing more anxiety for me this time around.... I spoke to the woman at the health food store and she suggested Vitamin D, B, and fish oil to help with some of the anxiety and depression symptoms - anyone gotten any relief from any of those???
Your feelings about Paxil are almost identical to mine. I have been taking it for 4-5 years and sometimes wonder if it helps. Overall, it becomes a matter of percentages for me and even if it helps a little it is worth it.
For me, when starting, stopping, or adjusting the dosage my anxiety 'symptoms' will become more prominent probably due to an adjustment period and the fact that I may be worried about side effects so I just notice them a little bit more. I do agree that you should not take medication issues into your own hands...take them as directed and keep a good line of communication open between your doctor and yourself. Sometimes, it is a little trial and error until you find the right medication for you....keep us posted!
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