Scared my Paxil isn't working anymore. Can anyone help?

[acleme1]

I'm a 36 year-old male. I've been taking 40mg of Paxil for 10 years. I have to take the name-brand, because the generic doesn't work for me (tried 3 different times). A few weeks ago, the old feelings of anxiety started creeping back in. Racing thoughts, sick feeling in the pit of my stomach, overwhelming sense of fear, etc.

Now, I am feeding that anxiety with more fear. I am afraid that Paxil isn't working anymore, and I am scared that I will have to come off of it. I have read all of the horror stories about Paxil withdrawal, and it scares the living heck out of me. Currently, if I miss a day or two of taking it, I already start to have brain zaps. I have a feeling withdrawing from Paxil is going to be...hell on earth, and I have a wife and 2 kids that I have to support.

My question to you guys is this. Has anyone experienced this before? Will upping the dose from 40 to 50 help? Has anyone added a 2nd medication to an SSRI that is "pooping out" with success? Has anyone switched from Paxil to another SSRI with any success?

My doctor added .25mg of klonopin 2 times a day until I can get everything back under control, but it doesn't seem to be helping.

I'm a little desperate here, as anyone reading this can probably relate to. Anxiety *****!

A little side note: I am currently under a bit more stress than I typically am used to. We are moving to a new house in 2 weeks, I received a promotion with added responsibility 1 month ago, and my daughter is dealing with some minor separation anxiety...which I have been worrying about.

Thanks again for any help. ac.

[studchick]

Try not to let negative thoughts overtake you! You have been on Paxil and it has helped you. If you need to switch meds YOU WILL NOT DIE even if you feel bad! Do not fear the possibility of having to get off Paxil. I switched from Paxil to Celexa, gradually cutting back on Paxil while upping Celexa. Didn't have any real problem but 1 month and 1/2 later felt suicidal and weird on the Celexa, so back on the Paxil I went. I've been on Paxil about 14 years and it still works but I feel so fatigued I was willing to try Celexa. Maybe the changes with job and moving are triggering you with more anxiety. Do you have a therapist? The Lord has been my strength and his promises my anchor! I hope you will call upon him for help. He loves you! You will make it! Focus on as much good as is possible and get all the help you need! With compassion, Studchick

[mammo]

After 10 years on the same medication I'm sure your body has built up a tolerance to it.  This is normal and it's imperative that you let your doctor know that it is no longer working for you.  He will probably switch meds completely, and when this is done under your doctor's supervision you will have no problems.  I have been switched many times but my doctor advised me on how to wean off of one while starting the new one.  You have to be careful because all we hear are the horror stories about medications, they are all valid, but you have to think of the thousands who have not endured these problems that we don't hear from. Klonopin takes a couple of weeks to build up in your system, but if at that time you feel no better then let your doctor know. On the "up side" you are moving to a new house while many are losing theirs, you got a promotion when others are losing their jobs.  Your daughter's problem can be solved, and she is healthy.  Try to turn your stress into excitement for all the good luck coming your way.  Take care...