Switching Meds - Need Help

[Natron247]

Over the course of the last 3 months I have went from Paxil CR 25 to Lexapro (which didn't work) back to Paxil CR 25.  Paxil has always worked for me.  I have noticed an increase in anxiety over the last few months which led me to look into changing medications fearing "poop out" had set in with Paxil CR.  I was on Paxil CR 25mg and now it looks like once I get the last bit of Lexapro 5mg out of my system I will probably be bumped up to Paxil CR 37.5.  My question is, what constitutes a "poop out"?  I hear that term a lot and really don't know what it means.  Does that mean that when trying to go up in a dose it still didn't help?  My doctor stated that I am on a fairly low dose of Paxil so going up should do the trick but of course I fear it won't.  Maybe it will.  Just wish I would have done this a few months back instead of getting off of Paxil and adding in Lexapro which didn't work for me.  Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

[Natron247]

I have dealt with a primary care doctor for years (10) with my anxiety problem and recently found a psychiatrist to go to for my medicine.  I had reached the point where I felt like I was directing my doctor which way to go in my treatment, and that is definitely not a good thing.  I'm hoping by putting my medicine in the hands of a professional who truly knows the in's and out's of the medication that I need is the best route.  I'm feeling much better than I have in a few weeks, but I still have my days.  The weekends hit me hard because I get to much time to think about things.  I'm looking to get over the hump soon.  I also started going to a psychologist as well recently to learn some CBT.  I am hoping the combination of both will keep my issues to a minimum or atleast a lot better managed level.  Thank you for your responses!

[cj29]

Doctors sometimes change the dosage of a particular medication like Paxil in my opinion.  I have been on varying dosages of an SSRI; sometimes higher and sometimes lower.  It would increase my anxiety in the short term both mentally and physically as my body adjusted.  In my opinion, an open line of communication is necessary with your prescribing doctor so you can ask as many questions as you like.  For me, it takes a lot of the edge of when I am not left in the dark about important issues like this.  Keep us posted!

[MMahon]

Hopefully a psychiatrist is handling your medication management.  They are best qualified at managing these type medications.
Usually if you are at the 'therapeutic level' as far as the medication dosage goes and you are not benefiting from it any longer then the term 'pooped out' may be applied.
Doctors used to order blood tests to learn the level of a medication to determine if the therapeutic level was reached.  I don't think they do that much these days.  It's now pretty much a judgement call, thus the need for a specialist in calling these shots.