needs help :(

[cassandralee]

i'm 23, and think i've come to realize i have the worst anxiety/panic problem. im currently at work, have been crying with left arm pain, tingling in my fingers, left side chest pain. see doctors and they tell me my heart is fine that its anxiety. ive been on paxil since i was about 15 yrs old. thought i was doing good but  guess not anymore. does a anxiety med stop working after a period of years? im also taking xanax .25 every other few days. i try my hardest not to take it, but when im at work with these feelings i have no choice.

[mammo]

If you just stopped one and went to another this may have caused you some problems. Was this done under the guidance of a psychiatrist?  Celexa is an excellent medication, but we all react differently to them.  Did you go back on the Paxil on your doctor's advice?  It's imperative that you work closely with a psychiatrist with these meds, as they are most knowledgeable, and can direct you on how best to switch without having these types of problems.  I would see a psychiatrist and tell him your experience, and follow his directions.  I can understand why you would be afraid, but I don't think it was done correctly.  I seriously doubt that you are getting any benefit out of the Paxil after this long, but only a professional can guide you on this.  You don't need to live like this, there is a lot of help for you with therapy and medication.  Don't be afraid, sometimes it's trial and error with these meds and most of us have been thru this. If you persevere you will get the right one, just make sure it's a psychiatrist prescribing your meds.  Also try getting into therapy, finding the root of all this will help you to cope with your issues and live a better life, often medication free.  There is always something causing our anxiety and it's always good to find out what it is and address it. Not always an easy thing to do, but always worth it.  We're glad you're here too, there are many knowledgeable and supportive people here to help you through this.  Because we have or are still dealing with anxiety, you are talking to people who understand what you are going through.  Keep us posted, and take care.

[cassandralee]

thanks for replying, im so happy i found this website. i did try and stop paxil about a month ago and tried celexa for 1 week and a half. worst time of my life, i had so many panic attacks, my body would go numb and i would uncontroably shake. my anxiety has just taken over me completely, im so scared to try another med because of what previously happend.

[mammo]

These medications do be become less effective as your body builds up a tolerance to them.  You've been on the same one for a very long time, it's time to get back in to see your doctor and let him know what is going on.  Anxiety can manifest itself in many ways and hopefully getting your meds switched to a new one will help you.  Take your Xanax however it is prescribed, and don't waste any time gettting back in to see your doctor over the Paxil.  Don't stop taking the Paxil, you can have serious withdrawal, your doctor will be able to tell you how to switch from one to another.  I do think the Paxil is no longer working for you and this is why you feel so bad.  Take care..