Two steps forward, one step back?

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2006
Two steps forward, one step back?
10
Fri, 06-23-2006 - 2:28pm

I am 31 years old, have 2 children (9&5) and have been married for almost 12 years. I came from a solid family and life was good. About 8 years ago, my mother left my father, my brother moved to New York, I started a job I hated and had a miscarriage all in the same month. That was when I had my first anxiety attack and depression. I waited 2 weeks until I went to the doctor. I started prozac and things were okay. I weaned off after a year and had another episode, so got back on it. I weaned off after about another year and was great for about 4 years. No episodes. Then, in October of 2004, I had my worst attack yet and ended up in the hospital for 5 days. I was suicidal. I got on Lexapro and it worked for a bit but stopped.

I had a hysterectomy 3 weeks ago and 4 days after the procedure, bam, anxiety and depression again. This time my doctor put me on paxil cr. I'm on day 10 of the paxil. Wednesday, I felt pretty good and yesterday I was feeling, dare I say, great. But, this morning, I'm very anxious again. Every time the phone rings, or a car drives by or someone talks to me, I feel anxious. I'm wondering if it is normal to have a set back when starting a new AD. I didn't go through that with any other med. I'm scared this means paxil isn't going to work for me, but I really don't want to start a different med so soon. What are you thoughts?

Candace
P.S. I'm posting this on antidepressant medication as well, I'm desparate for replies.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2003
Fri, 06-23-2006 - 4:18pm

hi there- welcome to the board. i take paxil cr too...i was told, and i believe that it takes a few weeks for paxil to really work its "magic"...so 10 days is a little early to be expecting to feel the full effects of the drug...i think set backs are a huge part of this disorder (anxiety and or depression), so be kind to yourself, just because you had a set back doesnt mean that your a faliure...its a part of the healing process


hang in there and hopefully you'll feel better soon:)


heather

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Fri, 06-23-2006 - 7:08pm

Hi, Candace! I am very sure that many of us can relate to being under alot of stress when our anxiety & depression began. Learning to manage stress by meditating & belly breathing have really helped me. Check out our *coping tips & tricks* folder below.


Paxil is a good med & has been used successfully by others on our board. It isn't unusual for symptoms to flare up when beginning a new med. Most of the literature says it will be 4 to 6 weeks to reach the optimal effect. Good luck & GBU! We'll be happy to have you visist us often. (((hugs))) jan




 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2006
Fri, 06-23-2006 - 9:18pm
Thank you Heather. It helps to hear others experience. Did you have any setbacks when you first started taking the Paxil cr?
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2003
Fri, 06-23-2006 - 10:20pm

hi mom, at first i didn't look at the name, i remember you from the chat:) i did, and still do have set backs while starting and taking paxil.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Sat, 06-24-2006 - 3:01pm

Hi Candace!

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Sat, 06-24-2006 - 3:02pm

Heather, I just wanted to comment that you sound really good in these posts.

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2003
Sun, 06-25-2006 - 11:59am

i'm doing okay, thanks for asking sheriann...I've definatly been worse, but i still have a LONG way to go, and i'm not to patienct...but who is when it comes to feeling better.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-28-2003
Sun, 06-25-2006 - 2:06pm

As I was reading your post I couldn't help but to wonder if your recent hysterectomy might play a role.

Jennifer

"Oh, that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evi

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-25-2005
Sun, 06-25-2006 - 10:44pm
Candace I would wait the full 4 weeks to see how it goes!!
It took that long for it to work consistenly for me---
I know it is hard going up and down but this happens sometimes!
GOOD LUCK! Judy
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2006
Mon, 06-26-2006 - 9:35pm
Thank you everyone for the replies, they really help. I'm going to give it the full 4 weeks to see what happens.