Scared of Paxil

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-02-2006
Scared of Paxil
12
Wed, 08-02-2006 - 3:26pm
Hi everyone. I am new to the board. I have been dealing with anxiety I guess all of my life but it wasn't until I had my first surgery this past May at the age of 36 that my anxiety sort of "took control" of my life. I have had 2 anxiety attacks that have sent me to the hospital and my doctor put me on Paxil, 10 mg. as well as Tranxene, 7.5 mg. I have been taking the Tranxene to take the edge off of the anxiety but I am scared to stay on the Paxil. I started it this past Saturday, the 29th and have felt "funky" ever since. Has anyone used Paxil with great success? What symptons were experienced? Is it safe? I have taken it for 3 days and notice somewhat of a change but still get anxious, esecially in the mornings. I felt really "weighed down" yesterday so I didn't take it last night and WHEW! Today has been rough. I majored in psychology in college and graudated this past May just right before my surgery, and I think my education is working against me. All I can think is, "OMG, I'm on an SSRI" and I don't understand how Paxil being an anti-depressent is going to help with anxiety. I have a lot on my plate, but I am not depressed. Could anyone share some thoughts on this? I really want to conquer this monster that has a hold of me!!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Wed, 08-02-2006 - 3:42pm

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
Wed, 08-02-2006 - 3:50pm
I started having anxiety and panic attacks around age 30. I believe I had anxiety all my life to a cetain degree but didn't realize what it was. I took tranxene for a few years with great sucess. I took nothing else with it. I used it to take the edge off and used coping techiques to conquer the anxiety. I have had anxiety for over 30 yrs now and control it for the most part unless I have very heavy stress. My younger sis has anxiety/panic problems also and has done wonderfully on paxil. At one time she was agoraphobic and would not leave the house. This spring she drove from Ark home to PA, alone, to help with our mom's estate. She also uses coping skills to conquer her anxiety. I think different meds work for each individual. I truly believe that developing coping skills is the key to taming this monster. The lower part of this board has some wonderful coping skills. Are you in therapy? I also find that to be a great help. Alot of us have a fear of meds, thats common with anxiety. Maybe some of the other girls have some helpful tips for you. they're great here for helping one another. Good luck Sharon

GRACIE

Betty Boop Protected by Angels Sign

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Wed, 08-02-2006 - 3:58pm

Hi & welcome!

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-02-2006
Wed, 08-02-2006 - 8:57pm
I'm not in therapy yet. I just had an appointment with my family doctor last week and I am in the process of finding a therapist. As a psych major in college I know the benefits of going to therapy, I just never thought I would need it which seems to aggrivate the situation. I am too hard on myself and feel like I should to be able to juggle every thing in my life (husband, 2 kids, post-op recovery, looking for a job,etc..)without any problems. My husband says I need to quite trying to be invincible and realize I am human. I do agree that coping skills are the key to handling this. Thank you for the feedback. This message board I have found is already some therapy! =^..^=
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-02-2006
Wed, 08-02-2006 - 9:03pm
Thanks Jan for the warm welcome and tips. I have discovered that even with a low dose of Paxil,(10mg) I feel like I have to drink GALLONS of water and I have only been on it 3 days. I do know that the Tranxene works wonders and have thought of talking to my doctore about using just the Tranxene and seeking out a therapist for coping skills.(I was instructed to go to a therapist anyway), and that way, I don't have to deal with trying to come off of the Paxil. I just can't seem to get past the fear of having to take an SSRI for life.
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-25-2005
Wed, 08-02-2006 - 9:40pm
Hi and Welcome!! I take Paxil and xanax and have for over 15 years
I am 59 and had panic since I was young. I was very happy with the
results from Paxil and therapy!! I go to hypnotherapy now and find
that a great resource for relaxing!! I was agoraphobic and have now
overcome the worst of it---- I HOPE!!! I did have weight gain from the
Paxil or the xanax or maybe old age whatever!!! GOOD LUCK TO YOU! Judy
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 08-02-2006 - 9:47pm

hmmm, i am currently trying to wean from paxil,
i feel that it was the best thing to help me
thru postpartum panic and don't know how i would
of dealt otherwise, but being so aware and using
coping skills i want to see how things go w/o it
and take xanex as needed.

i believe i was lucky in not having alot of side effects,
sex was one of my concerns, that has been OK, i feel a little
foggy and am VERY hot, otherwise paxil really helped, although
i still had bad weeks of panic here and there, (needed the as needed
anyway:))i guess meds are
never going to be a cure all.

how much is the anxiety interfering with your life??
i didn't want dh to go to work and had an infant to take
care of with what seemed like all day panic.

i struggled with taking the paxil, i did not want to
turn into my mom and felt i was a very strong confident
person......i decided life was too short
to suffer like that and it was intended for a short time.
then
my son was dx'd with a disability and i was glad paxil was
running thru my veins and didn't even worry about weaning anytime
soon.....i'm ready now to try.

if you have any specific questions, please ask, i don't
know if this helped any.

kris

JAN - is this rambling or are my thoughts just flowing more
freely, i'm this chaty in real life but not on the comp, i want
to respond to ppl more but don't take the time to find my
words to type out. i always
worry that i can't write well and don't make alot of sense.....
i was voted most talkative in 7th grade...really embarassing

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2003
Wed, 08-02-2006 - 9:47pm

hi there, i take paxil and have for 10 years...i'm in a rough spot right now but paxil has really helped me in the past...i know what you mean about your education working against ya...i have my bachlors in psychology and my masters in social work....i was a therapist unti 3 months ago when my anxiety became too much to handle and i quit my job:( anyways, paxil has been given to help people for anxiety for decades:) and has been found to help...i'm not exactly sure why but it does.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Thu, 08-03-2006 - 2:18am

I wouldn't call it rambling, Kris. Sometimes it's feels good to get it all out. I was pretty chatty in my posts today, plus I talked on the phone to a certain cl for 92 minutes;) OMG! I am NOT a phone talker.


You haven't posted in awhile, so maybe you had alot saved up. I think you're doing fine. (((hugs))) jan





 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2006
Thu, 08-03-2006 - 10:59am
Hi there, I've been on paxil for almost 2 months now. It was difficult for the first 2 1/2 weeks, but I started improving. My doc. increased the dose 2 weeks ago and now I'm feeling pretty good. I was afraid of paxil at first too, but I will take it forever if it continues to work. I never want to go through those horrible attacks again. (Mine was also after surgery). Hang in there and good luck!

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