Paxil not going well so far

Avatar for cherfer
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-11-2003
Paxil not going well so far
19
Tue, 09-05-2006 - 1:40pm
Well I still have hives which I had on Lexapro and Celexa, that hasn't let up at all. I have been on the paxil for about a week now, started the day after quitting Celexa. Had really bad anxiety/possible PA this morning while having a meeting with someone at work.. very out of breath, sweating, etc. I really hope it gets better. I feel like I'm all over the place and this is my third medication. I feel like quitting.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-22-2006
Wed, 09-06-2006 - 1:27pm
Cher - sorry to hear it's been a tough adjustment. Hives are the WORST. I used to get them when taking advil. Have you taken anything over the counter since starting? Look at that too. Just wanted to share that Paxil works great for me - try to hang in there. It took 3 weeks before I really started feeling good. Hope today was better!
Avatar for cherfer
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-11-2003
Wed, 09-06-2006 - 7:07pm
Taking prescription allergy meds too but they don't help too much. The latest side effect is that I'm STARVING at all times. This is not good because I have a big appetite to begin with. I'm going to give it another week or two. Honestly, if I don't start seeing any good effects soon, I'm going to quit. I can't see taking medication that only makes me feel worse.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-12-2003
Thu, 09-07-2006 - 1:23pm

Paxil worked well for me as far as controlling the AP but I did gain weight. I had an appetite while I took Paxil and I normally do not have a big appetite. I lost quite a bit of weight over about a year after I stopped taking the Paxil without doing anything special to loose the weight.
About the hives, my Grandma used to get the hives all the time. She didn't necesarily know why she even got them. Very frustrating! She had lots of allergies, especially to medications. It is hard to figure it out sometimes. Maybe you should consider seeing an allergist. Also, maybe start keeping a detailed daily log of everything you eat, everything you put on your body (lotions, soaps used, detergents used on your clothes, ect). I had to do that to figure out what exactly was making my hands itch so horribly! Apparently several of my lotions and my husband's bar soap all make me itch but especially when I'm using them at on the same day! Took a while to figure it out! But, no more itching so all that logging info worked for me.

Laura

Avatar for cherfer
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-11-2003
Thu, 09-07-2006 - 2:13pm
Well, today is more of the same. I feel exhausted, I can't stop eating, my body hurts, I still have hives, I'm distracted and I have no motivation to do anything. I am in good shape and it might sound vain, but I don't want to get fat. I had a friend who was a size 6 like me and now she wears about an 18 after taking meds for several years. I am getting married next year and I refuse to gain weight like that. I also have no energy. I can't understand how a medication that makes you feel that way helps at all. In fact, my anxiety hasn't changed, and I feel depressed now, even though I wasn't depressed before.
So I made my decision, I am quitting Paxil today.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Thu, 09-07-2006 - 5:55pm
I wish you well, Cher. I haven't taken an antidepressant for over 4 years. It is possible to learn ways to help with the anxiety/panic when it happens. I don't consider myself stronger or smarter or any different than anyone who posts on the board. It took alot of practice to learn the belly breathing & meditation & relaxation exercises. I have had some really bad days lately & have had to phone friends to keep me on track. I give myself lots of *me* time & refuse to beat myself up when setbacks occur. Keep in touch. We want to know how you progress. You can do it! (((hugs))) jan




 

 


 



Avatar for cherfer
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-11-2003
Mon, 09-11-2006 - 1:39pm
Well the doctor has called in Cymbalta for me now. I am apprehensive about trying it. I have never felt worse in my life as I do now since I've been trying all of these medications. My skin is broken out in rashes and hives, my stomach hurts, I'm bloated, tired, run down... and I have been off the paxil for over a week now. I just keep feeling worse with each new medication I try. I am starting to think that anti-depressants are really bad for my body and frankly don't work. Unless the goal is to make me feel sick. I'm also depressed, and I was being treated for anxiety, not depression. No wonder these drugs sell so well, they make you feel worse and then the doctor prescribes more to keep trying to fix the problems that they cause.
I dont know if I will try the cymbalta or not. It's $40 which is a lot of money to flush down the toilet when it doesn't work.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Tue, 09-12-2006 - 9:48am
Are the hives still bothering you? I just read an article on them & it suggested seeing an allergist for testing. Sometimes they're an immune reaction & they can now make up a vaccine so you can be vaccinated against your own system flaring up. I hope that makes sense. Good luck. (((hugs))) jan




 

 


 



Avatar for cherfer
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-11-2003
Tue, 09-12-2006 - 10:12am
Yes, I still have the hives but I'm not taking the meds anymore. I was thinking of seeing an allergist. That might be waht I need to do... I'm so tired of spending time and money at the doctors office. :-(
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Wed, 09-13-2006 - 9:26pm

I think the allergist would be a logical next step.

Sheri Ann

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