GAD Treatments and side effects

[SFBlondie]

Hello,

I am in a committed relationship with someone who has been diagnosed with GAD about 2 years ago after a bad anxiety attack... since then he has been on 20mg of Paxil per day, and been back to his normal, loving, happy go lucky self. But in the last 6 months, he's a different person... each day acting more depressed, tired all the time, no concern about his health or excersize, and one of the worst things for the relationship.... no libido whatsoever...

So, I'm trying to learn as much as I can about GAD and its treatments, and want to find out if there are others out there experiencing the same thing - just to at least understand and be there for him... 

Any thoughts and experiences are greatly appreciated..

Thank You!

[Hat]

Hi SFBlondie,

One of the things I've learnt through my own personal experince, is that anti-anxiety meds can make you depressed and anti-depression meds can make you anxietas.

Maybe your partner should discuss these issues with his doctor, a change of meds may improve things.

Some anti-anxiety meds can have libido decresaing side affects.

Hat :) :) :)

[Sassyfur98]

Depending on what medication I am on, it will only work for so long.  He has probably built up a tolerance to his meds.  Try something new.  His symptoms are classic depression.  Also, very important, make sure he is taking his pills every single day.  on again off again can cause more symptoms than either on all the time, or off all the time.  I am speaking from experience here.  I build up ammunities even to antibiotic.  Makes life a pain when struggling with mental issues, speciall when some meds work and some dont, but dont give up. And hey, thanks for hanging in there with him, I know it isnt easy.  Most meds in this class cause decrease in sex drive.  Just keep trying until he finds what works the best.  then, unfortunately, it wont be forever, and you'll have to start the process all over again......Good luck

[bodhee]

was on zoloft for about 5 yrs... i can tell you that that it completley took away my sex drive... now that im off them, the complete opposite... im not a big fan of meds for anti-anxiety,,, better to deal with it on his own.. one thing though.. need to come off them slowly.