Paxil

[etclark08]

I took Cymbalta--made me sick.  I took BusPar, but it didn't help alot with my anxiety.  Then, I got put on Paxil--made me very sick.  I was really nauseated, vomiting, my arms were burning, and now I'm very weak because I haven't been able to eat.  So, my question is...is all of these side effects just from my hormones trying to get back in line?  I read somewhere that the burning and stuff is from hormones, but I don't know.  I am so confused and now I'm not taking ANYTHING for my anxiety because my doctor said that I can't be switching medicines as much as I am.  She's sending me to a psych.

[speedfreakadelic]

How long were you taking the Cymbalta?  How about the Paxil?

The reason I ask is because nausea can be a start-up side effect of these medications, but it usually goes away in time.  Buspar is at best a 50-50 shot to really work for anxiety.

Here's how long it took various medications to kick in for me:

• Lexapro - about a month, with extreme lethargy and nausea during that time period
  
  
• Cymbalta - 51 days, I kept a journal so I knew exactly when I had turned a corner, extreme lethargy and lack of appetite were problems in the first few weeks
  
  
• Pristiq - 2-3 weeks, with lack of appetite in the early going

I should note that I ended being just fine on each of these once the initial side effects wore off.  Experience varies from person to person, but usually you want to try to give the medication about 4-8 weeks to reach its peak of effectiveness, unless the side effects are really unbearable.

This means, unfortunately, that you really need to be strong and give the meds time to do their thing...right when you least feel like being strong.  But if you don't give it enough time, you may ultimately end up prematurely turning your back on a med that will really help you.

I'm not sure that this information is helpful, but unfortunately that's the reality of the situation.  I think visiting a psychiatrist is a great idea.  They deal with conditions like anxiety, the meds used for management, and difficult-to-treat cases all day long.  Please discuss your concerns honestly and openly with them.

Be well!

[eduk8or]

I agree.  When I first started Paxil, I was very nauseated and had NO appetite.  This went away after about 2 weeks.  It really takes anywhere from 1-2 months for an SSRI to "kick in" and give you any benefit.

[etclark08]

I tried Lexapro.  It made me mean.  I got on Cymbalta in 2006 and took it until last year...and had to stop because I was pregnant.  I only recently tried getting back on anything.  The side effects are unbareable.  I was so weak I couldn't even take care of my son.  I need something that makes me feel like myself...not something that is going to make me so sick and weak.  My heart was beating out of my chest and my skin was burning.  Thats not a good feeling.  I only took 1 dose of Paxil and it made me sick.  I'll pass on the side effects.  I can't chance it.