Anxiety Meds....anyone on these? Thoughts? Opinions?

[abinormal]

Hi All,

So I recently began seeing a psychologist and a psychiatrist.  This past week, the psychiatrist put me on Paxil.  I have been on it 3 days and actually feel worse than I ever remembered feeling before.  I really don't think it is for me.  I also read some horrible things about it today on what I thought was the Paxil website.

Has anyone else had any experience with paxil or any other meds?  What do you guys think about anxiety meds in general.  Honestly, I was happy taking xanax at night.  the only negative thing was that I felt dizzy when I WASN'T on xanax.  Now I feel like I am sinking into the ground, have an upset stomach and have been having weird mood swings from manic to lethargic.  Is this to be expected or is this a sign that maybe paxil is not for me?  I am kind of thinking the latter....

I am pretty freaked out so I really hope someone has some advice.  Thanks!
-Abbie

[AlwaysWorried]

I just tried Paxil CR. I was on it for five days and had to quit b/c it made me a 100x worse. I had my first panic attack ever the second day on it, then had two more the following days. I've never been more anxious or terrified in my life than I was those 5 days. I know that with all SSRI's it takes some time to "get use to them" and everything. But I do not believe it should be that horrible. I feel so much better now. I had withdrawal effects for 4 days after I stopped as well. Numbness/tingling in my arms/hands and feet, weird sensations, dizzy, nausea, etc. It was a horrible experience. I am currently trying to find one that'll work for me. I just couldn't stick w/ the paxil to see if it got better, I'm in school and it just wrecked my concentration. I'm thinking of trying Zoloft (although I've heard it's similar to paxil) or maybe effexor. I need something! I personally think that it may be a sign that paxil is not for you, that is what I took it as when it happened with me. Ask your psych though if you want, see what he/she wants you to do. I haven't even told my doc I stopped taking the Paxil       (and I'm not seeing a psych yet either, just general practitioner)       

[jerseygirl]

Yeah, I'm considering going on meds as well, although I think I'm going to try herbal supplements first. Does anyone have recommendations about either natural remedies (stressies, magnesium supplements, things like that) or about SSRIs that have proven effective?

[fubar]

I asked my doc about testing me for B-12 deficiency, he said there is no such thing, yeah, thats right, no such thing, I beg to differ, I am at complete loss, these weird feelings are driving me nuts.  Thanks Abby!!!!!  How long have you had this?  Mines been 6 years, the future doesn't look to bright, guess I won't have to wear shades!!!!

[abinormal]

Hey Fubar,

Hope you find this since the topic got moved.  I have learned through this whole experience that when a doctor refuses to test you for something then you have every right to demand it.  It is your money and time.

I noticed my symptoms about 6 months ago.  One night I was getting out of my car and thought I had put my left arm through a spiderweb.  I kept trying to get the web off of me, but realized there was no web at all, instead I was having that sensation.  That nearly made me pass out and throw up from fear and anxiety.

Since I have been getting my b12 injections, that sensation has gotten a lot better.  I occasionally get it on the face, but have not had it on my arms in at least 3 weeks (knock on wood). 

It is weird because I have always had bouts of anxiety in the past for like a month here and there...and health anxiety has always been my main problem, but this is the only time I have not been able to shake it at all.  That is another reason I don't want to go on serious meds yet, because I have not had this my whole life.  I want to see if I can regain control myself by trying other methods, like vitamins and maybe CBT before I take something so hardcore.

Having a b12 deficiency and other vitamin deficiencies can also cause and enhance depression and anxiety, so I am going to wait to see if I continue to feel better on my own, which I have already started to do.  Your body stores b12 for like 4 years so it takes forever for a deficiency to show up. 

I think before you decide to go on meds, just have some blood work done to know your vitamin levels, your blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, thyroid and other normal stuff.    You might find your anxiety is heightened by something in your body. 

Also be warned, my doctor told me the only side effect of paxil was feeling hyper.  After 2 days on paxil, I felt like I was going to die so I googled it to see other initial side effects and realized the medicine was too hardcore for me overall.  I definitely can understand how people need it and I might need it one day, but I am not ready for that commitment yet.

Please let me know what you decide to do or what your doctor "allows" you to do.  I am so curious now.  I just hope neither of us have to deal with that sensation at all for much longer!

[itsmeesindee]

Guys,

I was on Paxil before and it is the same as any anti anxiety med you definately feel worse before you feel better.  I am very sensitive to these meds so I need to start at a very low dose (this maybe the same for you guys).  I usually cut what ever the dose the doc give me in half for about a week then keep increasing it until I get to the correct level.  This really reduces those terrible feelings when you first begin.  Also the doc can give you klonopin to get you through this rough period.  Klonopin is better than Xanax as it lasts longer and doesn't wear off abruptly.

Anyway please do not stop taking the meds without speaking with your doc.   Tell him how you are feeling and he can help you with these feelings.  I know it maybe uncomfortable for a couple of weeks, but with your doc's help you can make it through and trust me it is definately worth it.  You will see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Good luck and feel better all.

Cin