Karima
09-04-2002, 01:26 PM
Hi,
Yesterday I posted "Help,needed some answers,"..well I went to the doctor this morning and survived that without too much panic(took 2mg.Valium though before)...I told him about the back to back panic attacks Sunday night and the rest of it(don't want to repeat my previous post) and he handed me Paxil CR 12.5 mg. Now I have read the many, many posts at several boards plus even websites devoted to the major issues regarding side effects. Especially the 'brain zapping' shocks experienced when trying to get off of it. That is so scary...and I know there are side effects just taking the pill in general.
He practically begged me to try it but I don't know what to do...it seems to have a bad reputation....
Yesterday I posted "Help,needed some answers,"..well I went to the doctor this morning and survived that without too much panic(took 2mg.Valium though before)...I told him about the back to back panic attacks Sunday night and the rest of it(don't want to repeat my previous post) and he handed me Paxil CR 12.5 mg. Now I have read the many, many posts at several boards plus even websites devoted to the major issues regarding side effects. Especially the 'brain zapping' shocks experienced when trying to get off of it. That is so scary...and I know there are side effects just taking the pill in general.
He practically begged me to try it but I don't know what to do...it seems to have a bad reputation....
Sponsor
Aster
09-04-2002, 02:04 PM
Karima--you only need 2mg of Valium??? Wow; that's great. I need 2 mg of Xanax just to go to the stores with my H. He doesn't get this; he just cooperates.
So I'm off with him into town; have no idea what will happen.
------------------
Aster
So I'm off with him into town; have no idea what will happen.
------------------
Aster
Karima
09-04-2002, 02:31 PM
Aster,
Don't give me too much credit. That 2mg. barely keeps the shaking under control and to be honest about it, I called ahead and told them I cannot stay in the waiting room and would be willing to wait in a closet until the doc could see me. They took me right in and I waited in a smaller supply/office room. No question,I could feel the panic rising and would have to jump up and start pacing around...between chewing gum and doing deep breathing I was anything but 'normal' in appearance. Now if I could just hear some feedback about the dreaded Paxil!
Don't give me too much credit. That 2mg. barely keeps the shaking under control and to be honest about it, I called ahead and told them I cannot stay in the waiting room and would be willing to wait in a closet until the doc could see me. They took me right in and I waited in a smaller supply/office room. No question,I could feel the panic rising and would have to jump up and start pacing around...between chewing gum and doing deep breathing I was anything but 'normal' in appearance. Now if I could just hear some feedback about the dreaded Paxil!
Zafu
09-04-2002, 02:38 PM
Hi Karima,
Although some people have had problems with Paxil it's made a great difference to my life. I did a lot of research and wavered for a number of weeks before deciding to take the plunge. It's vastly improved my anxiety and social anxiety and also helped my depression. I'm now finishing my tapering off after about 9 months of use - the tapering process took about 3 months of slowly lowering the dose.
The decision has to be yours but I would say:
1) Be prepared to have to fight through some side-effects especially nausea that may last a couple of weeks at the beginning.
2) The best results seem to be a result of Paxil with therapy or counselling
3) Make sure you taper off slowly and try never to miss a dose. Paxil has a half-life of 7 hours which means that missing a couple of doses can cause you to feel pretty poorly. I haven't tried the CR version so that may be more tolerable if you miss a dose.....
With kind thoughts and best wishes
Zafu
Although some people have had problems with Paxil it's made a great difference to my life. I did a lot of research and wavered for a number of weeks before deciding to take the plunge. It's vastly improved my anxiety and social anxiety and also helped my depression. I'm now finishing my tapering off after about 9 months of use - the tapering process took about 3 months of slowly lowering the dose.
The decision has to be yours but I would say:
1) Be prepared to have to fight through some side-effects especially nausea that may last a couple of weeks at the beginning.
2) The best results seem to be a result of Paxil with therapy or counselling
3) Make sure you taper off slowly and try never to miss a dose. Paxil has a half-life of 7 hours which means that missing a couple of doses can cause you to feel pretty poorly. I haven't tried the CR version so that may be more tolerable if you miss a dose.....
With kind thoughts and best wishes
Zafu
Clarita
09-05-2002, 11:38 AM
My experience with Paxil.....
I was on 30mg a day for 3 1/2 years---- before Paxil I was HOUSEBOUND..... the drug did wonders for me... but the WEIGHT gain and sexual side effects were awful!!
So last Oct. I quit -- cold turkey-- I had about 3 weeks of flu like symptoms, with... bathroom visits etc...
Would I take it again? No.. and the only reason is because of the side effects.
Now I find in the last 3 months that my painc is returning and I'm "shopping" for a Doctor ( my other one is now in a group that my insurance won't cover) to see if there is another anti depressant to try, with less side effects--- if it wasn't for the weight gain I'd still be taking it.
Personally I think stopping anything will result in some sort of side effects.
Also on another note it does take 6-8 weeks for Paxil to kick in, so if you try it give it the time to see if it's for you.
Good Luck.
I was on 30mg a day for 3 1/2 years---- before Paxil I was HOUSEBOUND..... the drug did wonders for me... but the WEIGHT gain and sexual side effects were awful!!
So last Oct. I quit -- cold turkey-- I had about 3 weeks of flu like symptoms, with... bathroom visits etc...
Would I take it again? No.. and the only reason is because of the side effects.
Now I find in the last 3 months that my painc is returning and I'm "shopping" for a Doctor ( my other one is now in a group that my insurance won't cover) to see if there is another anti depressant to try, with less side effects--- if it wasn't for the weight gain I'd still be taking it.
Personally I think stopping anything will result in some sort of side effects.
Also on another note it does take 6-8 weeks for Paxil to kick in, so if you try it give it the time to see if it's for you.
Good Luck.
Karima
09-05-2002, 12:39 PM
Well I am not going to take the Paxil. I have spent the rest of yesterday and much of last night doing my homework. Reading posts here at other topics re antidepressant Paxil and other mental health boards plus reading websites specifically speaking to the issue of Paxil's side effects when starting and stopping.
While I hate these blasted panic attacks/anxiety, I don't need to take a chance with a med that has such a bad rep. It seems for many though it works well when you are on it, when you try and get off, the 'price' is awful or others have bad side effects while taking it as well.
There has to be something else that speaks to anxiety without causing so much upset. I do realize that any med does come with side effects...ever listen to those t.v. ads? Gee, often its better to bully through the problem then take a chance with the side effects.
You know just 3 years ago I was flying hours in a plane alone, managing the huge airports etc...but my life history has always been when back to back stress moves in, my emotional reserves get depleted, I get overwhelmed and anxiety=panic=agoraphobia becomes a long term visitor. In the past, it became a waiting game and eventually I was able to maneuver again but yes with limitations. But this time, it is not leaving. I am back to square one and feel frustrated and even angry....
While I hate these blasted panic attacks/anxiety, I don't need to take a chance with a med that has such a bad rep. It seems for many though it works well when you are on it, when you try and get off, the 'price' is awful or others have bad side effects while taking it as well.
There has to be something else that speaks to anxiety without causing so much upset. I do realize that any med does come with side effects...ever listen to those t.v. ads? Gee, often its better to bully through the problem then take a chance with the side effects.
You know just 3 years ago I was flying hours in a plane alone, managing the huge airports etc...but my life history has always been when back to back stress moves in, my emotional reserves get depleted, I get overwhelmed and anxiety=panic=agoraphobia becomes a long term visitor. In the past, it became a waiting game and eventually I was able to maneuver again but yes with limitations. But this time, it is not leaving. I am back to square one and feel frustrated and even angry....