just starting paxil and scared about addictive nature of SSRI

[debill]

I took regular Paxil several years ago and it worked great for my anxiety. I didn't have any problems weaning off of it except for a headache. I weaned very very slowly. I am currently on Paxil again but the controlled release kind. Again, I am not having any problems including NO weight gain. I have been taking it for like 7 weeks now.

Everyone is different though. I am not a med pusher but if your going through a difficult time sometimes we need the help of medication. Don't be scared of taking something unless you have a negative reaction to it.

I take meds for other health conditions and there side effects can be really bad. But I weigh my options. Either I enjoy my life while taking the meds or I live miserably. I choose to try to enjoy life.

There are alot of meds to choose from and your doctor might have to play around with them until they find the best for you. You might be lucky and the paxil will be great for you.

Try not to stress out about it to much. Give it a couple weeks to work.

Good luck to you and I hope you feel better soon...deb

[mousse]

Hello,

I just recently go tup enough nerve to go to the doc, he has put me on paxil and xanax. I am scared b/c he said to take it once a day. I started today and it has made me quite drowsy. I hope this doesn't last too long b/c it will effect my work. I am also scared about gaining weight b/c I am getting married next june and i have been trying to loose weight. I hope it helps but I also hope the side effects are worth it. ALso, wanted to ask, I am supose to meet up with some old friends for drinks this weekend, both say not to drink. Does anyone have any helpful info on this or has anyone drank while taking either meds? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[mjewell]

Originally Posted by debill

Either I enjoy my life while taking the meds or I live miserably. I choose to try to enjoy life.

I could not agree more with debill here. I too was nervous about all the scary stories you hear. I don't take Paxil, but I have been taking Lexapro for 7 weeks. I feel 100 times better. I still worry a bit about what might happen down the road, but for the time being I am happy and living my life, and that is what's important. You know that old saying, if you die tomorrow what would you do today? Well, I certainly wouldn't sit around with anxiety fretting about what a drug might do to me..I would take whatever I could to have the best day of my life.

[mjewell]

Originally Posted by mousse

Hello,

I just recently go tup enough nerve to go to the doc, he has put me on paxil and xanax. I am scared b/c he said to take it once a day. I started today and it has made me quite drowsy. I hope this doesn't last too long b/c it will effect my work. I am also scared about gaining weight b/c I am getting married next june and i have been trying to loose weight. I hope it helps but I also hope the side effects are worth it. ALso, wanted to ask, I am supose to meet up with some old friends for drinks this weekend, both say not to drink. Does anyone have any helpful info on this or has anyone drank while taking either meds? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Hi Mousse..I take Lexapro and Xanax. I have had no problems drinking on either of these, however if I take more than one Xanax and then drink (usually if I am in a particularly stressful situation) I almost ALWAYS get a terrible hangover headache. If you take too much of one or the other in combo it seems to make a bad hangover, but one xanax and a few drinks shouldn't hurt. I don't think the Paxil with alcohol will hurt either.

[mousse]

Thanks, that makes me feel better! It had me worried b/c I really like to go out with friends once a week and have a good time. Do these med make you guys tired? I am really having a hard time staying awake at work. Wish I could just go take a nap. : )