Anti depressants

[emma245]

I took Paxil for a four month period during my divorce and I felt like it helped me immensely and that I felt better almost right away. I ended up weaning off after four months and have been fine until recently.

I restarted the Paxil on Wednesday and I swear I feel worse like unmotivated, sad and crazy amounts of anxiety. Has anyone had this experience on Paxil or other anti depressants.

[doriswe]

Are you doing this under the supervision of a medical professional??

[bullygirl979]

Aug 13, 2012 10:57:00 GMT -5 doriswe said:

Are you doing this under the supervision of a medical professional??

This. And what dose did you start out on?

[blackkitty]

Aug 13, 2012 10:55:13 GMT -5 emma245 said:

I restarted the Paxil on Wednesday and I swear I feel worse like unmotivated, sad and crazy amounts of anxiety. Has anyone had this experience on Paxil or other anti depressants.

I have had terrible adverse reactions on pretty much any anti-depressant that I've taken (except Prozac, but I didn't really give it enough time)
But, if it worked for you before I can't imagine why it wouldn't work for you again. But of course, I am not a dr nor did I sleep at a Holiday Inn last night.
I'd check with your doctor.

[emma245]

Yes I can call my dr. I'm not sure what dosage it is and have the bottle at home but I'll check

[doriswe]

Aug 13, 2012 11:11:19 GMT -5 emma245 said:

Yes I can call my dr. I'm not sure what dosage it is and have the bottle at home but I'll check

Can you please tell me if your doctor knew you stopped and restarted?

[emma245]

Aug 13, 2012 11:12:13 GMT -5 doriswe said:

Aug 13, 2012 11:11:19 GMT -5 emma245 said:

Yes I can call my dr. I'm not sure what dosage it is and have the bottle at home but I'll check

Can you please tell me if your doctor knew you stopped and restarted?

Oh yeah absolutely its been almost 1.5 years since the last time I took it and I went back to see her. I didnt just start retaking it.

Unfortunately, I havent been able to find a therapist that works with my work schedule. Im currently on work probation for "attendance" (complete BS) and I dont even go to lunch let alone leave early or go to therapy. All the therapists I called and the one I saw during my divorce work standard 9-5 hours

I do exercise but havent been feeling the motivation lately. A huge chunk of it is my work anxiety fueled by this whole probation thing. I was honestly caught way off guard and my boss is really really hard on me/borderline abusive. Im basically a train wreck M-F and then he typically gives me stuff over the weekend so I have no down time and constantly feel anxious and depressed. UGH!

[liubotflittyfud]

I have had something similar happen to me. I was on Welbutrin during my marriage and it worked wonders. I went off of it for 2 years, then went back on during my divorce. It didn't work at all. No change at all. I was miserable. The only thing that works for me now is Prozac but I'm on a really high dose for my anxiety/depression/PMDD. Your body/brain chemistry changes every few years and what might have worked once before may not work again. Give it a full two months for it to kick in completely. Then see if you feel a difference, if not you might have to add an abilify, or change drugs all together. It sucks. I know what you're going through.

Hang in there.

[emma245]

Liubot-Yes thats my concern is maybe its not working at all this time......I actually feel like my stress/anxiety level is higher now than when I got divorced too so maybe it doesnt feel like its having as much of an effect.

MCC, I definitely have started looking. Im a lawyer in an impacted HCOL area so it has been a little difficult. Ive even gone outside my legal context and applied to HR type jobs. I havent had any nudges at my resume but I havent brought a recruiter on board yet. I need to do that like today.

Yeah, Im going to continue looking for therapists. Ive called about a dozen already and am shocked none have after hours or Saturdays. Its beyond irritating. Thanks for the advice though

[jade28]

It isn't unusual for negative feelings to increase when first taking antidepressants. Usually this is because the medicine is actually making you feel better. Instead of the numbness and lack of energy associated with severe depression, you now have the energy to feel and the ability to feel. Unfortunately, right now you may be feeling sad, etc. but the meds will kick in more as it gets into your system.

Usually this passes if you stick with the medicine but definitely talk to your doctor. Don't suddenly stop taking it or anything.

Also, try cognitive behavioral therapy. Even if you can't find a therapist, at least buy a workbook. This therapy really is effective in treating depression.

[clw]

Who prescribed you the medication, a PCP or a psychiatrist? My girlie doctor prescribed me Celexa and when I told that to my therapist she immediately referred me to a psychiatrist. After my initial evulation, she put on anti-depressants but started off slowely and every month thereafter she kept upping the dosage. At first, I was on 50 mgs of Wellbutrin and now I'm on 200 mgs of Wellbutrin SR in the morning. Also I take 40 mgs of celexa in the evening. I also had a vitamin blood work up where my psyschiatrist found out that I was extremely B-12 and D deficient. I take weekly b-12 injections and pop 2000 units of D a day. The vitamins help tremendously. If you haven't, please see a psychiatrist to be evulated and medication altered if you haven't already - they are better skilled to giving out what you need verus a PCP or another doctor.

[emma245]

Jade28-I guess that makes sense. I made the mistake of googling Paxil and its onsight and there are crazy stories on the internet. AHHH!

CLW-I saw a licensed psychiatrist.

[roselis]

I was on Paxil per my family dr and took myself off of it shortly after. I had a really bad reaction to it regarding anxiety.
This might not be for all, but I started seeing a psychiatrist later on and told them about my reaction to Paxil. They told me that pychiatrists will typically not prescribe that medication. It is usually the PCPs that prescribe it and there are a lot of negative effects. It is better to go to a psychiatrist who know these types of medications better and their different effects better than a PCP.

[emma245]

Thanks Roselis. She actually initially prescribed me Zoloft (?) I think but it didnt have a generic equivalent and I couldnt afford it. The psych did say she felt Paxil had more side effects/issues with withdrawal but it was the best generic she could recommend to me.

I totally agree though. I feel like more anxious than ever! Its affecting my eating and sleeping. I seriously had like 3 grapes all day Saturday and that was it. I just feel an overwhelming anxious feeling.......