Anxiety, Benzo's and Paxil Help

I am an Alpha-1 meaning I lack a protein that protects my lungs from white blood cells basically Genetic COPD.
I am a very active driven business person that many people depend on about a year ago I was diagnosed and in the wording it said FATAL. Now I'm not gonna die anytime soon I just have restrictions and I take a weekly infusion that cost 3000$ a week. So I started having panic attacks so I got some Lorazepam for the anxiety the diagnosis brought on. I moved to another state and I could not get the lorazapam only Buspar which worked ok but I'm a long term recreational drug user as well that tried and stopped using just about anything you can get high on, basically I grew up. The anxiety was so bad that I started taking 10 MG Valium daily and some bad days I admit to taking to many. I also drank basically running from this scary diagnosis.

Now I'm mega depressed and still scared stressed etc but I know I can't keep taking Valium and Drinking to run away from the disease.

I went to my doctor explained all this and he suggested I start taking Paxil which I did today but I am not sure I have the will power to not take a 10MG valium tonight.

I eat Cannabis in the evenings to help me sleep and that one fact seems to cut out most help I can get from councilors, or such once I explain I have used cannabis for 40 years and I'm Very successful in life thats there focus weed and only weed. There just not listening.

So I read many post on this forum before joining any input is welcome.
What happens if I keep taking the Valium and The Paxil?

I'm really scared but I have to keep working to support my family and my company but I'm kinda lost I really just need friends that understand what I want to peel my skin off means.

So I started with breaking a 20 mg paxil in half today to Titrate up for a week then I'll take a whole 20 mg but I am scared I wont be able to make love to my wife and I'm scared whats gonna happen when I stop taking the Blue's.

Any response is a godsend.

Alpha-1

Thank you so much for replying just to talk with others that have the same feelings means so much to me right now. I am busy reading every resource here and thanks to everyone here.

Alpha-1

You can take Valium & Paxil together... As long as you take the precribed dose, it's fine. What you cannot do is drink in excess. If you feel you're addicted to the alcohol & can't stop, tell your doctor so they can advise you further.

As far as the green stuff (we aren't supposed to talk about it unless it's medical marajuana ), does your doc know you eat it? Always be honest with your doctor. You aren't going to get in trouble. You may get a little lecture but it's best to always be honest with them about everything. If it helps you, so be it!

I think Paxil is a wise choice to get you out of this funk. All AD's have potential side effects, including sexual side effects. One that is known to have the least side effects is wellbutrin. That one you definitely can't drink in excess with. My brother in law did and he had a fit of rage and kicked a hole in wall. No good. (He was taking it to quit smoking cigarettes).

Anyway, like jessica said, there are medications to help should you get E.D. We have to weigh the pros & cons. I'm a woman but I'll take a little sexual side effect vs being depressed & anxious. It's easy for me to say though bc I don't have to, um, er, uh, erect anything to perform

If you have any medicine questions, call your doctor or local drugstore pharmacist.

In the meantime, keep posting here. We all have different stories that got us here but we all understand anxiety & depression, we don't judge & we support eachother along our journey's.

Peace & healing-
Lisa

Lesweet1971
Thats one thing I am being totally honest about with my doc I do eat Cannabis and I am 100% legal.
I actually work in the industry which makes this whole thing harder surrounded by the plant 24/7 and it feeds us as well.

I did not drink last night and will not tonight its possible the beer was combining with the Valium to add to the depression I am actually considering postponing the use of Paxil and man up and just not drink again I never liked booze I just had to stop smoking because of the COPD.

Again just connecting with you all has made me smile some today.

Bless.

Alpha-1

Hi

First of good to meet you and welcome to the anxiety/panic forum you will get good support here.

I am sorry to read of you diagnosis and the problems you are having with anxiety hopefully the Paxil will work well for you, I used to take it and found it worked well at treating the symptoms of anxiety I was getting. Valium is the best drug I have taken and the one which really treated my anxiety the best but like you I started to over use it and my doctor decided to wean me off it and will not prescribe it to me anymore.

Medications will only help to treat the symptoms of anxiety they are not a cure all which is why I always recommend that members should look to do some type of talking therapy such as Cognitive behaviour Therapy or Mindfulness which teach you ways of dealing with your anxiety better so it does not have such a big impact on your life.

With regards to the alcohol and drugs I would say you are best to avoid them if you can, during the 90's I had a major alcohol and drug problem and I believe it made my anxiety a lot worse especially my paranoia. With regards to the Cannabis if it works well for you then that's fine I know a few people who are using medical cannabis for their anxiety with good results but it's not for everybody.

Keep posting here and let us know how you are getting on we are here to listen and support you through this tough period in your life and there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Hibee

Alpha,

Read, post...participate as much as your schedule allows...there is no right or wrong way to be a part of the forum as far as that goes.;)

I am sorry that the Paxil did not make a good first choice in an SSRI type Rx for you. It is not uncommon for some individuals to try more than one for the right fit.

I would therefore call your doctor prior to your next appointment so that you can discuss an alternative.

Using only the benzos may not be something that you want to do if you are concerned about tolerance and/or dependency.

Again, therapy is always a good step in the right direction to help one in dealing with anxiety and chronic illness issues.

Know that whatever plan you and your doctor decide to pursue...we support you and will cheer on your recovery efforts.:)

Talk to you soon,

S.C.

Scaredy Cat,
Thanks again for your input I think what happened monday was I took on to many things to give up at once.
Yestarday was much better and today I actually feel pretty normal today now that I am back on my normal meds I will discuss SSRI's more but with my super hyper personality I think a huge key for me was stopping drinking away my diagnosis and start living again. I am now 4 days without even a beer and plan to stay that way.
As I said knowing others suffer from the same feeling makes me feel more normal I had no idea so many suffered from Anxiety

Alpha-1