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Posted 2/9/2007 3:08 PM (GMT 0)

Hi everyone! After reading posts on this forum I see that I am not alone in my feelings. I have had anxiety for about 14 yrs. (Since I was 16 or 17) I went off my paxil about 6 months ago because I felt I didn't need it any more. In the past two or three months my anxiety is so bad that I don't even want to leave the house anymore. Yesterday, I went to the emergency room because I was constipated, and I couldn't stop my heart palpitations from the anxiety. I was convinced I was dying. I am so sick of feeling like this. I have an appt. w/ a new psychiatrist in 2 weeks. I am hoping she can put me on a new med that will help with the anxiety, but that won't be as bad with the weight gain as the paxil was. Does anyone have any suggestions? I feel like I can't wait the two weeks! I can't function this way! I don't know what to do. Does anyone else who has anxiety also suffer from chronic constipation? If so what do you do for it? Thanks for taking the time to read this long post.

Posted 2/9/2007 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and Welcome
First I would see a doctor regarding the constipation could be other problems
Make sure you are eating properly like veggies and lettuce things that do help you go a glass of prune juice might help as well
I have crohns and have opposite problem
As far as the anxiety you have found a great support group and plenty of good ppl to help you out if needed
Please continue to post and do let us know how you ar
Again Welcome
Lyn
Posted 2/9/2007 4:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hello ScarletBlue

Welcome to HW were happy you have joined us here. I agree with everything Lyn said to you and I know how constipation can make you feel some of my meds make me that way. Are you on any meds right now?  I have found I can drink Ensure in the morning everyday and it seems to be helping out a lot with the constipation. I wish you the best hun and please keep posting so we can get to know you and you us better.

Posted 2/9/2007 7:16 PM (GMT 0)

 welcome

you obviously still need the paxil, get back on it and hope it will work again, a higher dose may be needed

also learn some CBT and anxiety coping skills

none of the antidepressants cause weight gain or loss

Posted 2/9/2007 7:22 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks for the reply. I am on medication. I am currently on 30mgs  of methadone for pain which I am slowly detoxing off of. I know that causes constipation. Xanax in case of emergency panic attacks, and my doctor prescribed me the Miralax for the constipation, and Zelnorm. I have not taken the Zelnorm, because I am afraid of the side effects. (stupid I know) My xanax is a very low dose at .25mgs. It says take twice a day, but I only take it when I need it. I didn't want to become addicted, and have it not work. When i went to the ER they said they didn't see any blockages or anything "lifethreatening" which made me feel stupid for even going. They just said I was having heart palpatations from the anxiety. Then today when I woke up I had the same kind of anxiety attack. I just want it to go away. I am also going through a very stressful time in my life. My husband was indicted by the FBI for something he didn't do, because someone who has friends in the FBI decided they didn't like him. So, we are trying to prove his innocence. I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. I just can't get it together, and my xanax doesn't seem to be helping. Thanks for listening.

Posted 2/9/2007 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hang in there hun it will all work itself out soon you have great friends and support here so please keep posting. Don't be afraid of your meds sometimes it takes them awhile to take full effect. Bless you hun and your husband hun you in my prayers.

Posted 2/12/2007 1:14 AM (GMT 0)
I would try upping the xanax to .5 mg 2-3 times a day until the anxiety subsides somewhat. It should at least help you manage the looongggg 2 weeks before your psych appnt. I would def. recommend going back on one of the SSRI's if they helped you before. Zoloft is one antid. less known for weight gain than Paxil. Learning deep breathing exercises help alot also.
Posted 2/12/2007 3:01 AM (GMT 0)
I'd call your doc about upping the xanax dose for a while. My husband has been on oxycodone for 2 years (back issues/surgery) and has the same constipation problem. He takes a fiber pill each day and a dose of milk of magnesia every couple days.

I've gained weight since on paxil, but it was creeping up before, so cant really blame the med. Now it is my lifestyle and can only blame myself! I'd rather struggle with weight than deal with A/P daily LOL. Hope you find one that works better...

Good luck.
Karen
Posted 2/20/2007 1:30 AM (GMT 0)
How are you doing today? You will be in my prayers.
Posted 2/22/2007 2:49 PM (GMT 0)
Update... Went back on my Paxil, seems to finally be kicking in. I'm feeling better, not entirely, but a lot. Doctor upped my xanax to .5mg, so I have been taking it. I finally saw the new pyschiatrist on Tue. She was very nice. I can't believe that my anxiety lasted about 10 or 11 days though! Has anyone else ever had that before? Thank you all for being supportive of me. I really appreciate it. It helps me to know that I'm not the only one with these feelings. (not that I would wish it on anyone)

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