Scared my Paxil isn't working anymore. Can anyone help?

I'm a 36 year-old male. I've been taking 40mg of Paxil for 10 years. I have to take the name-brand, because the generic doesn't work for me (tried 3 different times). A few weeks ago, the old feelings of anxiety started creeping back in. Racing thoughts, sick feeling in the pit of my stomach, overwhelming sense of fear, etc.

Now, I am feeding that anxiety with more fear. I am afraid that Paxil isn't working anymore, and I am scared that I will have to come off of it. I have read all of the horror stories about Paxil withdrawal, and it scares the living heck out of me. Currently, if I miss a day or two of taking it, I already start to have brain zaps. I have a feeling withdrawing from Paxil is going to be...hell on earth, and I have a wife and 2 kids that I have to support.

My question to you guys is this. Has anyone experienced this before? Will upping the dose from 40 to 50 help? Has anyone added a 2nd medication to an SSRI that is "pooping out" with success? Has anyone switched from Paxil to another SSRI with any success?

My doctor added .25mg of klonopin 2 times a day until I can get everything back under control, but it doesn't seem to be helping.

I'm a little desperate here, as anyone reading this can probably relate to. Anxiety sucks!

A little side note: I am currently under a bit more stress than I typically am used to. We are moving to a new house in 2 weeks, I received a promotion with added responsibility 1 month ago, and my daughter is dealing with some minor separation anxiety...which I have been worrying about.

Thanks again for any help. ac.

I'm sorry for your troubles. I am finding myself in a similar situation, however it sounds like your stress levels are a lot higher than mine. My doctor has me take .5mg of xanax during times like yours and I take 20 mg of paxil currently. Do you think that maybe you need a higher dose of the added medication. I know others have suggested it, but it really helps me to be able to breathe during difficult times.

Also, it may sound corny, however when I feel like you are describing I make sure I turn the radio up in the car and sing my heart out! It is a nice break from reality and takes my mind off things.

I do not know if upping your dose of your current med is the way to go but I sure would contact your physician even if just by telephone and see what he or she recommends.

I have had my meds poop out and had to go on different ones.

I agree with the other wise members who have posted before me, try other methods to help you reduce your anxiety.

Posting a link you may want to read:

Relaxation thread
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=759232

Kindly,

Kitt

Yes plz do talk to your doc n if he/ she doesnt seem like they are paying attention n hv your best interests at heart
'question them..ask if they understand what u are saying n going thru
ppl do not need to treat docs as a entity
they are human ..busy n sometimes need to be reminded they are there to help imho

It is not wrong imo to question any healthcare provider as you are the patient n one with the need to know what is best
they hv the education and should use it apprpriately..i hv found some that dont in my care

thankfully i hv a family doc that takes his time n truly listens to me
i am deaf so he uses the word thing to converse with me
i hv the utmost respect for my doctor but if i feel he is not doing something he ought too
i speak up
you really need to be proactive in your health care n i think a good doctor would hv no problems with answering all questions you have about meds...care ect
that is my opinion
n no do not go cold turkey off antidepressants or benzos for that matter

i wish you all the best
i hv had very good results with paxil but thats me

tk care

lyn