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Posted 9/6/2013 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I have been reading posts for a few days and many are very helpful! So thank you. I have an issue and I really don't know what to do at this point. So to start off, a little bit about myself. 3 years ago when I was 17 I was diagnosed with GAD, extreme anxiety,and moderate depression to the point that I wanted to just sit in a dark corner and not do anything at all. I was then put on 25mg of zoloft(sertraline) bumping up to 50mg and I was back to my old self within months! It was great it minimalized everything, until the last few months. It bummed out on me, brought my depression back, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and panic attacks. I then made an appointment with my doctor and it ended up being a new doctor that did not know my story. I went in, he completely forgot why I was even there, did a wellness checkup and tried to send me on my way until I said something. He quickly prescribed me 20mg paxil, said it would work better, and that was it.

Later that night I went home took it, had brain zaps, and felt uncomfortable so the next 4 nights I only took 10mg which seemed to work for me and make me feel normal-ish. I then went online and read all the horror stories about paxil, weight gain, libido loss, etc etc. I freaked myself out so bad about these that I stopped taking it. Long story short it has now been a week since taking anything but I have been having horrible horrible withdrawals; zaps, night sweats, panic attacks, nausea, dizziness, headache, stomach issues, agitation, anxiety and so on. Also, since not taking anything I have felt sick, always tired and am not able to enjoy life and the things I do on a regular basis. My appetite is off, I sleep alot, and I haven't gone to the gym for two weeks. I woke up today and have been in a complete cloud no emotion but depression and I really just don't know what to do. Do I take it and feel better? Do I need to be on it? Both my mother and grandmother have always been on antidepressants. I am very very afraid of the side effects but I just am not sure if I should continue feeling this way. My doctor is no help I emailed him gave him an update and my fear asked if i should take something else with less weight gain and he just told me to contact him after 3 months. If anyone has any good stories about paxil or suggestions please help

Post Edited (liveurlyfe21) : 9/6/2013 9:45:22 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/6/2013 3:53 AM (GMT 0)
p.s are these just withdrawals?
Posted 9/6/2013 4:29 AM (GMT 0)
Live, You get that self destructive urge under control or go to ER and tell them what you have been
thinking. they will have to deal with your problem they can't turn you away without help! Please

Larry ***
Posted 9/6/2013 4:37 AM (GMT 0)
Live - please do that, Liveurlyfe!

Sometimes the withdrawals and stuff can make you feel hopeless. That isn't your fault, but you need to seek help. It's worth it, you're worth it, and the help is there.

Your doctor sounds a bit irresponsible, in my humble opinion. That isn't your fault and it doesn't reflect on others in the field. Larry's right, get yourself to the ER, call 911, call the suicide line in the resources page - whatever you have to do.

I promise there's caring help out there. It's only been weeks ago that I went to the doctor for those urges. Guess what the first thing she did was? Hug me. Then, she helped me. There are more compassionate people out there.

Get yourself some more help - whether you need emergency help or just a new PCP. You don't need to go through this alone!

(Pretty please with sugar on top?)

Hugs, hugs, and more hugs!
Posted 9/6/2013 2:33 PM (GMT 0)
Crisis Information

•
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

•
If you believe you may be suicidal, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) immediately, or consult their website at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. They are available 24/7 for anyone in suicidal crisis in the United States.
Posted 9/6/2013 2:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lul,

You have been given good advice from Larry and BR, and I also listed some crisis information for you to have if your mood really takes a bad turn.

Dealing with anxiety, going on and off of medication, and having a doctor who is seemingly not listening to your concerns is bound to lead up to the feelings of hopelessness that you describe.

I am so sorry to hear that you are dealing with all of this at the moment...but there is hope! All of these negative things are fixable and temporary.

It takes time to find the right treatment plan, and that starts with finding a good doctor and support to help you through this.

So I would say that step one would be to find another doctor, one that listen to your concerns.

As of now, do you see your regular GP? Perhaps you might want to consider seeking a pyschiatrist. They are not only going to be knowledgable about the Rx that you need...but can help with therapy, or at least a recommendation for a good therapist to enhance and round out your treatment plan.

If this is not possible, at least a change in GP's is in order...one that will listen to you, and also give you a therapy referral.

You can check out some of your Resources here in the meantime (main page, 1st post) and keep talking with us.

We understand, care and are listening. Will you let us know how you are doing soon?

Scaredy Cat
Posted 9/6/2013 4:05 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone I appreciate your responses! Problem is I really don't have the money for a psychiatrist I wish I did or for more doctor or er visits. i once saw one when i was twelve for awhile and she helped alot but I am a poor college student who also works full time:/ I feel the only option is dont take it and the withdrawals will get better? Do take it and feel better (gain weight etc)or just get some supplements that may help?

Anyways thank you for showing you care!
Posted 9/6/2013 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
Lul,

Have you explored your college resources? You may be eligible for medical and/or mental health assistance!

There may be group meetings on campus where you could not only only connect with others dealing with similar struggles, but also get input and advice on how you should proceed in your treatment.

As far as your Rx is concerned...if you are having thoughts of self-harm, then you need to wean off of this Rx. Follow your doctor's advice for this. If however, you think that you would like to give it a full try, and the s/e's are tolerable, then know that it could end up helping you after the initial break in period of a few weeks.

Everyone responds differently to any given medicaiton. Some people gain weight, some lose it. Some people have the loss of libido, while other are fine, with no issue...you just have to see how you as an individual react.

I wish you the best in dealing with this. It is a confusing time, I know... but between checking out all of the resources that you can at school, keeping up communication with your doctor and talking with us here...hopefully you can get to the place that you want and need to be!

Talk to you soon,

S.C.
Posted 9/7/2013 3:33 AM (GMT 0)
Depending on the size of your school, there may actually be free counseling available right there on campus. I took advantage of this option while in community college. I only went to about three sessions... it wasn't the right fit for me, but I knew others who found much help there.

Thinking about you! Sending positive thoughts and wishes!
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