Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Less is definitely more for me re psych medication. Agitation is a very different ballgame to anxiety/panic.
I think you're doing the right thing re the paroxetine. PDU will no doubt disagree but agitation is unbearable and if the clonapezam takes the edge off then take it when necessary. You've been prescribed it for a reason.
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pulisa
Less is definitely more for me re psych medication. Agitation is a very different ballgame to anxiety/panic.
I think you're doing the right thing re the paroxetine. PDU will no doubt disagree but agitation is unbearable and if the clonapezam takes the edge off then take it when necessary. You've been prescribed it for a reason.
Thanks for the response pulisa
Yes agitation is very different from anxiety and panic. It follows you around even in settings that normally do not induce any anxiety at all.
I am prepared for my brain to start doing somersaults over the next few days as it adjusts to the lower dose.
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jonjon
If not what is next? Lexapro? No medication? Do not want to do tricyclics again except as a last resort due to the orthostatic hypotension and difficulty going to the toilet.
The cognitive/behavioural/mindfulness therapies would definitely be worth a shot, John.
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
panic_down_under
The cognitive/behavioural/mindfulness therapies would definitely be worth a shot, John.
Are there any books or online courses that you might recommend?
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jonjon
Are there any books or online courses that you might recommend?
The best book I've read is 'Living with Fear: Understanding and Coping with Anxiety' by Isaac M. Marks. I was given a copy when I was first hospitalised for PD back in the late 1980s. His 'Fears, Phobias and Rituals: Panic, Anxiety, and Their Disorders' is a pretty comprehensive explanation of what drives these disorders.
I've heard good things about myCompass a free online course run by the Black Dog Institute. For a comprehensive list of anxiety/depression resources see: Guide to Digital Mental Health Resources (PDF) and Online therapy (eTherapy).
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Thanks Ian
I found that book second hand on eBay for $12 so I will give it a read once it arrives.
Will look into online courses tonight. Just trying to take it easy this week until I speak to my psych on Thursday regarding meds.
Also have some uncertainty at the moment regarding returning to work after it was shut down due a covid outbreak two weeks ago.
My agitation is still present even on the lower dose of paroxetine which is not helping.
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Day 3 at reduced dosage and wow agitation through the roof.
Thought I could get through the day without benzos but just took .25mg clonazepam this evening.
Think I will have to switch to another ssri just to deal with the withdraws if nothing else.
How long will this last considering I was only on the paroxetine 10mg for 10 weeks? How can I make it easier on my brain?
Thanks John
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jonjon
Day 3 at reduced dosage and wow agitation through the roof.
While agitation can be a withdrawal symptom I would have expected it to ease when you lowered the dose if the AD was the cause. I think it probably had more to do with anxiety.
Quote:
Thought I could get through the day without benzos but just took .25mg clonazepam this evening.
Did it help?
Quote:
Think I will have to switch to another ssri just to deal with the withdraws if nothing else.
How long will this last considering I was only on the paroxetine 10mg for 10 weeks? How can I make it easier on my brain?
Given the small dose not long. The danger is that your mind could make things seem much worse than they really are.
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Clonazepam helped a little bit with the agitation. I never really liked benzos and use them as a last resort.
Yes I know I will overthink things and I am trying to keep that in check with mixed success.
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
I hope your appointment today was productive and that you feel that you were listened to..