-
Worse before better on paroxetine?
Hi I’ve suffered from anxiety with panic attacks and depression for a few years now and have tried many many different medications.
The first one I tried was pristiq because it had worked for me about 10 years ago during a previous depressive/insomnia episode. I was on it for three years and came off it without any problems. This time around it just made me more anxious. ☹️
After this I tried lexapro, atypicals, anti psychotics, tricyclics, and even an MAOI which felt like I was on speed. 😬
Amitriptyline and lexapro were probably the best of a bad bunch.
Now Dr has started me on paroxetine 10mg daily. She thinks it’s the best fitting SSRI for my condition .
I started this dose 2 weeks ago and she wants me to go up to 20mg. Since starting paroxetine I found myself taking 2mg Valium daily! Not a lot but I don’t want to go down the benzo path.
The thing is I actually feel more anxious and depressed. I’ve only had one brief happy period since being on it. So I’m naturally fearful of increasing my dose.
I can’t see my psych as she is on holidays but have booked in to see my GP for advice.
Has anyone had luck on 10mg paroxetine? And did you feel worse before getting better?
I mean how long am I supposed wait? I know literature says 4-6 weeks but that seems like a really long time right now…
Thank you in advance people.
John.
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jonjon
Hi I’ve suffered from anxiety with panic attacks and depression for a few years now and have tried many many different medications.
:welcome: to NMP, John,
Quote:
The first one I tried was pristiq because it had worked for me about 10 years ago during a previous depressive/insomnia episode. I was on it for three years and came off it without any problems. This time around it just made me more anxious.
Antidepressants (ADs) can be less effective the second time requiring a higher dose to achieve the same level of control and the initial side-effects may be more severe and/or different too. How long did you take desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) this time and what was the highest dose?
Quote:
After this I tried lexapro, atypicals, anti psychotics, tricyclics, and even an MAOI which felt like I was on speed. 😬
Amitriptyline and lexapro were probably the best of a bad bunch.
Which of the tricyclics and MAOIs did you try, what was the maximum dose taken and how long were you on that dose? Did you stop because it wasn't working, or for other reasons?
Quote:
Now Dr has started me on paroxetine 10mg daily. She thinks it’s the best fitting SSRI for my condition
With the possible exception of clomipramine (Anafranil) and fluvoxamine (Luvox) for OCD, no AD is intrinsically more effective than the others for specific disorders, or generally, but one or two will usually be better than the others for an individual both in effectiveness and tolerability. It all comes down to how they mesh with individual biology. Unfortunately, there is still no reliable way of determining the best med/s except by trial and error.
Quote:
I started this dose 2 weeks ago and she wants me to go up to 20mg. Since starting paroxetine I found myself taking 2mg Valium daily! Not a lot but I don’t want to go down the benzo path.
Definitely take diazepam if you need to as white-knuckling through anxiety/panic is counterproductive, however, the biggest problem with benzodiazepines (BZDs) isn't the dependency issue as many think, some of the ADs can be harder to quit, but that BZDs inhibit neurogenesis, the mechanism by which ADs (also therapy) work (see: Boldrini M, 2014; Nochi R, 2013; Sun Y, 2013; Song J, 2012; Wu X, 2009; Stefovska VG, 2008).
Quote:
The thing is I actually feel more anxious and depressed. I’ve only had one brief happy period since being on it.
No AD will work within 2 weeks, except by a usually short-live placebo response, and they very often make anxiety and/or depression worse at the beginning by increasing serotonin activity before biofeedback kicks-in to reduce serotonin synthesis and release. Both disorders are caused by high brain stress hormone levels *killing brain cells in the two hippocampal regions of the brain and inhibiting the growth of new ones which causes the hippocampi to atrophy. ADs work by stimulating the growth of new hippocampal cells. These cells and the connections they form produce the therapeutic response, not the ADs directly. It takes about 7 weeks for neurons to grow and mature, however, improvements in mood may begin a few weeks earlier with kick-in usually occurring in the 4-12 week range.
Quote:
So I’m naturally fearful of increasing my dose.
Most serotonergic ADs, including paroxetine, need to be taken at doses high enough to saturate about 80% of the serotonin transporters (5-HTT) to initiate and sustain neurogenesis. Unfortunately, there is no readily available test to determine the dose needed to achieve this for individuals. The minimum recommended dose has been shown to achieve this. Taking less may not be enough, and even worse, may increase the odds of the med pooping-out by inhibiting neurogenesis every time plasma levels drop below that required to sustain it.
The rule of thumb on this is the increase the dose no earlier than 5 times the half-life of the med, which for paroxetine is 21 hours x 5, so 5 days. Upping it earlier may increase the severity of any initial side-effects, but delaying and increase won't significantly reduce their severity no matter how long the delay.
Quote:
I mean how long am I supposed wait? I know literature says 4-6 weeks but that seems like a really long time right now…
Unfortunately, there is no way of speeding up the process. It is what it is. :sad:
Ian
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Hi Ian
Thanks for the response.
I was on pristiq for 6 weeks at 100mg but it just made anxiety much worse. Was a bit better for depression.
Was on lexapro for 6 weeks also starting at 10mg and working up to 20mg but had the same results as the pristiq.
The MAOI was parnate for 7 days. I felt really hyped up and there was no way I could continue.
I was on nortriptyline for about 2 months at low dose 10mg but didn’t do much and amitriptyline couldn’t go past 30mg because of sedation. Again I wasn’t on this medication very long. Also tried deptran for about a week but stopped due to abnormal aggression. Very strange for me as I’m pretty peaceful.
Regarding paroxetine dose I can only guess that the 10mg is upping my serotonin because of all the increase anxiety/depression (side effects?).
Might try to go to 20mg after talking to my GP.
On another note I’ve seen online that there is a slow release version of paroxetine that might help reduce the start up anxiety. I wonder if anyone has had luck with that vs immediate release?
I really hate the fact that anxiety is a side effect for an anti anxiety medication. Grrr
I will try and stick it out the best I can.
Thanks
John
Ps thanks for the links will check them out tomorrow. 👍
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Ok so I just saw my GP and her suggestion was to stick with medication for another 2 weeks till I see my psych. Apparently feeling a little bit worse when starting a med is normal.
I must say that on other medications I would be crawling out of skin by this stage and that is not happening.
She said I could try and up my dose but could lead to more side effects. In her own words my condition “is above her pay grade” lol.
Not really sure what to do but looks like I’ll be sticking to 10mg as I’m frightened of heightening my anxiety and depression. Thanks
Wish me luck
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jonjon
I was on pristiq for 6 weeks at 100mg but it just made anxiety much worse. Was a bit better for depression.
Was on lexapro for 6 weeks also starting at 10mg and working up to 20mg but had the same results as the pristiq.
The MAOI was parnate for 7 days. I felt really hyped up and there was no way I could continue.
I was on nortriptyline for about 2 months at low dose 10mg but didn’t do much and amitriptyline couldn’t go past 30mg because of sedation. Again I wasn’t on this medication very long.
As I suspected you were never on any of these either long enough, or at a high enough dose of some to get a therapeutic response.
I find it 'interesting' that you were prescribed 3 TCAs, but not imipramine (Tofranil) which was the 'gold standard' panic disorder AD for decades before the SSRIs hit the market and bewitched psychiatrists and GPs with promises not all could keep.
Quote:
Also tried deptran for about a week but stopped due to abnormal aggression. Very strange for me as I’m pretty peaceful.
Very strange indeed as despite the claims doxepin (Deptran) is only a powerful antihistamine, not an antidepressant. If 30mg amitriptyline was too sedating then doxepin should have rendered you comatose. But all these meds can be very unpredictable. It all comes down to how they mesh with individual biology
Quote:
Regarding paroxetine dose I can only guess that the 10mg is upping my serotonin because of all the increase anxiety/depression (side effects?)
Serotonergic ADs increase serotonin activity within the first hour of the first dose. The fact that this often makes anxiety worse is one of the clues that anxiety and depression aren't caused by too little serotonin as popular mythology claims. Fortunately, after a few weeks bio-feedback mechanisms kick-in to significantly down-regulate its synthesis and expression in areas of the brain that manifest anxiety and the heightened anxiety and other side-effects then usually diminish.
Quote:
On another note I’ve seen online that there is a slow release version of paroxetine that might help reduce the start up anxiety. I wonder if anyone has had luck with that vs immediate release?
Give it a try if you can get it prescribed, but there's no guarantee that it will reduce the severity of the initial side-effects. If paroxetine proves successful then you should take a slow/extended-release formulation to avoid any potential yo-yo effect as the med enters and drops out of your system.
Quote:
I really hate the fact that anxiety is a side effect for an anti anxiety medication. Grrr
Who said the gods don't have a sense of humour?! :ohmy:
Quote:
Not really sure what to do but looks like I’ll be sticking to 10mg as I’m frightened of heightening my anxiety and depression. Thanks
Unfortunately, you need to break eggs to make an omelet. I urge you not to remain on 10mg indefinitely as it will likely cause the med to poop-out.
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
I really hate the fact that anxiety is a side effect for an anti anxiety medication. Grrr
Who said the gods don't have a sense of humour?! :ohmy:
The gods must be crazy
Not really sure what to do but looks like I’ll be sticking to 10mg as I’m frightened of heightening my anxiety and depression. Thanks
Unfortunately, you need to break eggs to make an omelet. I urge you not to remain on 10mg indefinitely as it will likely cause the med to poop-out.
Might try the 20mgs when I have no commitments the next day.
Ive had a horrid run on meds and don’t want to rush this one.
Regards
John
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Sorry but I’m still getting the hang of the quote features Ian
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
On a side note the GP said they don’t prescribe extended release first off because if you have a bad reaction it will be in your system longer? Kind of makes sense I guess.
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jonjon
Ive had a horrid run on meds and don’t want to rush this one.
Unfortunately, having to endure the initial side-effects is something some of us can't avoid. All you can do is treat the side-effects and hunker down until they pass.
Ime, distraction helps. I have a collection of books I was given while in hospital when first prescribed an AD. Reading them got me through some very dark days (mostly my own fault for upping the dose quickly because I wanted to get back to work asap to save my career). When I say 'reading' I don't mean in the way you're, hopefully, reading this. It was more looking at each word in turn without really grasping what the story was about, but it helped divert my attention from the misery. They've served the same purpose a couple of times since when going back onto ADs. Thirty four years later I still can't tell you what most are about. I did promise myself I'd read them when I retired, but 22 years later I still haven't found the time. :ohmy:
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Ok so I decided to go to 20mgs last night as everything says that is the minimum therapeutic dose and it’s the weekend and most of Sydney is in a COVID-19 lockdown so should be an easy weekend.
-Side effects to report are nausea after taking pill. I take it with dinner so that helps reduce the nausea.
-Dry mouth for which I use biotene mouth spray.
-Jaw stiffness.
-Sleep disturbance but not quite insomnia so I think that will pass.
-Headaches are worse and have taken paracetamol.
-Increased anxiety which I think is the cause of the headaches. Really don’t want to be reaching for Valium as I’ve been on 2mg for a couple of weeks now and it is by no means a panacea.
Interestingly it hasn’t increased depression so far…(it’s not really better either) Depression and anxiety are a real chicken and the egg situation.
My main concerns are the increasing anxiety and related headaches as I need to show my face at work for a couple of hours on Monday and driving sends my anxiety/panic into the stratosphere! Even just thinking of it.
Distraction techniques I use are couch time and TV but I know I can’t do that forever. Watching Mare of Easttown with the wife at the moment. I also force myself to do a 10 minute walk in the afternoons. And of course reading this forum!
Hope you get around to reading those books Ian. Lol
I wish I get some relief soon but I have remember that this is marathon and not a sprint.
God bless
John
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jonjon
-Side effects to report are nausea after taking pill. I take it with dinner so that helps reduce the nausea.
Nausea may be directly caused by ADs, or by the heightened anxiety they trigger. Ginger and vitamin B6 supplements are often effective.
Quote:
-Dry mouth for which I use biotene mouth spray.
The Biotene products are usually very effective.
Quote:
-Headaches are worse and have taken paracetamol.
Paracetamol, aka acetaminophen, is preferred to the NSAIDs as SSRIs are also mild anticoagulants.
Quote:
-Increased anxiety which I think is the cause of the headaches.
SSRIs and other serotonergic ADs affect blood vessel tone, constriction and dilation, and that is probably the main cause of the headaches.
Quote:
My main concerns are the increasing anxiety and related headaches as I need to show my face at work for a couple of hours on Monday and driving sends my anxiety/panic into the stratosphere! Even just thinking of it.
While SSRIs may heighten anxiety at the beginning it sounds like it won't be the only, or even main driver.
Quote:
Hope you get around to reading those books Ian. Lol
I'm having minor surgery early next week so I'm taking a couple of them with me to while away the hours between feasting on hospital food. :ohmy:
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Ok so second day at 20mg and headaches much worse. Barely made it down the road for a coffee.
Anxiety just as bad as ever but nausea and dry mouth have disappeared.
Not sure how much more of these headaches I can take as they feed the thought “I’m not getting better”.
Funny thing is 2 weeks into 10mg dose I had some good moments so wondering whether I have to wait another 2 weeks for this dose to settle or maybe I jumped up too early.
Good luck with the day surgery Ian, hope your ailment gets resolved.
John
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jonjon
Ok so second day at 20mg and headaches much worse. Barely made it down the road for a coffee.
Drinking coffee might not be wise atm as it significantly constricts blood vessels, as may SSRIs.
Quote:
Not sure how much more of these headaches I can take as they feed the thought “I’m not getting better”.
No point in thinking this as it will likely take 5 plus weeks before you're likely to get better.
Quote:
Funny thing is 2 weeks into 10mg dose I had some good moments so wondering whether I have to wait another 2 weeks for this dose to settle or maybe I jumped up too early.
It may take several weeks for the initial side-effects to diminish. As per an earlier post, paroxetine doses can be increased after 5 days without increasing the severity of side-effects. Delaying the increase won't significantly reduce any spike in side-effects severity.
Quote:
Good luck with the day surgery Ian, hope your ailment gets resolved.
Thanks. This is the third time I'm having the knee worked on. The first was a failure, probably more because of events immediately after the surgery rather than the op itself, the second was a great success which gave me 20 pain free years so it's a better than 50:50 chance.
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Yes I’ve got a dodgy knee with a meniscus tear but I’m getting by with physio at the moment. Might consider surgery if it gets worse down the track.
Took the day off work as I don’t think driving today is such a great idea considering headaches last night were horrendous and it spiked my anxiety. Let’s see what tomorrow brings.
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quick update, headaches still present but not as bad.
Anxiety dipped yesterday and got hopeful but this morning it was back up again.
I’ve heard that anxiety is the last symptom to go when on AD so hopeful i will start getting some relief.
Shouldn’t have had a coffee at 5pm yesterday!
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Spoke too soon. 4days at 20mg and TOO many pounding headaches. Going back down to 10mg.
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jonjon
Spoke too soon. 4days at 20mg and TOO many pounding headaches. Going back down to 10mg.
Does your GP know about the headaches and if so what did she recommend?
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
panic_down_under
Does your GP know about the headaches and if so what did she recommend?
I’m seeing psych in 2 weeks.
Have had headaches before but they were related to anxiety.
These are definitely from the medication. Been back at 10mg for 2 days and headaches have reduced.
I take paroxetine with dinner around 7:30pm and get slight headaches around 7:00am in bed.
I wonder if I should be taking it later maybe just before bed or even first thing in the morning?
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
No guarantees, but it would be definitely worth trying taking at other times of the day.
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
panic_down_under
No guarantees, but it would be definitely worth trying taking at other times of the day.
Thanks! Will take it at bedtime tonight and see how I go.
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Sorry to butt in but I just wanted to say that paroxetine has really helped me with my anxiety and PDU really helped with advice on my recent dose increase. I didn't find any benefits until 3+ weeks and it really helped using something to help with the anxiety for the first 4 weeks. The side effects do pass.
Good luck.
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Catkins
Sorry to butt in but I just wanted to say that paroxetine has really helped me with my anxiety and PDU really helped with advice on my recent dose increase. I didn't find any benefits until 3+ weeks and it really helped using something to help with the anxiety for the first 4 weeks. The side effects do pass.
Good luck.
Thanks Catkins, I took my dose just before bed and seemed to have slept better. Still have slight headache and dizziness. Worst of all anxiety/depression still present so am still waiting for breakthrough.
Wish me luck!
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Ok so IÂ’m officially at the end of week 3!
Headaches/dizziness were still present last night although I must admit not as bad as one week ago.
Thought IÂ’d challenge myself this morning and drove to work and back. (I didnÂ’t actually work, I just did the drive for exposure therapy)
Although the anxiety is still very present it went better than expected.
The real test will be on Monday when I actually do a few hours work.
This medication journey really is a case of one week at a time. Results donÂ’t come easy but IÂ’m praying for better times ahead.
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Looks like this thread is becoming my paroxetine diary.
A few days into week 4 at 10mg and still can’t see any benefits…
Worst of all still got side effects. Namely poor sleep and occasional nightmares. Also a bit of derealisation. Headaches seem to be subsiding. I’m taking Restavit to help with sleep.
Yesterday I felt very depressed.
Managed to get to work today and did half a day work but had to take 2mg Valium. Feel sleepy now but can’t really snooze which is very irritating.
Do I stick with this med or is it just not agreeing with me? Any advice would be appreciated.
PS I am taking medication at bed time but think I should change to taking it in the morning.
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
I take mine in the morning. I find it's better for me to take it then.
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Catkins
I take mine in the morning. I find it's better for me to take it then.
Thanks Catkins!
Did you ever try taking it at a different time or did you always take it in the morning?
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jonjon
A few days into week 4 at 10mg and still can’t see any benefits…
...Do I stick with this med or is it just not agreeing with me? Any advice would be appreciated.
I wouldn't expect much at 4 weeks, plus you are probably on a sub therapeutic dose which won't consistently activate neurogenesis.
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jonjon
Thanks Catkins!
Did you ever try taking it at a different time or did you always take it in the morning?
TBH I've only taken it at other times when I've forgotten to take it in the morning. I think I may have been told that it was better to take it in the morning - I'm a bit of a stickler for taking things when I'm told.
Also I went straight in on a 20mg dose (this was a long time ago). The first couple of weeks were tough, the first few days were horrendous. But it did get easier with time.
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Thanks for the responses PDU and Catkins.
I have a tendency to expect fast results from medications and end up quitting them before they have a chance to work.
Also I am very sensitive to medications and do not understand how others can tolerate such high doses when I struggle on tiny amounts?
I am seeing my psych next Wednesday to discuss my progress. In the meantime I will stick to 10mg and pray the sleep issues resolve themselves…
Thank you again for your help :)
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jonjon
I have a tendency to expect fast results from medications and end up quitting them before they have a chance to work.
There is nothing fast about ADs because of the indirect way they work. Biology works to its own rythm irrespective of our wishes.
Quote:
Also I am very sensitive to medications and do not understand how others can tolerate such high doses when I struggle on tiny amounts?
Have you considered that not all your symptoms are necessarily caused by the med, but may be at least partly psychological and could well be the major factor?
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
I'm on 40mg.
Yes they do work. It took me a while to adjust to them. It's advised to not skip doses of this drug too because withdrawal is swift and sharp.
I don't think I have side effects from them anymore. I've been on them probably around 2 years now.
I'm on valium too. I was doing well without them, but life is rocky at the moment so I'm back to taking 3/4 a day.
I'm not sure if this drug causes night sweats, but I have them terrible. I read somewhere they can.
Other than that, I will say it's a good drug that works for me.
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Hey PDU I definitely think there is a biological factor to my mental health as well as psychological.
I am also seeing a psychologist and we are working through things together.
Getting back to work full time is a big thing for me as I am still doing half hours and that affects my self esteem.
On a positive I went to work today for a few hours and no Valium or panadol was required so small victory.
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
WiredIncorrectly
I'm on 40mg.
Yes they do work. It took me a while to adjust to them. It's advised to not skip doses of this drug too because withdrawal is swift and sharp.
I don't think I have side effects from them anymore. I've been on them probably around 2 years now.
I'm on valium too. I was doing well without them, but life is rocky at the moment so I'm back to taking 3/4 a day.
I'm not sure if this drug causes night sweats, but I have them terrible. I read somewhere they can.
Other than that, I will say it's a good drug that works for me.
Hello Wired and thanks for the input.
I never skip doses and have curbed my alcohol intake to give the meds a chance to work.
I have not had night sweats but years ago I was on Pristiq and that caused a lot of sweating for the first few months but I adjusted to it. Also, I came off Pristiq with very little trouble but have heard from others that the withdrawal is brutal so we are all different I guess.
Side effects I still have are early waking when I sleep, slight headache, a little bit of teeth grinding and lack of interest in sex. I think/hope these will subside in the coming weeks and months.
One thing I like about paroxetine is that it is not overly stimulating. Quite a few medications I tried sent me “manic” for lack of a better word.
I also like that from my current dose of 10mg I have room to move as some people take 20, 30, 40, 50, 60mg. So if it works for me I can potentially be on it for a long time with adjustments. My psychiatrist changed my appointment to early August and I wanted to talk to her about getting the extended release version of paroxetine but I guess that will have to wait.
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
WiredIncorrectly
I'm not sure if this drug causes night sweats, but I have them terrible. I read somewhere they can
It probably is the paroxetine, James. It is a relative common side-effect of all serotonergic ADs with paroxetine and sertraline being the most likely SSRIs to do so. In addition to stuffing up our brains, serotonin also affects the sympathetic nervous system which regulates sweating, determines blood vessel tone and affects the hypothalamus which, among other things, is the thermostat which sets the body's core temperature. :ohmy:
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jonjon
Side effects I still have are early waking when I sleep, slight headache, a little bit of teeth grinding and lack of interest in sex. I think/hope these will subside in the coming weeks and months.
All bar the last one will likely diminish as the body adjusts, but there are ways of minimising the last one too.
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
panic_down_under
It probably is the paroxetine, James. It is a relative common side-effect of all serotonergic ADs with paroxetine and sertraline being the most likely SSRIs to do so. In addition to stuffing up our brains, serotonin also affects the sympathetic nervous system which regulates sweating, determines blood vessel tone and affects the hypothalamus which, among other things, is the thermostat which sets the body's core temperature. :ohmy:
That explains why I have problems sweating. Literally just put up a post about it.
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jonjon
a little bit of teeth grinding and lack of interest in sex.
Yes, this. My sex drive doesn't return until I accidentally miss a dose.
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Hi Peeps,
To be honest the sexual side effects are the least of my problems right now. I tested “it” and it still works so I am not to worried about that.
Right now my main concern is the insomnia/sleep issues. Part of this is your run of the mill stress and over thinking but there is a chemical component to it as well.
I worry the medication is going to make me agitated as other meds have had this effect of lifting depression but INCREASING anxiety or at the very least not helping with the anxiety.
I will be using some Restavit (Doxylamine) tonight as I cannot function on 4 or 5 hours sleep.
medication to treat medication argh
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jonjon
I worry the medication is going to make me agitated as other meds have had this effect of lifting depression but INCREASING anxiety or at the very least not helping with the anxiety.
Don't go talking yourself into a side-effect, John. Anxious minds are very capable of creating our worst fears if given half a chance.
You were never on an AD long enough, or on a high enough dose to get a positive result. All ADs may increase anxiety levels initially. It if occurs there are ways of minimising the anxiety until paroxetine kicks-in.
Quote:
I will be using some Restavit (Doxylamine) tonight as I cannot function on 4 or 5 hours sleep.
Not one I've come across, but the sedating antihistamines are usually effective for SSRI induced insomnia. It usually doesn't last long.
-
Re: Worse before better on paroxetine?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
panic_down_under
Don't go talking yourself into a side-effect, John. Anxious minds are very capable of creating our worst fears if given half a chance.
You were never on an AD long enough, or on a high enough dose to get a positive result. All ADs may increase anxiety levels initially. It if occurs there are ways of minimising the anxiety until paroxetine kicks-in.
Not one I've come across, but the sedating antihistamines are usually effective for SSRI induced insomnia. It usually doesn't last long.
Thanks Ian
Lol I am realising that I do tend to overthink things. Four long years of panic in situations like driving in traffic or social settings where I cannot move freely have become habitual. I cannot expect to be rid of these feelings overnight. They will require re-learning.
I took the antihistamine last night and slept well thank God. I might try and go without it tonight and see how I sleep.
There were some positive feelings this morning but still burning through a lot of anxious energy.
I will still stick with the 10mg of paroxetine at this stage for at least another week or two as it seems to be moving in the right direction. I have been on it one month exactly now and let me say it was not an easy month.