What medication is right for me? Had a bad experience with Paxil.
Hi. I withdrew from Paxil CR 3 months ago after being on it for close to 10 years and had an awful experience. Withdrawal was awful, and recovery is hard. While on Paxil, I was unable to create close relationships with anyone, was kind of like a zombie with no emotions, and had extreme sexual side effects. I am now medication free, but my anxiety is out of control. I am going to be getting counseling (cognitive-behavioral) soon, but I would like to try anothing medication in conjunction. Here are my symptoms: GAD (moderate), Social Anxiety (mild), Depression (mild), and phobias - flying, loss of control (severe). I am already on a low dose of Xanax for my panic attacks triggered by phobias, but I would like to up the dose as I sometimes have to take 2 pills to stop the cycle of panic. I am looking for a daily medication with low side effects. Some I hated the most about Paxil were weight gain and sexual side effects. I am aggitated quite a bit throughout the day, and have trouble sleeping. Any help at all would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Hi LillieF,
I'm so glad to hear that you are starting Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)! It really is highly effective for anxiety disorders. Please keep in mind, though, that you have been suffering for a long time, and it will take both time and effort for you to use CBT effectively. So, please be patient.
Also, if a medication is not working well for you, please don't wait so long next time to make a change. Look for a Psychiatrist who has up-to-date information on the current medications and who will listen to your experiences on the medications! If your Psychiatrist does not appear to hear your feedback, then look for another Psychiatrist.
I know this doesn't answer your question about what medication is right for you, but there is no way anyone could answer that over the internet. That's why you need a good, ongoing relationship with a doctor that you trust.
Best Wishes,
Jennifer L. Fee, Psy.D.
*Jennifer Fee, Psy.D. is a Psychologist, not a Psychiatrist. Psychiatrists prescribe medications, Psychologists study them, but the majority of Psychologists are not authorized to prescribe meds. or give you specific advice about them. Dr. Fee's answers are not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental disorder. Any information given in a post about medication is for educational purposes only, and primarily to aid you in having an informed discussion with your own Psychiatrist/Physician.
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