I am very sensitive to side effects. I tried Zoloft in the past and made me so much worse. So far only side effects I have is very tired and worn out with some light headed. I haven't been able to sleep a full night for some reason since coming off the Zoloft which was 4 weeks ago. I'm hoping the Paxil helps with sleep and energy, just pray it don't turn out like Zoloft, will keep posting to help others with questions I was also gave Xanax 0.25 witch sometimes works and sometimes don't don't know why becuase I don't take every day like I'm suppose to because I'm very scared of Xanax,
This morning I started Paxil and was told to break 10mg in half and take 5mg for a week
Question posted by Lizzybear1 on 27 March 2017
Last updated on 25 June 2017
Answers
chuck1957
28 March 2017
Lizzy; Yes this is very common to split the Paxil in half so that you can get used to the side effects before you start the 10mg. And also that is still a fairly low dose so hopefully, it should not be too hard on you. And with any of these medications in these class. When we first start them we may feel worse meaning the symptoms that we are trying to help get a bit stronger for a short time. Then somewhere between 3 and 4 weeks, it starts to get better. and we'll continue to get better until you reach the 6 to 8 weeks which is when the Paxil reaches the full blood level and you well know how it feels like. Also if you do get a bit overstressed the Xanax should help and you really don't have to fear it because you have the weakest strength that is made and it won't be that hard to stop it. And another thing to remember is with the Paxil you want to take it every day and about the same time each day to keep a good blood level. I wish you much luck but I do know that the people that have trouble with Zoloft and others do pretty good on Paxil. So good luck to you
Lizzybear1
28 March 2017
Thank you for the support zolof really did a number on me each day I was getting a new side effect, doctor said after two weeks the side effects should went away so he took me off, so really hope paxil is good,
janiebme
28 March 2017
Hi Lizzy-
I hope you keep posting your updated on Paxil. I also had bad side effects from Zoloft. Had considered Paxil but I am afraid of side effects. I am also med sensitive.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Lizzybear1
28 March 2017
Oh I will it's my 2nd day and really only side effects I have is very tired worn out, but I haven't got a good night of sleep or a solid 7-8 in a long time so can't really complain, another side effect is hungry a little more then I use to but I'm only 83 pounds so hopefully I can gain some weight, I know how scary it can be Zoloft made me terrified of medicine, but trying to stay positive, try looking up successful stories of paxil I'm very obsessive when it comes to google and reading up on drugs, if you want also share your experience with paxil on mine of on here also makes me feel good talking to other people who are also in the drug so I don't fee alone,
chuck1957
28 March 2017
Hi Lizzie, and Janie; If you don't mind I would like to put my two cents in, I was very lucky outside of the real old drugs prior to SSRI, OR SNRI'S I was on so many different meds. But when Paxil came out boy what a difference, And very few side effects after the first few weeks and if I remember right. I took it for about 9 years with a low dose of alprazolam. Anyway, I think this one kind of desensitized me on the SSRI, Because even ones I could not take started to work well on me when I was at my lowest. So never give up. I just hope that one day for all of us that we won't have to wait for 6 to 8 weeks just to see if a medication is going to work for us. And what was real hard I THINK YOU BOTH Well agree with me. But the mind is the strongest organ in the body. And years ago when the board of pharmacy made us give several pages of side effects and lots of scary information. it scared so many people that they did not want to take anything.
Then also the Internet with so many horror stories but the truth that they don't say is the bad side effects are only in about 3% of the people so when you look at how many people take medicine the risk is very low. Just a pet peeve of mine. But it was much better when we would tell them the very IMPORTANT THINGS TO LOOK FOR. AND TO CALL THE DOCTOR OR GO TO THE E.R. ROOM. But anyway I was very sure that Lizzy was not going to be able to do the Zoloft with all the symptoms she told me about. But the last thing you want to do is discourage someone that has already gotten so far. because I could be wrong too. And really I find it very good for all of us to help others when we can. And simple things to learn that are as good as the medications. and that is I tell people KEEP YOUR FAITH, NOW I am not a highly religious person BUT IT DOES HELP, watch you breathing!!! this startles us into a panic attack. And what has helped me the most is staying away from negative people. because the way we are is like a sponge and their Negative vibes we soak up. and after finishing listening to them you feel like crap. So try to avoid them or things that you look at as negative stuff. but everyone has to find their triggers. Anyway, just a little bit of stuff that helps me and wanted to share with you. That have always been very good to me. But whatever works stick with it. But you well get better. Trust me. Chuck1957 AGAIN I FEEL LIKE A FOOL. BUT I HOPE YOU LADIES UNDERSTAND MY SPELLING AND HAVING TO TYPE IN CAPS BECAUSEi CAN'T SEE VERY FAR DUE TO THE CHEMOTHERAPY. BUT I AM NOT YELLING SO PLEASE UNDERSTAND THIS NOT SO WISE CHUCK. ALL MY BEST TO BOTH OF YOU. CHARLES WISE Sr. Have a great day to you both. Sorry this is so long. Chuck
Lizzybear1
28 March 2017
Right you figured they would have updated research that will kick in I a lot sooner then weeks,the mind is the strongest it can trick us, zolof has helped a lot of people unfortunately for me I couldn't handle the side effects, I pray to god every night paxil works for me for my attacks because I need releaf soon, and I'm happy paxil worked for you, I just want to feel better for my kids shake, feel bad when they are effected by my health problems, my oldest one kind of understands he just knows mommy throws up Bc she cant calm down, my youngest one seems to act up more when I'm having episodes Bc he wants attention and I just want to be left alone till I can settle down, I won't take a xanax when I have the kids alone I'm so scared of falling asleep on them, I hope your chemotherapy gets better for you and I'll send a little prayer over your way,
chuck1957
28 March 2017
Lizzy, tHANKS VERY MUCH THIS IS PART OF THE WHOLE THING IS HAVING PEOPLE THAT DO UNDERSTAND WHERE WE ARE COMING FROM. I SURE HOPE THE PAXIL DOES HELP YOU TOO. JUCT CONTINUE TO TAKE IT AND IT SURE SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE SOME GREAT KIDS THIS IS NOT EASY FOR THEM BUT YOU CAN EXPECT THE LITTLE ONES TO ACT OUT A BIT THIS IS ALL NORMAL AND ALL YOU REALLY NEED TO DO IS GET MOMY IN SHAPE AND YOU WELL JUST HANG IN THERE. cHUCK1957
Lizzybear1
28 March 2017
Thank you chuck reason I wanted to start a post on here so others can see or add their experience with me, my husband loves me but it's very very hard for him to understand because he's never had depression anxiety or panic so can't really talk to him about it so though I could get some help on here from others
chuck1957
28 March 2017
Lizzy; That is a great idea, it is real hard for people that have never had this to really understand. and as I say it is more a chemical Imbalance and the is how they have come out with these medications like the serotonin medications which is a drug that the brain produces on its own but not always enough. But in the long run, I would not wish this on my worst enemy. Good luck.
Lizzybear1
31 March 2017
Well 5 days on the paxil 5mg and still so tired and worn out, legs are weak and don't have the energy to do anything, don't even have the energy to talk to people,
Inactive
2 April 2017
Be patient if your tired its,okay. Just keep telling yourself that it is going to get better. And you were given Xanax to manage any other side effects. YHE Doctor Gave Those To YOu FOR A reason.
I was on Paxil for twenty yrs. During those first couple wks I did use the anxiety meds. .25 MG Xanax is the lowest dose. If you only use it wen needed. It's gonna be fine. I'm switching to Lexapro because after all these yrs the Paxil is no longer working for me. Wishing good vibes on your journey to feeling better.
Lizzybear1
2 April 2017
Oh I am just posting my update, my doctor don't want me to move up he wants me to stay at 5mg and I go see a therapist Tuesday for cb therapy ( doctor said antidepressants don't fix the problem just masks it and therapy could help me stay off them in the long run), but he said to stay at 5mg as long as can because he wants me to try to manage this without being on drugs for a long time, but said If need to move up move up, he knows I don't like taking pills reason he is working with me, But just happy he ain't forcing me to move up and letting me pick my own speed and time,
chuck1957
2 April 2017
Sounds real good Lizzy, Also remember the time does come that your having no problems with the new medication Then go ahead and increase it but let your therapist now about it. Happy you sound like things are going better than earlier.
Lizzybear1
11 April 2017
Well it's been 10 days since I stopped the paxil, I really did like it, but am trying i'm alternative ways to deal with my anxiety, been taking probiotics with vitamins also drinking chamomile tea at night and applying magnesium gel to the bottom of my feet , also more into dōTERRA oils, I go see my doctor tomorrow and feel bad for not telling him I stopped the paxil butbhate calling Bc his assistant tells me I'm always calling to much and won't let me speak to him, she's also wry short with me,will be bringing it up to him tomorrow, but anyways, I've only taken 1 half of 0.25 xanax since stopped the paxil, I want to come off my birth control also because I feel that could be the reason I'm very short tempered and want to stop smoking, I hope everyone has been doing ok
Marilyn35
20 April 2017
So great to see that I'm not the only one that has a chemical imbalance.I'm on a low dose of xanax and the Dr.put me on 10mg Paxil it was too strong I'm thinking about taking half to see if this will help.I am a breast cancer survivor (15yr) thank God but have gone through so much trauma in the past that I get anxiety attacks.Im praying that the 5 mg paxil will help.Praying that all that have problems with anxiety will have peace and comfort with these meds.God knows what we have been through.So with faith we will get better.Thank you for sharing your story.
Lizzybear1
20 April 2017
I loved the paxil (5mg) my doctor let me stay on it as long I wanted but if it wasn't helping he wanted me to move up, I'm still off the paxil and I do have my bad days but my oils and family has helped me go with out taking a full xanax I mite half half of a 0.25 here and there but I'm so much better, congratulations on being a cancer survivor and I pray and wish the best for you,❤
Prietonana
26 June 2017
Hi Lizzy I just stopped taking Zoloft too due to the horrible side effects I got. I ended up in urgent care from the side effects. I called my psychiatrist who told me to stop taking Zoloft. I have a feeling when I see him on Wednesday he will want me to try Paxil as that was one of the ones he offered at my initial consultation. I am very sensitive to side affects of any type of medication. If there are side affects I'm sure to get them. I am terrified of trying another anti depressant. Looking into alternative therapies such as TMS treatments but insurance will only cover if you've tried 4 or more antidepressants with no success. Also looking into supplements such as 5 htp, saint johns wart, vitamin b, etc.
Lizzy any advice you can offer I'd really appreciate it. From any others too. Please and thank you
Related topics
paxil, zoloft, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, side effect, anxiety and stress
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