Hello Ryan,
I am new to this board but not new to Panic Disorder. In the past I have taken a number of SSRIs, Paxil being one of them. Like you I weaned off it and, also like you, after feeling fine initially, my symptoms returned about 9 months later.
Having had several relapses over the years, I have now determined, in agreement with my doctors, that my disorder is chronic and I will probably need to be on medication of some kind for the duration.
In your case, it could be that you might need to up the Paxil to the previous effective dose. It's also possible that Paxil has 'pooped out' on you and so a switch to another AD might be in order. Or you may only need a supplement benzodiazepine type medication to use PRN to get you over the rough patches. Of course, you would need to discuss this with your doctor. It is unfortunate you have to wait so long for an appointment.
I also agree with other posters that taking medication is only part of the recovery process. There are many other tools we need to use to make an optimum recovery. If you haven't done so, following some CBT instruction might be the missing piece of the puzzle for you. I know I need help with that part myself which is why I signed up for this program.
Best of luck,
Shrug
Hello all.
I have had Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia for a number of years. Although I have had some brief 'relatively well' times, I invariably have relapses which send me back to 'square one'. This is getting old!!! What I want for myself is to get as well as possible and then maintain it.
I'm fairly certain I have addressed the medication part of my problem and am no longer fighting the idea that I may need to be on it for the long term. I am not profoundly depressed anymore, my everyday anxiety level is fairly low unless provoked by something situational. So I'm pretty sure I am stabilized on my current drug regime. (25mg Elavil daily and Ativan PRN)
What I am lacking is a coherent plan for tackling my agoraphobic/ avoidance issues. It is these issues that adversely affect my quality of life and sense of self esteem. I am hoping this program can help me with that by providing guidance and also inspiration/encouragement when the going gets rough.
I look forward to meeting other members of this board because recovery can be a lonely business without support.
Shrug
Hello Jamison
Medication phobia... I had that too!!! It wasn't just prescribed meds either...even taking a Tylenol or a vitamin pill was difficult for me. It was very hard to get over and there are still times when it can 'rear its ugly head' again... usually when I am overly stressed.
I've never had the swollen tongue symptom but I can imagine how annoying (and scary) that would be. Seems like our mind can just grab a hold of an idea and run with it at times. Funny how it's always the negative ones too, lol.
Relapses...I've had a few. My hope is that, if I can't avoid them completely, at least I'll be able to make them shorter and less severe. I've finally come to the realization that, for me, medication is going to be part of my recovery plan from now on. I just couldn't sustain any degree of wellness when I went off them. My last pdoc said there are a few people who do need them long term and that I fit that diagnosis. I'm done resisting that idea.
Anyways, I'm glad to see some active members here. I hope you do keep posting. :)
Shrug
Mornings have always been my worst time for anxiety. It got so that I would put off going to bed just so I could enjoy the relative peace I finally got in the evening hours. Not a good plan!!!
I got a lot of help with this problem by taking Ativan (.5mg) first thing upon waking. I did this for over a year and now I'm fine for the most part. I've been off the 'every day' Ativan for several months (now only use it PRN) and my mornings are still good. I also take Elavil.
If you have only been on the Paxil for two weeks, I think it probably hasn't had time to kick in yet. They say it usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks before you notice a benefit. It's hard to be patient I know especially when you feel so miserable.
In the meantime, maybe you could think of ways to calm yourself as much as possible. Avoiding caffeine and switching to decaf coffee/tea if you drink those. Any activity that gets your mind off yourself is good. Do you have any relaxation tapes? They helped me when I was going through a bad spell.
All the best,
Shrug
Well, I started off the day with an anxious thought that I just wasn't able to combat using distraction or busyness. It just kept flashing on the screen of my mind!!!(FYI,the thought was a remembrance of a very disturbing scene I saw in the movie we watched this weekend.) After noticing the anxiety level increasing over the next hour, I decided to take an Ativan. Afterwards, distraction was possible and I calmed right down within 1/2 an hour. Now I'm feeling good. I even gave myself a test glimpse of the 'disturbing thought' and it isn't sticking anymore. I can dismiss it.
Okay so I remembered the instruction to fill in your Panic Diary as soon as possible after an episode which I'm doing now. But I'm not sure how I should fill in the anxiety/depression level part. If I fill it in as I felt first thing this morning it would be 4/3 respectively. However, if I fill it in as I feel now it would be 1/0.
Any suggestions?
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