Hello out there!,

I have never tried any anti-depressants before. My doctor is suggesting that i might want to try Paxil.
My mother takes Effexor XR now for about 2 yrs. as a relief from her life-long struggles with anxiety, and says she feels better than she ever has before.

I am wondering if i should try the Paxil or ask for Effexor since it works so well for my mother???

Although i am really scared to take anything at all, and the mere thoughts of it cause me more anxiety,, i am barely functional at this time and even make my teenage daughter do most of the grocery shopping.
Some days i won't go out of the house, and holding a job is only an ideal that i look forward to someday.

I tried Xanax but i felt that life was passing me by since i took 2 naps a day and had almost no emotions.

This program has really helped me since i wouldn't even drive before, and some of the principles are actually beginning to sink in,, they should since i have them written on the mirrors around the house!!
"but" i do wonder if i need a boost....??

Can anyone tell me how "anti-depressants" have changed their living experience?

Sincerely,
Sundee

Sundee - Before taking Paxil you might want to check on withdrawal problems, on the internet. I have heard some real scary things about Paxil, weight gain and withdrawal.

Ron

Hello Sundee

I would consult your Doctor not the interent on the Paxil or any other medication for that matter. I take Paxil. I have had no weight gain whatsoever and I've been taking it for five years, before that I took Zoloft. Medication can be helpful. But sometimes it just takes awhile to find the right one to work for you. I started with different meds....none that really helped until I took Zoloft..WOW what a difference it turned my life around!! Then I went off Zoloft 4 years later...I thought I was ok..and I was for awhile....Then I had the anixety/depression again...So I went on Paxil and it has helped me. I can do things and not be so afraid of them. Sometimes you need meds to help. Don't be afraid of them. But you still need to practice your tapes....Your breathing, the relaxation, etc. Best of luck to you..

Thank you - Everyone!
I really appreciate your feedback here!

Monroe:
Can i ask a question?

The midwest center says that one can be releived of the anxiety after completing the 15 wk program.
I notice that many people here in the forum do take the meds, and have done so for many "years".
My question is; do the meds help out so much that one is not compelled to work the program as dilligently?, and that is the cause for relapse when the drugs are withdrawn?
Please tell me what you think here; i really do not want to drag this out for years.
I want my life back for good.

Thank you so much for your thoughts here.

Sincerely,
Sundee

quote:

Originally posted by Monroe:
Hello Sundee

I would consult your Doctor not the interent on the Paxil or any other medication for that matter. I take Paxil. I have had no weight gain whatsoever and I've been taking it for five years, before that I took Zoloft. Medication can be helpful. But sometimes it just takes awhile to find the right one to work for you. I started with different meds....none that really helped until I took Zoloft..WOW what a difference it turned my life around!! Then I went off Zoloft 4 years later...I thought I was ok..and I was for awhile....Then I had the anixety/depression again...So I went on Paxil and it has helped me. I can do things and not be so afraid of them. Sometimes you need meds to help. Don't be afraid of them. But you still need to practice your tapes....Your breathing, the relaxation, etc. Best of luck to you..

Hello Sundee!! Sorry it's taken so long to get back to you.

About taking meds: Everyone is different when taking medication. Sometimes some of us need the meds in order to help us get through some of these tough panic attacks. Other people can breeze right on through the program without meds. I take mine for depression.

This necessarily doesn't mean that you can't do the program without medication. Alot of people do. Sometimes its just positive thinking, which I don't have at all. I have had relapse before and I'm going through another one. It's devastating.

I know how you feel about dragging this anixety stuff on. I want to be able to drive places without limiting myself or being so scared. I listen to the relaxation tape alot. It helps me.

I hope I helped you some.

Monroe

quote:

Originally posted by Sundee:
Thank you - Everyone!
I really appreciate your feedback here!

Monroe:
Can i ask a question?

The midwest center says that one can be releived of the anxiety after completing the 15 wk program.
I notice that many people here in the forum do take the meds, and have done so for many "years".
My question is; do the meds help out so much that one is not compelled to work the program as dilligently?, and that is the cause for relapse when the drugs are withdrawn?
Please tell me what you think here; i really do not want to drag this out for years.
I want my life back for good.

Thank you so much for your thoughts here.

Sincerely,
Sundee

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Monroe:
[b]Hello Sundee

I would consult your Doctor not the interent on the Paxil or any other medication for that matter. I take Paxil. I have had no weight gain whatsoever and I've been taking it for five years, before that I took Zoloft. Medication can be helpful. But sometimes it just takes awhile to find the right one to work for you. I started with different meds....none that really helped until I took Zoloft..WOW what a difference it turned my life around!! Then I went off Zoloft 4 years later...I thought I was ok..and I was for awhile....Then I had the anixety/depression again...So I went on Paxil and it has helped me. I can do things and not be so afraid of them. Sometimes you need meds to help. Don't be afraid of them. But you still need to practice your tapes....Your breathing, the relaxation, etc. Best of luck to you..<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[/B]

Hi my name is Tom, i find that effexor has helped me greatly!! I also exercise on a regular basis and that helps me greatly!! good luck, Tom.