Posted by JohnL on February 23, 2000, at 4:42:05
In reply to paxil, posted by thomas on February 22, 2000, at 5:32:11
> i have been on paxil for 5 weeks now the last week on 40 mg.my depression have been a bit improved but my anxiety and tension are still the same! any suggestions?
I second the motion on Chris's suggestion of a benzo. They will also improve your sleep. You may need to try three different ones though to find your favorite. A one week trial each of three different benzos will give you a good understanding of whether this is the right approach for you and which one is a best fit. They work fast. No long wait to find out.
Another often overlooked treatment for anxiety/tension is a low dose antipsychotic. Sometimes anxiety is caused by excessive dopamine function, which won't be targeted by either antidepressants or benzos. But a tiny dose of an antipsychotic will completely normalize the situation. And lastly, in some cases your symptoms could be a result of excess NE function, which is countered with a low dose anti-hypertension medication (even in the absence of high blood pressure).
Anxiety can result from several different chemical imbalances. Antidepressants, benzos, antipsychotics, and antihypertensives can all target the different possible underlying problems. But only a personal trial will give clues as to which chemical imbalance is evident with you. Try drugs from these different classes. When the right one is discovered, it will make itself known very quickly.
poster:JohnL
thread:23045
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000220/msgs/23283.html