Posted by Susan J on November 26, 2003, at 14:31:09
In reply to Doctor Trying To Force SSRI On Me - Help!!, posted by cerene on November 26, 2003, at 13:22:32
Hi,
> My doctor's nurse called back and said the doctor thinks I need something that works on my serotonin, poo-pooed my concerns about the side effects, and told me to try the Paxil for at least 2 weeks and if there were any side effects we could discuss it then.
<<That's exactly what my therapist said. Said the specific symptoms of depression I had said I needed an SSRI. Well, I took Paxil for about a year and a half, and it made me gain weight, made me want to sleep 16 hours a day (and oh could I), made me very lethargic, and basically just drained what little energy I had out of me. It was *horrible* for me.Now that doesn't mean it will happen to *you,* I'm sure Paxil works wonders for many people. But I think your doc should give more credence to your concerns and discuss alternatives. I've been taking Wellbutrin for 2 or 3 months now, which acts on norepinephrine and dopamine, I think, not too sure about that, and I feel soooooo much better. I have energy, I've lost weight, I have actually felt *happy.* (Well, i'm starting to get bummed again but that's a different story).
> 1. Is there a SSRI that doesn't cause so many side effects?
<<I think it's trial and error. Different people respond differently. But it's funny your phys. asst. swears by Paxil. Everyone I've met (my friends) that has used Paxil hated it.
> 2. Will I have withdrawal symptons from just 2 weeks on Paxil?
<<That I don't know. I had SE's with Paxil for months and months. I don't even think 2 weeks is enough time to see whether the drug will work. But hey, if you start feeling better, great! When i stopped Paxil, I weaned myself off of it, and didn't have bad SEs, some more vivid dreams and a one-time weird sensation that something metal was scraping (the sound) inside my head.Can you get a second opinion somewhere?
Good luck. Trying new meds can be very stressful in itself....
Susan
poster:Susan J
thread:284109
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20031123/msgs/284132.html