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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 26, 2003, at 22:00:27
In reply to Doctor Trying To Force SSRI On Me - Help!!, posted by cerene on November 26, 2003, at 13:22:32
> My doctor's physician assistant prescribed Paxil for me when I told her I didn't want to take a SSRI. After agreeeing to take it in her office, I called my doctor the next day and told her I wanted something else. 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.
>
> Right now I'm taking the 12.5 mg of Paxil and I switch to 25 mg next week. I'm suffering from depression, lack of motivation, lack of energy, and a generally lack of enthusiasm for being alive, though I have no suicidal tendencies due to being the single parent of 3 boys (but I wouldn't be opposed to someone fatally shooting me right now). After reading about all the side effects associated with Paxil, especially the weight gain and the sexual dys, there is no way I'm going to keep taking this medicine. So 2 questions:
>
> 1. Is there a SSRI that doesn't cause so many side effects?
> 2. Will I have withdrawal symptons from just 2 weeks on Paxil?
>
> My phy asst swears all her patients love Paxil CR, but I don't see how. Please help.
Posted by crazychickuk on November 27, 2003, at 7:13:58
In reply to Doctor Trying To Force SSRI On Me - Help! « cerene, posted by Dr. Bob on November 26, 2003, at 22:00:27
Try remeron... no bad side affects except a little weight gain, and tiredness in your first week.. is up to you your body.. could give it a go see how you get on within 2 weeks.. cus you are only taking 12.5mg of it you shouldnt get to many side affects.. try and stick with it hun... post here daily for support.. i am always here...
((((hugs))))
Posted by mags on November 27, 2003, at 8:21:08
In reply to Doctor Trying To Force SSRI On Me - Help! « cerene, posted by Dr. Bob on November 26, 2003, at 22:00:27
No one can FORCE you to take something against your will and it doesn't sound like that is what happened. You did take the pills.It is your responsibility to read up on the antidepressants available and what they do and what the side effects are. They ALL have side effects! You have to decide what ones you can live with based on your needs..there is a wealth of information both here on PB and on the WWW...start researching and asking what others with similar symtoms to you are taking ....some AD"s are worse for weight gain than others..some help with sleep...some keep you awake etc.....look at your needs and go from there sometimes the side effects can be a bonus, but of course not always. And also remember everyone reacts differently to meds.....If you don't trust this doctor can you see someone else?
good luck and keep trying to seek help.
Maggie
Posted by theo on November 29, 2003, at 22:29:37
In reply to Doctor Trying To Force SSRI On Me - Help! « cerene, posted by Dr. Bob on November 26, 2003, at 22:00:27
First off, don't believe everything you read. Paxil was a great AD for me, the main reason I quit was to try one of these new ones like Lexapro, which was for me the absolute worst I had ever tried.
Posted by Emme on December 1, 2003, at 8:07:31
In reply to Doctor Trying To Force SSRI On Me - Help! « cerene, posted by Dr. Bob on November 26, 2003, at 22:00:27
> 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,
A good practitioner should discuss your concerns, not dismiss them.
> and told me to try the Paxil for at least 2 weeks and if there were any side effects we could discuss it then.
You could try it for a couple of weeks. But remember that side effects may take longer than that to dissipate. Some of mine did.
> After reading about all the side effects associated with Paxil, especially the weight gain and the sexual dys, there is no way I'm going to keep taking this medicine. So 2 questions:
Those are valid concerns, but it might not be so bad for you. I didn't gain an ounce, though many people do. The sex dys was there, but it wasn't too bad. I was on the regular Paxil.
> > 1. Is there a SSRI that doesn't cause so many side effects?
Dunno. That varies from person to person. The SSRI's (and all drugs) have the potential for side effects. It's a matter of finding something that works the best for you. Also, you don't know what dose will be therapeutic for you. Maybe less than 25 mg, maybe more.
> > 2. Will I have withdrawal symptons from just 2 weeks on Paxil?
Dunno, but is an awfullly short period of time...I know many people have a dreadful time getting off it. It took me about a week or so (I was on 10 mg) and my withdrawal wasn't so bad.
> My phy asst swears all her patients love Paxil CR, but I don't see how.
I know at least 3 people who were greatly helped by paxil (regular Paxil) and their side effects weren't bad enough to make them quit. I'd have stayed on it happily if it hadn't pooped out (we later decided I'm in the bipolar spectrum.)
As was pointed out, if you are really concerned, you can't be forced to take it. I understand about not wanting to take something because of known common side effects. You might try another practitioner who would be willing to discuss more options.
Emme
This is the end of the thread.
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