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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
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 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
Posted by TexasChic on November 26, 2003, at 14:53:54
In reply to Doctor Trying To Force SSRI On Me - Help!!, posted by cerene on November 26, 2003, at 13:22:32
Your doctor can not force you to swallow the pills. It sounds as if he may have 'persuaded' you to go ahead and try them against your better judgement. If you don't want to take them, simply don't.
Is there a particular reason you are so against SSRI's? They have been a lifesaver for many, many people – myself included. But if it is just something you don't want to consider, I can understand and respect that.
You didn't mention anything in your post about therapy. Your symptoms suggest depression, and your doc can recommend someone for you who specializes in that area. With or without meds, I believe therapy is a must. I hope you'll look into it. Good luck!
Posted by Poet on November 26, 2003, at 15:50:38
In reply to Doctor Trying To Force SSRI On Me - Help!!, posted by cerene on November 26, 2003, at 13:22:32
Hi cerene,
Paxil CR didn't do anything for me. I was on it for two weeks and nothing.
I'm now on regular Paxil (was taking 20mg, got upped last week to 40mg a day.) So far no side effects from the increased dose.
Maybe I'm lucky, but I wasn't hit with many side effects when I first started on Paxil. Absolutely no weight gain, I'm bulimic so not gaining weight is crucial for my mental and physical wellbeing. Paxil is frequently given to bulimics as a way to control binges, so the weight gain side effect must depend on the person taking it.
If I were you I would stay on it for the two weeks the doctor recommended, keep track of the side effects you are experiencing, so you can discuss it.
I fought being on meds for years, I can't say I always feel great, but I don't feel as bad as I used to.
Poet
Posted by cerene on November 26, 2003, at 18:14:37
In reply to Re: Doctor Trying To Force SSRI On Me - Help!!, posted by Poet on November 26, 2003, at 15:50:38
Thanks everyone! I called my doc and she again convinced me to at least give it a try for 2 weeks. Wish me luck.
C.
Posted by fallsfall on November 26, 2003, at 18:20:04
In reply to Re: Doctor Trying To Force SSRI On Me - Help!!, posted by Poet on November 26, 2003, at 15:50:38
Every person will have different side effects (or no side effects) from a given med. The drug company lists the side effects that they have seen from the many people who have tried the med. Even if they say that 90% of the people who tried it had a particular side effect, that doesn't mean that you would - you could be in the 10% who doesn't.
I think that when choosing a med to start, the doctor should talk about the more common side effects and see what you think about them. For instance, in my case I don't care if the med gives me constipation. Constipation is something I can control (with prunes and stool softeners), and is much less of a problem for me than depression. Hair loss, however, is NOT acceptable to me. Period. Each person will have their own opinions about what is and is not acceptable for side effects.
If a doctor has a GOOD reason for suggesting one med over another (i.e. they have found the one they like to work better with patients in your specific age range who have the same symptoms that you have, and also have other medical things in common with you), then it is often worth trying the med to see if the side effects that YOU get are tolerable for YOU.
Be aware that some side effects show up, but then go away in the first couple of weeks (or even the first couple of months), while other side effects are there for as long as you take the med. Try to be more tolerant of the temporary side effects.
I agree that therapy is a must with or without meds. If therapy alone will do it for you - go for it. If your depression is severe, please try meds.
Talk to your doctor until the two of you can AGREE on your treatment.
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 26, 2003, at 22:02:04
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...
I'd like to redirect any follow-ups regarding medication to (just plain) Psycho-Babble. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031126/msgs/284312.html
Thanks,
Bob
This is the end of the thread.
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