No one should be alone in this. We can help. View New Content

[rapunzel]

it's my 8th day on paxil, and it's not helping :( I'm so depressed, and due to paxil I think, also lethargic. I'm waiting for any sign or glimpse, that it starts helping, but so far, nothing.

I took 5mg first day, then 2 days 10mg, and then 4 days 20mg.

what were your first signs that paxil is actually doing something or helping you?

[memyselfi10]

I was unusual in that I noticed a difference within a week, but then everyone is different. In my case I'm taking it mainly for anxiety not depression, and it really helps cut that down a lot. So the first sign I noticed was a lack of anxiety. I started out at 25 mg CR too, while you started on a very low dose. I know how discouraging it is to try different meds and waiting hoping they'll work. Try to hang in there, and give it time since it can take several weeks or more. Good luck!

[rapunzel]

right now I had to reduce the amount back to 10mg. I don't know how people can tolerate so high doses? I was so lethargic, literally couldn't move myself anymore. Yesterday I took 10mg and I feel able to function today, at least.

but I don't know if it starts to help me at all or not? and will the lethargy go away?

[memyselfi10]

If the lethargy is a side effect, it should go away within a month. That's how long it was before mine went away. I had insomnia and was wired all the time only needing to sleep a few hours a night -- so you see how different people can have totally opposite reactions. If it's bothering you too much you could call your doc and let him know. Perhaps he would suggest adding something else to counteract the lethargy effect. Or it could be that an SSRI is not for you and you would do better on an SNRI or other AD. This is actually my second time on Paxil. I tried it many years ago, and stopped for the very reason you've posted about. It was not right for me at that time; today it's a life saver. Good luck!

[rapunzel]

thanks for replying memyself.

but when did it start helping you? when did you notice it and how?

[memyselfi10]

but when did it start helping you? when did you notice it and how?

Within the first week I noticed a big reduction in anxiety. It was as if a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders, and I felt so relaxed that I wanted to cry from sheer relief. The stress at work that used to upset me so much and/or make me lose my temper didn't bother me anymore. I stopped craving junk food and lost 10 lbs. without trying. That's what I noticed first. I'm taking it for anxiety not depression, but the lack of the chronic anxiety that plagued me for so long certainly has lifted my spirits as well.

From what I've read, my case is not typical though. Not many people experience what I did. I just wanted to reply and do what I could to help since no one else has so far. My advice is to read all the Paxil threads to see what others have had to say about their experiences. And discuss with your doctor. Most of them say to wait at least a month before giving up unless the side effects are intolerable. Paxil is also notorious as one of the ADs that are hardest to withdraw from, so if it's not helping you probably want to discuss alternatives with your doc.

[rapunzel]

thanks for talking to me, I really need that now.

it is said that paxil is an AD that first acts on anxiety, and then to other things. I think I have less anxiety, but depression wise - I just don't care, I have no motivation to do anything. it's weird, because I can't even choose what to do next - I have no feelings. but at the same time I'm not extremely down and thinking suicidal thoughts, so maybe it's an improvement.

I just want to get out of that weird place where I'm stuck again :(

[memyselfi10]

thanks for talking to me, I really need that now.

it is said that paxil is an AD that first acts on anxiety, and then to other things. I think I have less anxiety, but depression wise - I just don't care, I have no motivation to do anything. it's weird, because I can't even choose what to do next - I have no feelings. but at the same time I'm not extremely down and thinking suicidal thoughts, so maybe it's an improvement.

I just want to get out of that weird place where I'm stuck again :(

Sometimes no feelings is a blessing. I was pefectly ready to stop feeling when I started Paxil, as my job was at stake. That lack of motivation is a side effect of Paxil, but if you think it's helping you with not being so down or suicidal, it might be worth being patient. The side effects that I had myself went away after a month. Mine was insomnia and hyperactivity. Too ironic I was wishing my side effects wouldn't go away -- I was only sleeping about 5 hours a night but I would wake up feeling full of energy. I have trouble with patience myself -- I always want a new med to work immediately, or I'm ready to give up. But really the only way to be sure you've given it the best try is to wait the 4-6 weeks. Then if it's still not quite right, you can try something else knowing for sure it wasn't right for you. That being said, I've taken meds where I had side effects that I could not tolerate (like becomming dangeriously violent) and so I had to stop taking them right away.

[rapunzel]

I think I'm a bit different today. maybe I have a little more energy, because I can't stand still, I feel like I'm better when I'm doing something. But I still can't decide what I want to do. It's just that I have more energy, I think. I now understand why they say that suicide risk goes high when starting AD - person has more energy but mood hasn't risen yet. my life seems still so crappy, and without any meaning at all. although I know that just month ago I liked my life a lot :(

I hope that this change means that this drug will help me to feel ok, and feel like life is worth living again.

[Steve P]

Rapunzel - I am curious to know how the Paxil works for you as I have been on it for about a month. Sometimes I think it's helping me then sometimes I'm not sure. What dosage are you on?

[rapunzel]

I'm on only dosage 10mg, as I couldn't tolerate 20mg. I have been on it for 11 days now. I think only the energy has increased, otherwise now changes yet...

[rapunzel]

now it's 13th day. the thing that has changed is that the lethargy side effect is a bit less. I feel a bit more energy. but although I'm not in deep and painful feelings, I don't feel good, because it's all so pointless and empty. I don't have feelings at all. but I think it's a bit better than on day 10.

but otherwise no changes and no positive effect. I don't know if it will ever come :(

[Steve P]

Hang in there. From what I understand it takes at least 4-6 wks. to help. Keep us posted.

[rapunzel]

2 weeks now... yesterday I went to reflexology, and it helped a bit, I think.

today it's maybe 2% better... no real effect yet. at least I'm awake and able to do some things, although I still don't care and everything seems so pointless.

doc said that let's wait another week, because the effect comes on 3-4 weeks...

[rapunzel]

I'm so depressed now I wish I could just end it all :(

[sunshine01]

Rapunzel,

When you start an antidepressant for the first time, it can take 4-6 weeks to get over the hump, and longer for a full recovery...but you will get there. Do yoga, try to relax, eat well, rest. hang in there.

[memyselfi10]

It's always the hardest time when you start a new AD and the waiting for over a month not knowing if it's going to be right for you or not. If it doesn't work, you feel like all that time is wasted, but if you don't give it a try -- you'll never know. Many of us here have played that waiting game several times. Hang in there.

[chickapea]

Hi Rapunzel, how are you going this week? I'm curious because I've just started Paxil, and like the other poster whose main problem was anxiety I'm already feeling less anxious. If my main problem was depression I don't think it would be having much of an effect because the fogginess is a bit of a downer. Like other posters I've been on a few different anti-depressants over the years and had varying levels of success and very different side effects. I generally find that doing things like yoga, swimming and running help me cope with the side effects on start-up. Due to the reduction in anxiety, I am quite hopeful that this drug might actually work for me. Don't be afraid to change it if you get to the end of six weeks and it's not helping. Good luck.

[rapunzel]

Hi! I was away from computer for some time. Unfortunately my condition hasn't improved :( I also didn't manage to go on full tablet (20mg), because it made me even more lethargic, to the point where I was only able to lie down or do a few things.

I visited doc today, and he said it's no point to torture me more with paxil. he also said that because my depressions are severe and some times drugs don't work, it may be that my depressions have bipolar features :( :( :(

he started me now on wellbutrin. mainly because I have tried so many others out and some don't work anymore. and because I am lethargic, and don't have energy. I hope this drug helps me...

[Prettygreeneyes]

Hi rapunzel.
How is it all going? I am a newbie to paxil. I have been on it 2 days now. I am intrigued to see how you are going and if wellbutrin has worked for you??

Rhi x

[rapunzel]

well, I'm not doing good :( I took wellbutrin for 3 weeks.. it also did nothing... and then I was in hospital for 1 week and they changed meds again and now I'm taking prozac. I have been taking it for 2 weeks and no improvement yet. I'm very tired and not feeling like doing anything.

I hope your journey will be better.

[Amethyst11]

Hi Rapunzel was just wondering how you're doing? Please give us an update if you get a chance. :)

Thanks!

Amethyst

[chickapea]

Yes, please do give us an update. I gave up on Paxil because it was making me feel too sick. Now I am on Effexor and not feeling sick, and not feeling anxious, but still feeling very ****** depressed. :( I hope you are doing better, even if it is just a little bit better.

[rapunzel]

I'm doing MUCH better. thank you for asking. I was doing very poorly, and prozac was also not helping, I was sooooo tired and sleeping all the time. but then prozac started working and everything went much, much better. I'm less tired, I can feel positive emotions again and I can feel PLEASURE. it's such a good thing :)

my prozac story is here, if anyone wants to read http://www.depressio...ncreased-sleep/

[chickapea]

I'm doing MUCH better. thank you for asking. I was doing very poorly, and prozac was also not helping, I was sooooo tired and sleeping all the time. but then prozac started working and everything went much, much better. I'm less tired, I can feel positive emotions again and I can feel PLEASURE. it's such a good thing :)

That is fantastic news Rapunzel. I'm very happy to hear it.

[jenjerseygirl]

I'm glad to hear that you are doing well Rapunzel. It's a long arduous road to recovery but it's definitely great when you get there. I am currently on that road for the 3rd time in 12 years. Success will happen, you just have to hang in there and take it one moment at a time.