Anyone Know About Paxil And/or Effexor For Ptsd / Anxiety?

[Lionheart]

I have an appointment first thing Monday morning at 10:00 am with the Pharmacist.

We will sit down and take a look at all of my medications. I will alert my doctors about any medications or interactions that my pharmacist deems maybe be causing or increasing anxiety. I will include my doctors in the medication review.

I will not go off of any of my medications unless and until I am told to by my doctors and pharmacist.

 

[The Albatross]

Yeah Okay I get that for you and I did that too but Lion has COPD... and under the circumstances I didn't want him to take that into consideration (discontinuing steroids) unless or until he has a med review. Especially cuz he's got apnea.

 

[Deleted member 541]

@The Albatross I too have COPD, but I made an informed decision to stop my meds (inhaled steroids) for 2 reasons. 1) Because the anxiety was just to much to handle. 2) Because in the past my pulmonary drs have admitted that the drugs given for COPD actually do very little. It's a progressive disease, and the meds don't work very well.

I also think that @Lionheart777 is capable of making his own decisions as to his health.

 

[DharmaGirl]

And the level of discomfort is important. Everyone is different and can tolerate different levels of discomfort and/or pain.

 

[DharmaGirl]

Ok, I'm a few lines behind here. Disregard the above.

 

[Lionheart]

...@Lionheart777 is capable of making his own decisions as to his health.

I went to jail one time and went cold turkey off all my medications, had the worst migraine of my entire life, I was literally pulling my hair out, it was horrible...I would not suddenly stop taking any of my meds. I would wean off under doctors care.

Having said that I want to add that I am learning that there are people having success in medical marijuana states with full extract cannabis oil. It can be an alternative to pharmaceuticals and is done under a doctors care. I may very well take this option in the future and cut back or stop my man-made chemical and replace them with a natural substance. At least, I may try it sometime down the road. (again under doctors care)

My quality of life depends, in part, on me and my choices, my decisions, my actions, and my energy. Part of it is out of my control, but I am fighter and I guess that is what I am prepared to do for my health....fight. I love my life.

It doesn't matter to me that a certain amount of pain is unavoidable, I want to treat myself with the best possible medicine I can find, while making difficult decisions about my health. (Knowing I have to face the consequences).

Although I don't know if I always agree with her, I am honored by @The Albatross 's concern for me and my health; as well as my mental/emotional well-being.

It is the same with you @She Cat I am honored by your concern and humbled by your encouragement and support.

A wonderful and compassionate gift of time and energy from both of you!!!

This thread is about exploring options for antidepressant medicine to assist me to treat my anxiety and I hope we can steer the conversation more specifically back to that topic.

I would still like to hear from people who are on or have tried Paxil or Effexor. Even if we are all different, I want to weigh all of my options carefully.

Thanks,
@Lionheart777

 

[Lionheart]

Normally I would not do this but in thinking about how taking 17 medications sounds, I thought I had best clarify a few things....

ALL 17 MEDS ARE NOT FOR PTSD AND DEPRESSION;

I take: 60mg of Cymbalta and 10 mg of Abilify, (PTSD and Depression), 5mg of Prazosin (PTSD nightmares), and 150 mgs of Trazadone (Insomnia).

In addition, I take a medication for Fibromyalgia pain (Gabapentin) and Amitiza (for IBS).

I take two medications for diabetes (Januvia and Amaryl) and low dose aspirin (because it is recommended for diabetics now).

Meloxicam (Arthritis), Prilosec (reflux disorder and an esophageal ulcer), Ditropan (overactive bladder) and Lipitor for (high cholesterol).

I take Lopressor (high blood pressure), and Vitamin D (because I am deficient).

8 mg of Zanaflex, (a mild muscle relaxer for muscle spasms in my back) and two inhalers Combivent and Ventolin (COPD)

So although it seems like a lot of medicine they have all been deemed appropriate and necessary for my health conditions.

I just wanted to clear that up so I do not sound like a drug fiend!!!

Thanks,
Lion

 

[Deleted member 541]

@Lionheart777 I certainly didn't think you were a drug-fiend. I also take 150mgs of Trazadone for sleep (insomniac that I am). And 15mgs of Meloxicam. Are you aware that the Meloxicam, is what most likely has caused your reflux and ulcer???? The baby aspirin just adds insult to injury.

 

[Lionheart]

@Lionheart777 I certainly didn't think you were a drug-fiend.

Right, and Thank you!!!:)

I think 17 medications is a lot myself:confused: and...my younger brother used to call me a 'drug fiend' because of all the meds I take.. :x3: I guess that's where that came from. Anyways, thank you for that.

Actually, the reflux and ulcer came before the Meloxicam, but it may be irritating the condition. The esophageal ulcer is potentially pre-cancerous so I need to keep it in check if I can and is something I should talk to my pharmacist and doctor about. Thank you for bringing that to my attention!!!

my best to ya,
Lion

 

[BOAG]

Well, I've been taking Effexor for about the past 9 months and it has worked great for my MDD. Was very suicidal at the time and have improved vastly since then. I am well aware of the problems with getting off Effexor, but at least it's better than suicide. I will cross that bridge when I get to it (getting off Effexor).

I actually had my first appointment with a new psychiatrist today. He wants to up my Effexor dose from 150 mg/day (which I think is a pretty low dose) to 225 mg/day to see if the higher dose will help with anxiety ( I have GAD, social phobia) and flashbacks, which are really bad at the moment.

I also started taking Prazosin for PTSD nightmares about 3 weeks ago and that has been a miracle drug! Has cut the nightmares by ~90%. Wish it would help with the flashbacks.

I've previously been on Celexa, Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Abilfy, Prozac, Seroquel (not all at the same time!) and some others that I can no longer remember... with very little improvement. Effexor is the first psych drug that has really made a dent for me. It kinda sucks that we have to act as guinea pigs in regards to psych meds to find one that works, it is all just trial and error.

I wish you the best of luck!!!

 

[Lionheart]

I actually had my first appointment with a new psychiatrist today. He wants to up my Effexor dose from 150 mg/day (which I think is a pretty low dose) to 225 mg/day to see if the higher dose will help with anxiety

I also started taking Prazosin for PTSD nightmares about 3 weeks ago and that has been a miracle drug!

Please let me know how it goes with the increased dose of Effexor in regards to anxiety; I also have social phobia, agoraphobia etc.)

Yes, I have been on Prazosin (minipress) for a couple of years and I can't remember the last time I had a nightmare.:) Happy you are doing so much better!!!:happy:

thanks for your reply,

Lionheart777

 

[Deleted member 541]

@BOAG Just remember, that psych meds, help.... They do not address the real issue. Your trauma. That still needs to be addressed.

@Lionheart777 Point taken on the Meloxicam, and yes, it is probably adding to the problem. I too have Barrett's as I've told you, and my Dr would like to see me get off the Meloxicam. NOT Happening, I can't function with the pain of all body arthritis. My back and knees being the worst. At this point in life, it's quality over quantity!!! Besides, none of us get out of here alive, so I'm gonna go as painless as I possibly can.