Any thoughts on SSRI's?

[4grands57]

Hi. I am new here. Have been dealing with anxiety for many years. Have ready all the info I can find, been to therapy many times and just can't seem to beat this. I have also been on Buspar for years that helped in the beginning. Now on Alprazolam. MD wants me to try Lexapro. Have never been on any SSRI's? Thoughts? Have a little phobia about trying new meds. Thanks for listening.

[Hidden]

I take Paxil and have for years. I wish I would have done more research at the time because I don’t think Paxil would have been my med of choice because of the harsh withdrawal symptoms. I also take Alprazolam when needed and that really helps me. My husband takes Lexapro and it changed his life for the better. I used to always feel like I shouldn’t be taking meds but have realized that the right ones really do help. Also I have learned to be patient - just because one doesn’t work doesn’t mean another won’t work. 💜

[Kat63]

I’ve had good results with SSRIs, but everybody is different.

[kateba]

There are a lot of different medicines to try. I have been taking Paxil for years with good results. Lexapro seems to be a popular choice among doctors. Give it a try just remember it may take a few weeks to be totally effective.

[Hidden]

They help but are not a miracle cure. I take lexapro 10mg I did not experience any side effects at all. I’ve been on this med for over 10 years. But as I say it helps not a cure anxiety can still creep in as it has with me. But I’m on the right track again now. Walking helped me a lot. 💕

[Pearl67]

Hi all! I just wanted to chime in here! Been on Paxil for years. Cannot say it was a wonderful drug, but have not had some of the awful effects many have. But I recently weaned off...in that 😳😳😳 period of will I go back on again... in the mean time, I did a medicine DNA test specifically for psyche meds/pain relievers from Tylenol/Motrin to the ones used after surgery, etc/blood thinners etc. I have had friends who did it and it changed their lives! They are finally taking something that “works” with THEIR DNA!!!! The one I used was Gene Folio. Gene Sight is another one. Paxil is actually in the “red zone” for me, as in DO NOT take🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️. I meet with my Dr this week to see what I “should” take if I relapse. BTW all the benzos are a “green light” for me! And they work! I only take like 1/4 of a 1mg alazopram when I need it.

Just passing this along. Several ins co paybfor this or at least part of the DNA test!!! I have learned aLOT of other things about how my body works and does NOT work.

I am also looking into GABA supplenents.

I wish you all well☺️

[Dontpanicjule in reply to Pearl67]

Pearl, yes, I did Genomind and found out that the ssri medications were not the right ones for me. I am now going back on the Pristiq, the generic name is desvenlafaxine, I believe. I have had pretty good results on this, but it did raised my BP a bit, so the doctor has modulated the dose and I am. Feeling optimistic. Like you, I will take a .25 klonopin sparingly if needed. The DNA tests are a miracle. The Pristiq is an SNRI.

[Pearl67 in reply to Dontpanicjule]

Awesome!!! I see hope in mental health through genomics🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[Windy101]

Unfortunately, it's a trial and error situation. But a good doctor will evaluate your symptoms and match you with the medication that acts on them. Don't let someone just throw a drug at you.

I took Paxil and yes, the withdrawal was not easy - I was very crabby and easily angered. If you go off it, I would ask for a sedative to take temporarily to get you through the first couple weeks.

[Pearl67 in reply to Windy101]

Please read my response above!!

[Coralrose5]

I just started Lexapro in addition to Wellbutrin (tapering off) buspar and Gabapentin.

[Pearl67 in reply to Coralrose5]

Good luck! We are here for you. Slow goes it for a nice smoth transition😊

[Pearl67]

Went to meet with the Dr. He suggested Cymbalta. Now, even with the information I know about Paxil not being a medicine I should not take, (I feel myself relapsing already and needing to be back on medication🤯😔😞 ) I feel most comfortable going back to what I know-Paxil. How stupid is that? Run a test. Get results. Go against resilts🙄 My anxiety kicked in and my positive vibes went out the window about the DNA tests. Ugh!