18 on new anxiety medication

[celestw]

Hi, i came back from a appointment yesterday after discussing all of my symptoms and mental health with my provider for a while now, they have put me on anxiety medication. I think it’s Paxil, they said only a small dose though, like 10mg i think. I’m really scared because i’m seeing all these really scary reviews and things on google about how SSRI’s are bad....i haven’t even started taking the medication and i’m still worried sick...even some of my friends said it would turn me into a zombie....i’m so scared...and it also says it can make you gain wait and i’m at a healthy weight for my height and age, i don’t want to ruin that...i don’t want it to make my anxiety worse...i don’t wanna have stomach problems i already have enough of that...i’m so scared..does anyone have any advice or experience with 10 mg of paxil..has Paxil helped anyone with General Anxiety Disorder and minor depression, please...i’m scared...some ppl are saying not to take it......when you have anxiety so your put on anxiety meds and now your having anxiety about taking anxiety medication..oh god....i don’t think i’m gonna take it...

[celestw]

oh wow thank you sm! will do ☺️

[Jeff1943]

Celestw, I think anxiety about taking anxiety medications is another symptom of anxiety.

I think you should make your own mind up about Paxil and take it. But take it looking for improvement not looking for some of those dozens of unwelcome side effects printed on the leaflet that comes with it.

Millions have been spent on developing and testing it. What's the worst that can happen? If you feel side effects then you stop taking it and tell your provider and say you do not have confidence in it, can you try something else please? Nobody should be expected to take a medication they do not have confidence in but you won't know until you try it.

Otherwise you could be turning your back on something that's exactly what you're looking for.

Medications for anxiety or depression can give you welcome respite from suffering and that's important if you have important exams coming up at college or a job to hold down with mouths to feed.

But meds don't cure anxiety, when you stop the anxiety returns. And maybe you don't want to take meds for the rest of your life.

So during the respite that Paxil brings seek out some self help alternatives: books, YouTube teach ins and even face-to-face sessions with a good therapist.

You'll find plenty of suggestions on this forum if you search.

[Mimimylon]

Paxil user for 10 years made me loose a bit of weight and maintained my slender petite figure. It did not help my anxiety and I had regular panic attacks too. Then I was prescribed lexapro by a new doctor. Did not help either. Now I’m on Zoloft for about 2 years, gained unwanted weight, and I have terrible nightmares, night sweats and internal body earthquakes upon awakening every morning. My sleep pattern is to either wake up at 3am with anxious thoughts and/or wake in the middle of the night drenched in cold sweats, ringing in ears, trembling. During the day I’m ok but at night is when my torture begins.My point is that I’m still struggling....🙇‍♀️

[celestw in reply to Mimimylon]

oh wow i’m so sorry i hope you find something that works for you soon! i’m so scared to take this meds now..why can’t i jus be normal