It's been a while and I need to vent
I just need to vent. I have been weaning off of paxil for about a month now--have been on it for four years. My dose was one 10mg pill once a day, along with one 1mg of xanax. Originally my doctor told me the following: stay on the xanax (at least for the time being) and take my paxil every other day for four weeks, then every third day for four weeks, then call him. Well I tried that for about a week and it didn't work so well. I was very dizzy and often felt nauseated. So, I decided to take 1/2 a pill on the "off" days, which I did for a couple of weeks and seemed to be okay. I was a little nervous at times but it was completely tolerable. Now, for the past couple of weeks I have been taking 1/4 of a pill on the "off" days and seem to be okay. I plan on trying the no pill every other day again starting this monday. We'll see.... I am very frustrated because I have been feeling moderately anxious off and on but I am determined to get off these pills and eventually xanax as well. Although I do believe they helped me in the beginning, I don't believe they ever got to the root of the problem(s)....in previous posts I mentioned I'm "okay"95% of the time with minor episodes 2-4 times a year. I think I am mentally more mature and knowledgeable to deal with my anxiety (I hope) and wish to be off the drugs, and if need be, see a therapist. I'm starting law school in the fall and am nervous about still being in the process of weaning off, or worse, having horrible panic attacks again while in school because of extreme stress. Eeerrrrr.....
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RD terriers
- Posts: 10
- Joined: Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:06 pm
Congratulations on starting Law School.
It's great that you've learned so much about your anxiety.
I think it is common to have panic attack "relapses" from time to time, but it sounds like you are moving in the right direction.
From time to time I have panic attacks at night. I used to fear them terribly. A book by Claire Weakes really helped me. If I had an attack, I would read in bed until I feel asleep. If I woke up again, I would read again. This distracted my mind and took a lot of pressure off of me.
There's always support available if you need it.
David Burns wrote a great book that helped me alot. I think its called, "When Panic Strikes."
RD
It's great that you've learned so much about your anxiety.
I think it is common to have panic attack "relapses" from time to time, but it sounds like you are moving in the right direction.
From time to time I have panic attacks at night. I used to fear them terribly. A book by Claire Weakes really helped me. If I had an attack, I would read in bed until I feel asleep. If I woke up again, I would read again. This distracted my mind and took a lot of pressure off of me.
There's always support available if you need it.
David Burns wrote a great book that helped me alot. I think its called, "When Panic Strikes."
RD
Hi Lawgirl,
The fact that you've had the success you've had is wonderful! Maybe you're thinking you're not weaning off quick enough but everyone has their own pace. The fact that you are trying is the important part!
How are you finding talking yourself out of panic attacks? Is that working for you? I'm assuming you are on the program (it might have been said in another post). I find I use those 6 steps every time I'm on a blasted puddle-hopper air plane. It really helps!
If you start school while still weaning off your medication, don't worry about it! Who says you have to be off them before you start? Your doctor just gave you a basis to start with but you need to let your body move off gently. Once you get stronger with the skills for calming yourself down, it'll start to get easier.
The fact that you've had the success you've had is wonderful! Maybe you're thinking you're not weaning off quick enough but everyone has their own pace. The fact that you are trying is the important part!
How are you finding talking yourself out of panic attacks? Is that working for you? I'm assuming you are on the program (it might have been said in another post). I find I use those 6 steps every time I'm on a blasted puddle-hopper air plane. It really helps!
If you start school while still weaning off your medication, don't worry about it! Who says you have to be off them before you start? Your doctor just gave you a basis to start with but you need to let your body move off gently. Once you get stronger with the skills for calming yourself down, it'll start to get easier.
Thanks for your post designkid. I actually just got the program a week ago, and will be starting session 2 today. I've been feeling pretty good the last few days, and I truly believe I have learned A LOT from the program in just a week's time. Anyway, thanks again for your post. I appreciate your kind words very much. I'm wishing you a wonderful day, and relief from what ever "problems" you have.
God Bless
God Bless