Has my anti-depressent lost its effect?!
Question:
Has my anti-depressent lost its effect?
I've been on Paxil for 5 years now, from 20 mgs to 30 mgs for a year, then up to 40mg which was too high, now im down to 25mgs. I recently developped very bad self-esteem issues & social anxiety and i feel the Paxil may not be helping anymore. Do you think its possible to become immune to it? Perhaps its time to switch medications? I would talk to my Dr. but my earliest appointment is in a few months, so I wanted to see what you guys thought. any similar problems out there?
thanks!
Answers:
I think you should be feeling better than this if you're on an antidepressant. Granted, no medication can make life perfect, but you say that you've developed bad self esteem and social anxiety WHILE on Paxil...
The whole point of an antidepressant is that they enable you to cope better, and to feel better. Doesn't sound as though yours is doing this!
I would suggest you book an earlier appointment with your doctor. If you are not already seeing a psychiatrist, I'd advise you to do this; they are the experts when it comes to medications.
Make sure your doctor takes you seriously and insist that he discusses different medications with you. After being on Paxil for five years, it's entirely possible that you are simply not responding to it any longer.
Don't stop taking it abruptly, though, cut it down very gradually and with your doctor's guidance.