Anxiety And An MRI

I'm having an MRI in 5 days to check for any "foreign matter" on my optic nerve. Of course, I'm a little anxious about the claustrophobic reaction I may have in the "tube." I will have a sedative. Have any of you had an MRI? How much will the sedative help? A couple of weeks ago, I began an MRI without sedative and couldn't finish it. I'm taking 20 mgs of Paxil every other day.

Vic

Vic

Vic, I'm curious to know why you alternate days taking the Paxil. That seems that it would be really rough on you. Paxil has such a short half life that it is putting you in constant withdrawal and then readjustment to the drug. I know that doctors suggest all sorts of plans for getting off the SSRIs, but the one you are on seems most difficult of all. Have you ever thought of cutting your pills and dropping in small increments with a couple weeks at each level (or longer, if necessary)? Well, I guess if it's working for you, then it's the right way to do it.

I'm sort of claustrophobic myself but have never had to have an MRI. I can't give you any advice on that one, but I can sympathize with your predicament! Hopefully, someone here can give you some pointers. Good luck with that.

[JulieG]

I am claustrophobic and had an MRI. I took valium 1/2 an hour before and it did make it better, I guess. Not pleasant by any stretch of the the imagination, but tolerable. (I won't lie to you.) I didn't get knocked out. I know some people that must be completely knocked out to do it, or they kick and scream like a cat protesting getting in the carrier. The worst part was that I was zapping and nauseated during the whole experience. Then my nose started itching right after they said to be VERY still (why does your nose always sabotage you?). Then the little bells started going off and I started thinking... I am STUCK in here and they can't get me out and they're trying to but I am STUCK in here and that isn't the noise of this machine running properly... THOSE ARE ALARMS. Well, obviously I was being silly. Some places play music but mine didn't. With my luck they'd have played Pink's song "Just like a Pill" anyway and that song reminds me of my whole paxil experience... Anyway, it was a long experience but even for someone with claustrophobia, it can be survived.

NM. I take 20 mg every other day because a friend of mine did the same thing. You are probably correct saying that a person should take equal amounts daily until they wean completely off, but I haven't had too many problems. Just when my mind takes off. When I cut down further, I'll probably follow your feelings. Thanks for the suggestions.

And Julie. I'll succeed with the MRI in spite of myself. They will give me a sedative, probably valium. It's kind of crazy. I won't be happy with the MRI, but I wouldn't be happy without one either. That's how people like me talk themselves in to anxiety situations instead of thinking rationally. Thursday evening at 6 PM.

Vic

I had the MRI. No Problems.

Vic

good job getting through it with no problems. luckily, i haven't had an MRI and I hope that i won't ever have to.

My pharmacist told me it totally negates the time-relase action if the pills are cut, since they are coated. I was so mad because I had to switch to regular Paxil 20mg, which can be broken in half, but I had topay $15 for 3 pills! So I stupidly TRIED the old cutting my PaxilCR in half. Felt VERY bad all day, very jittery and agitated. Woops!

needless to say, I went and paid the $15 for 3 pills. Sigh. I had better not have to get back on them! A full Rx of 30 would have cost me $25.

I had an MRI just last week, and am very claustorphopic. I "practiced" the MRI for a week before. Put on some soothing music, lay down on the floor on my back (I put a pillow under my head and knees), set a timer for ten to twenty minutes, and worked on meditating. If you can't focus, try breathing in for 1 one thousand, 2 one thousand (however many work for you) and then exhale for double that count. It's really helpful, because it keeps your mind busy. You'll soon realize 20 minutes isn't that long. Also, when you go for the MRI - once you lay down don't open your eyes until it's over. This REALLY helps. There will be a lot of noise, and I'm very sensitive to loud noises, but was O.K. Also, there is a fan that blows nice refreshing air on you. Practicing before hand will really help! Good luck to you!

oops! Didn't see your second message. CONGRATS!