Alternatives to Paxil?

Initally I went to my doctor requesting Paxil to treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Prior to my doctor prescribing me Paxil she sent me for some blood work to see if there was a problem with my thyroid or blood sugar levels.

Am I ever glad she did because it gave me time to do some more research on Paxil. I've since found this website which explains a lot more side effects and problems in coming off Paxil than she ever explained to me.

I still feel I need help coping with GAD. Are there any other milder prescription medications that people can recommend?

I've tried St. Johns Wort, 5-HTP, and Kava.
Kava seems to help a little.

[MizzT]

Hi there!
thank goodness you got the grace of a little time!

please remember "generalized anxiety disorder" is a term made up by Glaxo SmithKline in order to be able to prescribe paxli for just about anything.

Magnesium helps me a great deal. helps calm you. I take 900 mgs a day. Mg is GREAT! cause it lets you know right away when you have enough in your body......you see.....it gives you the runs!!!
then you back off a little and find the right balance.

fish oil is AWESOME! it contains Omega 3 fatty acids. great for depression. I know folks who only take this and it settles them out. Its also part of my daily vitamins.

Vitamin B complex. Also great for brain function.

Keep in mind...these are only recommendations. you have to find YOUR right balance.

For anxiety attacks....i use Bach Flower Remedies "Rescue Remedy"
It helps a great deal.
And meditation. one reason for anxiety is not getting proper gas exchange in your lungs. Once each hour....take a few minutes to breath in deeply filling your diaphragm. Hold it for 3 seconds and release slowly.....do it for a couple minutes. This assures that you simply get enough oxygen to your brain.

hope these help!
Beverly

[Scott]

im not sure if gsk made up that definition but they do use it... just to clarify

[Dream]

actually Scott, GSK was either a large funder or creator of a national anxiety awareness group that spread the "awareness" of "generalized anxiety disorder".


hugs,
Andi

[darcyb]

Yeah, thanks for mentioning it Andi. I read about that in Prozac Backlash I think. As drug patents start to expire, pharm companies get motivated into finding NEW markets for their drugs. Sometimes, they CREATE one for themselves.

Awareness programs is a double edged sword. One one side it help people seek to help themselves for actively , and on the other, it gets people to think they have a problem when they don't.

Markiw, Saint John's Wort is NOT for anxiety. It's for depression. It's too motivating. Instead you should give Valerian root a whirl.

But really, if you want a complete picture/exploration of anxiety, what are you doing to explore it that does not involve swallowing something? Reading any books about it? Seeing a psychotherapist about it? Are you journaling your inner world in ink? Have you changed the clothes you wear to more comfy stuff, spent more time with candles and soothing baths/oils? Have you spent more time listening to softer music? What about your spirituality? Have you nurtured lately? When the last time you went for a walk and just focused on your breathing, the feel of the ground under your feet and the wind on your face? I'm serious, all these things help reduce anxiety to nothingness!