New Nurse on Paxil

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jul 17, 2015

Many other ways to treat anxiety than using chemicals that change your brain chemistry.

roser13, ASN, RN · Jul 17, 2015

Anti-anxiety drugs are/can be life savers for nurses and so many others.

My first anxiety attack happened on my first assignment as a new nurse. My prescription allowed me to function as I needed to. It didn't interfere with my personality; it just allowed me to be me, without the anxiety.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jul 17, 2015

Here's my take on anti-anxiety meds: I take mine only on the nights when I want to sleep and not be anxious the next day. Of course it's all right to take medication for anxiety; for some of us that's the only sure thing. Once you become acclimated to your new job and life settles down a bit for you, you may find that you no longer need it, but that's a decision best left to you and your doctor. I hope this job works out well for you. :)

missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2015

Medicine has a different effect on everyone, but Paxil will take a little while to build up in your system. Don't expect the drug to work miracles on you because it won't live up to the hype. It will make you a little calmer, but if you have true worries I would discuss it with your doctor.

I'm on paxil, 7.5 mg/day, for hot flashes. I don't really see a difference unless I don't take it, then I feel like I'm going to spontaneously combust.

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 17, 2015

I have the opposite problems with SSRI and SNRI and the docs won't believe me: I get so wired on this stuff it scares me. I just recently tried Cymbalta b/c I have a new PCP. I went to my endo appt and she was like. what the hell is wrong with your eyes? I guess they were dilated to the size of dimes. I am one of those people who can't take Nyquil. Most things that sedate people, wire me. I have no idea what PCP will do next. My old regimen is working just fine, why change it????

elomi18 · Jul 17, 2015

I would love to just be me, without the anxiety too. It's frustrating to feel this way everyday. Optimism can get me far but anxiety just pulls me down harder...

Editorial Team / Admin · Jul 17, 2015

Many other ways to treat anxiety than using chemicals that change your brain chemistry.

And sometimes those other ways aren't enough. I'm currently taking both an antidepressant daily and anti anxiety melds prn. I don't intend to need either long term (plan with PCP is anti anxiety med for current crisis period and 9-12 months for the antidepressants). Statements like this only contribute to the stigmatization of mental health issues and people's unwillingness to seek help when it's needed.

Farawyn · Jul 17, 2015

Many other ways to treat anxiety than using chemicals that change your brain chemistry.

There are. Or therapies can be used in conjunction with the Paxil. Or sometimes people need meds.

No shame, OP. If your doctor prescribed the Paxil, and you think you need it, TAKE IT.

If you are wary about it, try increasing your exercise, eat healthy, do things you like and TALK to someone. If that helps you may not need the pills. If you had high cholesterol would your doctor suggest a diet/exercise change first? Try that.

If no go, take the pills.

Just know if you do go on antianxiety meds it may take awhile for your body to adjust, and you can't decide to go off them one day- you need to taper. So if you are going to take them, it may be a bit of a commitment.

Good luck.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2015

Here's my non-medical advice--personal advice. (I started giving this piece before I'd even decided to become an RN.) Don't miss doses!! I was on it for depression when 20 and in college. I left on a weekend trip with my choir and forgot the bottle. A few days later I became suicidal (I did reach out and got help.) But my psychiatrist at the time told me that abruptly stopping it like that can cause severe rebound depression. (Thanks doc...would have been nice to know that BEFORE packing my bag. I would've been a tad more careful.) A gal I played music with told me she had a similar experience: she'd run out, and a few days later she "felt like jumping out the window."

Now to be clear, I'm not suggesting you don't take it. I'm saying, take it exactly as prescribed, and don't consider stopping without speaking to your provider first.

Wishing you all the best with your health and your new job! Hugs!!

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2015

Did you discuss your concerns with your provider? I would say it is "worth taking it" if your provider has prescribed it. Are you going to the word of a random person on a message board as to what medications you take? Yikes. Also what is "new nurse blues"? I have never heard of that one. I think the "I have no money and need a job blues" would be worse.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jul 17, 2015

I have the opposite problems with SSRI and SNRI and the docs won't believe me: I get so wired on this stuff it scares me. I just recently tried Cymbalta b/c I have a new PCP. I went to my endo appt and she was like. what the hell is wrong with your eyes? I guess they were dilated to the size of dimes.

Strange but true, that was how I found out I was bipolar: I tried Wellbutrin because Paxil had pooped out on me, and that stuff sent me into the stratosphere. I was practically swinging from the chandelier and wanting to fight people at the same time, imagining that they wanted to harm me in some way. Raging? Check. Manic? Check. Delusional? Check, check, check. I will never touch it again in this lifetime. I have to avoid most antidepressants anyway because they can throw me into mania, although I do take a subtherapeutic dose of Celexa to keep depression and anxiety at bay.

But I'm the same way as you are about many things that knock people out---Benedryl makes me wired, as does Vistaril, Nyquil, and any pain reliever that says "PM" on the bottle. I've been known to take Tylenol PM and stay up all night, shaking like I'd consumed three pots of coffee and staring into the darkness with burning eyes. Not good. :no: