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dm24angel
Happiness
Member since 5/05 34581 total posts
Name:
Donna
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Freaking out a litle....
I just read a disturbing article and Im so confused about what to do.
I am on Paxil...I have been on it ( an anti depressant) for over 5 years due to sever panic attacks. When Im on it, I have NO anxiety attacks at all....I have tried to wean off of it and the panic attacks return within 3-4 months full force. This all started after having my daughter stillborn 8 years ago, and when not on the medication, the anxiety attacks are almost debilatating at times.
I spoke to my PCP who prescribes it for me, and my RE's office about staying on when PG, as the anxiety increases ten fold when I have been PG.
ANYWAY- On Sept. 28th the makers of Paxil released a new warning about possibel birth defects related to the medication. Im terrified now.
This is some info from the article:
"The prevalence of birth defects as a whole among infants born to women in this group was 4 percent, or 43.6 per 1,000 births.
The risk for cardiovascular defects was slightly more than double. The more common of these were ventricular septal defects, where one or more holes are present in the muscular wall separating the right and left ventricles of the heart. This is the most common congenital heart defect.
The overall rate of birth defects in the general population is about 3 percent, and the rate of heart defects about 1 percent. The overall rate among infants of women taking Paxil in the first trimester was about 4 percent and, for women taking other antidepressants during this time, about 2 percent. "
I need to of course speak to my Dr's about this, but I dont know what to do....The thought of changing medications is scary enough as I know I will experience some effects of changing, and I havent found any other medication that controls the panic attacks like Paxil does.....and while some will say 4% risk is low...Its still a HIGH number to me, and I dont think I want to risk that.
I'm so unsure what to do????
TIA-needed to vent...Just saw this right now, so Im not sure if I should talk to my RE or my PCP????
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Posted 10/5/05 8:59 AM  |
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Donna
1 year already!!
Member since 5/05 3360 total posts
Name:
Donna
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
I'm sorry Donna 
Don't freak just yet, I would speak to both of your drs, and see what they say. This probably happens to other women with other medications - not just Paxil - so I would wait to see what they say.
Good luck!!
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| Posted 10/5/05 9:14 AM |
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rose825
Best Friends
Member since 6/05 10228 total posts
Name:
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
because Prozac is the anti-depressant that has been around the longest for years psychiatrists have been using it as safe during pregnancy. Then they would use any SSRI (the same class of drug which Paxil falls into) assuming that if Prozac was safe Paxil and the others must be. I have had several pregnant patients give birth on it without problem. It is only in the past 6 months-1 year that the companies have made these statements. Basically, I dont think (I am not 100% sure) that there are any medications good for panic disorder that are more safe.
What I would suggest is seeing a psychiatrist (instead of a PCP) because they are more knowledgable about the side effects of these meds.
Then I would suggest making an appointment with a therapist who specializes in panic disorder and can teach you techniques to manage panic symptoms with little/no medication.
This must be very frightening to you, especially with all that you have gone through in the past. Hang in there, all hope is not lost. And on a good note, some women dont have any symptoms at all during pregnancy (sometimes those hormones work for good not evil!!!)
edited for typos
Message edited 10/5/2005 9:30:10 AM.
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| Posted 10/5/05 9:29 AM |
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babyhopes
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/05 733 total posts
Name:
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
Posted by rose825
because Prozac is the anti-depressant that has been around the longest for years psychiatrists have been using it as safe during pregnancy. Then they would use any SSRI (the same class of drug which Paxil falls into) assuming that if Prozac was safe Paxil and the others must be. I have had several pregnant patients give birth on it without problem. It is only in the past 6 months-1 year that the companies have made these statements. Basically, I dont think (I am not 100% sure) that there are any medications good for panic disorder that are more safe.
What I would suggest is seeing a psychiatrist (instead of a PCP) because they are more knowledgable about the side effects of these meds.
Then I would suggest making an appointment with a therapist who specializes in panic disorder and can teach you techniques to manage panic symptoms with little/no medication.
This must be very frightening to you, especially with all that you have gone through in the past. Hang in there, all hope is not lost. And on a good note, some women dont have any symptoms at all during pregnancy (sometimes those hormones work for good not evil!!!)
edited for typos
Well said...
 to you...don't freak out.
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| Posted 10/5/05 9:33 AM |
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dm24angel
Happiness
Member since 5/05 34581 total posts
Name:
Donna
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
Thanks! I tried a psychiatrist a few times, I dont like their approach . I prefer my Dr and she helps with research etc a lot. I guess Iwill speak to her first. I have a psych degree and can control my attacks, BUT its soooo much work and stress...ughh..Why cant they make a safe drug?
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| Posted 10/5/05 10:06 AM |
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babyhopes
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/05 733 total posts
Name:
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
Posted by babyhopes
Posted by rose825
because Prozac is the anti-depressant that has been around the longest for years psychiatrists have been using it as safe during pregnancy. Then they would use any SSRI (the same class of drug which Paxil falls into) assuming that if Prozac was safe Paxil and the others must be. I have had several pregnant patients give birth on it without problem. It is only in the past 6 months-1 year that the companies have made these statements. Basically, I dont think (I am not 100% sure) that there are any medications good for panic disorder that are more safe.
What I would suggest is seeing a psychiatrist (instead of a PCP) because they are more knowledgable about the side effects of these meds.
Then I would suggest making an appointment with a therapist who specializes in panic disorder and can teach you techniques to manage panic symptoms with little/no medication.
This must be very frightening to you, especially with all that you have gone through in the past. Hang in there, all hope is not lost. And on a good note, some women dont have any symptoms at all during pregnancy (sometimes those hormones work for good not evil!!!)
edited for typos
Well said...
to you...don't freak out.
My head is SOOOO up my butt!!! I meant
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| Posted 10/5/05 10:07 AM |
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dooodles
When you wish upon a star
Member since 5/05 11997 total posts
Name:
Because 2 people fell in love
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
Wow Donna. Have you spoken to your Dr's yet? I would def. speak to both of them. I myself did not like the phsychiatrists approach to bereavement for babies and I stopped going. I have wondered a few times in the past week if I need to be on some medication but have not yet approached a Dr. Please let us know what happens and here are lots of
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| Posted 10/5/05 1:17 PM |
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redstar
Delay is not denial
Member since 5/05 2220 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
I think Pauline gave excellent advice. Seeing a therapist and holding a psychology degree are two different things. Having someone counsel you, who is not bias, can make all the difference in the world.
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| Posted 10/5/05 1:22 PM |
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casey31
Mommy of 3!
Member since 5/05 2967 total posts
Name:
Mommy to two boys and a girl
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
I'm currently on Effexor for anxiety- it's really an antidepressant (SSRI) I was told but it also helps for anxiety. I've had mild anxiety forever but 2 years ago it got really bad and I went on Effexor. I've been weaning myself off of it to get ready to TTC- now I'm on a really low dose and will be off of it compeltely next month. I'm scared that the anxiety will come back full force but I'm trying to stay positive- I don't want to be on any meds while TTC- even if Effexor is supposed to be safe I don't trust that! 
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| Posted 10/5/05 4:54 PM |
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Tah-wee-ZAH
Kisses
Member since 5/05 15952 total posts
Name:
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
Oh Donna. I have no information or advice for you. I just know that you have gone through so much both TTC and with your family this year. You don't need anymore troubling news. I hope things get better very soon.
Also, I don't blame you one bit for responding to people like that. So many people think they know everything but they are not you and have no idea what you are going through. People need to learn when to shut up and just be compassionate.
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| Posted 10/5/05 6:45 PM |
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dooodles
When you wish upon a star
Member since 5/05 11997 total posts
Name:
Because 2 people fell in love
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
Posted by redstar
I think Pauline gave excellent advice. Seeing a therapist and holding a psychology degree are two different things. Having someone counsel you, who is not bias, can make all the difference in the world.
just speaking for myself (Donna may or may not agree with me) - these therapists I don't think were able to help me since they could not understand the total devastation I continue to feel each and every day. I think that is truly where the wall was between them helping. I did much better with a social bereavement group. Not one member got anything out of any type of therapist. They had support of our group and some need medication.
Donna - Any news from your Dr's yet?
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| Posted 10/5/05 6:46 PM |
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dm24angel
Happiness
Member since 5/05 34581 total posts
Name:
Donna
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
Posted by dooodles
Posted by redstar
I think Pauline gave excellent advice. Seeing a therapist and holding a psychology degree are two different things. Having someone counsel you, who is not bias, can make all the difference in the world.
just speaking for myself (Donna may or may not agree with me) - these therapists I don't think were able to help me since they could not understand the total devastation I continue to feel each and every day. I think that is truly where the wall was between them helping. I did much better with a social bereavement group. Not one member got anything out of any type of therapist. They had support of our group and some need medication.
Donna - Any news from your Dr's yet?
No, Im gonna wait and talk to the RE at next appointment. Thats my choice now. Unless I change my mind.
And as far as therapists, I have tried, they dont help. I know what my issues are, and my anxiety is not stress driven, the attacks come out of the blue and I CAN handle them, its just a lot of work, and it interfers with my llife way too much and Im not against taking a medication to help me. So I m gonna wait a week and talk to the RE and based on what they say, speak to my PCP, who I trust 100%. I did discuss already in detail with both Dr's staying on it, and now I guess I just have to decide which risks are higher.
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| Posted 10/5/05 7:05 PM |
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DebG
Pick a cause & stand up for it
Member since 5/05 18602 total posts
Name:
The cure IS worse!
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
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| Posted 10/5/05 7:24 PM |
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kakarch
LIF Infant
Member since 5/05 175 total posts
Name:
Keri
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
i do not know much about this subject, just wanted to give
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| Posted 10/5/05 7:37 PM |
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rose825
Best Friends
Member since 6/05 10228 total posts
Name:
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
Donna, you are 100% right you have to do what is most comfortable to you. Lots of hugs and support coming your way.
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| Posted 10/5/05 7:50 PM |
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
Good luck!
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| Posted 10/5/05 7:56 PM |
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kat813
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/05 754 total posts
Name:
Kathleen
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
Good luck Donna:)
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| Posted 10/5/05 7:59 PM |
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MrsB
LIF Toddler
Member since 5/05 491 total posts
Name:
Andrea
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
Unfortunately I know too much about the subject myself as I have been there. I was on Paxil on and off for a few years from July, 2001 due to panic attacks. It did weird things to me so I went off. I was then put on Effexor which was much better at controlling the attacks. However, even though my psychiatrist said that it was fine to stay on it while TTC I weaned myself off of it as quickly as I could. I would definitely recommend talking to a therapist. I love mine but she is in Brooklyn which I have a feeling won't do you any good. I just wish you the best and want you to hang in there.
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| Posted 10/5/05 8:10 PM |
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dm24angel
Happiness
Member since 5/05 34581 total posts
Name:
Donna
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
Posted by MrsB
Unfortunately I know too much about the subject myself as I have been there. I was on Paxil on and off for a few years from July, 2001 due to panic attacks. It did weird things to me so I went off. I was then put on Effexor which was much better at controlling the attacks. However, even though my psychiatrist said that it was fine to stay on it while TTC I weaned myself off of it as quickly as I could. I would definitely recommend talking to a therapist. I love mine but she is in Brooklyn which I have a feeling won't do you any good. I just wish you the best and want you to hang in there.
thanks for sharing, Effexor is something I was considering. The Paxil was great for me, but I did have to up the does twice..but I'm gonna find out about the risks of taking the lowest does possible and see if the placebo effect so to speak of knowing Im still on it helps me at all...although Im not sure. Im always ok when I stop or wean off and then in a few months when its all out of my system the attacks return....
Thanks again to all for your concern and help!
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| Posted 10/5/05 8:29 PM |
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MrsB
LIF Toddler
Member since 5/05 491 total posts
Name:
Andrea
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
Posted by dm24angel
Posted by MrsB
Unfortunately I know too much about the subject myself as I have been there. I was on Paxil on and off for a few years from July, 2001 due to panic attacks. It did weird things to me so I went off. I was then put on Effexor which was much better at controlling the attacks. However, even though my psychiatrist said that it was fine to stay on it while TTC I weaned myself off of it as quickly as I could. I would definitely recommend talking to a therapist. I love mine but she is in Brooklyn which I have a feeling won't do you any good. I just wish you the best and want you to hang in there.
thanks for sharing, Effexor is something I was considering. The Paxil was great for me, but I did have to up the does twice..but I'm gonna find out about the risks of taking the lowest does possible and see if the placebo effect so to speak of knowing Im still on it helps me at all...although Im not sure. Im always ok when I stop or wean off and then in a few months when its all out of my system the attacks return....
Thanks again to all for your concern and help!
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| Posted 10/5/05 9:21 PM |
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CkGm
They get so big, so fast :(
Member since 5/05 13848 total posts
Name:
Christine
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
Please don't freak out, Donna at least until you speak to your doctor. ALL medications have some side effects and the ones quoted in this warning are very small. I think your mental health is reallly important- panic attacks are so scary.
So hang in there and speak with the one person who knows what you need to do to protect yourself, your doctor.
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| Posted 10/6/05 12:55 AM |
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CkGm
They get so big, so fast :(
Member since 5/05 13848 total posts
Name:
Christine
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
Posted by dooodles
Posted by redstar
I think Pauline gave excellent advice. Seeing a therapist and holding a psychology degree are two different things. Having someone counsel you, who is not bias, can make all the difference in the world.
just speaking for myself (Donna may or may not agree with me) - these therapists I don't think were able to help me since they could not understand the total devastation I continue to feel each and every day. I think that is truly where the wall was between them helping. I did much better with a social bereavement group. Not one member got anything out of any type of therapist. They had support of our group and some need medication.
Donna - Any news from your Dr's yet?
As a therapist myself, I totally agree. There is no way someone who did not go through this herself could understand the devestation you felt after losing your child. I applaud you for realizing what you needed and joining a support group.
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| Posted 10/6/05 12:58 AM |
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
when my SIL (she has 4 boys) decides to get pregnant she always went off her medication for a while but then she had to be put back on half way through her pregnancies because she gets panic attacks and has depression also She is on Effexor but a really high dose
Her children aare fine(spoiled but healthy)
I would definitely have a sit down with your doctor
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| Posted 10/7/05 8:59 AM |
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juju
Welcome to the World!
Member since 5/05 6747 total posts
Name:
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
Posted by Donna
I'm sorry Donna
Don't freak just yet, I would speak to both of your drs, and see what they say. This probably happens to other women with other medications - not just Paxil - so I would wait to see what they say.
Good luck!!
My thoughts exactly! Talk to your doctor. I am sure every drug manufacturer has to have warnings for pregnancy. YOu should find out!
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| Posted 10/7/05 9:09 AM |
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skygirl
Our prayers were answered:)
Member since 6/05 4919 total posts
Name:
Erica
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Re: Freaking out a litle....
Posted by juju
Posted by Donna
I'm sorry Donna
Don't freak just yet, I would speak to both of your drs, and see what they say. This probably happens to other women with other medications - not just Paxil - so I would wait to see what they say.
Good luck!!
My thoughts exactly! Talk to your doctor. I am sure every drug manufacturer has to have warnings for pregnancy. YOu should find out!
I was just goiing to say the same. I heard that Welbutrin is supposed to be safe during ttc - does it do the same as Paxil?
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| Posted 10/7/05 9:19 AM |
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