I was prescribed Paxil CR while in the Psych Ward 4 weeks ago. It has yet to help my anxiety and OCD. I know that regular Paxil is FDA approved for the treatment of OCD, however I noticed that Paxil CR isn't approved for OCD by the FDA. Is there a big difference between Paxil and Paxil CR for OCD treatment effectiveness? I am legally disabled from my OCD and I am on the 16th medication now because none have worked so far over the past 6-7 years. I am getting frustrated. I am also in therapy, but my main question lies as to the effectiveness of Paxil CR in the treatment of OCD. I have been bumped up from 12.5 mg Paxil CR to 25 mg Paxil CR. Am I better off on regular Paxil or does it really matter? Just curious. Thanks! :)
Anonymous Paxil or Paxil CR for OCD?
- Posted:
- 30 Apr 2011 by Anonymous
- Topics:
- paxil, paxil cr, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety and stress, fda
Details:
Added 30 Apr 2011:
I am also augmentating Propranalol, Risperdal, and Xanax, and Xanax XR to the Paxil CR.
Responses (1)
LaurieShay30 Apr 2011
Hey AnxiousDude,
The difference in the Paxil immediate release versus continuous release (CR) is purely how it is absorbed by the body over time. They are both prescribed for OCD according to the literature I read. So I don't think it really matters which you take though the regular Paxil is prescribed at higher doses then the continuous release. The maximum dose for the CR in the literature is 25 mgs/ day. So you are on the recommended max.
Unfortunately, the choosing of an antidepressant is a trail and error sort of ordeal. It can be very frustrating. I understand as I too have been there. I am on a good combination of medicines now and am very thankful. You will find the right meds for you too. Just have to keep trying. Remember the meds can only do so much, part of the therapy is bahvioral as well. Stay in counseling, it is very critical.
Best wishes,
Laurie
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Thank you so much Laurie. Why didn't the FDA keep the same approved uses for both drugs if they are chemically the same, just different time releases? I guess that part confused me. Also, I was reading about SSRIs vs SNRIs like Effexor. Why do doctors go for SSRIs first when they only target Serotonin while SNRIs target both Serotonin and Norepinephrine? Why not go straight to SNRIs to get the benefit of both chemicals. I've heard Effexor is an excellent med, but bad for withdrawal. Should I suggest trying that med? Thanks again and sorry for all the questions. :P :)
Hey AnxiousDude,
The doctors try for the least chemically invasive med first. I think the SSRI's probably have less side effects too, but I'm sure that could be disputed. Anyway, if you aren't responding to the SSRI's then by all means discuss the SRNI's with the doctor. I take Pristiq, an SNRI, with Wellbutrin, an DNRI, which targets dopamine as well as norpeinephrine. So I'm tageting all three neurotransmitters. Some people experience anxiety from this combo though. I also take Abilify which targets the 5 HT receptors which have to do with depression too.
I have been threw many many years of talk therapy as well as the drug therapy and want to encourage you to stick with it. Behaviors can be changed but it takes a conscience effort on the part of the patient. Drugs can only help this process.
Hang in there and get the doctor to describe the differences between the types of antidepressants to you,
Laurie
Thank you so much Laurie for the excellent information. :) I appreciate it.
Daniel