[antidepresseur]

Greetings. I'm on 20mg of paroxetine (Paxil) a day. I read in the Wikipedia article on it that it impairs cognitive functioning, which scares me. Moreover, I don't want to take any more fo it that I have to. At the beginning of the semester, I needed 20mgs. however, now that I've made it through all right, I',m thinking it would be advisable to decrease the dosage. However, a therapist suggested to me one time that Paxil becomes therapeutic only at 20mgs. So, is this true? If not, what do you think the chances are that I could receive a benefirt from a lower dose? I'm over 6'0, and a little over 200. I have moderately high anxiety. I have had a good experience on Paxil. I've had no nightmares, dry mouth, mood swings, etc. I've had some suicidal ideation. In fact, I once considered writing a novel touting the virtue (or perhaps necessity) of suicide. However, I don't think my this tendency is any worse than it was when I wasn't on Paxil--and has perhaps improved. What's more, I am still capable of sexual functioning, howbiet diminshed the sensation and, maybe, the hardness of the erection.

Thank you kindly for your suggestions.

Antidepresseur

[Psyched]

Anti,
The dosage really depends on what your doctor has diagnosed you with. For example, 20mg is the recommended dosage for patients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression; however, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is usually treated with 40-60mg while panic disorder can range from 10-60mg. So, yes there are smaller doses, BUT you and your doctor should decided TOGETHER before you go about lessening your dose.
Now, that being said I'd like to offer you this as well. Information can be a good thing; BUT it can also cause more problems. I commend you for being informed about your meds-all patients should try and become educated in regards to their meds and treatment. I want you to keep in mind though that drug companies have to list ALL possible side-effects for their products and they usually causes a lot of people to worry. Sometimes, the side-effect possiblitlies can be even more scarier than the disease/disorder the drug is intended to cure. If a doctor prescribes you meds, you should take them BUT if you notice any adverse effects, you should ALWAYS report them to your doctor so that you both can find an AGREEABLE alternative.
As most people here will tell you, I am a BIG proponent of patients being their own advocates whenever possible. Medicine should be a two-way exchange of communication between the patient and the doctor, not just a one-sided conversation.
I hope this helps. Good luck and God bless!

[antidepresseur]

Originally Posted by Psyched

Anti,
The dosage really depends on what your doctor has diagnosed you with. For example, 20mg is the recommended dosage for patients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression; however, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is usually treated with 40-60mg while panic disorder can range from 10-60mg. So, yes there are smaller doses, BUT you and your doctor should decided TOGETHER before you go about lessening your dose.
Now, that being said I'd like to offer you this as well. Information can be a good thing; BUT it can also cause more problems. I commend you for being informed about your meds-all patients should try and become educated in regards to their meds and treatment. I want you to keep in mind though that drug companies have to list ALL possible side-effects for their products and they usually causes a lot of people to worry. Sometimes, the side-effect possiblitlies can be even more scarier than the disease/disorder the drug is intended to cure. If a doctor prescribes you meds, you should take them BUT if you notice any adverse effects, you should ALWAYS report them to your doctor so that you both can find an AGREEABLE alternative.
As most people here will tell you, I am a BIG proponent of patients being their own advocates whenever possible. Medicine should be a two-way exchange of communication between the patient and the doctor, not just a one-sided conversation.
I hope this helps. Good luck and God bless!

Yes, it was helpful to know that some people take less than 20mg. I have GAD, so the dose would seem to be proper in that regard. However, my concern is that Paxil doesn't have an appreciable affect below a certain dose.

[tori13vc]

Psyched,
I think you gave wonderful advice.
Vikki