QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
I am a 19 year old female suffering from panic disorder. I have had panic attacks the past 5 years but it was only recently that I saw a doctor. He put me on 20mg of Paxil a day. I took Paxil for 2 weeks but the side effects were just too much. Now he's put me on Effexor. Does Effexor have lesser side effects like insomnia, loss of appetite and headaches? I have heard and read that Effexor is a drug used for depression, so will it help me with my panic attacks and agoraphobia? Please reply back.
Thanks.
ANSWER:
When Paxil has side effects it usually means the individual also has the cognitive
generalized anxiety disorder (persistent worry). This appears to be the case with you
based on what you described. The gene has been discovered for this diagnosis, and appears
to be related to an elevated serotonin 1A receptor being elevated. BuSpar is the most
effective medication for altering how this gene works, and stopping the cognitive
generalized anxiety disorder. Once the BuSpar is in the system for a few weeks, SSRI
medications like Paxil can usually be taken without side effects.
Effexor works for some patients with the GAD, and might work for panic.
Side effects are a problem with Effexor.