QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
I was reading the testimonials section of your web page and I noticed in one of the ones that I read someone cited Paxil and talked about how it made them feel worse. I too was prescribed Paxil, and once it started to take full effect, I went absolutely nuts. I felt like I was a totally different person - and not in a good way. I know that if you have GAD, Bipolar, and other disorders, some SSRI's can cause you to get worse - but Paxil was extreme for me. I had previously went on Prozac, and although it didn't seem to do much for me mentally, it didn't drive me crazy either. When I went off Paxil I got very Ill. I don't think this is a good drug for anyone, really. Everyday I hear more and more horror stories about people who have taken this drug. Have you experienced this phenomena? Do you have any information on how it effects people with Borderline? I would appreciate any information you could provide me with, regarding this drug. I haven't felt the same since I went off of it. I'm thinking about giving the Prozac another shot at a higher dosage.
Thank you for your extremely valuable time.
ANSWER:
Paxil is the most side effect problem SSRI medication. It's main use in my
practice is for those without the generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or irritable bowel
syndrome who have panic disorder.
I'm suspicious you have the GAD also, and that the reason you didn't get great
benefits from Prozac was the increased anxiety from Prozac was balanced by the
improvements - a net no benefit.
Anyone with the BPD who also had the GAD can get extremely anxious and likely experience
dysphoria (anxiety, rage, depression and despair) from taking Paxil.
