Anyone ever take Paxil?

[Feralpeg]

I took DD to the doctor yesterday. She had an earache and sore throat. While we were there, DD mentioned to the doctor that she was having trouble sleeping. This has been going on for a couple of months. The doctor started asking DD questions about school and the fact that we are moving. DD started to cry. She is 15 and can cry at the drop of a hat. The doctor decided that she is suffering from depression and wants to put her on Paxil. She said that there were no strong side effects, but the whole idea of having DD on a depression medicine freaks me out. Am I being silly? When I was young, there were times that I was depressed. Good grief, I still get depressed. We are all under a lot of pressure. Does that mean we should immediately turn to medication. I'm not sure what to do. I want DD to feel better, but I want her to learn to deal with things that come her way.

 

[BedKnobbery2]

Well, there's a big difference between being blue and being depressed. I was depressed as a teen; it more or less kicked in with menses. I attempted suicide at age 16. My parents were shocked and devestated; they had no idea I was depressed. They were "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" kind of people, the thought of therapy (medical or talk) was a major embarrassment to them. I was just a moody teen as far as they were concerned. I cycle in and out of depression even now, and try to keep a leg up on it. I don't think it is because I can't handle stress when it happens; I wasn't depressed (and off of my meds) during what had to have been the most difficult time in my life (going through a divorce, and care for my terminally ill father).

If you feel the doctor was a bit too quick to diagnose depression, you could also try a second opinion. You may also want to look into getting your daughter some counseling as wellas, or instead, of meds.

Regarding the Paxil; I tried it, didn't like the gastro-intestinal side effects. But I do know people for whom it worked well. Everyone responds differently.

Good luck with your family.

 

[tlgoblue]

Please be careful with this drug. I wish I had some links for you, but I have just recently read about children taking Paxil, and how it seems to be causing violence in the kids. I have witnessed this with a neighbor child, who became increasingly violent over the course of a few weeks. He tried to choke my DS, and it was at that time I was informed that I should have told my neighbors how their son was behaving, and all this could have been avoided. They finally told me what was going on with their son and that he had been put on Paxil and the docs told them to watch for this type of behavior change. I am gooing to look for the article, as I remember it stating that Paxil, along with a plethora of other AD drugs, have never been approved for pediatric use. I don't want to give you the impression that your doc has done anything wrong, just be careful please! And hugs to your daughter. Hope she feels better soon.

Keep the Faith!
Tracy

 

[Feralpeg]

BedKnobbery2, thanks for the info. You mentioned gastrointestinal side effects. DD has IBS. Do you think Paxil could make it worse?

It's not that I don't think that DD is depressed. I'm just not sure that it isn't something that will clear up. She was fine until a couple of months ago when we actually finalized our plans to move to Florida. She says she want to do it, but now that it is getting closer she is getting scared. She's leaving behind her friends and the home that she's grown up in. Recently, they had auditions at school for next year's show choir. Kendall is currently in the show choir. She didn't try out because we won't be here. When they announced the kids that made it, she was very sad. I think she will be okay once we get moved and she starts meeting new friends and gets involved in school. I guess I've heard to many horror stories about anti-depressants. I also don't want her to think she has a big problem. Oh boy!

 

[Feralpeg]

tlgoblue, thank you for the information. I am definately going to talk to the doctor before she begins taking this. We didn't see our doctor we've always gone to. He was out for the day. We saw a partner who doesn't really know DD that well. I want to get his take on this before I put her on it. Thanks again!

 

[tlgoblue]

Here is a link. Do a Google search and there is a bunch of info.
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2003/ANS01230.html

Hope this helps, instead of scaring the **** out of you.

Tracy

 

[BedKnobbery2]

Feralpeg, I'm not sure if it will affect her IBS; I remember reading somewhere (don't remember where, but I'm sure if you Google IBs and anti-depressants, you'll get some hits) about doctors TREATING IBS with some anti-depressants. For me, it gave me IBS type symptoms. Without getting too graphic, I actually had a couple of "accidents" when I was on Paxil. My doctor said those side-effects would likely clear up with time, but I didn't want to wait! Eek!

I actually just did a quickie search for you, and found out that Paxil is the drug they were treating IBS with. So that may be a good thing for your DD! Here's the article I found: http://www.dukehealth.org/news/healthbrief_nov02_2.asp

 

[Feralpeg]

Thanks, guys! I just left a message for our regular doctor asking him to review her chart and give me a call. He has taken care of her since she was a baby. I respect his opinion and will not start her on anything until I talk with him. It would be great if it would help her IBS. I really think that the IBS is triggered by nerves. DD is very driven. She takes all challenge classes and can't stand it if she gets anything other than an A. She also joins everything. She is in two choirs at school, participates in the school play and crews. She takes two acting classes at a local professional theatre and is signed with a Talent Agency that will call her to do an audition at the drop of a hat. She is also a member of the teen board for a local mall. Is she doing to much? YES!!!!!! We've had this discussion numerous times, but she just wants to be part of everything. This is one of the times that I wish I weren't a single parent. It would be great to have someone to share this type of thing with. But, since I don't .... I'm sharing with you guys! Thanks for being there!

 

[my3kids]

Paxil has a big warning about it being used in people under the age of 18. In that group it has been linked to increasing a suicide tendancy.

 

[KatelynnsAuntie]

I am on Paxil, have been on it for about 3 months, and it has helped. I still have to deal with life, but being on medication makes it a whole lot easier. For me there have been no side effects, whereas I did have side effects when I was on Prozac.

I don't know anything about what it does to children or adolescents though, but for me it has been great.

I hope your daughter feels better soon!

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

Paxil is primarily used as an anti-anxiety medication. I have clients who it has worked miracles for.

 

[Zurg]

good idea to talk with someone who has known her for a while. Also good idea to get another opinion.

Goin on and of paxil is a real medical issue, don't do it lightly.

 

[C.Ann]

First of all, let me say that I have NO problem with people taking medications at all - be they antidepressants; narcotics for pain relief; or whatever..

However, at the age of 15, I would want several opinions before I started down that road..

Also - my DD (who is 31) was on Paxil and it made everything worse - including her IBS.. (She leans to the "constipating" side of IBS, not the other..) And coming OFF of it was horrendous for her!

She's on Effexor now (after much trial & error with other meds) and that seems to be working great..

First determine WHAT - if anything - she needs - and then if she does in fact require meds, go for it.. There's no shame in needing medication..

Best of luck to both of you!

 

[Tiggeroo]

Sorry guys. I didn't see this post before I posted something similar about my dd.

 

[aprilgail2]

I was on paxil for a year...went on just prior to my godson dying and stayed on it just through the holiday season of that year and it worked great and had absolutely no side effects what so ever for me....every person that is on a med is going to have something different to say about it, some it has terrible side effects and some it has none...talk to your Dr or therapist about it and your options for other drugs before making the decision to go on it.