Hi there -

I haven't taken Paxil or Zoloft, myself. However, I have tried Celexa and I'm currently trying Lexapro. Both of those seem to be working at least moderately well for me. My anxiety stemmed from a bad reaction to a birth control pill. Don't know if you're on one of those or not, but if you are, it's something to consider.

BTW, My mother in law is on Zoloft and she has had very good luck with it.

good luck to you!

i was just diagnosed with anxiety and was given trazadone. crazy but it was my gyn doc that knew what was going on for me. not my psychrist or therapist..i already feel better in just two days, cause i was able to sleep all nite thru. there are natural things to take and sometimes better eating habits help, just google something about anxiety and read all you can about it, we can talk if you like alice

I just started Lexapro, but I have a friend on Zoloft and it's really helped her a lot. She's back to her old self!

Hi Sonya,

Welcome! I have anxiety perodically in the car so when I took Xanax on a long trip it really helped. Then I took one a couple weeks later but the effects didn't seem the same. I wanted to try a natural remedy so I got a bottle of passion flower and helps me to calm down but also makes me a little sleepy. You are not supposed to take with other meds (from what I understand) so talk to your doctor. Will be praying for you.

Hi, I've had severe anxiety (GAD, PTSD, OCD) for about 8 years now. After my initial diagnosis, dr put me on Lexapro, which didn't work so good for me, but would be fine if your anxiety is moderate. Then they put me on Zoloft, which again is fine for moderate anxiety. Psych doctor has recently put me on Effexor XR, and it has been a godsend for me. My anxiety has dramatically reduced, but I do still need to take Xanax for immediate relief, but my panic attacks are far and few between now. I don't know about you, but without medication I am an absolute basket case. I wish you the best of luck......

I had anxiety to the point where I hadn't been to a store in months, or out of by town in a year or so unless absolutely having to. It literally took over my life completely where it ruined my relationships, my goals, etc. I found the best relief from Xanax. With this and a determined attitude, the last month I have been going to stores, ASKING my fiance to go places, etc. Be determined that "this is in my head and nothing is going to happen if I go here" and try a medication that works best for you and stick with it. Not every med will work the same for everyone, and don't be scared to tell you DR you want to try something different. Good luck =)

Thank you all so much for the feedback and comments...it is nice to know I am not alone...

LivebyFaith and FaithandS- thank you for the advice and ideas of what has helped you- "this is in my head and nothing is going to happen if I go here" Is very true...

I would be sure and try as many supposedly anxiety effective anti-depressants as you can afford and your doctor thinks may help to see if any work before you try an anti-anxiety med unless it's BuSpar, a non-addictive synthetic benzo. I couldn't take it because it made my head feel like an anvil and I was nodding off at work, but am sure it works for many!

One of my best friends loves her Paxil, but didn't care for Zoloft. I take Wellbutrin for Depression, my nurse prac swore it'd help the anxiety too, but it's not effective for my anxiety at all. It's severe enough that we had to add a benzo, Ativan now Klonopin, but they're physically addictive and should only be taken when essential to treatment. I tried Lexapro for a few weeks and I could actually feel it working; never had that experience with an anti-depressant, but had to stop because for me, any and every SSRI causes sexual side effects that outweigh the benefits.

St. John's Wort can be useful for mild to moderate depression. What you may want to try is Kava Kava, another natural plant that claims to curb anxiety, or a few other natural concoctions I can't think of at the moment. I have heard about Passion Flower mentioned by lrichard but haven't had any experience with it.

How terrible for a bcp to give you anxiety. Coincidentally, one of my past counselors had the same experience. Her anxiety was short-lived, so I hope that means it can gradually fade away for anyone at anytime. I'm curious as to which one it was...

Good luck, Sonya!

WELCOME :) I have heard that St. John's Wort is good but you do have to watch if you were planning on taking it with your other medications. Too many can cause problems, even though it is non-prescription!

I have tried them all .. Paxil is the best.

I have been on Zoloft and Paxil. The Zoloft helped when I first started taking it. At least I think that it did. I got pregnant so went off of it. I am on Paxil (terrible Post Partum anxiety and depression...13 years ago). I have been on paxil ever since, have just had to increase dose at times.
I will say that you can't just stop taking this stuff or you will have terrible withdrawl and recurring depression/anxiety. It's awful. I tried to come off of paxil and go on Celexa. I was so sick for three weeks, so took the dose back up on paxil and went off the celexa. I have gained so much weight on paxil too. Just joined Weight Watchers again..today. Please talk to your doctor before taking anything or adjusting your dose. Please.

I'm a lot older than most of you, and I've been trying meds for over 30 years. I've been on most of the drugs and herbal preparations that you are mentioning. They all have side effects. You have to decide if the benefits outweigh the side effects. I had some bad reactions to some meds that people here mention are helping them, so it's definitely an individual thing.
I would say don't give up on trying to find a med that helps you. I am taking lexapro daily and klonopin PRN at this time, and it's helping.
I feel you need to be educated about these meds and also about the herbal supplements. You may need 2 different pdocs, since I've found many docs who don't know much about the supplements. You can also find a doctor who will work with you on different doses at different times of the day, and how this will interact with other meds you may be taking.
You practically have to have a medical degree of your own to keep track of all the possible symptoms, side effects, and interactions of these pills.
It's worth it, I think, to do your research so you will be well-informed.
Another thing that works for me with psych meds. I always start with a smaller dose than what the pdoc perscribed and work myself up to the perscribed dosage. I do the same if I want to go off the med. I know the docs don't always think this is necessary, but I had 2 bad reactions to 2 different meds. Both reactions got worse AFTER I stopped the drug abruptly. Just my opinion.
Good luck. We're hear for you.

Hi,
I also gained alot of weight with Paxil.Had to stop taking even though it worked sooo well.I haven't found anything as good since. But I keep trying. I wish you all the best!!!!

I'm older as well, body changes as well as your as metabolism - take time with medications and learn them.

Acknowledging your disabilities, and caring for your whole well being is definite. Helping to control the levels, by what best works for you. Self-meditating; breathing; refocusing - plays into a chronic habit / that in time will come automatic.

Wishing you much spirit & care.

Hi and welcome to the site. All I can tell you is that my husband takes Paxil with no side efffects, and it works very well for him. He has gained some weight, but I believe it is due to not exercising etc. I do know you do have to be cautious taking St. John's Wort with other meds. Talk to your doctor about this - they can tell you for sure.