How do I know if I have the right dose of Paxil?

Question

So, I'm hoping the combination of Paxil and CBT therapy will allow me to live my life without extreme anxiety that ruins my whole life. I know CBT therapy is a long process and won't change overnight, but how am I supposed to tell if Paxil is making a difference? I took it ten years ago and it helped, but I just started about two months ago and I'm unsure if it's helping and I forgot what I'm supposed to feel like on it. Right now I'm taking 20 mg... I have to talk to my doctor in a few weeks and it seems like a waste of time. My confidence is so low right now, it could be working, but I just won't find out until I work on my CBT therapy, or it might just not be working. But, what do I tell my doctor? It seems like a freaking guessing game. uhhhh

Answer 1

Most SSRIs, including paroxetine, will generally onset in about 4-6 weeks time. If you've been taking your medication consistently for two months and you don't feel any differently than you did before, then you might discuss increasing your dosage with your doctor. I find it interesting that you say you're using it to treat anxiety though. SSRIs are potent medications for the treatment of depression, but their role in controlling anxiety is less clear. Most often a class of medications called benzodiazepines (like xanax, valium, etc...) are used effectively for that. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an important tool for helping to manage any sort of mental illness though its effectiveness may be difficult to discern. I encourage you to speak candidly with your doctor to determine if your therapy is on the right track for what you want to accomplish. Keep in mind that although you set goals for the management of your behavior, it is important to understand that no amount of CBT or pharmacotherapy will complete eliminate your symptoms. Best of luck.