I don't feel any different!

[theenchantedhood]

I was prescribed paroxetine 20mg (doc adamant I have this as BFing) for pnd and had some side effects in the first few days - nothing major. I had 2 days where I felt great and 'better' but now I just feel the same. Not at the end of my tether but still feeling stressed and worrying about dying - indifferent - hard to describe..
Just wondered what happens in this scenario really. How should I feel in your experience - elated and cheerful?
Do they up the meds or change them if they're not having an effect? I have been trying to keep positive but starting to avoid friends (phone) and going out last couple of days again...
Thanks for any advice!

Sorry meant to add just finished one packet (2 weeks?)

I'd say 2 weeks is too soon to be thinking about upping or changing meds when you've not had any horrendous side effects. If ultimately it turns out that they are not having an effect then yes your gp could either up them or switch you to another. I've never actually had paroxetine but have taken three other SSRI's plus an SNRI and have certainly experienced the couple of what I can only describe as 'manic' days upon commencement and with each dose increase where I felt great but weird. Stick with them. People respond differently to meds but my gp normally leaves it approx 6 weeks before deciding whether to up or change. When is your next appt with your gp? Maybe you could discuss it then.

Hi Chocattack - first week of Jan appointment is due (I think). Thanks for the above really helpful

I agree it's early days I've been on meds for 5 weeks go back end of January and Gp has mentioned upping them then TBH never wanted them but wouldn't be functioning without them. I didn't think they where helping but noticed today that I'm not shaking as much as I was a few weeks back.

Thanks both. Such a stupid title. Typed this on my phone last night.

I think I was wondering how I should feel different. And what happens if there is not much change.

Not that I thought it would magic anything away :). Thanks again.

They will take at least 6 weeks to work, give it time. You may feel better in the mean time because you have taken some control in a situation that was controlling you.
I think in a few weeks you'll gradually find things slightly less overwhelming, you'll have a bit more energy for things.
Hang in there.

Thanks Phoenix. Feeling side effects again this a.m. I have been managing to confront a lot of things that I have been neglecting this week. But started waking up at 4 and 6 also this week taking meds at 20:30 as a poster said they prefer to sleep on the dose and that seems to be working for me. I am not snappy at all which is so much better all round.

Guess it's 2 weeks and you feel more in control but I wondered if I should be feeling stronger about leaving the house (which I seemed last week but have badly regressed this) and also a sense of feeling 'happier' which I was hoping to be by now.. Will be patient! Don't know where I got the 2 week thing from.

The hardest thing about antidepressants is you'll feel the side effects before the positive effects of the medications. It won't be all uphill either, you'll have good and bad days but you'll suddenly reach a point when you know you are improving.

Just to add that ADs, when they are correctly prescribed and when they are working, don't make you feel 'happy' - they make you feel 'normal'.

Thanks both.

I'm not using the right terms - by 'happy' I am meaning 'normal'.. Or a more happy frame of mind without the chaos. Thank you again!