some concerns about new paxil prescription

[celia]

After trying many natural remedies and finding they all only worked for a few months I decided to try meds again. I have some concerns though. My dr. prescribed me paxil. BUT- a nurse just took a message when I called, then called me back to say the Dr. called in a prescription. He never even spoke to me or asked me any questions : Additionally, the prescription is for just 10 mg-- with three months of refills. Isn't that really really low?? I'm also a little scared after reading a previous thread about the side effects. I was on zoloft once and had no problems with side effects at all except feeling sleep- I also had no trouble coming off of it... could this mean I won't have trouble with paxil either? are they similar? anyone had luck on only10 mg.? (I've only taken one pill so far).

[Azreial]

doesn't sound like a very good dr to me. Why didn't they call in zoloft if that worked for you in the past :
I tried paxil one for depression and didn't work out well for me, so no advice there

[celia]

Hard to say since he never even talked to me... : He had first prescribed lexapro but my insurance wouldn't cover it and there was no generic. Maybe there isn't a generic for zoloft either? It bothered me that the nurse didn't even ask me any questions, like was I having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming my baby? Was I pregnant or breastfeeding? This is a new Dr. for me and I'm having doubts about him- which is why I'm wondering if the prescription and dosage sounds right...

[gilnikche]

If this were me; I would call my insurance company in the AM & ask for a different primary provider. Make sure to tell them about your experience. This is extremely shoddy medicine (to put it mildly). Also ask if brand name drugs can be prescribed. My last insurance (HMO) charged a $10 co-pay for generic & $35 for brand name.
There is no generic for Zoloft. When you go into this new doc; ask him to prescribe it anyway. Doctors are encouraged to offer generics to cut costs. But if you insist; they can prescribe it. If you do not have prescription coverage; I can give you tips on cutting your costs.

[Azreial]

pretty much what gilnikche said. The drshouldn't be prescribing you something without talking to you, especially if its something you haven't taken before.

Also sometimes you dr can put in an appeal to the ins. co to cover a drug if its something that has been shown to work for you when other things haven't

[celia]

Thank you all- I've always tended to blindly trust doctors but I'm glad to hear my gut feeling on this is rational. Over the last couple days I've read all about the controversies over paxil especially the withdrawl issues- and I can't believe he didn't atleast warn me NOT to go off it cold turkey etc. I guess that's why it's important to do your OWN research. I'm definitly going to look into getting a different doctor.

Wishing everyone peace and healing.

[coco4cloth]

they do have a generic zoloft now!

[KatSG]

Here is a link to some information about side effects of Paxil from the drug manufacturer itself.

http://www.paxilcr.com/print.jsp?curContent=I21

You should be well informed of what Paxil is about before you take it. It's not for everyone (like me). It's very hard to get off of it.