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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Having Anxiety, Irritation Problem. Took Paroxephine, Symptoms Worsened, Getting Paranoid. Medication?

Hi I have anxiety and have irritability, my doctor has prescribed me Paroxephine but my symptoms have gotten worse. I have been herring voices of people I know wanting to kill me, I think people are talking about me I'm getting paranoid all the time, can you please suggest something better I can take and preferably something with minimal side effects. My doctor is changing my script to Zoloft but my friend says they are just as bad. I would even consider something more natural, I do smoke pot a couple of times a fortnight but don't drink alcohol or take anything else.
Thank you for your time to answer my question.
Mon, 29 Jul 2013
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Addiction Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

You are developing psychotic symptoms in addition to depression. Describe these symptoms in detail to your psychiatrist and he will add an anti-psychotic like risperidone or olanzapine to your prescription. Just changing the antidepressant will not help. This is not a side effect of your antidepressant, but a natural worsening of the disease.

Avoid cannabis as it predisposes you to developing psychotic symptoms.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.
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Psychiatrist,  Dr. Dr.Nehal's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for using healthcare magic.
I have gone through your history.

It seems that you are having schizophrenia rather than depression. Pot smoke as a cause must be ruled out.
Paroxetine ans sertraline both are anti depressants used mainly for depression and anxiety.

You should consult psychiatrist for detailed evaluation and management.

Doctor may advise you to take anti psychotic agents like risperidone or olanzapine etc.

You should avoid pot smoke.

Thanks.
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  User's Response
It is important that you consult a psychiatrist for your complaints and tell her about these symptoms of hearing threatening voices of people and that you fear that they may harm you.

You may need a different set of medications than paroxetine or sertraline.
You may need antipsychotics such as risperidone, haloperidol etc. in appropriate doses.

Smoking pot is a double edged sword. You may feel less anxious and relieved when you use pot. However, the pot can make these voices appear with even more intensity and you will find yourself trapped in a vicious circle.

Do discuss this issue with your psychiatrist too.

Hope it helps.
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Having Anxiety, Irritation Problem. Took Paroxephine, Symptoms Worsened, Getting Paranoid. Medication?

Hi, You are developing psychotic symptoms in addition to depression. Describe these symptoms in detail to your psychiatrist and he will add an anti-psychotic like risperidone or olanzapine to your prescription. Just changing the antidepressant will not help. This is not a side effect of your antidepressant, but a natural worsening of the disease. Avoid cannabis as it predisposes you to developing psychotic symptoms. Hope this helps. Best wishes.