Hello, I'm Jimmie

[envilid]

I did get prescribed a new SSRI today (Paxil), which I have tried before only for a short period of time. I am more concerned with the fact that I do not have the income to get anything but the generic from the Walmart $4 prescription plan as I have read many bad things about generics. Hopefully since I haven't taken the brand name these problems will not arise.

From my understanding the only difference is in the non-active fillers in order to get around copyrights.  I always get generic when available; you just pay more for the name otherwise.

Well some doctors and pharmacists say that generics are at most 20% less effective than the brand name. There are a lot of accounts of people experiencing problems when switching from the (very expensive) brand name to the certain generics. Some of these generics can be made in many different countries including India, not trying to down India, but I believe that the binders and fillers can affect absorption. I am hoping to have no problem with the drug especially since I will be using it before ever using a brand name, but if I had the money I would choose brand every time.

And thank you Amalthea. I am working on it slowly, but surely. And trying not to beat myself up over mistakes can be tough, but as long as I remember not to there's no damage.

[Melmoth]

Welcome to the forum envilid. I have no advice for you, not knowing you well enough to form any, but good luck becoming a happier person. I really do hope you succeed.

[envilid]

Thank you. I'll get there, one molecule of serotonin at a time.

[Crow]

Best thing you can do is stop smoking weed as quickly as you can and don't replace it with any other drugs, I have known many people that experience the same issues that you have been talking about and all have been heavy weed smokers. As you mentioned that Omega 3 seemed to help how about getting a blood test to see what vitamins are lacking in your diet and then adjust your diet accordingly, whenever I have been feeling like crap I have always found that adjusting my diet to include food groups I haven't been eating helps massively.

[envilid]

Best thing you can do is stop smoking weed as quickly as you can and don't replace it with any other drugs, I have known many people that experience the same issues that you have been talking about and all have been heavy weed smokers. As you mentioned that Omega 3 seemed to help how about getting a blood test to see what vitamins are lacking in your diet and then adjust your diet accordingly, whenever I have been feeling like crap I have always found that adjusting my diet to include food groups I haven't been eating helps massively.

I have stopped smoking weed and I do believe my quality of life is improving. I stopped about a month and a half ago when I lost my job and do not plan on returning to the habit. I haven't replaced it with anything even alcohol though I do use the occasional opiate but at best a get  2 (10mg pills, talking hydrocodone and oxycodone here) every 1 - 2 weeks and don't use heavily.

I did have a blood and urine test when I initially started seeing my psychiatrist, but am not sure if they tested for everything that I needed them to (hopefully). Though on the diet thing I am trying to eat healthier than I was since I'm currently on the bachelor's diet of sandwiches and canned spaghetti and meatballs. Though this proves hard with no income I know this is only a temporary problem and I should have a job soon. I do agree with you on the diet thing very much so, I would also like to buy healthier products grown and bred the 'hippie way'...but I'll wait until my income increases

[Liar For Jesus]

Yes, I was just recently on effexor and for a number of reasons including losing my job and it not working  well enough I recently stopped 12 days ago actually. Bad withdrawals of course, but I believe I'm over them. Recently fired so no insurance and waiting until I feel more comfortable with my psychiatrist to start therapy who I actually feel I can relate to for some reason, though he failed to call me back today about wanting a new SSRI to be prescribed especially since my insurance is probably gone (loss of job) and I may have to cancel my upcoming appointment.

I'm more concerned about my social anxiety though I affects my life worse than my apathy. The effexor may have even made me feel better but in social situations I'm terrible, even on forums I find myself thinking that my post is stupid and completely deleting it and leaving. I actually took a xanax earlier which is probably why I'm able to post :|

And sorry I know this is an athiest discussion forum not a social anxiety/depression forum, but I guess its a good way of getting to know who I am.

Also I know some people find Xanax to be a recreational drug, but I don't get anything out of it but being able to express my self.

I had a long bout of depression for awhile due to a major thing that occured in my life  back 20 years ago and i was on Effexor too.  I had bad side effects especially weight gain .  A different Doctor put me on Citrophram  which did the trick and was ALOT cheaper too...like $10 for a 3 months supply .   Welcome by the way.