I took Paxil for several years after a 2 yr period of trying different meds. Paxil was the one that worked the best for me. But I've built up a tolerance to it, so my doc switched me to Effexor. It worked ok at first, but increases my anxiety now after being on it for 4 months.

I feel mean and irritable and easily angered or upset and hate myself when feeling this way. I'm hiding out from friends and family so that I don't take it out on them. My doc has now added Xanax to combat the jumping-out-of-my-skin anxiety. It's helping but I'm needing more, plus I'm concerned about its addictiveness.

So, I am wondering if anyone has had success in combing Effexor with Paxil. Effexor seems to be controlling the depression but elevates the anxiety. Paxil worked well for anxiety, but was losing effectiveness with depression.

Any information is greatly appreciated. It is 3 weeks until my next doc appt, and I hate taking Xanax everyday.  Thx, Rebecca

i took the paxil and it didnot seem to be working. we switched to effexor, this is my 3rd med since Feburary. but i was told to step it down half paxil/effexor. then all 75mg of effexor the next week. the effexor has helped with depression but i am very anxious and having nightmares and morning anxiety. i think my dr. is ready to ship me off to a psychiatrist. i see a psychologist now. i also have xanax, but i only take it as needed. 1/2 a pill. i don't see that it does anything really, except make me a little high?or sleepy.good luck