[cremedelacreme]

I am wanting to hear about people's issues with anger and anxiety. I went from 20 to 10 mg on Paxil and have been SO irritable (not sure if that's related or not). I get so angry and feel like I cannot control my anger. I scream and shove my boyfriend. Every fight is starting to be worse than the one before. Also, guaranteed if I have two or more drinks, a huge dramatic fight will ensue over anything. Of course I am making an effort to not drink at all but don't ALWAYS do it.

The anger is controlled though at work and around friends, but I unleash regularly at boyfriend and family.

Advice, suggestions, opinions?

[CANDC]

Cremedelacreme, hope you are find your visits to Psych Central helpful. Congrats on keeping your self control at work. That keeps paying the bills. Wonder what is different about work than home or with boyfriend?

Since your medicine changed and your behavior changed, calling the pdoc and explaining the changes could be helpful in adjusting meds.

Other people I know on medicine have had to stop drinking. There moods went totally out of control when they drank and took medicine. Alchohol tends to unleash the genie of uncontrolled emotions.

Fighting with friends and family has an unintended consequence: turning off the people who are most likely able to give us affection and support. Maybe that is not such a good strategy.

Perhaps a therapist could help find ways of helping you deal with the emotions that are welling up.

A forum that could be of interest
Coping with Emotions - Forums at Psych Central

[Jolisse]

How long has it been since you dropped to 10 mg. of Paxil? You may be going through withdrawal and not even know it.

[cremedelacreme]

Originally Posted by CANDC

Cremedelacreme, hope you are find your visits to Psych Central helpful. Congrats on keeping your self control at work. That keeps paying the bills. Wonder what is different about work than home or with boyfriend?

Since your medicine changed and your behavior changed, calling the pdoc and explaining the changes could be helpful in adjusting meds.

Other people I know on medicine have had to stop drinking. There moods went totally out of control when they drank and took medicine. Alchohol tends to unleash the genie of uncontrolled emotions.

Fighting with friends and family has an unintended consequence: turning off the people who are most likely able to give us affection and support. Maybe that is not such a good strategy.

Perhaps a therapist could help find ways of helping you deal with the emotions that are welling up.

A forum that could be of interest
Coping with Emotions - Forums at Psych Central

Thank you! I'm beginning to also think professional help is the way to go.

[cremedelacreme]

Originally Posted by Jolisse

How long has it been since you dropped to 10 mg. of Paxil? You may be going through withdrawal and not even know it.

This was at the end of August. I normally would get brain zaps which have settled since then.

[Disorder7]

Are you diagnosed with just anxiety and not bipolar? Eventually, SSRIs can cause mania in bipolars, unless you have a mood stabilizer with it. Mania is not always the happy stuff you see on a TV. Mania can be uncontrolled rage, high irritability...when you add in depression with the anger and a little physical assault it's a mixed episode.

Your pdoc knows best. But it's something to think about.

[Disorder7]

I wanted to add that bipolar and alcohol is not a good mix. It tends to exaggerate the moods. If I'm not in a good mood, I can't drink or I will physically attack someone, usually my husband.

You might mention how you are when you drink to your pdoc, too.

[cremedelacreme]

Originally Posted by Disorder7

I wanted to add that bipolar and alcohol is not a good mix. It tends to exaggerate the moods. If I'm not in a good mood, I can't drink or I will physically attack someone, usually my husband.

You might mention how you are when you drink to your pdoc, too.

Wow thank you! That sounds just like me unfortunately. Will have to look into that!