worried1

I have suffered from anxiety on and off for several years. I am experiencing it again and just started taking paxil. I have been drinking heavily for at least a year and stopped 9 days ago. I have constant dry mouth, can't taste food like I used to and I have this constant fear that I have damaged by liver by drinking. I need some insight from someone. How long does it take for the effects of drinking to wear off? I have an appointment on Sept 30th for a complete physical. I hope I haven't destroyed my liver. Can a liver repair itself?

LaFemme

A liver can repair itself if it doesn't have cirrhosis, which can be halted if you stop drinking. Its great that you are seeing a doctor. I hope you are honest with him about your alcohol intake so he can run the right tests. Good luck!

sleepie

That's something only your doctor can tell you, as everyone is different. Look at it this way- worrying does nothing. And it's better for your physical state not to worry- easier said than done, I know... The side effects of paxil will likely abate after a couple of weeks, I had the same with Zoloft, but again- you should keep in touch with your doctor about side effects. Good for you on getting some sober time, keep up the great work and hang in there.

CarolD

I'm glad you are heading into a sober future
and yes.....seeing your doctor is a wise idea.
Congratulations on your sober time.....

Anxiety often goes with both drinking and early sobriety.
I've never taken anti depressants since I quit drinking.

Paxil....read the instructions that came with the med.
That should tell you what to expect.
Call your doctor for specific advice.

Yes...the liver often does re-generate as long as you stay sober.
Your doctor can do a simple blood test ...but you must
be honest about your drinking so he/she will know what test is required.

Welcome to our recovery community.....

worried1

Thanks, everyone. I have told him about my drinking when I went to see him this past Monday.

CarolD

Good. did he mention anything about how to stay sober?

My doctor did when I was diagnosed with situational depression.
He sggested AA.....and it's been working great for me.

worried1

No, we didn't talk about that. I will when I go on the 30th.

Kmber2010

I agree with Carol. When I got sober...my anxiety was reduced and now it is very minimal and usually situational if I get it. Nothing I can't handle naturally through breathing, etc. I couldn't even compare it to the panic attack ridden nightmare towards the end of my drinking years.

See how things go with the anxiety.

Good call on the Dr. and have them check you out and be as honest as possible about how much you drank and go over the anxiety with them as well. Anxiety can also be caused by health problems associated with drinking.....for example...poor nutrition and vitamin deficiency. Those are common problems for alcoholics.

All the best.

worried1

Thanks so much!!!

CarolD

Ok...here is a link full of information that is interesting

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...formation.html

You might want to explore options before your next visit
that would be a plus