From Lexapro to Paxil?

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2006
From Lexapro to Paxil?
7
Tue, 06-13-2006 - 10:03pm

I am new to this site. I'm 31 and have had anxiety/depression for the past 8 years. I was on lexapro for 2 years and it stopped working so my doc prescribed paxil cr today. I am just dreading switching meds because of initial side effects I experienced with prozac a long time ago and with lexapro. Can anyone share with me about their first few days/week of taking paxil? I'm afraid of my anxiety, which is really bad, getting worse in the beginning. I appreciate any replies.

Candace

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2003
Wed, 06-14-2006 - 9:49am
Have you tried Zoloft? I took both Zoloft and Paxil. Paxil was way too strong for me. I had scary nightmares and couldn't sleep. Zoloft worked better for me, though.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2006
Wed, 06-14-2006 - 10:51am
My doctor and I discussed both Paxil and Zoloft and she recommended Paxil because my anxiety is so severe. How long does it take before the nervousness calms down?
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Wed, 06-14-2006 - 12:07pm

Hi Candace & welcome!

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-25-2005
Wed, 06-14-2006 - 12:18pm
Hi Candace I have taken Paxil for about 25 years now.
When I first started on it I was also taking xanax .25
the xanax would help me relax but would then go out of my system
and I would panic all over again!!! To avoid this up and down
the doctor put me on Paxil. Within 2 weeks my symptoms GREATLY
diminished!!! I had no side effects that I know of I was so happy
to be panic free I was jumping for JOY!!! Paxil and therapy helped
me overcome WICKED agoraphobia I could not leave my house even!!
Within a year I was happily doing everything "normal" people do---
Feel free to email me if you want more info!! Eikooc742@aol.com
Hope it is a miracle for you too! Judy
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-29-2003
Wed, 06-14-2006 - 7:10pm

Hi there,

I switched from Lexapro to Paxil, and I really didn't have any side effects. Maybe a little more anxiety for a bit, but it subsided quickly. My doctor didn't have me go off lexapro completly, and then start paxil. I think i took 10mg of lexapro for a while with the low dose of paxil.

Good luck to you.

Jolie

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-21-2004
Wed, 06-14-2006 - 11:49pm
I am not taking Paxil however I am on Lexapro. I have heard from a psychologist that doctors will prescribe Paxil because it has a much more calming affect on people than some of the other drugs available however it is similar to prozac in how it workd on your checimcals in the brain. Maybe this is part of the reason your doctor is wanting to switch your meds? I know it is tough in the beg. but honestly you'll probaly be glad you did it long term. Hope this helps!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2006
Thu, 06-15-2006 - 9:49am
My doct. did the same thing. I went from Lexapro one day to Paxil the next. So far, I've been a bit more anxious, but I take Ativan to help that. Thank you so much for your reply.