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lexapro or paxil

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Posted 1/19/2016 12:27 AM (GMT 0)
hello. I have been on Lexapro 5 milligram for about 2 months now. I have had the worst anxiety day and night the past week I have derealization I feel like I'm losing my mind my question is should I go up on my lexapro to 10 milligrams tomorrow or should I change over to Paxil? I don't have the best psychiatrist he doesn't even call me back. I don't know what to do I'm about an inch away from just going to the hospital. but because I'm not a danger to myself or someone else so just send me home with another prescription for an anti-anxiety medications. what should I do? please I will take any advice....
Thanks
GG
Posted 1/19/2016 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry you are struggling. I just got off of lexapro (10 mg) because of the bad side effects. I would try calling your psychiatrist again in the morning and stress that it is urgent. I don't have any experience with Paxil. (((Hugs))))
Posted 1/19/2016 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
Do u think the lex is causing the anxiety or do u think it's just you're taking too small a dose? It took me until 20 mg lex to really feel the benefits.

I have some buddies who had a terrible time with Paxil. My psych doc won't even prescribe it unless all others meds have been exhausted.
Posted 1/19/2016 1:45 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks...
Jennings... how did you feel on 10mg lex?
Posted 1/19/2016 2:32 AM (GMT 0)
I also started on 5mg per day of Lexapro and it wasn't at all a therapeutic dose. Now at that time, my brain was taking a while in getting used to the 5mg (as my neurochemistry was completely messed up), but I finally bit the bullet and started taking 10mg per day (one 5mg dose in the a.m. and another 5mg dose around 5p.m.).

It was what I needed and a year into it, that was the smartest thing I did. Yes at first it increased anxiety further, but once my brain settled down, it was great. Now when I take it, I feel no anxiety, just calm.

SSRIs are an odd duck. They jump up anxiety at first and that can keep you from getting to a therapeutic dose, but charging ahead was the best thing for me.
Posted 1/19/2016 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
I take Paxil and I like it. I take 40 mg at night as it does make me tired. You need to listen to what your gut is telling you and yes you will have break through anxiety, but it won't be as bad as you may think. Listen to your gut hun. Your body knows what it needs.
Posted 1/19/2016 3:01 AM (GMT 0)
I'm just to the point where I feel like I'm going to break. are yo yo don so many SSRIs that I'm terrified for any increase anxiety. the derealization is a chronic 24/7 thing and because of it I have now adapted to all of these fears... Fear of taking a shower in the daytime, fear of sitting in the living room with my family, fear that I'm losing my mind and going crazy, fear of just living... I've been in so much mental pain that I don't know what to do anymore I just can't live like this anymore... :-(
Posted 1/19/2016 3:50 AM (GMT 0)
It is hard to live with anxiety, but I promise you that it does get better. I was the same way a couple of years ago. I thought I was going crazy. I was sure that my life was over. It isn't and I have made it through. I have anxiety but it does not have me. I do CBT with my counselor and that has made life a lot easier for me. I still get anxiety but it is not near as bad and I know how to combat it and that way it doesn't last as long either. It does get easier with time and treatment. I promise you that.
Posted 1/19/2016 9:21 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

I would suggest you give 10mg a go before deciding if you are going to change to Paxil.

Hibee
Posted 1/19/2016 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with Hibee. Your symptoms, to me, sound like normal anxiety issues (I've had them all). 5 mgs is subtherapeutic and may not be helping you at all.

Also, Paxil seems to be a toughy to discontinue (if need be).
Posted 1/19/2016 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I agree... it's so hard to get this darn anxiety under control when I have unrelenting Derealization... Because I was suffering with this for so long I now have FEARS...
I don't even know why.. fear of showering in the daytime, fear of feeling faint, death, insanity, fear of leaving my bedroom!!!
Why did this happen and how can I get through it???
I'm scared.... :(
Posted 1/19/2016 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
A lot of us have gone or are going through the same issues you are right now. Just know you are not alone.

To answer your question, once I was on the 20 mg for about 6 weeks I started feeling a lot better but was still having minor panic attacks every couple weeks, so I decided to try Zoloft. It was a big mistake and I was having a hard time the last few months while getting back on Lexapro. I just started to feel a little better the last couple weeks. It's tough but stick with it we have faith in you.
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