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Weaning from Paxil to Lexapro.. a few q's

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 7/14/2008 12:06 AM (GMT 0)

Hi everyone.

I post on the Crohns thread and find it to be a great support network.  This post is for my husband though, who has panic disorder. He has been taking Paxil 15mg for 3 yrs. He is tired of many of the side effects and is thinking of switiching to Lexapro which looked more promising.  He has tried to wean from Paxil before but stopped due to the withdrawl symptoms. Any feedback on Lexapro and panic. Also, how does one wean from one drug to another? Do you start the lexapro with the paxil to decrease withdrawl? Of course he needs to see his MD to advise him but we wanted to know what your experinces are also. thanks in advance !!

Posted 7/14/2008 2:15 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Paintedsongs!

Welcome to the A/P forum (if you haven't been before).

I'm not a professional, but in my experience you do need to come off one anti-dep medication entirely before starting another. Usually this is done by tapering down the dose slowly and gradually under supervision. Sometimes you do get some withdrawl symptoms, but if you do it slowly they are minor.

Once one med is out of your system then you can start another. Now I may be wrong here, but this is my experience of switching meds in the past. I hope your husband finds that Lexapro is a better med for him. Best wishes,

Meg

Posted 7/14/2008 1:43 PM (GMT 0)

Good Morning,

Switching from one drug to another in the same category may be done different ways depending on your physician.  Some will have you cut back dose of one drug while they add small amount of new drug and make the switch that way.

I hope the Lexapro works out well for your hubby.

Take care
Kitt

Posted 1/8/2009 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hello! I was wondering if your husband ever switched from Paxil to Lexapro?

I am in the same boat...yet scared to add the Lexapro. My dr wants me to start on Lex while tapering off Paxil.

thanks!
Dawnie

Posted 1/8/2009 4:19 PM (GMT 0)

Dawniedo2

Let's hope we hear from paintedsongs regarding if her husband was able to make the switch.

You are certainly welcome to post your own thread with you specific concerns and also a warm welcome to HealingWell.

Stick with us.

Kitt

Posted 1/8/2009 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
Your husband should make an appointment with the doctor that prescribed the Paxil. He should go to the appointment with a list of his questions and complaints. I didn't know the side effects from Paxil can still affect you 3 years later. That's awful. I wish your husband the best!
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