Switching from 16 years on Paroxetine(Paxil) to Escitalopram(Lexipro)

Hello Everyone, I have been on Paxil or Paroxetine for about 16 years now. I suffered from Panic attacks and not wanting to go anywhere do to being scared. It all started around puberty for me, I wasn't sure what was going on. I thought I was going crazy, about at 20 years old in 2001 or so my Dr. Diagnosed me with Anxiety and Panic attacks and prescribed me SSRI I tried a couple different ones. Im not sure which ones I tried. But I had success with Paxil and was able to cope with life again. I gained about 50LBS my first year on that! I have been okay for the most part but I feel like a lot of other people on Paxil, lack of emotion (zombie mode) Brain zaps, I cant drive for long distances still, I start freaking out. I can still cope but cant live life like I would like to, I still get panic attacks occasionally but have kinda learned to calm my self down. My Doctor recently told me that Paxil is outdated and is what people used when there was nothing else available and he recommended Escitalopram (Lexapro) and he said just start taking this one instead, and quit the paxil cold turkey. I am a little nervous because I'm afraid of the nightmare withdraws everyone talks about, which I think I maybe already experiencing from a Poopout from taking these pills so long. My doctor said not to worry about the withdraws because the paxil and Lexapro are very similar. Which I am not to sure about.
Has anyone had any success with switching off Paxil or Paroxetine?

Hi Jakes and welcome!

Great advice from Hibee above. I just wanted to add my welcome and best wishes on your transition and new Rx regimen...

...as well as post our Resources link. Check it out for great self help coping material that can help you through this experience and beyond!

/www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206

Post with us anytime for understanding and support!

Scaredy Cat