Hello everyone, I was on Paxil for 5 years and I could feel a half a year ago how it is not helping me anymore, I also was exposed to high stress. I was taking 10 mg of Paxil and then my doctor suggested to higher the dose to 15mg and I wasn't feeling my best either so they decided to switch it to Lexapro 10 mg and for the first 3 days I felt great and then horrible.
I keep having panic attacks, I'm constipated and have a short breath again like it was when I was still on Paxil 10 mg. I don't want to take Xanax, do you think I should higher Lexapro to 15 mg as well? My doctor seems not to care much.
How to have a mild switch from Paxil to Lexapro?
Question posted by Catalina Clemontina on 27 Oct 2017
Last updated on 8 November 2017
Answers
WildcatVet
27 Oct 2017
Hi, Catalina! It's not unusual to experience side effects such as you describe when starting antidepressants and it's not unusual for an antidepressant to stop working with long term use.
*Some side effects of escitalopram may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, constipation, shortness of breath, etc.*
These side effects generally resolve within a few days to a week or two. Give your body time to adjust to the medication before making any decisions about dosage and don't change your dosage without a doctor's supervision.
As masso has said, if you're not satisfied with your doctor's answers after you report these side effects you'd be wise to find another doctor you can relate to. Perhaps a psychiatrist if you're currently seeing a GP or PCP.
Best regards and good luck!
Catalina Clemontina
1 Nov 2017
Thank you
masso
27 Oct 2017
Do not self medicate and I suggest you change DR., for one that cares.
BTW, I take Lexapro 15mgs.
Catalina Clemontina
28 Oct 2017
Thank you very much
masso
28 Oct 2017
You are welcome.-
rbiowa1945
4 Nov 2017
10mg of Paxil is extremely light dosage and is basically the level you start at. I have been on Paxil for about 10 years at 20mg and both doctors that I have used at the same clinic say that is even a very light dosage. They have indicated that it is not unusual for someone to be on much higher lever; some are at 80mg daily.
My thoughts are you should speak to a doctor about increasing your dosage. The one issue to be aware of with Paxil, or generic version Paroxetine, is that you cannot just stop taking it. You have to wean yourself off of it over several weeks, gradually reducing the dosage.
Jake64
9 Nov 2017
Catalina, How is your transition going??
Catalina Clemontina
9 Nov 2017
The first week was hell, I started feeling dizzy or having some kind of vertigo after 3 days. Then until 7th day I had panic attacks, hysteria, shakes, I had bad constipation which I get often if I feel anxious or worry. My body was rejecting any food. Like a little exorcism, haha.
I finally got used to it, I am taking 15 mg now and I feel better then I was on Paxil. I tried to lower 2 days back on 10 mg after the second week but I start being anxious again and cry just any moment, so for now is 15mg. I am going through a lot of stress and changes now, so when everything is more calm I'll try to lower it again.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Related topics
lexapro, paxil, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, anxiety and stress, doctor
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