Question about Paxil

CMEB25 · Post by **CMEB25** » Sun Nov 16, 2008 11:35 am

I suffer from Anxiety and Panic Attacks. I have been on Lexapro for about a year. I had no side effects on Lexapro but it just doesn't seem to be doing much to help with the anxiety. My Dr. decided that instead, Paxil would be a better choice. I did a little research and was not too impressed with Paxil. All I kept hearing was how hard and horrible it was to get off of it. At first I said no, but after my anxiety only got worse, I decided to go on it. The first week I did a reqular dose (20mg) of Paxil and half of my Lexapro (20mg... so it would be 10mg) This was directed by my Dr. It has now been about 4 days since I've just been on the Paxil alone and I feel VERY tired. I'm sleeping 12 hours at night and waking up exhausted. And then taking a nap during the day. I'm jittery and irratable. I just feel really off. My question is if anyone has experienced this starting Paxil at all. Or maybe going off Lexapro. I do have an appointment to speak with my Dr. but not for a little bit. Any help will be greatly appreciated!!! THANKS

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Nov 16, 2008 11:50 am

Hello,

I had very bad anxiety and panic attacks about 10 yrs ago. I went to a doctor who prescribed paxil to me. Well it was a miracle. After 4 weeks I was completely anxiety and panic free. I have not had a panic attack since then. I feel great and thank God every day for the medication. I hope you get the help you need.

Linda

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 5:39 am

I was first given lexapro for my anxiety. After two weeks with no sleep. It gave me insomnia.Then my anxiety attacks got worse. Well, Then he gave me cymbalta and did the same thing. It was awful. I had to take off work for around a month. I now have a bottle of Paxil at my house. I been debating on taking it.More chemicals in your body. My anxiety is somewhat better since not taking any antidepressants and also since starting the program. I have valium, if it gets really bad but really do not want to take it very often. But the anxiety is still there, but hopefully it will lessen.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 10:43 am

Paxil CR was wonderful when I first started it...

it changed my life! but it was also my first A/D ...

I am in the same boat as you are, only I am going from Paxil to Lexapro.

I have read that some people can switch over from one to another with no problems, but others go through a rough time.

It's hard to know if you are experiencing W/D from Lex or start up from Paxil.

I will be interested to see what others say.

good luck to you!

Dawn

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 7:14 pm

The first time I went to the hospital for a panic attack, I was given Paxil and was told to take the full dose and slowly reduce the mg amt. THAT WAS THE WORST 3 DAYS OF MY LIFE!!! I totally know how you felt. I could not sleep for 3 days straight and I felt 10x's worse. My pupils started dialating and I had to go back to the hospital and they recommended to stop taking the drug immediately because my system was shutting down, even if you are suppose to ween yourself. What I have learned is that there are numerous class-action lawsuits against the makers of Paxil because the side effects also include heart related problems people are dying from as a result of taking the drug. Consider yourself lucky, because the long term effect of Paxil are not worth your life.