My husband was prescribed Paxil AS NEEDED?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jan 21, 2010 6:49 am

I know this should be in the prescription meds section but let me explain:

I am very confused...my husband has developed some anxiety issues and he went to the doctor today...i have an appointment myself later (which is why i wanted to post this here because it may get answered quicker then he can talk to the doctor when he goes in with me) but...he was prescribed not one but two meds.

He was told to take one every day and to take another for panic attacks.....thing is....this is what he was given:

Alprazolam 0.25 mg 1 tablet orally twice a day.

So this the doctor said was for general anxiety.

He was given Paxil 20 mg 1 tablet orally every other day.

Is it just me or is this backward? paxil is an anti depressant is it not? Wouldn't you think that would be the drug one would take every day and the other be the one to take for panic attacks? I don't see paxil being a quick acting thing for panic attacks. I took it once myself.....does anyone else find this weird?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jan 21, 2010 11:11 am

Hi-
first off, I'll say that I am a registered pharmacist.

I haven't heard of someone starting out Paxil every other day, but maybe that is to minimize side effects. Paxil is not quick acting for panic attacks, you are right. The aprazolam (Xanax) is the short acting benzodiazepine that is used for acute episodes of anxiety.

I'd double check with the pharmacist and the doctor until you are satisfied that you and he/she are on the same page.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jan 22, 2010 5:23 am

Originally posted by newrunner:
Hi-
first off, I'll say that I am a registered pharmacist.

I haven't heard of someone starting out Paxil every other day, but maybe that is to minimize side effects. Paxil is not quick acting for panic attacks, you are right. The aprazolam (Xanax) is the short acting benzodiazepine that is used for acute episodes of anxiety.

I'd double check with the pharmacist and the doctor until you are satisfied that you and he/she are on the same page.

Naw he never said to minimize side effects...he said it was for panic attacks but why prescribe TWO panic attack drugs? And the one that is typically every day...every other day or as needed? Doesn't make sense....He just got the xanax filled and is leaving it at that.