Lexapro vs. Paxil

[MCG3]

I have been trying Lexapro for a while 3 wks on 20mg started at 10mg. It seems to be making my depression worse, so-so for anxiety. I just feel so down. I have promised (myself, psych, husband) that I would give it 4 weeks at this dose and if it hasn't helped then I would make a change. I am trying to hang in there- 4 weeks is next Friday the 18th. I just feel like I can't wait for the 18th so I can go back on Paxil which has always worked for me. I just want to give it a full try so that I don't have any doubts later, but I seriously doubt that my mood is going to change that drastically in a week. Any thoughts? I changed from the Paxil to Lexapro b/c supposedly Lexapro had fewer side effects such as weight gain etc., which was my main reason for switching. I was carrying an extra 10-20 pds on the Paxil, but I know that Lexapro can cause weight gain too. Has anyone been able to lose weight on Paxil? Any insights on weight gain on either drug or ability to lose weight. The weight is so tied into my self esteem, I don't want to be fat, but I don't want to be miserable either. When you are so down & depressed, it is hard to have the energy to focus on diet and exercise anyway.

[derfy]

Paxil made me feel like life was one huge party. I indulged in everything, food, especially. I gained 35 lbs and nothing mattered to me. I weaned off of it and then 6 months later the anxiety came back and my doc told me to try Lexapro. It's been a year and a half and I haven't gained as much weight and life is more real now. I can cry, which I couldn't on Paxil and I definately feel like Lexapro has less side effects.

It does take the full 8 weeks to feel better on Lexapro.

Hang in there,
Jacqui