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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by blahzay128 on June 29, 2007, at 23:52:26
Hello all....I just discovered this site tonight and have been browsing for the past several hours. I finally registered b/c there it looks like there is a ton of experience and support available here.
I'll cut to the chase. I have been on Paxil for approx. 5 yrs b/c of GAD and panic disorder...started w/ paxil now on Paxil CR @ 37.5mg. Had a break of approx. 6 months off meds but got back on b/c panic attacks got bad. I compete in bodybuilding shows and have noticed that the paxil has caused some unwanted weight gains...specifically in the lower abdominals and chest area..
My doc has recommended that I switch to Lexapro b/c of the lesser side effects. He said that I can switch from paxil to Lexapro overnight...no weaning neccessary. Is this correct? Also, he stated that I take 10mg in the AM and 10mg in the PM and this will translate to approx. an equivalent dosage amt. as the paxil cr. I've never used any other SSRI and I guess I'm just nervous b/c of fear of falling back into that debilitating panic state of being.
Any need to worry about serotonin-syndrome b/c of the immediate switch from pax to lex. Anybody done this switch before??? Also, is Lexapro effective in treating panic attacks. Any advice on what I can expect. Sorry if I seem a bit desperate here. Sometimes it feels like you are alone in dealing w/ these issues b/c a doc doesn't have the time to hear out all your concerns. I'm heading to bed and hopefully I'll see some responses in the morning. Thanks in advance,
Sincerely,
Confused on what to do :)
Posted by Justherself54 on June 30, 2007, at 0:30:21
In reply to Switching from Paxil to Lexapro..HELP NEEDED, posted by blahzay128 on June 29, 2007, at 23:52:26
I've switching right away from Paxil to Zoloft and from Zoloft to Lexapro, although i stayed at 10 mg as I found 20 to have too many side effects..so you should be Ok.
Posted by Phillipa on June 30, 2007, at 11:15:34
In reply to Re: Switching from Paxil to Lexapro..HELP NEEDED, posted by Justherself54 on June 30, 2007, at 0:30:21
I switched from l0mg of paxil to 20mg of celexa. And also any SSRI I was switched was done right away to avoid any withdrawal like the brain zaps. I'm learning that all the meds can cause stomach weight gain how lucky you are that you need no bezos as they complicate the picture. Good luck on you switch and the body building. Love Phillipa
Posted by blahzay128 on June 30, 2007, at 15:15:33
In reply to Re: Switching from Paxil to Lexapro..HELP NEEDED, posted by Phillipa on June 30, 2007, at 11:15:34
Thanks for the help..this board is really great. I guess I'm just nervous about having any new panic/anxiety when starting the new med....I'm sure I'll be coming here more w/ questions and updates.
***anyone else w/ any experience or advice please feel free to add on as it is appreciated.
thanks!
Posted by blahzay128 on June 30, 2007, at 15:40:08
In reply to Switching from Paxil to Lexapro..HELP NEEDED, posted by blahzay128 on June 29, 2007, at 23:52:26
Another quick question.....
Does it make sense to go from 37.5 mg of Paxil CR to 20mg of Lexapro? Is that too much? Should I start at 10mg of lexapro...or is that too weak a dose compared to my current dose of Paxil....and will this lead to withdrawal type symptoms if I go from 37.5 mg Paxil to 10mg Lexapro?
Thanks in advance!!!!
Posted by Phillipa on June 30, 2007, at 20:52:43
In reply to QUICK QUESTION.....THANKS!!!!, posted by blahzay128 on June 30, 2007, at 15:40:08
If that is what the pdoc ordered try you will know very quickly if it's too low the wierd spacey brain zaps. Keep us updated. Love Phillipa
Posted by Glydin on July 1, 2007, at 0:06:30
In reply to Switching from Paxil to Lexapro..HELP NEEDED, posted by blahzay128 on June 29, 2007, at 23:52:26
> Also, is Lexapro effective in treating panic attacks. Any advice on what I can expect.
~~~ Welcome to you.
I can't address any switcheroo concerns or equivalancy questions but I can give a huge shout out to how Lex has been wonderful for me for GAD, panic attacks, agoraphobia, general garden variety anxiety symptoms and (not the least) my cormorbid depression. I hope that is helpful for you to hear or maybe slightly encouraging?
I was able to give up benzo use after three years routinely as Lex has been that effective for me. It also removed the anticipatory anxiety.... prepping for almost constant fear of a panic attack..... amazing, as a benzo did not help accomplish that goal. Fearing fear was the worse for me.
I began with 10 mgs and went up to 20 mgs at six months in. I have seen a weight gain of about 8 lbs. in two years which I actually needed as I had been a bit debilitated by "worry" weight loss.
I'm all good..... praises be.....I hope you find it works as well for you and I hope the switch goes smooth.
This is the end of the thread.
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