Anxiety

[Longmire]

I have been taking Paxil for around 13yrs and it doesn’t seem to be working anymore. My dr prescribed Lexapro 20mg. My anxiety is really bad lately. So do you just quit the Paxil cold turkey? And start the lexapro? And how long does it take to start working? I can’t be around a lot of people for a long period of time without feeling anxious and light headed. Please help!!!

[Hidden]

You might find your pharmacist can help you here. There's also an anxiety forum on Health Unlocked.

[Vtacker]

I took Paxil for 12 years. Finally had enough with the side effects and decided to quit. Weaned myself off with diminishing doses over a months time. Withdrawal was not good. At least a month of huge mood swings. I could break into tears over the most trivial thing. Had lots of what are referred to as brain zaps... like getting a shock to the brain. The side effects slowly got less frequent. But I still had crazy nightmares that I attributed to Paxil for a year or more later. I’m SSRI free for 6 years now and even though I still suffer depression and anxiety I am thrilled to have my life back. I see a therapist once or twice a month and have found the tools they have given me to really help. My depression and anxiety can be very bad at times but I would rather deal with than take the drugs. I’m 69 years old.

[Longmire in reply to Vtacker]

I have a question I’ve been on Paxil for over 10 years and I quit taking it cold turkey about a week ago because my doctor prescribed lexapro and started taking it. I’ve started having like brain zaps or buzzing when I turn my head I don’t k is if it’s from withdrawals or the lexapro please help.