Quick history is I was on Paxil for 20 years, decided to quit (I know not a smart decision).
I have been suffering horribly the last several months and have visited the doctor several times and tried a variety of new medicines, currently on Lexapro 10mg that I take in once a day in the morning. I wake up everyday in horrible panic attack that last for several hours, usually calming down in the evenings. Is this normal? Or does this sound like I may need another drug. I am worried that the doctor will want to put me back on Paxil "as that worked in the past".
I am new here and need help?
Question posted by matt0 on 16 Aug 2021
Last updated on 27 August 2021
3 Answers
Valene11
26 Aug 2021
I also stopped Paxil 8 weeks ago after 25 years. I was having symptoms of depression and anxiety so my doctor said the Paxil probably stopped working which happens sometimes. He put me on lexapro which was fine for about 2 weeks then I started having panicky feelings. The anxiety is worse in the morning and is better at the end of the day. I often have to take a Xanax to calm down. Been on lexapro for 5 weeks now and have been told to give it another week or two to feel better. Hoping it works!
WildcatVet
26 Aug 2021
Hi, Valene!
"How Long Does It Take For Escitalopram (Lexapro) To Work?
Sleep, energy, or appetite may show some improvement within the first 1-2 weeks. Improvement in these physical symptoms can be an important early signal that the medication is working. Depressed mood and lack of interest in activities may need up to 6-8 weeks to fully improve."
This quote is from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
I'm sorry your Paxil "pooped out" on you... that does tend to happen after long term use and 25 years is certainly long term. New or increased anxiety is common during this initial period of treatment but it will subside.
I loved my Lexapro and took it for over seven years. I hope it's equally effective for you.
Valene11
26 Aug 2021
Wildcat
Do you mind me asking why you got off the lexapro?
WildcatVet
26 Aug 2021
@valene.
I developed late onset Bipolar disorder and the Lexapro made me have manic episodes. The same thing happened with Effexor so I'm now taking Wellbutrin which is an atypical antidepressant.
It's too bad because both worked well for my depression/anxiety. Wellbutrin is great for my depression but not so much for anxiety.
matt0
26 Aug 2021
Sounds exactly like me. I went back to my doctor yesterday and am stopping Lexapro and switching back to Paxil. The last several days my panic/anxiety has been non-stop all day. What a nightmare.
Valene11
26 Aug 2021
Matt how long were you on lexapro. I am going to doctor tomorrow and may switch back also.
WildcatVet
26 Aug 2021
It's very ironic that an antidepressant/anxiolytic might cause new or increased anxiety/panic. For most people it's mild and subsides very quickly but for sensitive people it can be pretty intense... and scary.
Good luck to both of you! Hope you're better very soon.
matt0
27 Aug 2021
Val i was on it for about 6 weeks it was horrible for me
matt0
27 Aug 2021
Thanks. Just my luck to be in the small minority of patients that get the bad side effects.
Valene11
27 Aug 2021
I’m curious. Is your doctor tapering you off the lexapro or are you doing a direct switch back to Paxil? Hope you are feeling better soon.
matt0
27 Aug 2021
My doctor had me just do a direct switch from Lexapro to Paxil.
WildcatVet
16 Aug 2021
Hi, matt!
Increased anxiety is common and panic reaction less so but still experienced by many people starting treatment with various antidepressant/anxiolytics.
Is your doctor aware of the fact that you're having these panic attacks? You might try a lower dose until your metabolism adjusts more or they might be able to prescribe a short term course of a mild sedative to get you through to when the Lexapro becomes fully therapeutic.
These are just some ideas that you should bring up when you speak with your doctor.
BTW, why worry about going back on Paxil if it worked for you?
Best regards and I hope you're feeling better quickly.
matt0
24 Aug 2021
thanks for the replies,
im now 5 weeks in and on 15 mg lex and experiencing horrible body spasms, is this normal ?
how do you know if the dose is too high, or too low or if its the wrong med altogether?
WildcatVet
24 Aug 2021
Did you have this problem when you were on the 10mg dose? If not, maybe your doctor could lower your dose for a while.
The dose is too low if you're not seeing significant improvement by now. It can take 4-8 weeks to feel the full therapeutic effects but you should be feeling at least somewhat better by now. Are you still having the anxiety attacks or have they subsided?
Have you been communicating with your doctor? You should keep them informed about your progress and the side effects you're having.
TKMarsh711
16 Aug 2021
Why did you quit the Paxil? Did you wean yourself off? If the Paxil was still working for you I'd say get back on that. I take Klonopin in the morning and at night. I also wake with anxiety most of the time. I take 20 mg. Lexapro at night and have for 14 years. I take Gabapentin and Buspar, all for anxiety. I often think to myself, I need to get off of these drugs. But if I'm feeling good I hate to ruin that.
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