Lexapro vs Paxil Options

[Karen03]

Well I have decided to go on something, the anxiety in the morning is just too much for me, it's almost dipilatating! My doctor suggested Paxil, however; I was told that Lexapro is very good for anxiety.

Does anyone have any experience with eithor of these? I know Lexapro hasn't been around as long as Paxil, I don't know if that's good or bad.

I would greatly appreciate any feedback........

Thanks again for EVERYTHING!!!!

K~

[lidge26]

karen-

The morning anxiety is horrid, I know. Regarding Paxil and Lexapro. Lexapro is supposedly the best, but I didn't have luck with it for anxiety. On the other hand, I may not have taken a high enough dose. Lexapro seems to be the one most try first these days.

Paxil may well be better for the anxiety. The only thing I will tell you is that the psych I went to doesn't like to use it as much as the withdrawal can be more difficult. Bring this up with your doctor.

When you say doctor, is this a regular GP or a psychiatrist? Personally, I believe it is important to find someone that knows their meds. I think a key question for you (and me) is what AD is the most beneficial in alleviating anxiety. Many ADs can exacerbate it. I'm trying to find out myself the answer to this question.

The PR for Lexapro is great, but the fact is the company that puts it out has done a phenomenal job marketing it.

If you are using a regular doctor, find out what experience and training he has in prescribing these meds.

Lexapro hasn't been around as long, so obviously there hasn't been as much time to find out the problems. Many women on this site have received help with it. ADs initially can exacerbate anxiety, so discuss this with your doc as well.

I find it absurd that we have to pick our meds like candy from a candy store, as opposed to the experts knowing what is most likely to help.

[RedFox]

Well I have decided to go on something, the anxiety in the morning is just too much for me, it's almost dipilatating! My doctor suggested Paxil, however; I was told that Lexapro is very good for anxiety.

Karen, have you considered using Ativan or Xanax rather than the anti-depressants Paxil and Lexapro? Ativan and Xanax are tranquilizers, very good for anxiety, and sometimes just a very small amount, like .25mg, is enough to take the "edge" off. I have a prescrption for Ativan, each pill is .5mg, but sometimes I break it in half. I had terrible anxiety, usually in the mornings, when I was 45 to 50 (I'm almost 52 now), and that's when I used the Ativan. Now, I get mild anxiety sometimes, and I've found the herb, valerian, to be just as effective as Ativan, so that's what I usually reach for.

I took Paxil about 10 years ago for depression, and suffered dizzy spells for about three months after weaning off of it very slowly. I don't know if Paxil now is new and improved, but that's what my experience was at that time.

Hope this helps!

RedFox

[Gia*]

Be prepare to possibley gain weight with either one of these drugs. Both are the grandchildren of Prozac. Paxil and Celexa (Lexapro's sister) eliminated my anxiety lickety split, but I gained 40lbs over a two year period IN SPITE of daily rigorous exercise. Some people don't gain, but statistically MOST will gain some weight. Yes, ALL will lose weight in the beginning therapy, but will gain it all back and themsome right around the 9-12 month mark.

I've been off of these drugs for almost two years, dropped 20 of the 40lbs. I've been the worst anxiety ever without these drugs and I'm just fine. I'd rather take xanax as needed, IMHO.

These drugs work well, but I urge others to do your homework and weigh the risks (ie, possible weight gain)

[mrsb76]

Also keep in mind that you will probably need some Xanax or Ativan at the beginning because they usually cause higher anxiety to start.

They gave my son Paxil for anxiety and he took one. It gave him a huge panic attack and he never took another! Now he just uses klonopin when they get too bad.

[Gia*]

Also keep in mind that you will probably need some Xanax or Ativan at the beginning because they usually cause higher anxiety to start.

They gave my son Paxil for anxiety and he took one. It gave him a huge panic attack and he never took another! Now he just uses klonopin when they get too bad.

You are so correct with the increased anxiety! I had one of the worst panic attacks of my life during the first week on paxil.

[RedFox]

This happened to me too. I started getting anxiety after going on Paxil, and the doctor told me that anxiety was a common side effect, so she prescribed Ativan. I thought, "Man, this is crazy!"

[Lisalaw]

Thought I'd get in on the AD discussion.

I honestly don't think anyone has had anxiety WORSE than I've had. Maybe just as bad but not worse. I'm talking 24/7 intense panic attacks. Was going out of my mind.

I started zoloft in June along with lorazapem (generic ativan, I think.) My doctor started me on 25 mg and I increased at two or three week intervals until I reached 100 mg. I was taking 2 lorazapem per day. Now I take one at the most and sometimes can skip days. It's so much better than it was and I am functioning and have started a new job. I do not feel "good as new." Some days, like today, are better than others but I can't imagine what life would be like today if I had not gotten medical help. I don't know about the weight gain thing. I lost way too much weight with the anxiety attacks and have barely gained a pound even though my appetite has greatly increased. Who knows what will happen but I'd rather be overweight than have panic attacks or depression. I'd also rather be on medication the rest of my life than to suffer like I had been. I try not to project into the future. It doesn't help much.

Everyone's reaction is different. I do know that the lorazapem or ativan helps a person stick with the AD long enough for it to work.

Hasn't helped with the sleep thing yet. It's supposed to in time. Still waiting.

Hope that helps in some way.

Lisa

[lydia52]

Just thought I'd post my experience of lexapro. I only took it for about 3 months, as my doctor thought it may help with menopausal symptoms - not really depression. Expected to feel on top of the world, but in fact I felt no different. Until I started to come off the tablets. Then I felt twitchy and as though someone was digging pins in me. Short sharp pains all over. Now gone, so I can only associate this with those tablets.

[mauras]

karen,

When I started with peri about 4 yrs ago, I went on the pill to help with the hot flashes, heart racing, etc. but I still had a lot of anxiety. My doctor put me on Lexapro and within 2 weeks I felt great. I went off it the next year and the anxiety came back so I went back on it. Last December , after having been on it for one year straight, and since I was feeling fine, I decided to go off it again. I was fine until a few months ago when the anxiety slowly but surely crept back in. So, you guessed it - I am back on it again. It took about 3 weeks this time to get the full effect, but I feel no anxiety at all. One thing that you should definitely do is get ativan or xanax to take for the first few weeks you start it. This ensures that you won't get more anxious while waiting for the Lexapro to kick in. I had really bad morning anxiety so my Doctor told me to take .5 mg of ativan as soon as I got up in the morning so that I could get beyond that until the Lexapro kicked in. It really worked.

I hope you find relief. Anxiety can consume your life and we are too young to live like that!

maura

[icedancer]

karen,

When I started with peri about 4 yrs ago, I went on the pill to help with the hot flashes, heart racing, etc. but I still had a lot of anxiety. My doctor put me on Lexapro and within 2 weeks I felt great. I went off it the next year and the anxiety came back so I went back on it. Last December , after having been on it for one year straight, and since I was feeling fine, I decided to go off it again. I was fine until a few months ago when the anxiety slowly but surely crept back in. So, you guessed it - I am back on it again. It took about 3 weeks this time to get the full effect, but I feel no anxiety at all. One thing that you should definitely do is get ativan or xanax to take for the first few weeks you start it. This ensures that you won't get more anxious while waiting for the Lexapro to kick in. I had really bad morning anxiety so my Doctor told me to take .5 mg of ativan as soon as I got up in the morning so that I could get beyond that until the Lexapro kicked in. It really worked.

I hope you find relief. Anxiety can consume your life and we are too young to live like that!

maura

Hi Maura,

I took the Lexapro for 2 days and was consumed with horrible anxiety
when I took the meds. I thought I was going to go insane. I have
heard many people are helped with this antidepressant. Does
the Lexapro increase your anxiety in the beginning? I wanted
to try it for depression and anxiety. I couldn't tolerate the anxious
restless feelings. I may try it again at a much lower dose. Does
it make you gain weight?
icedancer

[lidge26]

IceDancer-

I tried the Lexapro at a very low dose- liquid form working up to
5mg. I still felt as you did with the anxiety. Isn't it great to feel more insane when you are trying to get sane!

I haven't tried another since. I'm wondering if anyone knows an AD that is actually "soothing" to anxiety while killing the depression. I will not take Wellbutrin after hearing about the seizures. Is Zoloft good for the anxiety as well?

I was watching Rosie O'Donell on the View and she said she takes ADs. She looks much calmer than she used to. Wonder what she takes?

I worry about the weight gain too, IceDancer, but Lexapro is supposed to be ok for that I think.

[Ladycakes95]

I tried Zoloft the first time I took it, the next day it made me so anxious for almost a week. I haven't tired it again.

[yepthatsme2]

Just wanted to reply to these posts.

Every day for nearly a year and a half, I had extreme anxiety, panic and depression.
Can't tolerate the estrogen, due to abnormal mamo's, family history and my age.

So, I take 10 mg. of Lexapro and xanax if needed.
Yes, I did have the increase of anxiety in the beginning of Lexapro.
Took about 6 weeks before I noticed the anxiety starting to not be an everyday occurance. Depression lightened up with the first two weeks.
As I near the 4 months mark, I still have bouts of anxiety here and there, but not near the intensity or daily, as in the beginning.

I tried several AD's before the Lexapro, couldn't stay with them because of increased anxiety or different side effects...but, when push came to shove...and the depression and anxiety wasn't leaving....I couldn't get out of bed....didn't think I could deal with one more crisis meno or otherwise...feeling the next crisis, just might break the shell.
I deceided come what may....side effects or not...I needed to live...as a functioning person again.

With exercise and diet, plus the Lexapro...I function. Not as before the peri/meno...but, I greet the day now...work thru my issue's, helath and otherwise....and move on.
But, as we all know what works for one might not always work for another.
It's all trail and error...possibly, even sucess.





By the way I started at a 5mg, after a week I increased to 10.
Doctor wanted me at 20, so I increased the next week to 15....didn't feel quite right at the 15, so I decreased back to 10 mg.
Have been at 10 for about 2 months, it's where I feel the best.
Any increase will bring on the anxiety...so expect it, until your body adjusts.

I haven't gained any weight in fact...I've lost about 5-6 pounds.

But, like I said...we are all different.

[mauras]

icedancer,

The lexapro did seem to increase my anxiety a little at first, that is why my doctor suggested that until it fully kicked in, I should take an ativan each day with it. This is what really allowed me to continue on it. After a few weeks when it kicked in, I just stopped taking the ativan each day and was fine.

I have not gained weight from it any of the time I took it.

Maura

[icedancer]

icedancer,

The lexapro did seem to increase my anxiety a little at first, that is why my doctor suggested that until it fully kicked in, I should take an ativan each day with it. This is what really allowed me to continue on it. After a few weeks when it kicked in, I just stopped taking the ativan each day and was fine.

I have not gained weight from it any of the time I took it.

Maura

Thanks Maura for your reply. The information you posted about the
lexapro helps quite a bit.

icedancer

IceDancer-

I tried the Lexapro at a very low dose- liquid form working up to
5mg. I still felt as you did with the anxiety. Isn't it great to feel more insane when you are trying to get sane!

I haven't tried another since. I'm wondering if anyone knows an AD that is actually "soothing" to anxiety while killing the depression. I will not take Wellbutrin after hearing about the seizures. Is Zoloft good for the anxiety as well?

I was watching Rosie O'Donell on the View and she said she takes ADs. She looks much calmer than she used to. Wonder what she takes?

I worry about the weight gain too, IceDancer, but Lexapro is supposed to be ok for that I think.

Thanks for posting about your experience with lexapro. I would think the liquid form would hit your bloodstream faster and seem stronger
than in a capsule. I have heard people often have to try 7-10
different ADs to find the right one. It is very frustrating. The
first few weeks are hard due to side effects. Wellbutrin made
my son real nervous and agitated-even after 3 months. Great
for people who want t lose weight though. lol Good luck finding
the right AD for you. I'll keep trying too!

icedancer

[Gia*]

Do be careful with the weight gain. Like I said in an earlier post--> Most people will lose a buttload of weight in the beginning therapy with SSRI's. All SSRI's will cause weight gain in most people in the 9-12 of continuous therapy. Don't believe me? Open Google and type SSRI,weight gain and report how many hits you get.

Lexapro is simply Celexa with a molecule turned around! The pharmaceutical company did this because Celexa's patent was running out. Change a portion of a molecule, and VIOLA, a new drug to patent to make millions and millions of dollars from the consumers. Why in the world do you think doctor's are pushing Lexapro like it was the best thing since sliced bread! The doctor's are pushing Lexapro because they get freebies/incentives from the pharmaceutical company.

As you can see, I'm very passionate that us ladies needing to do our homework and interogate these doctors dispensing pills to us like it was candy. It pisses me off to no end that doctors give out these AD's, like the little darling of the moment, Lexapro and don't tell their patients the adverse side effects like increased anxiety in the beginning, sexual dysfunction and weight gain. My doctor looked at me like I was nuts when I questioned her on why I was piling on the pounds 1 year into Paxil, IN SPITE Of running 35-40 miles a week plus other types of aerobic training.

[alyce07]

[font=Lucida Console]

Do be careful with the weight gain. Like I said in an earlier post--> Most people will lose a buttload of weight in the beginning therapy with SSRI's. All SSRI's will cause weight gain in most people in the 9-12 of continuous therapy. Don't believe me? Open Google and type SSRI,weight gain and report how many hits you get.

Lexapro is simply Celexa with a molecule turned around! The pharmaceutical company did this because Celexa's patent was running out. Change a portion of a molecule, and VIOLA, a new drug to patent to make millions and millions of dollars from the consumers. Why in the world do you think doctor's are pushing Lexapro like it was the best thing since sliced bread! The doctor's are pushing Lexapro because they get freebies/incentives from the pharmaceutical company.

As you can see, I'm very passionate that us ladies needing to do our homework and interogate these doctors dispensing pills to us like it was candy. It pisses me off to no end that doctors give out these AD's, like the little darling of the moment, Lexapro and don't tell their patients the adverse side effects like increased anxiety in the beginning, sexual dysfunction and weight gain. My doctor looked at me like I was nuts when I questioned her on why I was piling on the pounds 1 year into Paxil, IN SPITE Of running 35-40 miles a week plus other types of aerobic training.

[alyce07]

[font=Lucida Console]

Gia, You go girl!! I so agree with you about big pharma. It astounds me how prevalent drug commercials are these days. They'd like us to believe we have every ailment known to man in order to keep their cash rolling in. Some of the commercials don't even make it very obvious what the drug is used for, but tell you to ask your doctor. I always try some kind of herbal before heading for the doctor for traditional meds. My Dr gave me a prescription for Xanax last year and I have yet to use it. I guess I like knowing it's there, just in case. But truthfully, I'm afraid of most medication and their side effects. When I realized that the final drug trials are when its released to the public, that really freaked me out. Like everyone, I wish there were a magic pill for my anxiety, which is HORRIBLE sometimes, especially in the morning, but I keep plodding along and experimenting with herbals to see what works best for me.

I have a friend who takes Lexapro and another who's been on Paxil for at least 10 years. They both seem happy with their choices so far. I have no personal knowledge of either drug.

Lastly... most of us seem most affected by anxiety in the morning. Google 'The Dawn Phenomenon' and check it out. It helps explain why mornings are usually our worst time of day. 95% of the time, I'm fine by late afternoon.

Bottom line, find what works for you and what you're comfortable with. It may be totally different than someone elses choices. Trust yourself.

[Striving for Bal...]

Hi, I'm new here . I have been visiting since Mid July and today decided to join. I woke up June 1st this year with a panic attack that did not go away for 3 days, long story short I went to an emergency department , "Ha Ha" no help there, I was treated like a junkie looking for drugs. It was so frightening that I finally on the third day turned myself in to a crises center. I had experienced no anxiety or panic prior to this with the exception of 30 years ago which lasted for about 3 months and was helped with valium. I was in the crises center for three days and was put on Zolof at night and Buspar by day. The Zolof in its-self was a NIGHTMARE for me ,although I have girlfriends that swear by it. I quit taking the Zolof on the 7th day. I have been taking Buspar since .I take 15mg when I get up and I take 10 at night. I was not able to control the anxiety for the first two weeks at all, the third week I went back to work and only occasionaly had crying spells and small panic attacks. I do notice that mid month each month it is worse and I haven't had a period for over 2 years yet it still seems to follow a cycle. I am 53 this year and had not had any symptons of menopause until June 1 with no warning BAM! My mornings like most of you are bad then as the days goes on I feel better and at bedtime I wonder is it all over but each morning I am reminded it is not. The Buspar has made it possible for me to keep my job and to get through each day.It does not leave me feeling drugged just normal. I am told it is not an addictive drug and it is used mostly for anxiety not depression .I also was afraid to take meds, but my doctor and girlfriend convinced me to try them. The Buspar has been a blessing that has allowed me to continue each day without hiding in my house.
Sorry to be so long I don't usually post on forums but this one is so important right now. Thanks to all the wonderful people and advise I have received from it .
Kathy

[Clarissa]

I am only familiar with Paxil which is called Seroxat here in Uk, I have been on a small dose for 7 years after my father died iIwas very unwell, I think now some of it was peri as my symptoms also seemed like thyroid but blood showed normal and now I see they were Peri and all the stress of supporting my Mom and greaving myself got too much I was very unwell and my family alsmost pressured me into taking it I really regret it it is addictive and for some people very very hard to get off, if I forget a dose occasionaly I fel awful and only stay on it now as I cant cope getting off it especially with the increased anxiety with hormones, I personally wouldnt recomen it to anyone and it interacts with other drugs and even herbs so I am restircted in what I can take. If the anxiety is really bad I think I would go for Ativan for a very short while in the smallest doses I have been badly addicted to valium when I was younger and wouldnt touch it but have also had Ativan which is addictive but if you are careful short term it would help bit I would never advise anyone to rake Paxil. My Ex Dentist took 18 months to get right after taking Paxil (seroxat) and I saw a programme in UK where many people were going through hell to get off it, My own Daughter took venlafaxine which is a cousin of it and she went through an awful lot to get off as well.

[alyce07]

I have a friend who's been on Paxil for probably 12 years now. I don't think she ever thinks about going off of it because it helped her so much with her agorophobia. But it's quite scary to think she may have terrible withdrawals if/when she decides to stop taking it. We're all different and I guess we just have to use what works best for each of us.

[jacquio]

You are so correct with the increased anxiety! I had one of the worst panic attacks of my life during the first week on paxil.

I had a much better initial response to Paxil and Zoloft than I did to Lexapro. Lexapro made my anxiety WORSE the whole first month, and I had to take Xanax to counteract the problem. I weaned myself off after three months.
I had no problems withdrawing slowly over a few weeks from both Paxil or Zoloft after a few years on them. I try not to read all the side effects of drugs because the drug companies have to report anything even one person may have experienced during drug trials.
Now I just take .25 or .5 mg of Xanax on a particulary anxiety-ridden day, and that type of day is usually near my period, which is unpredictable at my age (51), so I carry it with me just in case...

[Montana1]

I have been on Lexapro for one week. I also started progesterone cream on the same day. I have been feeling really well this week. Anxiety is reduced alot. Other peri symptoms have decreased alot too. Or who knows? maybe it is just a coincidence and I am having the one good week out of the month.
So far I do recommend Lexapro.

Montana.

[Dakotalady]

Just wanted to add my 2 cents worth. I had anxiety and would also cry for no reason due to what I feel was my hormones and exhaustion. Doctor first gave me Effexor which I only tried for a week which made my heart race. Then the Zoloft which I gave a go for 6 weeks up to 50mg. Couldn't handle the constant diarrhea and whole body shaking. Even the Ativan prescribed with it didn't seem to help. Am weaning myself off of it, but now my doctor prescribed Depakote ER!!! I asked if there were other options, but he pushed this and wouldn't give me any others. This is a heavy duty drug for bi-polar conditions and manic depression! After reading the side effects there is no way I am taking this! I mean, I thought my doctor was pretty intelligent, I have anxiety due to hormones and if I am slightly depressed, its only because I physically don't feel well. Does he think that I am crazy? Has anyone else felt that they had an AD prescribed to them that was unreasonable?

[lidge26]

Dakotalady,

Just read your post and agree with you about the drug you were prescribed. I looked at their own website and they list three approved uses - bipolar, epilepsy, and migraine prevention. IF your doctor has some brilliant off-label use in mind, he better explain it to you!

Was this a regular gp that prescribed? Get another opinion either way. I'm struggling with trying to get an AD to help with first time depression and I understand what you are going through. Nevertheless, I'm glad you are questioning this drug as it does not seem to be one that is generally used for regular (not bipolar)
depression.

Don't these doctors realize that there is a wealth of information online and that they can't just throw the kitchen sink at us?

[mrsb76]

Dakota,

I am so glad you didn't take this drug! Too many people just trust their doctors and take whatever is prescribed without doing any research.

My DD was on this for a little while,prescribed by yet another know-it-all doctor for an anxiety disorder. She now has a damaged esophogus from it. You absolutely cannot take this at night. It just eats away your tissues. They tell you somewhere in the fine print to take it at least a half hour before lying down but they sure don't tell you what will happen if you don't!

[Ladycakes95]

I can tell you my experience with a GP give AD's it s*cks. I feel the best person to deal with is a psychiatrist when it comes to AD's these people specalize in these kind of meds.(Not going to say all psychiatrist are the best but they deal with these type of things all the time) I just started taking Lexapro about 4wks now and so far so good. I have finally went to see a psychiatrist and he started me on 5mg then after a couple of days I went to 10mg. I was a little nerves about moving up to 10mg at first, the side effect I had was for about a week it made me very sleepy and I was yawning all day long. But as of right now i'm doing good on it.

My GP tired to give me meds but it seems she just gave up on me. I had tired 2 and neither one had agreed with me. My GP told me well i don't know what I can do for you, at that point I was fed up. I told my psychiatrist my experience with the Zoloft and Effexor he told me with these AD's they are hit or miss. As of right now he told me he will keep me on the meds for about 10 to 12 months and hopefully I won't need them after this. So far I like my psychiatrist, because he is working with me and not against me. When I first called my psychiatrist to tell him what I have been dealing with he told me you sure your not going thought a hormonal problem. (He is a keeper in my eyes

It will be a year come next month I have been dealing with the anxiety and depression, it was so debiliating for me I would stay home from about a week until it would uplift. Up until last month that's when I said to myself I need help.

And your right it's best to do your research before taking any meds. When I first started the lexapro I was on the internet for about 2wks finding out about this med.

(Thanks to the ladies on PS who help keep our minds positive)

[yepthatsme2]

Just wanted to add my 2 cents worth. I had anxiety and would also cry for no reason due to what I feel was my hormones and exhaustion. Doctor first gave me Effexor which I only tried for a week which made my heart race. Then the Zoloft which I gave a go for 6 weeks up to 50mg. Couldn't handle the constant diarrhea and whole body shaking. Even the Ativan prescribed with it didn't seem to help. Am weaning myself off of it, but now my doctor prescribed Depakote ER!!! I asked if there were other options, but he pushed this and wouldn't give me any others. This is a heavy duty drug for bi-polar conditions and manic depression! After reading the side effects there is no way I am taking this! I mean, I thought my doctor was pretty intelligent, I have anxiety due to hormones and if I am slightly depressed, its only because I physically don't feel well. Does he think that I am crazy? Has anyone else felt that they had an AD prescribed to them that was unreasonable?

Dakota,

Depakote, is used for bipolar disorder, normally when the person is manic. (My daughter has bipolar).
It can also be used to treat epilepsy and migraine headache's.
Depression, no.

I've read the top three antidepressant used to treat menopausal women, are Paxil, Zoloft, and Prozac.
Any and all of these drugs can cause anxiety when you first start use. The reason most doctors prescribe the anxiety medicine to go with them. Anxiety medicines in them themselves can cause anxiety. Doesn't seem right...does it?

Cognitive behavioral therapy...has been shown to help people with depression.
The therapist helps the patient establish new ways of thinking.
To identify and change wrong thoughts that they may have of themselves, and the world around them.

Others have found help with 5HTP, and SAM-e (supplements).
(You cannot take these supplements while on a course Of anti-depressants).

Your regular GP, is not qualified to prescribe such medication as Depakote.
It would require a diagnosis from a qualified psychiatrist.

We have to become advocates for ourselves. Research everything, before making any decisions concerning your health.
Even the medical professional, don't always have the correct answers.


Yep

I take 10 mg. Lexapro for my depression and anxiety, anxious in the beginning...that has since faded. Depression and sleep have returned.

It's what AD works for you...many women find it take several trials of AD's, before they find the right one for them. Then other times the first one works.
Everyone is different.

[yepthatsme2]

Meant to say my depression has left, and sleep returned.
Sorry.