Hello. My Name Is Julia. I Am 53. Taking Paxil

Posted on Sat, 27 Oct 2018

Question: Hello. My name is Julia. I am 53. Taking Paxil 30 for a couple years and was on 20 mg for 17 years. Lately it was a lot of stress and I worried myself to very bad anxiety and panic attacks. My doctor suggested to up my Paxil to 40 mg. then she left to vacation. I was taking 30 mg one day and 40 mg another for 3 days. Then I took 40 mg for 3 days in a row. Anxiety is bigger. Sweating a lot.
Should I just go back on my familiar 30 mg ? Is it safe ?
Or should I just keep taking 40 mg and wait it out?
Going though menopause does not helping too. I also take 0.25 mg of Clonopin twice daily.
Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Lower dosage gradually by 10 %

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor service.
I read your query and here is my advice.
You can lower dosage gradually by 10 % and can use a pill cutter to do it. You can take 36 mg for next week and see how you will react. Then lower dosage again by 10% and take it for next week.

The sweating and anxiety you are experiencing lately are mainly caused by menopause than from Paxil.
You can do some tips to help yourself.
Go for walk more often.
Increase physical activity and a healthy diet.
Use cotton and loose clothes.
Meet friends and family.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T