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Is Switching From Lexapro To Paxil Safe?
Question: I have been on lexapro for eight years. How hard will it be to change over to paxil?
Brief Answer:
It would not be much difficult
Detailed Answer:
Hi thanks for the query
Lexapro and Paxil both are SSRI drugs and it would not be very difficult to switch from Lexapro to Paxil. But since these are two different molecules so abrupt stoppage of Lexapro and starting Paxil is not advised. Cross tapering the drugs over 4 weeks would cause smooth transition.
You can reduce Lexapro to 10 and start controlled release 12.5 mg Paxil. In about 4 weeks Lexapro can be stopped completely and Paxil can be increased to 20 to 25 mg. This is what I advise my patients in my clinic. You may suffer slight restlessness, dizziness for a couple of days. Please discuss with your doctor before making any change in your prescription.
Thanks and Take care
It would not be much difficult
Detailed Answer:
Hi thanks for the query
Lexapro and Paxil both are SSRI drugs and it would not be very difficult to switch from Lexapro to Paxil. But since these are two different molecules so abrupt stoppage of Lexapro and starting Paxil is not advised. Cross tapering the drugs over 4 weeks would cause smooth transition.
You can reduce Lexapro to 10 and start controlled release 12.5 mg Paxil. In about 4 weeks Lexapro can be stopped completely and Paxil can be increased to 20 to 25 mg. This is what I advise my patients in my clinic. You may suffer slight restlessness, dizziness for a couple of days. Please discuss with your doctor before making any change in your prescription.
Thanks and Take care
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
Answered by
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