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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should Fluoxetine Be Discontinued Completely To Resume Dosage Of Paroxetine?

OK. My doctor just switched me from Paroxetine, which I have been taking for several years, to fluoxetine, because she thought it wasn t helping me as much as it should. I ve been taking the fluoxetine for 4 days now and am feeling worse than ever, more depressed and anxious than I ve felt in a very long time. Is it ok to resume the paroxetine even though I ve taken my fluoxetine dose for today? I would then discontinue the new medication if the old one gets me feeling better.
Wed, 2 Nov 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Both paroxetine and fluoxetine are anti-depressant drugs. Both have similar mechanism of action and side effect profile. If you think that paroxetine is better than fluoxetine then you can restart paroxetine and stop fluoxetine. There is no need to take both medicines simultaneously. If you are anxious then you can add alprazolam at bed time.
Advice
1.     Paroxetine in the morning for depression
2.     Stop fluoxetine
3.     Alprazolam at bed time for anxiety
4.     Avoid driving, operating machinery and swimming
5.     Start workout in gym at least half an hour in a day for 5 days in a week
6.     Do meditation
7.     Stop smoking and alcohol if you are consuming
8.     Keep in touch with your psychiatrist
I hope this information will help you. I will be happy if you ask another question
Thanks
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Should Fluoxetine Be Discontinued Completely To Resume Dosage Of Paroxetine?

Both paroxetine and fluoxetine are anti-depressant drugs. Both have similar mechanism of action and side effect profile. If you think that paroxetine is better than fluoxetine then you can restart paroxetine and stop fluoxetine. There is no need to take both medicines simultaneously. If you are anxious then you can add alprazolam at bed time. Advice 1. Paroxetine in the morning for depression 2. Stop fluoxetine 3. Alprazolam at bed time for anxiety 4. Avoid driving, operating machinery and swimming 5. Start workout in gym at least half an hour in a day for 5 days in a week 6. Do meditation 7. Stop smoking and alcohol if you are consuming 8. Keep in touch with your psychiatrist I hope this information will help you. I will be happy if you ask another question Thanks