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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jake97tx on January 14, 2004, at 0:55:17
Hi,
I've been browsing this site for a few days and have noticed that most of you seem very helpful and compassionate. I'm in dire need of advice from those blessed with those wonderful traits.
I have Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia. I was prescribed Paxil 8 years ago and It worked....for a while. For the past three years I've battled trying to get off Paxil so I could begin a new medication to no avail. The withdrawal is just so hard for me, to the point where I become suicidal.
Well my PDoc has decided to put me on 10 mg. Lexapro while I battle coming off 10 mg. Paxil. So, I'm on 2 SSRI's at the same time. Now, I'm unable to ascertain whether the symptoms I feel throughout the day (malaise, dizziness, lethargy, aches & pains, anxiety) are a result of two SSRI's or Paxil withdrawal. Has anyone out there experienced taking 2 SSRI's at once, heard about it? How long can I safely do this? I know MAOI & SSRI = danger, does 2 SSRIs also? What's your suggestion? Thanks so much for listening.
Posted by socialdeviantjeff on January 14, 2004, at 1:59:11
In reply to Can I ask you guys for help? :(, posted by jake97tx on January 14, 2004, at 0:55:17
Well, I may not be of much help, but I'll try.
My experience with Lexapro was pretty bad. Very similar symtoms to what you describe. To answer your question of two SSRI's There is a danger of Seretonin Syndrome. Basically it's where the psychodynamic action of 2 SSRI's creates too much seretonin. The condition is potentially fatal. To learn more, type "Seretonin Syndrome" into a search engine.
That aside, the doses you are on are pretty low. I would advise caution, however. It could also be withdrawals ore Lex side effects. Hard to say.
Hope this helps, Good luck.
Posted by rod on January 14, 2004, at 7:10:48
In reply to Can I ask you guys for help? :(, posted by jake97tx on January 14, 2004, at 0:55:17
>I'm on 2 SSRI's at the same time. Now, I'm unable to ascertain whether the symptoms I feel throughout the day (malaise, dizziness, lethargy, aches & pains, anxiety) are a result of two SSRI's or Paxil withdrawal.
Hmm, you are right, hard to say.
>Has anyone out there experienced taking 2 SSRI's at once, heard about it?
Yes, some people did/do this.
>How long can I safely do this? I know MAOI & SSRI = danger, does 2 SSRIs also? What's your suggestion? Thanks so much for listening.
There is a risk, but much smaller than with MAOI & SSRI. I would not worry about this at all.
Roland
Posted by Sebastian on January 14, 2004, at 11:47:57
In reply to Can I ask you guys for help? :(, posted by jake97tx on January 14, 2004, at 0:55:17
There shouldn't be any danger of 2 SSRI's, which are very safe and hard to take too much of. Your symptoms look like side-effects from the new drug Lexapro, which you would get from it even if you didn't take the Paxil. The side-effect should go away. Or if you don't like them try a different SSRI in place of Lexapro.
Posted by jake97tx on January 15, 2004, at 1:40:19
In reply to Re: Can I ask you guys for help? :(, posted by Sebastian on January 14, 2004, at 11:47:57
This is the end of the thread.
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