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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Paxil vs. Prozac
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
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Paxil vs. Prozac
by Ann C., Jun 28, 2000 12:00AM
I am a 50-year old female. My doctor prescribed 20 mg of Paxil for me, and diagnosed minor depression, ie: tears, irritability, fear, etc. I had taken Welbutrin to stop smoking with awful side effects, but Paxil works fine. The problem? I can sleep at work, sitting up, anytime. I'm not tired, but the minute I get in bed...that's it. Also have blurred night vision. I decreased dosage to 10mg and things are better, but I still sleep too much. My gynecologist suggested 10mg of Prozac, and I would love to try it. The questions are: is it similar to Welbutrin, and #2. how long must I be off Paxil before taking Prozac? Can I take Paxil on a Tuesday, then switch to Prozac on Wednesday? I'm a fearful pill taker and would appreciate any advice!
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS.MD-AJ, Jun 30, 2000 12:00AM
I can understand your concerns about medications. It is not uncommon for Paxil to cause excessive sedation, which is unlikely to happen if you switch to Prozac. Like Paxil, Prozac is a Serotonin Specific Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), and is not structurally or chemically related to Wellbutrin. You can start Prozac the next day after your last dose of Paxil.
Member Comments (1)
by Vicky, Oct 15, 2000 12:00AM
hi ann i know what your going through .i on paxil .i take 10mg. i sleep a lot thats not normal .i was on nightmare from hell .And believe me thats PROZAC. i was sucidal like having thoughts of killing myself. it was like someone was living in your body it was pure hell. alli could think of was dying actually i thought i was, i had to see a shrink. what a mess i was in .i have a lovely family i didnt want to see them.while i was on them. i said noway am i going through this i gave them a pitch.i on paxil now i have few side effects but nothing like that take care vicky
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