Any thoughts on Paxil CR?

[Darius5691]

My new psych wants me to go on Paxil CR for anxiety/panic disorder. I'm currently on Klonopin (just switched from Xanax). She wants me to take Paxil CR and Klonopin together for a few weeks and then wean off the Klonopin slowly. Have any of you out there done this? And what was your experience? Also, if you have any experience, in general, being on Paxil CR for anxiety, I'd greatly appreciate your insight. Thanks,
Anne

[WorrierToo]

I don't tak Klonopin, only Xanax occasionally, but I did start Paxil (notCR) about six weeks ago for GAD and panic attacks and it's helped me alot I feel.  I had racing heart beats and lots of symptoms of anxiety and panic daily.  Inderal helped the racing heart  and slowed me down but the other symptoms continued, in fact escalated.  I tried Buspar to no great effect but I would recommend trying the Paxil.. Some people have worse cardiac symtoms with SSRI drugs.  I have/had palipitations with PVC, but the Paxil has greatly reduced them as well.  It was made me much more even keel. Previously I had tried PRozac, Effexor, WEllbutrin, Celexa and Lexapro, several of which INCREASED anxiety symptoms so you have to be very careful trying anti-depressent drugs for anxiety, IMHO.  Anyway, what I'm getting at is that I am subject to increased anxiety from SSRI and other anti-depressents but Paxil did not cause an increase in those syptoms (symptoms), in fact it helped to a significant degree.  Give it a shot!

[Darius5691]

Thanks so much for your reply! I'm glad to hear that it's working for you. I also tried Zoloft and Lexapro 1-1/2 months ago, and they each made my anxiety go through the roof (esp. the Lexapro). Which is why I'm now on Klonopin, but looking forward to getting off it. I'm not entirely sure why, probably because it's a benzo and I'm afraid of that family of drugs ...despite the fact that Klonopin is supposed to be good for long-term use. Anyway, I am wondering if you had any rough spots in the beginning when you started Paxil CR. The psych said I might have a few days where I'll not feel so well. But she was quick to point out that Paxil CR shouldn't stimulate me, so the chance of heightened anxiety is slim.  I have a family vacation coming up (Aug. 4-11) and I'm wondering if I should hold off starting the Paxil CR until I get back, or do it now and (hopefully) be on an even keel by the time the vacation starts. What do you think? Thanks again!
Anne

[WorrierToo]

I had no problems at all starting the Paxil, I think because I started on a very low dosage and only increased it gradually.  I started on only 10 mg once a day and kept it that way for 10 days.  My doctor would only increase it to 20 mg per day, still one dose, and that's the way it's stayed.  I'm thinking of going up to 30mg but my doctor wants to see me before he increases the dose.  I attribute the lack of bad side effects to starting out so low and increasing it so gradually.  The only negative side effects I feel are the tired, lethargic feelings and very occasional dull headache. Not too bad though.
Good luck, I hope it helps!