Lexapro or Zoloft

I was on paxil for 7 years for severe anxiety disorder and panic attacks. I recently came off the drug to see what it would be like. I went through some of the most hellish withdrawls ever for a month. I was good for about three months then all my anxiety and panic attacks started to come back and now I am debilitated due to the severe general anxiety like I am going to jump out of my skin all day, I can't stay calm I feel physically ill.Constant figiting, Tight chest, lump in the throat, restless legs, i take xanax which calms me, but the chest stays tight and the lump in the throat feeling doesn't go away.Due you think this is stress related that just manifested it self in my chest muscles and throat area? Anyway my question is I was thinking og starting a new drug. Would you recommened lexapro or zoloft for my condition? I have heard great things about lexapro, but I know zoloft is approved for panic, however i have read it tends to lose it's effect after a few years.
(my condition is two part severe general anxiety, which affects me all day and night long, and panic attacks, a few a week)Also with either drug how long does it take to start to feel the effects. By the way i will not go back on paxil due to the hellish withdrawls.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Either medication can work for both conditions. I tend to favor Zoloft, but it is really just a guess at which will work best for you, so  a trial of either is in order.  You should also look at the source of your anxiety...it is in your mind, and how you are dealing with your life...look at, see if you can master it, and then be less dependent on medications...you can try www.masteringstress.com

[Baby123]

Hey, I have the same exact symptoms you do, or should I say I did until about a week and 1/2 ago.  I took Prozac for 11 years and weaned off because I thought everything was fine last August.  Within 3 months all my symptoms were back.  I am very med sensitive and went through a terrible time trying to find a drug I could tolerate to help my symptoms.  I tried paxil, effexor (don't take that one because withdrawals are supposedly worse than with paxil), lexapro and now Remeron.  The Remeron has worked wonders.  I am sleeping all night which I haven't done in months, very relaxed and calm now.  I have also started relaxation and breathing exercises which help a lot.  Exercise every day.  Also read a book called Been There, Done That, Do this and am getting ready to start that program.  It is a Cognitive Behavior program.  Anyway, I hope you feel better soon.  I think Lexapro is probably a good choice for you, it was just too stimulating for me and after 2 1/2 weeks on it, I was about to go crazy with anxiety.  But that is because I am sensitive to meds.  Hope you feel better soon.

[platinum]

Hey There.  I'm so happy that you finally found the right med that will help you.  Best of Luck!!!

[Baby123]

Thanks alot.  I have actually felt like my old self again for over a week.  Thanks for the encouragement.

[orestes]

Lexapro in general can have somne pretty wierd effects, side efects etc. I am currently on 10mg a day, and it can cause anything from diziness and tiredness, to hightend anxiety ocasionally. lexapro can and does work well for me, but there is also a lot of side effects.