Petrified to start taking Prozac

[jylcat]

I've been taking Paxil for almost 10 years for depression and anxiety.  I was first prescribed it almost 10 years ago during a major depressive episode and still take 10mg.  I used to take 20mg and tapered down with the intention of getting off it because my depression was better but the withdrawal was horrible so i got stuck on 10mg.  Hadn't been to a mental health Dr in 8 years but still took the Paxil.  Last week I finally went to a new psychiatrist and she prescribed me Prozac while still taking the Paxil (we will taper off the Paxil once the Prozac kicks in).  The thing is, I've heard about side effects like akathisia (which I had once when given Compazine for a migraine)or being really manic or my personality changing and me not being aware.  I've also been prescribed Trazodone at night time but am afraid to take that too.  Too much serotonin?

[AJC]

Look up "Gwen Olsen" on youtube or google video.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

I don't want to second guess your new psychiatrist, but wonder why you switched away from Paxil.  there is very little to fear from prozac in terms of side effects, especially the ones you mentioned, but if you are tolerating Paxil well, why not continue.  You can also ask for another sleeping pill that is not an ssri..