Is Switching From Lexapro To Paxil Safe?

Posted on Tue, 27 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 27 Dec 2016 Answered on

Wed, 18 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been on lexapro for eight years. How hard will it be to change over to paxil?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It would not be much difficult

Detailed Answer:
Hi thanks for the query

Lexapro and Paxil both are SSRI drugs and it would not be very difficult to switch from Lexapro to Paxil. But since these are two different molecules so abrupt stoppage of Lexapro and starting Paxil is not advised. Cross tapering the drugs over 4 weeks would cause smooth transition.

You can reduce Lexapro to 10 and start controlled release 12.5 mg Paxil. In about 4 weeks Lexapro can be stopped completely and Paxil can be increased to 20 to 25 mg. This is what I advise my patients in my clinic. You may suffer slight restlessness, dizziness for a couple of days. Please discuss with your doctor before making any change in your prescription.

Thanks and Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar