Suggest Alternate Over The Counter Medication For Paxil?

Posted on Mon, 18 Jan 2016

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

Mon, 18 Jan 2016 Answered on

Fri, 19 Feb 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My insurance will no longer pay for Paxil which I have taken for 10 years for depression and anxiety and it has worked great. They want me to change to Citalopram, Sertraline, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine or Venlafaxine. I am wondering which one of these are closest to the effects of Paxil for anxiety and depression. Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Paxil is an SSRI antidepressant. The drugs you mention above that are in the same class are citalopram, sertraline, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. I would recommend switching to escitalopram as it has the best results in my experience.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D