Hi I Was On 40mg Of Paxil For 9 Years

Posted on Sat, 4 May 2019

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

Sat, 4 May 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : hi i was on 40mg of paxil for 9 years with no problems . after a hernia operation i started to have anxiety and panic attacks .my doctor upped the paxil to 50mg and gave me 2mg diazepam x3 per day till the paxil starts to work my question is how long before it starts to work and how long before my doctor ups the dose to 60mg if not working . I have been on this dose for 12 nights but feel i may have to up the diazepam if its not working soon

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The increased dose of Paxil should be effective in three days.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Based on the half life of Paxil the increased dose should be effective in three days.

If it will not be effective after this period you may consult your doctor about an alternative dosage.

Meanwhile, you may take Diazepam for anxiety.

The recommended dose of Diazepam is 2 to 10 milligrams three tablets a day.

The dose should be increased gradually.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (45 hours later)

hi I am a bit worried about the paxil not working again is there any problems with this as I have tried before to reduce the dose and had bad results also how long can I stay on diazepam 4mg-10mg daily

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I recommend using Diazepam for maximum four weeks to avoid addiction.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again dear,

In my daily practice, I recommend using Diazepam for maximum four weeks to avoid addiction.

If you feel the same symptoms after this period you should consult your doctor about an increased dose of Paxil.

Hope my answer was helpful.

Take care dear,

Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (2 days later)

hi my doctors gave me 15mg mirtazapine to take at night .as 1 currently take 50mg of paroxitine at night should I move the paroxitine to day time I originally took 40mg of paroxitine at night for 9 years because it made me drowsy I think I need something during the day if he is going to cut the 2mg diazepam x2 daily

I have been on 50mg of paroxitine for 16 nights now

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You may use Paroxetine to day time.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again dear,

The studies reveal that the combination of mirtazapine and paroxetine don't have interactions.

They can be used to together to improve the effect of each other.

So, you may use Mirtazapine at night and Paroxetine during the day.

Hope it helps dear.

Take care,

Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi

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