Posted by KathrynLex on April 18, 2004, at 23:56:02
In reply to klonopin and prozac?, posted by patricia leahy on April 18, 2004, at 21:07:22
Hi Patricia,
I'm on 20 mgs of Lexapro and 150 mgs of Wellbutrin. I started taking 10 mgs of Lexapro in December because of panic attacks. I've gradually moved up to 20 mgs and added the Wellbutrin.
Several years ago I took Prozac for depression and loved it.
Pros: It has a wonderful enegizing effect that improved my concentration and lifted my mood. If you stop taking it cold turkey you won't experience any withdrawl.
Cons: Prozac was designed for depression, not anxiety attacks. (Although, it's sometimes prescribed for that.) If you have anxiety, there is a possibility that it will increase your anxiety during the first few weeks. But, that's why you have the Klonopin or Xanax.
As for Lexapro -
Pros: It's the newest med in the SSRI family (Prozac is also an SSRI) and is said to have the fewest side effects. (That wasn't my experience, but it varies from person to person.) It's wonderful for anxiety, and helps you control the negative thinking patterns that lead to anxiety and panic attacks. It's BOTH and antidepressant and an antianxiety medication.
Cons: The adjustment period is uncomfortable. (But tolerable.) You can't stop taking it cold turkey without experiencing withdrawl. Yes, it can increase your anxiety for the first few weeks that you take it. But again, that's why you have your Klonopin or Xanax and they're both very helpful.
My advice is this: If you're more depressed than anxious, take the Prozac. If you're more concerned with anxiety and panic attacks, take the Lexapro. Lex is really GREAT for stopping panic attacks. In my experience it takes about 20 mgs to help with anxiety and panic. Lower doses work better on depression.
I can understand why you're worried about the side effects of Lex. It's strange that an antianxiety medication can increase your anxiety for a little while. But it's temporary and goes away within the first 3-4 weeks.
I started taking Lexapro because I was having terrible panic attacks and would have given anything to get my life back. It turns out all I had to do was tolerate 3 weeks of side effects and a few increases, now the panic is gone. It's amazing that one little pill can do all that.
I'm sorry for the lengthy post. When I first started on Lexapro, I was hungry for any information I could get my hands on and it made the transition to meds a little easier. So, I hope this helps.
K.
poster:KathrynLex
thread:337545
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040417/msgs/337599.html