Can a patient have withdrawal symptoms if he changes his medication from Prozac to Lexapro?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was switched from Prozac to Lexapro because Prozac was not working anymore. Prozac 60 mg went to Lexapro 10 mg right away and I thought I was better but then crashed and had severe panic attacks. I went to Lexapro 20 mg five days ago and I am still getting panic attacks but they are subdued. Is this medication not working for me? I am getting impatient and want to feel better. I started feeling the relapse of my anxiety about two months ago after a lot of stress at work. I am seeing a psychiatrist, but I want a second opinion. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and panic attack disorder when I was 17 and have been on medications since then. I have taken Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac, Seroquel, and Propranolol in the past. I have undergone laboratory tests and everything is fine except my vitamin D level which is low.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query.

I can understand your situation. You may have an anxiety disorder. There is non-pharmacological management for your condition. I suggest you to follow a few instructions mentioned below.

You should do exercises daily for 30 to 45 minutes like at least going for a walk.
You should do meditation for 20 minutes daily. Just sit in one place in a comfortable position and try to concentrate on your normal breathing, do not stop or force yourself to stop your thoughts, just let them be.
You should eat healthy home-cooked foods, and avoid junk foods.
You must drink enough water.
You should spend quality time with friends and family daily or do video calls if you are living away from your family.
You should spend time on creative hobbies like reading good books, writing journals, painting, drawing, and learning new skills or language or musical instruments.
You should take enough seven to eight hours of sleep daily.
You must avoid tobacco or alcohol or any substance abuse.

Live your life, do not just spend it. Be bold and confident.

You must taper off your Prozac 60mg gradually and then increase the dose of Lexapro. If you have suddenly stopped taking tablet Prozac 60 mg which is a high dose then you may have withdrawal as well as a relapse of your anxiety. It will take four weeks for Lexapro to show its full effect. You can add tablet Clonazepam 0.25 mg by dissolving in the mouth when you have an anxiety attack.

Kindly consult a specialist, talk to them, and take medications with their consent. Let me know if you want any further help.

I hope this has helped you. Thank you.