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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Switching From Bupropion To Lexapro Safe?

My son is 27 and has recently been seen for anxiety and depression. They first gave him Bupropion and now are switching him to Lexapro just 5 mg. We are all very nerveous about this unknown and want him off as soon as possible. I don t now his options
Mon, 25 Jun 2018
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

You have mentioned that your son has anxiety and depressive symptoms, usually the first choice of drugs are SSRIs and Lexapro (escitalopram) is one of them. Escitalopram would be a better choice for initiation than Bupropion, as Bupropion is less effective in tackling anxiety features. No dangerous side effects are encountered on switching from Bupropion to Escitalopram. It would be beneficial to add a low dose of Lorazepam or Clonazepam for short duration. Better teach him relaxation skills to counter anxiety symptoms and preventing from developing panic symptoms, as antidepressant drugs are effective only till they are used and not useful in preventing future episodes.

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
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Is Switching From Bupropion To Lexapro Safe?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. You have mentioned that your son has anxiety and depressive symptoms, usually the first choice of drugs are SSRIs and Lexapro (escitalopram) is one of them. Escitalopram would be a better choice for initiation than Bupropion, as Bupropion is less effective in tackling anxiety features. No dangerous side effects are encountered on switching from Bupropion to Escitalopram. It would be beneficial to add a low dose of Lorazepam or Clonazepam for short duration. Better teach him relaxation skills to counter anxiety symptoms and preventing from developing panic symptoms, as antidepressant drugs are effective only till they are used and not useful in preventing future episodes. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.