HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Severe Brain Shocks, Mood Swings, Anxiety After Withdrawal From Paroxetine And Changing To Fluoxetine. Guide

Hi, I am currently withdrawing from Paroxetine. I have taken 4 months to reduce from 40mg to 20mg and have been advised to change to Fluoxetine whilst I begin a further slow withdrawal. I have now been using Fluoxetine for four days and have been having such severe brain shocks and huge emotional meltdowns, anxiety and overreactions. My question is : shall I persevere or return to Paroxetine. How long before the Fluoxetine kicks in ?
Tue, 11 Jun 2013
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi there ~

I understand your concerns. It is not uncommon to have withdrawal reactions from switching from paroxetine to fluoxetine. One way of decreasing if not entirely eliminating these withdrawals is to reintroduce paroxetine and to go down on the dose in a very very gradual manner. Gradually titrating down the dose of paroxetine would be the answer to your problem. Fluoxetine can be used when the taper happens over a period of 2-3 weeks, when the action of fluoxetine usually sets in and its dose may be titrated up at that time. I hope this helps.

Take care and have a lovely day!
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Fluoxetine


Loading Online Doctors....
Severe Brain Shocks, Mood Swings, Anxiety After Withdrawal From Paroxetine And Changing To Fluoxetine. Guide

Hi there ~ I understand your concerns. It is not uncommon to have withdrawal reactions from switching from paroxetine to fluoxetine. One way of decreasing if not entirely eliminating these withdrawals is to reintroduce paroxetine and to go down on the dose in a very very gradual manner. Gradually titrating down the dose of paroxetine would be the answer to your problem. Fluoxetine can be used when the taper happens over a period of 2-3 weeks, when the action of fluoxetine usually sets in and its dose may be titrated up at that time. I hope this helps. Take care and have a lovely day!