AboutMary E Scott, RPh, CGP Expertise I am a certified geriatric pharmacist with over 23 years experience as a long-term care consultant to nursing homes. I also do community-based consulting on an individual basis. My facility-based monthly newsletter on pharmacy topics is read by nurses in over 200 long-term care facilities in 5 states.
Experience I received a BS in Pharmacy in 1980 with post-graduate work in public health. I have had a Consultant Pharmacist license since 1984.
Organizations American Society of Consultant Pharmacists .I received certification in geriatric pharmacy in 1998.
Question QUESTION: I have finished chemotherapy where they had me on ativan (.25 mg). Now my doctor wants to wean me off ativan and go on to taking paxil. I have been very anxious my entire life (I am 54). The paxil dose is 10 mg. Is it OK to mix these two together? Should I take the paxil at night and th ativan twice a day? I am getting conflicting responses.
ANSWER: Hi,Sally!
It would be OK to mix the two; that is what he means by weaning you off Ativan (although it is a very small dose).He wants you to take them together until the Paxil starts to work (usually about a week). Paxil is recommended to be taken in the morning.
If you take the Ativan twice daily presently, you could take an Ativan and Paxil in the morning and another Ativan at night. Then after a week or so, discontinue the morning Ativan. But if you are unsure of how the doctor wants you to take them, you should call the office. Hope this helps, Mary
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QUESTION: Iknow you said to take the Paxil in the morning, but I heard that it makes you tired. I will begin getting radiation January 2nd-Feb 1st in the afternoon. In the mornings I will be going back to my teaching job. Still take Paxil in the morning? Thanks a ton!!!!!!
Answer Hi,Sally!
It may make you drowsy; it depends on the person. If you are already fatigued from the chemo, it may be best to take at night. Maybe you can take it the first time on the weekend, when you won't be working to see how you feel. Good luck and God Bless! Mary
