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Mental Health (Expert Forum)

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Zoloft vs Effexor XR

Answered by

Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness

Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.

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MedHelp Member's Question

Zoloft vs Effexor XR

by JfJ, Oct 09, 2001 12:00AM

Tags: zoloft, Depression, mental, Health, Mental Health, wellbutrin, years

I was put on Zoloft a little over a year ago to combat stomach attacks (pyloric spasms) brought on by extreme stress. I had developed seven ulcers (all at once) due to this spasming, as my pylorus closed up keeping gastric acid in my stomach. A year later, since being on Zoloft, not one attack. I am up to 125 mg daily. A 100mg dosage does not work so nicely, and 150mg keeps me up all night.

After a year of 'working' with this drug to find the right dose, I am stomach-trouble free, and I would not trade this for the world. I went to my doctor today to discuss my lack of enthusiasm, energy inspiration, creativity, sex drive and the general BLAH feeling I have had since being on the Zoloft. I had hoped my body would balance out and that this lukewarm emotionlessness of mine would go away, but it has not, so today he switched me to Effexor, which is supposed to work as Zoloft had for me, keeping tummy trouble at bay, and giving me the benefits of a much needed "brain boost". Is this a reasonable, effective, and safe solution to this mood flatness I have experienced? Also; what are the common side effects experienced with Effexor? Am I less likely to have side effects from Effexor if I have not suffered side effects from Zoloft, (save for the emotional flatness I mentioned), or does it depend on the individual and not on what other drugs they have tolerated? I'd love to hear from anyone who has been on both Zoloft and Effexor XP. Thank you!

: )

JfJ

Doctor's Answer

by Roger Gould, M.D.

, Oct 10, 2001 12:00AM

Your Doctor made a wise choice, but both the effect and the side effects closely related to your specific brain chemistry. All you can do is try a reasonable substitute, and this certainly is one. Other people's individual response still may not be applicable to you.

Member Comments (10)

by teddi, Oct 10, 2001 12:00AM

Hi!

Just wanted to write and let you know..I have been on Effexor XR for 2 years and have had very few side-effects. The only problem that I had at first was constipation, which subsided after I changed my diet accordingly. My doctor increased it from 75 mg once a day to 150 mg about a year ago. (Was dealing with a divorce..yuck) I have been on that dosage since then and it didn't really seem to cause any problems. The only thing that I have noticed is sometimes when I take it without much food, I have jitters and nervousness.

Good luck to you...

Teddi

by pobler, Oct 10, 2001 12:00AM

I also was switched from zoloft to effexor XR. Everyone is different but the only difference that i have noticed was being able to "feel". When taking the Zoloft, I did not have much feelings. With the Effexor XR i can cry when i need to and laugh when i need to. This is diffenantly a plus. Good luck.

by JfJ, Oct 11, 2001 12:00AM

To: POBLER

Hello! And thanks so much for your input. Much appreciated. You'd said the only difference you experienced aftre being switched to Effexor XR was being able to 'feel' (emotionally) which is what I am looking forward to. How long after starting Effexor did this take, if you recall, and what dosage are you on? THANKS!

: D

Jody

by pobler, Oct 22, 2001 12:00AM

Forgive the delay. As you know, everyone is different. Since I posted I have been switched to Paxil. With the effexor, I started having very vivid nightmares. (waking up several times a night screaming). I even woke up one night cussing like a sailor. That is something I do not do. I've been on the Paxil for about a week. It seems to be doing good. Maybe I was a little to quick to respond on the effexor. The nightmares started about 3 weeks after starting them. I haven't had one since two nights after my last E. Just be very alert and watch for any side effects. God Bless!

by pobler, Oct 22, 2001 12:00AM

P.S. I'd like to now how you react to the effexor. Email me if you would. ***@****

by MariaW, Nov 18, 2001 12:00AM

I had been on Wellbutrin for about a year, with no problems. (Was having marital and work problems). Now, a year after successfully going off Wellbutrin, I am facing possible divorce and am seeing a new doctor. He prescribes Effexor. He says it is more effective in most people than Wellbutrin. I am having alarming symptoms (pre-effexor symptoms) -- violent mood swings, sleeplessness, bizarre bouts of weeping, sugar cravings, lack of motivation to do anything during the day, general lack of appetite, general sadness. My question is why effexor v. wellbutrin? effexor appears to be a much scarier drug, from what i've been reading.

Also, since effexor might cause drowsiness is it better to take it at night than in the a.m.?

by leet, Nov 19, 2001 12:00AM

I have been on effexor xr for six months now and it has been very helpful with alot of my symptoms of depression, ie thoughts black thoughts, great sadness etc. I take it at night so I am not so tired in the AM but it is still hard to get up. I have found there is a great deal more feeling than on prozak which I was on for three years. That feeling has really helped with my sexuality, I am feeling and desiring more.

one symptom I think happens is sweating alot, I am not sure because i am also menapausalbut i do find it very upsetting and uncomfortable. any suggestions?

that all I have to say. it was difficult changing meds that is a good thing and makes my partner much happier.

Leet

by BigRandy, Dec 21, 2001 12:00AM

I have taken many, many medications for SAD over the last 15 years. None of them has "worked wonders" unfortunately.

A couple of weeks ago my Doctor switched me to EFFEXOR, and I am still taking Wellbutrin. What bothers me the most is now suddenly I can't ejaculate. I am not impotent - I can get an erection but ejaculating/orgasm is very difficullt and often not possible.

Why don't Doctors tell you these things BEFORE you start taking the medication. Do they really expect me to go years without sexual activity? Hello???

by BigRandy, Dec 21, 2001 12:00AM

Re my earlier post about not being able to ejaculate/orgasm on EFFEXOR. Has anyone had these symptoms go away? If so e-mail me at ***@****

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