Switching to Effexor from Zoloft

[lcny2002]

I've been on Zoloft for one year, in which time I've had to up my dosage to 200 mg to get the best results. Previously I was on Paxil for four years, but went off it due to weight gain, and then got depressed again two years later.

Now, my Zoloft seems to be not working. I'm definitely feeling like I was when I first got depressed. My doctor doesn't want to go any higher because we'll be over FDA guidelines; instead, she seems to think Effexor is what I need to try, because it works differently on the brain than an SSRI (it's dual-actioned).

Is it a standard practice to try Effexor once an SSRI seems to stop working? Do people usually find that it works? I'm scared it's not going to work.

[slandis75]

Switching to a new antidepressent, or even one that had worked for you before, is not something that is predictable.  Some will work and some won't.  Any antidepressant on the market will work for some people and not for others.  That doesn't mean it's a bad medicine, it's just the nature of our individual chemistry.  Not only that, but most antidepressant users will need to be switched at some time because the meds can suddenly stop working.  Thus, when picking a new antidepressant to try, don't worry about whether it will work or it won't, because it's not something you or your doctor can control.  Just think positively that it's worth a try and if it doesn't do the trick you will move to something else that will.  So, pick a med based on it's medical history, possible side effects and likeliness, amount of time it remains in the blood stream (important if you tend to forget to take your meds).  Also consider adverse reactions to any other med you're taking, to vitamins, to alcohol consumption, and to any unusual foods or other factors (i.e., read all warnings - who knew grapefruit juice can have bad reactions with some meds?).  So remember, this part is the easy part, just ask your doctor all of these questions and he/she will help you to make a good decision together in a supportive setting.  Another source of additional information on particular medications your doctor may mention can be found in this forum.  Specifically, try to avoid those meds that have had enormous amounts of complaints (e.g., highly addictive, disruptive side effects, difficult withdrawal, excessive weight gain, or anything else you do not want to deal with).  Just remember though, if it's not complained about by many, many, many people (and this forum is good b/c it's not dedicated to bad mouthing any one drug), don't be too concerned if you do see one or two complaints about something you are contemplating.  Personally, I am on Prozac and started out at very low doses and only recently worked my way up to 60mg because I am suffering a recurrence of depression.  I haven't had any problems with it, and I love it because I do forget to take my meds alot and so if I miss a day its not that big of a deal.  When I was on Paxil however, if I missed a day I would totally become hysterical, crying one minute and cursing out someone the next for no reason.  The only reason though I don't recommend Paxil is not because of my experience, but b/c it seems like many people have experienced the same thing, making that a very likely side effect of a medicine that is very difficult to get off of.  So if you can avoid it, you should, but if it's your last remaining option, then definitely take it.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

I just answered , this is duplicate

[Tula]

I am on 225 mg of effexor and it has worked so well for me it takes time though.  it took me about 6 months to get on the right dose.  I have put on some weight but i would rather deal with that then be depressed.  good luck