Side effects of taking zoloft and Paxil

[makka49]

My mom is 85 and has been taking zoloft and paxil for depression and anxiety attacks.  I have noticed recently that she doesn't smile as often and her conversations are limited.  Does anyone have any comments on the side effects of taking these two drugs together?  I was wondering if she is being over medicated.

[peachsurprize]

I would suggest getting a new psychatrist, for the reason that these drugs primarily do the exact same thing and you should only be taking ONE OF THEM.. not BOTH at the same time. It would be like taking an Excedrin and a Bayer asprin for a headache? see?
I also would tell you that when you are depressed, you are just that.. .motor function is slowed down and thoughts are dull. I found some exercise like a brisk walk, some stimualation like music or attending a musical play often helped increase the dullness.
I think if youre mom is still VERY DEPRESSED on these drugs ask the New Dr to try something else. Most people Ive encountered , including myself often see a major difference in 3 weeks or so of taking an antidepressant. She could have a mood disorder too.. which is a different kind of medication..
just dont expect alot, and DONT PRESSURE A DEPRESSED person, just let them know you are there if they want to talk, and do try to encourage physical activity. it activates the endomorphines that help make you feel better.
Depression is an illness, just like if you had the flu , you CANT JUST STOP COUGHING. you know? so dont expect mom to be a motormouth and be greatful she is TAKING ANY MEDS AT ALL..

[santana8]

Hi, I was on Zoloft 100mg for 14 years and it worked good.New doctor changes me to Paxil without a taper. Six weeks into the  change I became very ill. I ended up with some vison loss and neurological and brain damage. I am very self eduacated on these two drugs as I have done nothing but research them for the past two  years. No they are not suposed to be taken togehter and infact ther is a contridiction that they are not to be taken together. I had no problem with the Zoloft for 14 years and I am back on it now and have recovered from all of the phyciatric effects of this medication change. The Paxil on the other hand in my opinion is a dangerous drug. If  you send for the side effect list from the drug company itself and not the pharmacy one because it doesn't list them all, then you will see all the horible side effects that this drug can cause. I am living proof that it does cause these things. It is even more dangerous for the elderly. There is a risk of a seritonon syndrome  when these two medicines are taken together, and this condition can be life threatning. If I were you I would find a new doctor and let him get her off the  paxil, be please make sure they tapper it off.  Let me know what they do for your mother and how she does. If  you want more information from me you can send me a private message to my medhelp inbox .
Take care
Santana8

[eronski]

The only reason she should be taking two at the same time is if she is weaning off of one to start another-  Is that what she is doing?  Otherwise they are the same type of drug and it wouldn't make sense that she would be on two at the same time.  

I would talk to her Dr. - it doesn't sound right.  If she is just starting on zoloft or paxil she could be feeling pretty crappy with the icky side effects you have in the first few weeks.  Good Luck, erin