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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Zoloft to Effexor
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.
Zoloft to Effexor
by cadman456, May 10, 2004 12:00AM
Hello
After suffering with Zoloft (50mg/day) induced side effects my doctor recently switched me to Effexor XR. (See my previous “Zoloft Internal Tremors” posting). Most of the Zoloft problems were gone in about 1-2 days. The only side effect I’m left with is the tremor, but it is of a lower intensity. I do have to say I felt better depression wise on the Zoloft, but the side effects are much more tolerable with the Effexor. I’m starting the third week (first week 37.5 mg/day, now 75 mg/day), and don’t feel much better than when I started the Zoloft. My question is: since I was on the Zoloft for 12 weeks, and the both have an effect on serotonin, do I need to wait the 6-8 weeks to realize the full effect of the Effexor? I don’t want to give up on the Effexor too soon, but at the same time I don’t want to waste my time and money either. Thanks.
After suffering with Zoloft (50mg/day) induced side effects my doctor recently switched me to Effexor XR. (See my previous “Zoloft Internal Tremors” posting). Most of the Zoloft problems were gone in about 1-2 days. The only side effect I’m left with is the tremor, but it is of a lower intensity. I do have to say I felt better depression wise on the Zoloft, but the side effects are much more tolerable with the Effexor. I’m starting the third week (first week 37.5 mg/day, now 75 mg/day), and don’t feel much better than when I started the Zoloft. My question is: since I was on the Zoloft for 12 weeks, and the both have an effect on serotonin, do I need to wait the 6-8 weeks to realize the full effect of the Effexor? I don’t want to give up on the Effexor too soon, but at the same time I don’t want to waste my time and money either. Thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., May 11, 2004 12:00AM
, May 11, 2004 12:00AM
Although they both promote serotonin in the brain tissues, they do in different ways, so you do have to give it a chance at that dose. Also, depression waxes and wanes in accordance with your thoughts and events, so don't just rely on the medication, do your own sorting out work with your therapist or go to www.masteringstress.com
