Effexor to Zoloft switch...thoughts?

[sunny1018]

I have posted here before about Lexapro pooping out after 10 years...bummer!  I suffer from pretty bad gad and panic.  My psychiatrist basically refused to put me on another SSRI and insisted on Effexor.  I find Effexor too stimulating.  I didn't care for this doc from the jump and have now found a new one.  New doc says Effexor is a good drug for very depressed people but not for primary anxiety.  She is taking me off Effexor 75 mg and onto Zoloft.  I have only been on Effexor 6 1/2 weeks.  My taper schedule is 37.5 Effexor 1 week, 37.5 every other day plus 25 mg Zoloft 2cd week, no Effexor and 50 mg Zoloft 3rd week.  This sounds reasonable to me but I have myself a nervous wreck anyway.  I'm scared of withdrawal.  I'm also scared Zoloft won't work and I'll feel this way forever.  Could use some encouragement!

[sunny1018]

Of course the dizziness may be related to the increased anxiety.  

[sunny1018]

Today is day 4 on 37.5.  To say my anxiety has increased would be an understatement.  I'm trying my best to avoid taking Ativan but it may be necessary.  I'm also experiencing dizziness and have a weird sensation in my head that comes and goes.  I was hoping to avoid this since I've only been on it for a short time.

[Paxiled]

I wouldn't make this decision on the basis of fear -- withdrawal from Effexor can make you anxious, too, and there will be a gap in time before the Zoloft starts to work.  Whatever choice you make I hope it works out, but don't let the fear determine the outcome -- avoiding Effexor withdrawal and getting a good reading on how well the Zoloft is working and how it affects you side effect wise is also very important to cutting anxiety.  Good luck either way.

[sunny1018]

I would like to do that but my anxiety is so bad I'm afraid to be without the meds.  I hope the sooner I start Zoloft the sooner I'll feel better...hopefully!

[alexfenton]

I would prefer to completely and successfully stop the Effexor, which shouldn't be that hard because you've only been on it a short time, before starting the Zoloft.  

[sunny1018]

Thanks for the input.

[BluCrystal]

Unfotunately, Zoloft does not even touch my anxiety. I have to take a seprate med for that.  But my anxiety  is severe.  Maybe if your case is milder than mine, just the Zoloft will work for you.  Time to play the wait-and-see game. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

[sunny1018]

I was kind of thinking the same thing but I feel confident with the new doc so I'll take her advice for now.  My anxiety has increased a lot since starting the taper yesterday but I attribute that to me more than Effexor.  Hoping for the best!

[Paxiled]

My only comment is that I would prefer to completely and successfully stop the Effexor, which shouldn't be that hard because you've only been on it a short time, before starting the Zoloft.  That way you'll know for certain which effects are from the Effexor withdrawal, if any, and which are side effects of the Zoloft.  Good luck either way.

[sunny1018]

Thanks for sharing your expierence.  Does Zoloft work well for your anxiety?  The Effexor already disturbs my sleep so that will be nothing new.  Just hoping this works.

[BluCrystal]

I did this very thing, with the same drugs.  I had NO side-effects whatsoever, and my transition to zoloft was smooth.  But not everyone is like me.  If you continue the transition, and remain on zoloft for a month and you don't feel like it's helping, let your doctor know.  Zoloft CAN cause sleep disturbances and elevated nervousness at first, until it egins to settle in your system.  I have now been on Zoloft for years.  Just one thing - ALWAYS ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking ANY over the counter meds - Zoloft can cause side effects when taken with some of these.