Midicatin Swich from Lexapro to Zoloft

[Laurallei]

I have been on 10mg of Lexapro since November.  My doctor recenlty made a change and brought me down to 7.5mg due to fatigue and jaw clenching.  He also added a small dose on kolonopin .25mg in the evening to assist with the jaw clenching.  I was doing o.k until last week when I started to feel very blue and having some crying spells. On Sunday night I then started having a bit of increased anxiety and a couple of small panic attacks. I saw him yesterday and he indicated that this possible change of the Lexapro may have cause break thru anxiety and depression.  He has suggested a switch in my medication and wants me to start a samll dose 12mg of Zoloft today for a week to see how my body reacts to it. If all goes well then he would increase the Zoloft and eventually take me of the Lexapro.  He has also indicated that I could take the Kolonopin twice daily to help with the anxiety.  I am very nervouse of this change.  Just the thought of taking the Zoloft had increased my anxiety and crying spells. I am wondering if the small dose of Kolonopin at night has brought on the depression? I wouldn't think so since it does seems to calm me.  I would also appreciate some feedback on Zoloft.

Thank You,
Laura

[Laurallei]

Hello,

I was initialy being treated for Anxiety. But I do believe I suffer from some form of Depression as well. I guess they go hand in hand.  My original doctor put me on the Lexapro and Xanax when needed.  I have switch to a Phyciatrist and he was the one recommending the Kolonopin and recent switch to Zoloft. He has indicated that I should not fear when it comes to withdraw and taper of the Kolonopin since I am on a small dose and right now only take it at night.   He did indicate that if my anxiety should worsen during the change that I could also take it in the morning as long as it dosn't make me to sleepy.  I will however make sure that I work with him when the time comes to taper. I will also look at past posts.  I know this questions has come up for many people.  He does believe the jaw clenching is from the Lexapro.

Thank you so much for you support and comment.  It is conforting to receive them.

Laura

[cj29]

I agree with Paxiled.  The shorter the better on any benzo, but as he said if you are going to be on it long term, it is the one to be on in my opinion.  It has a much longer half life than many of the other benzos meaning it is easier to withdraw and taper from.  I just stress patience whenever one switches from one medication to another....and I am glad you are also seeing a therapist..In my book, you are doing all the right things to confront this...keep us posted!

[Paxiled]

It sounds like you're suffering withdrawal from the Lexapro.  It also sounds like you have a good psychiatrist, relatively speaking, because he recognizes this and that's why he's helping you through it by slowing switching to the Zoloft and giving you the klonopin.  Klonopin is very difficult to quit, however, so if you're not being treated for anxiety but just depression, make sure he takes you off it before too long.  On the other hand, if anxiety is the problem, well, I've been on klonopin for a huge number of years, because anxiety was my initial problem.  By the by, I know someone who was on Lexapro and accidentally missed a dose, and just that sent him into withdrawal, so that's why I think that's probably what's happening to you by reducing the dosage.  And about the jaw clenching -- I was put on Lexapro a couple of years ago and have had this weird ear fullness that started some months ago.  I finally saw an ENT, who said it was from jaw clenching.  Is this from the Lexapro?  

[Laurallei]

Thank you both for your comments.  I have started the small dosage of Zoloft yesterday and am also still on the Lexapro.  He is giving me a week to see how my body reacts to the small dose before we make the full change.  He mentioned that we would slowing increase the Zoloft and decrease the Lexapro in stages. I am  also seeing seeing a Thereapist once a week for sessions. They have been very helpful.

Once again thank you for your comments. Will keep everyone posted.

Laura  

[cj29]

First of all, I am glad that you are so proactive in your treatment.  Being in communication with your doctor about this is good thing in my opinion.  For me, I actually prefer Zoloft and had switched off of another SSRI.  I had increased anxiety and I felt a little more on edge while I switched.  However, this is true whenever I start, stop or adjust the dosage of a medication like Zoloft.  Remember that this is prescribed to treat depression and anxiety and that we will have bad days and good days with/without medication.  Quite often, doctors will prescribe a benzo like klonopin while you start or switch medications like Zoloft and Lexapro.  Klonopin is also a longer acting benzo that is prescribed more long term than others like xanax and ativan.

Throughout all of this have you had access to a therapist to talk through your anxiety?  I am a big proponent of medication as long as you combine it with talk therapy.  While there is no magic pill to 'cure' you of anxiety, I find it a useful tool as you continue to gain the knowledge to confront it.  Keep us posted!

[kalie1979]

i would not be able to get through the day without klonipin, i do not think its that at all. some people have to switch around many times before they find the right anti-depressant that works. you sound like you are depressed because of the crying spells. i would start the zoloft as soon as you can, so it can get in your system, low doses like 20mgs of anything really does not do the trick, i always had to get up to 40 or 60 mgs before it worked right.. also remember its going to take a good month before its in your bloodstream good enough.   goodluck

kalie