crazy dreams, sleeplessness effexor to zoloft

[jakeswife]

I was taking 225mg effexor went down to 150mg for 2 weeks then went off and on to zoloft 50mg for 4 days now. I am having some withdraw symptoms like electric zaps in my face and lips, and it feels like when I move my head it takes a few seconds for my brain to catch up. Also now I am having crazy, weird and sometimes disterbing dreams and when I am not dreaming I am wide awake. I am perimenopausal but now I am having bad night sweats and more hot flashes than ever.
My question is - will this even out after few weeks on the 50 mg zoloft? Should I ask my DR to up the dose? I am certain I cant live like this for very long but if its a matter of leveling out I think can handle it if it doesn't get any worse.
I have had to make this switch because I no longer have insurance and the effexor is just way to expensive without it otherwise I was ok with the effexor but it also had side effects I could have lived without like weight gain, tired all the time, deminished sex drive but I wasnt crying all the time. I hate that with depression - to feel better you have to give up other things I want a medicine that I can feel good, have the energy to play with my 12 yr old twin boys, sleep normal, not have the weight gain and still WANT to have a sexual relationship with my husband instead of dreading him comming home after being gone for a week or so over the road. We have been married 22 years and I would love to feel that excitement and anticapation I used to feel when he was comming home. It has been at least 5 years that I have been on medication and although I know I need it I really miss the parts of my life that I have had to sacrafice. Thanks

[jakeswife]

I was on the effexor about 5 years. I see my DR later this morning and I will discuss this all with him. I have had more of the zaps today than yesterday and feel kind of blah hope this levels soon. Thanks

[cj29]

How long were you taking the effexor?  Withdrawal from one med can be difficult sometimes, but if you are having problems have you considered talking to your doc to maybe slow the taper a little?  I did this when I came off Zoloft and it helped tremendously.  Also, your body needs to adjust to the dosage of Zoloft, so in my opinion, you will feel a little more on edge for a little bit, but things will and do level off...just keep working with your prescribing doctor!  Keep us posted!