Is stopping one antidepressant 'cold turkey' and switching to another safe ?

[marlene5]

I started on Paxil 20mg. and was sustained on that dose for about six months. Over the next few months my Dr. gradually increased the dosage to 40 mg. and I maintained on that dose for about  three months. I was not getting any better so my Dr. discontinued the Paxil and started me on Zoloft 50 mg. one tab per day.
It has been about a week now and I have been feeling even more low now than ever. When I called my Dr. to report this, she said that this was normal and I was to continue on the Zoloft and she will reassess me in a month.
My question is, is this standard? I almost feel like it is dangerous to allow a patient to suffer such withdraws and/or side effects when stopping one medication (cold turkey), that was no longer working and switch to a new medication that (seems) to be making me feel worse after only one week!
Please advise.
Thank you.
Signed:
Marlene Newman

[marlene5]

Thank you, that helps me feel better~ :)

[nursegirl6572]

Hello and welcome!

It's pretty typical for docs to switch meds in that fashion.  Many think that one is an equal trade off for another, which isn't always true.  While they are in the same class of meds, they vary quite a bit in their mechanism of action.

So, what you're feeling is probably some symptoms from coming off the Paxil abruptly.  It's not "dangerous" per se, but it can be uncomfortable.  You're already a week in, so there's no turning back at this point.  Just try to hang in there, give the Zoloft some time.  As you may know, these meds can take up to 4-6 weeks before they make a big difference.  Most people start noticing some positive changes before that.

Keep in touch with your doctor of course, but I think you'll be feeling better in another week or two.

Best of luck, please update us when you can!