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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Mike Dickinson on September 16, 1999, at 10:30:28
Hey everybody.
Is it safe to switch from 125 mg Zoloft (sertralin) to 75 mg Efexor (venlafaxine) without first decreasing the dosage of Zoloft? My doc wants me to quit Zoloft (which works quite well for me) and start taking Efexor as soon as possible. I've been taking Zoloft for more than a year.
Thank you!
..Mike
Posted by Bob on September 16, 1999, at 11:10:58
In reply to Going from Zoloft to Efexor?, posted by Mike Dickinson on September 16, 1999, at 10:30:28
If zoloft is working well for you, why does your doc want you to quit so rapidly? What's the issue?
My experience with zoloft in stopping cold once and in transitioning to another AD has been good, with no withdrawal. If you are anxious about this, see about cutting down over two weeks on the Z and building up to 75mg on Effexor (I'm not familiar with that one ... what's the typical starting dosage for it?).
Cheers,
Bob
Posted by Brandon on September 16, 1999, at 12:24:34
In reply to Going from Zoloft to Efexor?, posted by Mike Dickinson on September 16, 1999, at 10:30:28
> Hey everybody.
>
> Is it safe to switch from 125 mg Zoloft (sertralin) to 75 mg Efexor (venlafaxine) without first decreasing the dosage of Zoloft? My doc wants me to quit Zoloft (which works quite well for me) and start taking Efexor as soon as possible. I've been taking Zoloft for more than a year.
>
> Thank you!
>
> ..MikeHi Mike,
When discontinuing meds like zoloft and paxil and effexor it is usually best to slowly taper off. This is the best way to avoid any unwanted problems with withdrawel. These meds have rather short half-lifes and when you stop cold turkey it makes even harder for your body to adjust without them. Also while starting the effexor your are likely to experience side effects from that and coupled with quitting the zoloft it might be an unpleasant time. The best thing to do would be to cut your dosage about 25mg-50mg a week while starting the effexor. I just have one question for you though if the zoloft worked why change? I hope I helped.
Posted by Alison on September 17, 1999, at 0:15:40
In reply to Going from Zoloft to Efexor?, posted by Mike Dickinson on September 16, 1999, at 10:30:28
Mike,
I successfully went from Zoloft to Efexor. The waiting period for these is to be Zoloft free for 3 days before starting the Efexor. I went cold turkey off the Zoloft for the 3 days and coped fine. The dosage of 75mg of venlafaxine is the starting dose. I was on 150mg of Zoloft when I changed. The Efexor has been fantastic! Find out why your Dr wants to change them so badly. They do also act on more neurotransmitters than the Zoloft.
Good Luck
Alison.
Posted by Mike Dickinson on September 17, 1999, at 5:11:52
In reply to Re: Going from Zoloft to Efexor?, posted by Alison on September 17, 1999, at 0:15:40
Thanks for the answers everyone!
I guess I wasn't quite clear in my initial message. My doc wants me to switch to Efexor because "it has a wider effect". I believe it affects the re-uptake of noradrenaline as well as of serotonin.
Zoloft has done *some* good things for me, and I've experienced minimal side-effects from it.
Anyway, it's so good to hear I'm not alone!
..Mike
Posted by Alison on September 20, 1999, at 23:33:19
In reply to Re: Going from Zoloft to Efexor?, posted by Mike Dickinson on September 17, 1999, at 5:11:52
Yeah, the efexor works as a seratonin and noradrenalin re-uptake inhibitor and also as a weak dopamine RI.
So it does work on a bigger variety of neurotransmitters than zoloft.
Let us know how you get on with the change.
Good Luck!
Alison
Posted by Victoria on September 22, 1999, at 4:45:31
In reply to Going from Zoloft to Efexor?, posted by Mike Dickinson on September 16, 1999, at 10:30:28
> Hey everybody.
>
> Is it safe to switch from 125 mg Zoloft (sertralin) to 75 mg Efexor (venlafaxine) without first decreasing the dosage of Zoloft? My doc wants me to quit Zoloft (which works quite well for me) and start taking Efexor as soon as possible. I've been taking Zoloft for more than a year.
> Hi Mike
Victoria here, the psych nurse.
Why do they want to take you off Sertraline? Zoloft is a great medication and no, you wouldn't have to taper down on the Zoloft (Sertraline) before switching over if that's what you chose to do. I don't know- I wonder if these meds are from different pharmaceutical companies and it's a money thing? I'd stay on the med you're on, sounds like it's working. Whatever you do, don't ever just stop taking the med because you feel better and don't think you need it anymore-that's why you're feeling better. And you might get a rebound effect, deeper depression. Hope this helps.
> Thank you!
>
> ..Mike
Posted by casentina on February 1, 2001, at 2:12:01
In reply to Going from Zoloft to Efexor?, posted by Mike Dickinson on September 16, 1999, at 10:30:28
HI Mike,
I switched from Zoloft to Efexor without stopping Zoloft. I found Efexor extremely effective. I felt energized and was full of life. I got everything done. The only downside is, it made me feel ill (ie. nauseous) for about 1/2 hr to 1 hr, sometimes longer. But when it kicks in, I'm buzzing all day. No effects whatsoever having to stop between Zoloft and Efexor. However, I am now changing over to Luvox. I still haven't found the right one for me that doesn't make me feel ill. I was taking Aropax before Zoloft.
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