What do I do?
Stick out Lexapro a little longer, 2 weeks on a higher dose isn't enough - 0.0% - 0 votes
Wait to speak to the new DR so I have someone to turn to during my switch - 100.0% - 1 votes
Start taking Zoloft on Sunday and quit acting like a baby - 0.0% - 0 votes
Posted 6/14/2018 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
Good afternoon everyone! It seems so hard to find forums that are still active.
Bit of background, I have been on anti-depressant medication for close to 15 years. I am 30 years old. I get between 3-5 years on one drug and then its time to switch.
Effexor---paxil---effexor---celexa....celexa started to "poop out". I wanted to try Lexapro cause I heard so many great things about it. Bad news is, if Celexa is going to stop working for you, Lexapro probably won't work. Their chemical compounds are the same, Lex is just a purer form.
I started Lexparo in March. Went from 10-15-20mgs. I recently was on 20 mgs for 2 weeks without much change. Still brain fog, starting to have break through anxiety, touch of nausea, not feeling like my "normal self". I do have times of clarity, but I don't think its fully working.
My DR suggested a switch to Zoloft. Still in the SSRI family, so cool. Well, after my DR says "ok, lets switch"...he then proceeds to tell me "oh, this is my last day here and there won't be another provider in to cover my place until JULY". July you guys...how can you just put someone through a med switch and bounce? With NO ONE as a backup to help along the way. Needless to say...I scrambled to find another DR. I do have an appointment on Monday the 18th.
My question is this...do I need to give LEX more time? If I do switch to Zoloft I will take my last 10mgs on Saturday and go straight to ZOLOFT 25mg on Sunday. No cross taper since they are both SSRIs. I am terrified I will lose "coverage" on the serotonin. I'm ok with a few side effects, I just don't want to feel like I am going crazy. Maybe I should wait until I consult with this DR?
I feel like I have done this enough that I should be OK but I'm a huge baby about it every time.
1039smooth
Veteran Member
Joined : Sep 2013
Posts : 2179
Posted 6/14/2018 8:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hmm, this might not be helpful, but I have taken them off and am no longer on them. I remember years ago I tried Celexa first and "advanced" to Lexapro. If memory serves, I stopped because of sexual side effects. After that, I didn't take anything for years. Since I started again, I've tried several different ones, including Abilify.
I may have missed this, but you want to give these medications 30 days or so to take effect. Some see changes pretty immediately and some don't I guess.
It's difficult for us to answer your poll because we don't really provide true medical advice here. *shrug* It's just shared experiences and some ideas.
super20dan
Veteran Member
Joined : Sep 2014
Posts : 1205
Posted 6/15/2018 12:21 AM (GMT 0)
lex is MUCH stronger than celexa so it could work . but being so close in chemistry it may not work. Zoloft worked for 6 years for me. I love celexa and hope it doent poop out for many years. after I quit Zoloft -I went 4 years with nothing. when I restarted Zoloft -it didn't work. 10 mg of lex =40 mg celexa
Zen Hen
Regular Member
Joined : Jun 2018
Posts : 39
Posted 6/15/2018 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
I just want to say I feel your pain. My Doctor quit accepting my insurance in April. I stressed out so much and quite frankly was rather upset. Fortunately, she agreed to continue to see me if I self-paid. I have tried every antidepressant including Celexa and finally settled on Zoloft. I finally got up to 100mg once a day. I am now trying to go down to 50mg as I have more severe issues going on. Just wanted to let you know (as you already may) the downside of Zoloft for me is the brain zaps if I quit taking it. Plus I become a rather raving lunatic for a couple of weeks. Just wanted to post to give you support. I don't know that my post will help in any way; however, it's good to know that you have people on your side. I am interested to hear what happens. Good wishes to you my fellow poster!
Scaredy Cat
Elite Member
Joined : Sep 2006
Posts : 28868
Posted 6/15/2018 5:17 AM (GMT 0)
Hi PR05 and welcome!
I am sorry we can't be of more help in directing you whether or not to continue your current regimen, or make a switch...
...because everyone is different, and it's near impossible to predict how any given med will affect any individual.
It is frustrating timing with your doctor wanting to make a switch, but then not being around for any consultation. I think you finding the new doctor to see on Monday was a great move...so wait and see what his/her assessment of your situation is...and then you can make a more informed decision. If he/she agrees that you should make the switch, then you can be confident about it...if your new doctor is of the opinion that you should stick with and increase your Lex, then there you go.
Either way, know that coping skills will help you get through challenging times such as this, so be sure to see our Resources at the top of the main forum page. You no doubt have some favorites that you practice already, but you may find some new (or previousuly used, but forgotten) techniques that will help...
...and know also that we are here for you in whatever direction you ultimately choose...so post with us anytime for support!
Best wishes and update when you can,
Scaredy Cat
Posted 6/15/2018 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
I guess my biggest concern is, has anyone gone from Lexapro right over to Zoloft and felt like they didn't have mental coverage. I am just scared to have racing thoughts, heart palpitations, uncontrollable panic attacks while I wait for this medication to get into my system.
I've had a few people tell me that since I already have an SSRI in my system, it should pick up faster?
Thanks to all!
Scaredy Cat
Elite Member
Joined : Sep 2006
Posts : 28868
Posted 6/18/2018 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
PR,
A lateral move from on med to another in the same classification/family is usually a smooth one. That said, there are no guarantees that you won't have some challenges, so that is why I suggested picking up some new tools in our Resources, and practicing your favorite coping skills daily as well.
Best wishes with your transition and keep us updated, so we can keep you in support!
S.C.
Posted 6/18/2018 11:56 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much! Hearing that means a lot!
Posted 6/20/2018 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
Day One, for anyone that wants to follow along.
Took my last 10 mg of Lexapro on Monday evening. Tuesday evening I took 25 mg of Zoloft. Did not feel much fatigue, but my eyes did become dry and heavy. Woke up this morning with a bit of heightened anxiety but it did not take more than a few hours to go away. Feeling pretty level at the moment, albeit sleepy due to it taking 2 hours to fall asleep last night. Fingers crossed and hopeful!
Posted 6/20/2018 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
Lexapro was so rough on me. It made me so tired and I could barely function. Getting stabilized on it is tough and coming off of it is tough. It put me into some very odd sadistic/socio moods. Welbutrin works a lot better for me. Gives me energy and perks me up. It's not as tough to come off of, as I've noticed.
Not as tough to wake up either, which is nice...
Scaredy Cat
Elite Member
Joined : Sep 2006
Posts : 28868
Posted 6/20/2018 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
PR,
Sounds like so far so good...
I hope that you continue to feel as well as can be through your transition, and once your therapeutic levels are reached...that you are feeling fantastic and at a great place of management!
Keep up the great work and keep us updated,
S.C.
Posted 6/26/2018 11:44 AM (GMT 0)
Last night was my 7th dose of Zoloft, the 2nd one at 50 mg.
Thankfully this drug seems to be fast acting and is at least holding me level instead of it getting worse. As the day goes on, I do start to feel a boost, so I am very excited and very hopeful for when we hit the 2, 3, 4 week mark and it really starts to be therapeutic.
It does make me slightly drowsy but that is fine since I take it at night.
No other real side effects to record, thank goodness!
Going from one SSRI to another does seem to be the way to go when transitioning. I think a lot of my hesitation on the switch came from when I had to taper down, go through a washout period, and then taper up on a new med. That is probably the most awful way to do it and I am so glad that I could just switch from one to another. Obviously it takes a bit of time to feel full effects but its so much better than washing out completely.
Hope everyone is doing well, and hopefully this is some info someone down the line can use to feel better about getting better!
Scaredy Cat
Elite Member
Joined : Sep 2006
Posts : 28868
Posted 6/27/2018 7:04 AM (GMT 0)
PR,
I am so glad that you are feeling level with your continued use/increase of the Zoloft.
May this continue, and also improve as you move along in your regimen...keep us updated okay!
Peace and progress!
S.C.
Lendi
Regular Member
Joined : Mar 2018
Posts : 338
Posted 6/30/2018 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
I love to hear when something works out for the better. Congrats.
Posted 7/5/2018 5:29 PM (GMT 0)
Today is my 17th day on Zoloft.
Had been feeling pretty good on the 50MGs but I am thinking I still need to increase to a higher dose. Still lack of motivation, although I did go out for dinner last night with a friend. Have been staying in on the weekends.
As far as side effects, the only one I have really noticed is that sometimes when I eat, it feels like the food gets stuck in my chest, even if I take a drink afterwards. It feels like it doesn't make it all the way down. I've also had some tightening in my throat. Thankfully not enough to make me go into a panic attack, but it is bothersome.
Supposed to have an appt with the DR on 7/12, but I am thinking I should move it up.
All in all I am hopeful that I am moving in the right direction.
Side effects have been minimal and I've felt mentally stable throughout!