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this is my second day off of Effexor and on Zoloft and I'm not feeling too good

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Posted 8/18/2015 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
I made the switch to days ago from effexor 75 mg to Zoloft 50 mg. it is been 6 months that I've been looking for the right medication so my days and nights are full of anxiety depression insomnia side effects and withdrawals. yesterday I felt pretty good almost giddy and today I feel absolutely awful. I was on Effexor for about 6 weeks and now this is my second day on Zoloft. my question is should I stick to the Zoloft or should I consider going back on the effexor? the effexor helped me through the day especially with my dr but I had horrible insomnia and sleeplessness at night. it now seems that being on the Zoloft is making me feel terrible during the entire day very foggy brained DR and full of fear...
What should I do???
GG
Posted 8/18/2015 9:39 PM (GMT 0)
GG,

I would give the Zoloft at least two weeks if not thirty days. Did you ween off the Effexor or just stop suddenly?
Posted 8/18/2015 10:14 PM (GMT 0)
I agree. ..try to give it some time...this is pretty expected with the transition you're going through.

Also call your doctor for reassurance that you are on the right track...this may encourage you to keep going:)

I think I may have recommended some coping skills.to you in your post from yesterday. ..did you get a chance to check it out?

Hang in there...it's temporary!

S.C.
Posted 8/19/2015 3:31 AM (GMT 0)
my doctor told me picture switch. I don't think it was the right advice.AM jumping out of my skin tonight I feel so alone and I feel like I'm having the absolute worst withdrawal side effects from the Zoloft and no effexor the best I've felt in 6 months was when I was on Effexor maybe I'm not ready to switch mentally emotionally physicallymy doctor isn't the most understanding person she basically spring got me last week because I had to many questions and I was scared to death to have withdrawal or side text because that's all I've had in the last 6 months with no relief she told me to stop playing doctor. And you also told me that 75 m_g of a effexor will not get me better even though I felt better... I feel so alone
Posted 8/19/2015 10:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Changing medication can be tough I have gone through many over the years and it seems to be the norm for things to get worse before they get better. I would stick with the Zoloft for a couple of more weeks before making a decision to change again and keep in touch with your doctor.

Double up on any coping skills you have to help with the added anxiety and keep posting here we are here for you so keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 8/19/2015 1:29 PM (GMT 0)
gypsygirl,

I hear your emotions. I am on my 6th day of a crossover. Some days I have a lot of energy and motivation and others I feel lazy, or full of anxiety. So you see I have had some good days, and bad days too; but I have learned as well as hibee that, drops, cross overs, switches, augments, whatever they are; they will cause a flipflop in you brain for a spell for different reasons.

One reason is that all AD's do not act on the same neuro's in your brain. A simple picture explanation I hope. Your new AD needs time to get into your blood stream and balance. Then it needs to get to the pathways in your brain it is going to help; to set up for the work it will do there to help your chemicals. At the same time the old AD is leaving your system and leaving some pathways deficient of the help it gave you before. All of which leaves your brain and gaba, especially in a state of panic. Many Doctors; as mine have offered the use of a benzo as a cushion for a month or two for the extreme anxiety; while the new and old medicine is transitioning.

Only you and your brain will really knows which pathways (like anxiety, panic, PTST, depression, etc.) your medicine is or is going to assist you with as you heal and your medicine gets leveled.
Because of that I journal and keep notes on my doses and symptoms, moods, and occasionally what I accomplished each. It helps me to track my progress and stay positive. It also helps me to see where I feel the medicine is making a positive difference or a negative difference; thus showing me whether my anxiety about the medicine not working during the crossover is real or just the anxiety caused by the crossover.

I expect to be 4 to six, maybe even 8 weeks in crossover transition. With the first week or two to be the worst. Trust me it is not easy; but if I want to get well and live again I need to MAKE myself be patient. : ) I also have a wedding cake to make for September 5th!

Hang in there!!
Posted 8/19/2015 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
PS Gypsy girl. I did just read something about effexor requiring a slower taper to reduce the discontinuation symptoms. Ask your doctor about this. Maybe you are not going slow enough with cross tapering you are cross tapering aren't you? Or just dropping and switching?
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