Switching to Zoloft....?

[starla86]

So I got as far as 6mg weaning off of Paxil. Having been on it for 10+ years, it seemed like everything was going fine. Until I started having incapacitating anxiety attacks. So I went back up to 20mg, (where I started). Things didn't really get any better, and then around Thursday of last week, I sunk into such a deep depression, that I came close to checking into the ER or psych ward. I have never been so bad before. I had suicidal thoughts, but nothing that I would ever actually follow through with. After calling out of work yesterday and hiding at my mom's house in Providence, I went to the doctor today. She wants me to stop taking Paxil, (wean off), and start taking Zoloft. She thinks that the Paxil just stopped working, (poop-out?).

I'm a bit sketchy and skeptical about weaning off Paxil, but a bit comforted knowing that Zoloft will take it's place. I'm hoping everything goes smoothly. At this point, I will take anything they give me if it will make me function and happy again. I am also starting therapy next week.

Does anyone have any experience with switching from Paxil to another medicine? Were the withdrawal side effects just as bad or not so bad?

Any help would be appreciated. I am not doing so well.....

[scotty]

We have had people here who attempted this and found zoloft very anxiety producing. I don't know of anyone who stayed on the zoloft.

The rapid increase from 6mg to 20 is probably what added to the suicidal situation.

[carolyn]

{{{HUG}}}

starla, how long have you been back on the 20mg? Sometimes it takes a while for it to kick back in.

Honestly, I think starting therapy will make the biggest improvement for you, even over any new meds. I'm so glad to hear you're doing that! Go you!

[guitar77]

Starla, Zoloft messed me up really bad, just after two pills. They denied it was the Zoloft, and I tried it for several week a bit later. I had severe depersonalization and anxiety, and gave it up.

Just my experience.

I'm sorry you're having so much anxiety and depression--that really sucks.

How long did you stay at 20mg?

[nicole55]

Anxiety is an issue for me. I tried Zoloft after being off Paxil for several years. The start-up was horrible and made me worse. I got off it very quickly .

Everyone is different though, so just my experience with it.

[Songbird]

How long were you back at 20mg? I crashed badly last year when I got to 4.5mg, eventually I updosed back to 20mg, but it took quite a long time to feel better again. Although, after 10+ years, it is possible that you hit poop-out.

[nickels]

Starla, I'm so sorry that you've hit a rough patch

What was your taper schedule like? I'm also wondering if maybe you need to give the updose a little bit more time to kick in? A few members here report it taking up to 2 months to stabilize...maybe hang in there a bit longer. I also agree that the therapy will likely be the most helpful to your situation.

I hope you get some relief soon...you are in my thoughts *hugs*

[starla86]

Thanks everyone. I am now on day 2 of taking 50mg Zoloft and 1/2 tablet of 20mg Paxil. I am so scared that Paxil withdrawal is going to kick in. I almost feel manic. This morning, I was having horrible anxiety, but then I went to work, and I feel on top of the world right now. This weekend, I was in bed constantly. I can't deal with this!

Unfortunately, I can't see the therapist until Tuesday.

To answer some of the questions...

Carolyn... I've been back on 20mg for over a month now.

Guitar... I was on 20mg for about 10 years, and started weaning over about 8 months.

Nickels... I tapered using the schedule on this website. I went down in 10% decreases every 3-4 weeks, (adjusting as necessary).

I really think I must have hit poop-out, but I don't know. I just feel like no matter what I do, I will NEVER be off of Paxil. I told my dad last night, I try to get off of Paxil and I end up on MORE drugs. Haha, this sucks!

-Becky

[Songbird]

I sometimes feel the same way, wondering if I'll ever get off drugs. The 10% taper didn't work for me either, I crashed badly at 4.5mg and ended up going back to 20mg. But I'm not ready to give up, I'm tapering again but more slowly this time.

[scotty]

Originally Posted by Songbird

I sometimes feel the same way, wondering if I'll ever get off drugs. The 10% taper didn't work for me either, I crashed badly at 4.5mg and ended up going back to 20mg. But I'm not ready to give up, I'm tapering again but more slowly this time.

And this is the key. Trying one way, and being willing to alter the wean and try again.

[JessG]

I'm sorry Starla. ((Hugs)) I've been on 10+ years too, so I was definitely rooting for ya. Maybe the 10% was too much for you. I have a feeling that after being on this drug for so long, 10% would be too much for me as well. So, I have been doing 2.5%-6% tapers every 4-6 weeks. I really hope the zoloft thing works out for you. I'll pray that you stabilize soon. Hang in there.

[mapleleafgirl25]

I have been on and off paxil a few times in the last 5 years..the last time i went back on was at 11 months off..i had HORRIBLE protracted withdrawal...i am now ready again to taper...but i will LITERALLY going...from 20 to 19.5 staying there for 8 weeks..or so..see how i feel ..then go down to 19..stay for 8 weeks ..see how it is..then again..go to 18.5...i really dont care how long it takes for me to get off safe..all i know is ..i dont want to experience what happened to me 2 years ago ever again!

slow is the way to go...

[Songbird]

Great to see you back, Michele!