Effexor to Zoloft Switch

Posted by edse @edse, Sep 12 3:38am

Hi ,
I’ve been on Effexor for 15 years with good results ( lowered anxiety levels immensely) until this summer.
My Dr suggested switching ( cross taper) from Effexor to Zoloft over a 4-5 week period.
I’m on week two and feeling terrible- anxiety, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, low mood.
Having an overall tough time.
Have you experienced this? Any suggestions or advice?
Thank you!

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susanh824 | @susanh824 | Sep 13 4:35am

I've never tried switching from Effexor to another medicine, but I have done a taper from Effexor, which was supervised by a consulting pharmacist. In my opinion, I think you are trying to make the switch too quickly. There are definitely side effects associated with tapering or quitting Effexor. Perhaps you should ask your doctor to make the switchover at a slower rate. Good luck!

reginald56 | @reginald56 | Sep 14 7:36am

Out of curiosity why did he choose Zoloft. I have done a 8 month slow taper on Effexor but am now feeling like I need to be on something else.

edse | @edse | Sep 14 1:12pm

I don’t know why she suggested Zoloft….
I found the tapering of Effexor was awful so she then suggested staying on Effexor and a small dose of Zoloft to augment it.
But my pharmacist didn’t agree with that- she is suggesting Effexor and augment with pregabalin.