Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Hello. I Currently Take 37.5 Mg Of Zoloft As Well
Question: Hello. I currently take 37.5 mg of zoloft as well as 150 mg of wellbutrin XL - my doctor wants me to switch from the zoloft to lexapro 5 mg because i have not found that the anxiety has been better even though the depression is better. I had taken lexapro many years ago and it definitely helped me with anxiety but caused weight gain which is why i stopped but now with the other medictiaon this will be less of an issue. I am wondering about tapering. I was told to just switch without tapering off of zolot but i tried this and had many side effects. Can is start more slowly - with 25 of zoloft at the same time as 2.5 of lexapro? or should i just switch? I am curious what you may think. thanks!
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.
I have gone through your query and understand the problems faced by you.
As sudden withdrawal of Zoloft caused lot of side effects I feel tapering just 25-30% a week with upward titrating Lexapro in similar manner (2.5 mg increment every week) will serve the purpose. To make it simple for the first week go for 2.5 mg lexapro and 25 mg Zoloft followed by second week with 12.5 mg Zoloft and 5 mg Lexapro and third week by 5 Mg Lexapro only.
Although they have cross effects in regard to withdrawal syndrome caused by SSRI group of medications but probably over sensitivity to medications is the cause for lot of side effects experienced by you.
In regard to weight gain caused by Lexapro in past it is possible that similar side effects may be experienced by you. However presence of Wellbutrin is expected to lower the risk of weight gain due to Lexapro.
I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.
I have gone through your query and understand the problems faced by you.
As sudden withdrawal of Zoloft caused lot of side effects I feel tapering just 25-30% a week with upward titrating Lexapro in similar manner (2.5 mg increment every week) will serve the purpose. To make it simple for the first week go for 2.5 mg lexapro and 25 mg Zoloft followed by second week with 12.5 mg Zoloft and 5 mg Lexapro and third week by 5 Mg Lexapro only.
Although they have cross effects in regard to withdrawal syndrome caused by SSRI group of medications but probably over sensitivity to medications is the cause for lot of side effects experienced by you.
In regard to weight gain caused by Lexapro in past it is possible that similar side effects may be experienced by you. However presence of Wellbutrin is expected to lower the risk of weight gain due to Lexapro.
I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
