Stay on Zoloft, jump to Paxil?

[technonyc]

Been on Zoloft 150 mg for 10 years for anxiety, depression, OCD, addiction. Worked wonders, let me lead a normal productive life, completely panic/depression-free. Seems it started to poop out a few weeks ago, so GP raised it to 200 mg. After a few days, started to feel much better, but crashed a week later and had more panic attacks. Went back to GP, who said we might as well switch meds, to which I agreed. Decided on Paxil 40 mg and to do the switch in one move, no tapers. Day after I picked up RX, I had a fairly good day, so I decided to wait a bit longer to see if the Zoloft increase was indeed kicking in (at that point, it had been a little over two weeks). I had a pretty good rest of the week, but today I am anxious again, so I'm not sure what to do. I was going to give the Zoloft four weeks, but I don't know if I should bother. Is it time to bite the bullet? Any feedback would be most appreciated. Thanks.

[foofoonurse]

I'm on Zoloft 200mg daily. It's mainly an antidepressant. Doesn't really help my anxiety. I take bus pat 15mg 3x a day and how found greatness in it.

[alankay]

I'd give the zoloft more time if you can. Paxil and effexor are OK but since they are hardest to stop I would exhaust all else in the way of AD's. These really do take time to work fully. You might just also ask about an augmentor med like buspar with the zoloft instead of switching main AD's. Buspar or wellbutrin are sometimes used as an "add on" when a given AD helps with tolerable side effects but is not helping quiet enough at the max dose. Just a thought. Also adding a benzo just for the worst days could be considered. Alankay

[Kaybee]

Has your doctor considered lexapro? I'm with alankay. If you can avoid Paxil and Effexor you should. If/when you want to come off medication those two make it hardest. Best defense is a good offense. (And btw I did beautifully on zoloft for 8 years but weight gain was a problem. Haven't had that issue on lexapro).