Zoloft To Celexa Information

Zoloft To Celexa Resource

Zoloft To Celexa Resource in Q&A

Zoloft and Celexa stopped working for me? I have been taking Zoloft and Celexa for a long time. Lately I do not feel that they are working. I am jittering and confused a lot of the time and unable to face life's problem or function like I used to. I have a short temper and get mad over dumb things. I just want to be normal. I don't know much about bipolar except that meds are exspensives.

Kristy replied: "Tell your doctor."

thebtpyoda replied: "maybe its time to upper your dose. u've been taking the same mg's for a long time it makes sense."

tsopolly replied: "It sounds like you need a change in meds or dosage. Your doctor might try something else like Lexapro and Xanax. The only way to solve the problem, though, is to meet with your doctor."

DR V replied: "Some people find that anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications stop working as well as they once did. It's very common. Could be a dosage adjustment might do the trick, but more likely you will want to try another SSRI. There are many of them, and they all have a different "feel". I'm sure you'll find one that will fit you, and you'll be feeling fine again soon. All the best."

ladybug replied: "have you been diagnosed with bipolar? i know that irritability is a symptom of cycling when you have bipolar.and it's possible that the meds aren't helping anymore because you are cycling."

lizzydizzy269 replied: "I was on zoloft and my doctor told me if I feel the meds arent working or i feel suicidal phone and make an appointment ASAP"

Psychologist In The House replied: "I will say talk to ur doctor n tell him how u feel he will work with u ...And see a psychologist n learn more about the diasese n urself"

why did zoloft work better than celexa for me? any pharmacist out-there/////? my doctors says that is just my body. my body likes it better abd that everyone is different. BUT WHY? what is it about that chemical taht makes it work better than celexa for me? is there any pharmacist that can explain this for me. i use zoloft for anxiety only and it works.

jloertscher replied: "Your doctor is right. Brain chemistry is enormously complex. Your point about some 'chemical' that makes it different leaves me puzzled. Of course it's a different chemical......it's a different drug and therefore a different chemical. Let me procide you with the same analogy I give patients of mine.Let's assume your favorite pizza topping is pepperoni. You know what? Mine is salami. Both are made of pork. Both are sausages. Both have a lot of salt. I'm not weird, and neither are you. If there can be differences in people with pizza toppings, then you can bet that are sure going to differences in how these types of drugs work. Hope this helps"

Can antidipressants such as zoloft, prozac, ritalin, wellbutrin, celexa be enhanced by alcohol or marijuana? I've read that alcohol can enhance the effects of psychological meds. How about marijuana?

Badguy replied: "yes, alcohol but not marijuana"

bmac replied: "No. Alcohol will just cancel the effects of the medication. You shouldn't drink alcohol and take antidepressants. You can look up the side effects online."

Joyful replied: "ABSOLUTELY. And alcohol and marijuana might well counter the effects of the antidepressant. If you want them to work, I suggest you don't over do it on party nights. Rather, don't take your pill on party nights. But every time you do that you're setting yourself back."

Barbara B replied: "ummm,anna nicoles son found out what happens if u "enhance" antidepressants with anything!!!!!!!"

Debbie V replied: "I really don't like this question, since I think you may use the answer to improperly use medications. Every one of those meds state on the side not to combine with alcohol. They don't say anything about marijuana. Go to the manufacturer's website and ask them. TX Mom not an expert"

lisaandchrisv@verizon.net replied: "Yes, depending what you are on those drugs for sometimes you will get severe side effects , Not a good idea . A friend of mine takes wellbutrin and becomes very suicidal when she drinks . It all depends , but I would not mix those meds with drugs or alcohol."

iamtheparty replied: "I'm not sure what you mean by "enhanced", but it's NEVER a good idea to mix drugs, especially when you consider that the manner in which most anti-depressants "work" is a mystery. The drug companies DO NOT UNDERSTAND what, if any positive effect these drugs have on your brain because they have never proven what they do!!"

Biran_Sefar replied: "One of the best, all natural, treatments for chronic depression is the healing herb, cannabis. Cannabis has been used to treat a variety of ailments including acute, chronic depression for thousands of years. Countless studies have demonstrated its efficacy to relieve depression especially where standard treatments have proven ineffective. Get informed. Get active. All adults should have access to this beneficial medicine."

tawnyvawn replied: "It doesn't ENHANCE the effects but it can interact with the meds. Antidepressants are serious medications and you shouldn't be mixing alcohol or marijuana with them. Alcohol particularly can interact with antidepressants but not to enhance there effectiveness! Ritalin is not an antidepressant but is sometimes used for depression in those that have a hard time with fatigue or sleepiness. Ritalin is a stimulant. It also is a very serious medication that should not be mixed with alcohol or marijuana!! I hope that you are taking these as prescribed meds and not from other sources. As a nurse, I see many young people have reactions and/or abuse these meds with poor outcomes. Please.... think wisely"

lil sammy replied: "I'll give ya personal experience answer. I take Wellbutrin and find that I'm alright with a few. But on the couple of occasions I've partied hard, I don't remember any of it. And not like the normal fuzzy drunk memories, like nothing. And I used to be able to drink the big boys under the table. All the warnings on the bottle say none. My doctor said a couple is ok, but I think it depends on the individuals health."

Pitter replied: "All of these anti-depressants (except RITALIN, it is a stimulant) are not positively enhanced by alcohol or marijuana. They would lessen the effects of anti-depressants..."

What drug is safer, zoloft or celexa?? My nurse is switching me from 75mg of zoloft to celexa. I am to go for a week with 50mg of zoloft then start with half a dose of celexa for a week then the regular dose. Is this safe? Which is better?

snakecharmer replied: "check out your meds on drugs.com"

Dani replied: "Asking a medical professional, is definately much better than asking a bunch of random people on the internet. Medication has different effects on different people. I was on Zoloft, and I've known people on Celexa...and I've never heard any unsafe reactions to either drug. If you have physical symptoms for depression, Celexa is better. Otherwise, if definately depends on the person, and what works for you."

Katie replied: "~It differs among people, some will have a side effect, some won't. I don't think one is better than the other. Check out and read on it.~"

NEMO replied: "i have been taken 100mg of zoloft for 5years now and i am COOL"

leothecomm replied: "I've been taking Celexa (and it's big brother, Lexapro) for several years now with no side effects"

igotplayedonce replied: "Neither, try some weed. It much better and does not have the harsh side affects. Seriously, ask you Doctor not a bunch of kooks on Yahoo answers!"

Which is better for anxiety, Zoloft or Celexa? I know this is a hard question, read more about it below.? I'm currently on Celexa, or rather the generic form of it. I have been taking it for 7 days. I take it at night and I notice that in the morning my anxiety is increased greatly, and I feel agitated and restless, combined with certain circumstances I am going through right now it becomes near unbearable, but then seems to subside a bit throughout the day. I take a bit of clonopine (spelling) to help. I'm wondering if the increased anxiety side effect will subside, or should I ask about switching to Zoloft. I have read that Zoloft is a "gentler" drug when it comes to side effects. I'm getting some good feedback here, and I appreciate it. A bit more about me: my doc has put me on Celexa for situational anxiety/depression, to help me deal with something for the next 6 months to a year that it could drag on. I have OCD so that just worsens the anxiety when I experience it (obsessively thinking and analyzing the things the situation that is causing the axiety in the first place). My doc had mentioned that he was on the fence about giving me Celexa or Zoloft, but decided to go with Celexa. So far I've had negative side effects: loss of appitite, loss of taste, loss of sexual desire, increased anxiety in the morning hours and confusion. I'm starting to wonder if maybe Zoloft might be a better choice, I heard it kinda makes you emotionally dead, which is good because I'd rather feel nothing then feel fear.

ambr123 replied: "The Celexa could cause an increase in anxiety-talk to your dr about whether you should change meds. Zoloft is usually good for anxiety with depression."

JustJules replied: "I think Zoloft and Celexa are primarily for depression. As for the anxiety, Xanax works for me. (Valium does too, but makes me too sleepy to function.)"

trollunderthestairs replied: "Your doctor - along with some trial and error will answer this best. Don't forget to ask about Effexor and don;t neglect seeing a therapist for some good talk therapy. It's as important as medications."

SoBelle replied: "Just talk to your doctor....it all depends on your diagnosis as to what you are taking it for. I couldn't take Zoloft one time...had switched to it and after about 4 days on it I was thinking one morning of suicide.....omg it scared me to death so I never took another one of them. Mine was for situational depression though."

iluvmy67cuda replied: "I have tried both, and about 45 other pills, and NOTHING has helped. I think its something that you have to fix yourself, from the inside. No pill will fix it. At least not for me."

leroux3s replied: "All "brain" drugs take a week or two to regulate themselves. you can take the Celexa at night instead of the morning and this might help My Dr.prefers it this way for me sounds like you may need a pill for the anxiety,on top of the depression medication. All medication usage is by trial and error for each individual You may want to give it another few days...if this is still happening and your Dr. does change your medications, it will get worse before better this is not an easy time in your life ....hang in ther it gets better!"

MancalledDad replied: "Both Zoloft and Celexa are essentially antidepressants, both being included in a class known as SSRI's (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors). While depression and anxiety are almost always comorbid (occurring together), they are different symptoms. Depression is regretting something that has already taken place; in the past, while anxiety is worrying about something that hasn't taken place yet; in the future. I have both depression and anxiety and take different medications for each. Xanax works the best for anxiety for me. It can be taken only when needed to help your system adjust to calmness when it is over stimulated by worry. SSRI's, on the other hand are recommended to be taken on a regular schedule as a preventative measure against the symptoms of depression. If an SSRI affects you in undesireable ways, then switch to a different one. This is a common practice when finding the best SSRI for each individual. Many people change a few times until the right one is chosen."

mia replied: "I think it will be different for every one. I suffered from anxiety and OCD and that resulted in my depression. My doctor tried and tried to convince me to try some different meds but my anxiety was so bad I was scared to take meds and when I tried the side effects scared me off of them. I finally checked myself in the hospital and met with the psychiatrist and she said you need to take Risperdal I freaked but ya know what it worked. It curbed the obsessing big time and now I am on a mix of Risperadal, Klonopin (small dose) and Prozac. With barely any side effects. Since my anxiety was so bad my doctor very gradually had me mix my Prozac in juice until I reached the correct dosage which helped me avoid any beginning side effects. It was a great way to do it and I feel great. I haven't felt any anxiety that I couldn't handle. Very very little anxiety compared to all the time everyday. I think this is the best I have felt in my life. Definitely try different things, I believe, because of my experience, that you can find the right combo that is right for you so you can feel good mentally and physically."

Mena replied: "zoloft in my oppinion works better with less side effects,and it comes in generic."

lilrnkinn942 replied: "i have anxiety and i was on all those i found a low dose of xanax helps out"

Comparing the SSRI's - Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, etc.? I know that all drugs work differently on different people, but I'm just posing very general questions. Which SSRI tends to be the most effective for the most people? And which tends to have the lowest amount of side effects? I took Paxil years ago for anxiety, and it was wonderful - worked great, and zero side effects except for the dreaded sexual side effcts. Withdrawal was bad but manageable by weaning myself slowly. More recently, I took it again, and it put me to sleep. I was yawning all day. Same with Lexapro. My problems have increased now to incude depression as well. I tried Wellbutrin for a couple of days, and the first two days and the first night were fine, just a little dizziness, but the second night it made my anxiety way worse, and I couldn't sleep because I was having panic attacks and my heart was racing. I couldn't sit still. I am thinking I need to go back to an SSRI, and potentially add the Wellbutrin back in once my anxiety is under control. Prozac is the only one of the group I've truly never touched. Technically not Celexa either, but that's basically just another form of Lexapro. I was on Zoloft for a very short period of time a long time ago with no issue. Any general thoughts on the differences between these meds? I know these meds need a certain amount of time before giving up, but the wellbutrin made me have terrible panic attacks, heart racing, etc, and there was no way I could go in to work Monday like that. I know Lexapro is not exactly the same as Celexa, but it's pretty darn close. They just pulled one of the isomers out of Celexa to make Lexapro, hoping that it would result in less side effects. (Or at least give them a new patent...)

free spirit ☆☾♎ ‡ replied: "Just know that it takes weeks sometimes for a full effect....not a couple days on this and a week on that etc. Cymbalta is a good one"

Kimberly B replied: "Paxil was awful for me during the withdrawal period . . . . I eat a diet that is fairly organic in nature - less processed foods, low sugar & sodium, and no caffeine! Natural remedies do work!"

Just another opinon replied: "They are all basically the same. They work by inhibiting the Serotonin from being taken back up into the transmitting cell. If you did not have any problems with Zoloft you may want to try it again. If it does not work try low dosing yourself to get your body "used to" the meds again. There is a break through period of several weeks with any new medication and unless you are having negative side effect you should take a medication for at least 30 days to know if you are benefiting from them."

♥*QuEeN_MeEeG*♥ replied: "Celexa is not the same as lexapro. If you mean they all treat GAD or depression they all do that. Each one effects the seritoin in your brain differently. If you really want to know about the drugs speak with a pharmacist or google the drug name and read up on it."

Clarissa replied: "Yea, all the ssri's that worked for me caused sexual side effects and food cravings. It was a constant struggle. The funny thing is, I'm an adult who lives in her own home and has a family of her own, but my mom is still a hoverer. The two things she bugs me about most are my weight and being depressed. If she senses me being depressed she nags me about it and if she sees me gaining weight she nags me about that too. I couldn't ever get to a place where I didn't have one of those two things so it was a constant nag fest. I just wish I could find a tactful way to say "butt out" to her. Anyway, something I would suggest is to try a gluten free diet. I know it's a little out there, but I struggled with anxiety and depression for over 15 years and last year I went on a gluten free diet for other reasons and unexpectedly my depression and anxiety went away. I literally haven't been depressed since then. Apparently the majority of your serotonin is located in your intestines and if they are impaired in some way your body can't use the serotonin like it needs to causing anxiety, depression, all kinds of psych disorders. Since then I've done a lot of research into it and many people have gluten intolerance even if they don't have celiac disease. It's something you might try if you are fed up with the meds. "

Shannon replied: "Don't take Prozac. It's antiquated, has tons of side-effects. Zoloft is one of the best ones for depression. It has a quick half-life so withdraws are fast and harsh 'brain zaps', but if you can stomach them you can take weekend-breaks from it to alleviate some of the sexual side-effects (e.g. stop taking it on Thursday, resume on Sunday.) All SSRIs have similar sexual side-effects. Adding a small dose of Welbutrin is said to help. You have to slowly ramp up your dose of Welbutrin. The side-effects you describe happen if you take too much too quickly."

Started celexa for 5 days and switched to zoloft.? I was on 20mg celexa for 5 days and finally got over the nausea and was feeling great, until I got a rash. My Dr. switched me to 25mg zoloft and I've not felt any side effects at all. Should I up to 50mg or give it some time? Has anyone had any similar experiences?

Paul A replied: "It takes from four to six weeks for antidepressants to reach their "full function" level in your system. You likely won't feel them starting to help you feel better for a couple weeks. I would hold off on increasing your dose. You really don't want to be on a higher dose than you need. Give it some time, and see how you feel then."

Dr. recommends Prozac, celexa, zoloft... any suggestions? I have a mild case of anxiety, so i'm planning to seek therapy and medication. the doctor recommended those three (along with paxil and lexapro, although she said lexapro's a little more pricy and paxil might make me drowsy/gain weight.), but my research is a bit shaky. what do people who have taken these recommend for a mild anxiety/mild depression? any stories/experiences of taking it for the first time/withdrawals would help as well - this is my first time taking any prescribed medication besides antibiotics.

moonglow replied: "I guess if it really is "mild" enough you could try managing your symptoms with therapy, yoga or massage? I've taken luvox and zoloft for anxiety and depression. I didn't have any side effects with either one, luvox probably worked best for me. It just took a while to find the right dosage. Xanax helps with panic attacks. Good Luck. Hope you feel better."

bmac replied: "It depends. Is this doctor a mental health professional or just your general doctor? Because you need to see someone in mental health. They will talk to you and with your medical history decide which medication to try you on. Don't give up if the first one and/or dosage doesn't work. Tell your doctor and they will either adjust the dose or change your medication. That's very common. They will find the right one for you. I'm glad to hear you are going to seek therapy, as well. That is the most important thing you can do. Medication won't fix the problem--only therapy can do that. The medication is only meant to help get you through that."

Lynn T replied: "Everybody is different and reacts differently to the meds. Don't be afraid to tell the doctor if you are having any problems with the med he gives you. I tried Prozac first and it affected my sleep then he switched me to lexapro and I liked that. I only took it for about 9 months as I was having a problem at work and I am no longer there. I also started exercising more and I really think that helped. Good Luck"

Janst replied: "A few years ago I was prescribed Prozac for depression. I didn't think I was depressed. But I was asked to give it a chance. I took it was six weeks and I noticed a big difference. I was going through a bad divorce and it really helped me be able to think much clearer. Of course I still had my problems to handled. But It just helped me. Before I just wanted to work go home and sleep and just no motivation. I came off of the medication after about a year. The only side effect was I could not sleep so I took a sleeping pill at night while I was on Prozac. Other than that I had no side effects.I had not problems after I stopped the medication. The only advice is make sure you give any antidepressant at least six weeks before you see a difference in your feeling and mood."

alonei replied: "I am taking Lexapro, and I think it is worth the extra money. ($30.00 a month) It has helped me with anxiety and depression. I have not noticed any bad side affects since I have been taking it. (about 3 months) Since I have been on it I feel like my old happy self again. Before that, every little thing seemed like a big thing,now I can handle average stresses that used to send me over the edge. (my husband said he noticed a big difference in me. More mild mannered."

sk8erchica15 replied: "I suffer from mild anxiety and what my therapist calls "Major Depression-Minor" which she explains as being on the low end of Major depression. I have been taking Effexor XR (75 mg, but there are lower dosages) It has worked well for me, but like with every prescription it comes with it's side effects from taking it AND from discontinuing use with your doctor weening you off of it. (or if you run out before you get your RX filled again!)"

hargonagain replied: "You should stay far away from Paxil. Many people have committed suicide while taking paxil, I was on it for about a year and I always had suicidal thoughts. As your doctor about Wellbutrin. I have been taking that for about 9 months now and wellbutrin is used to help people quit smoking, and it helps you to actually lose weight, not a lot of weight, but I have lost about 10 pounds since taking it without changing my eating habits. It has a mild appetite suppressent in it so you don't feel so hungry."

TweetyBird replied: "I would advise you to start with Prozac. It's had outstanding results nationally. Low side effects for most. The only thing you can really do is to pick one and see for yourself how it works for you. Antidepressants are never to be discontinued abruptly. If you decide to stop taking them, you will be "stepped down" - the dosage will be reduced gradually."

Ladyofathousandfaces replied: "Well you know that zoloft is a off spin of Prozac, so your doctor should not be really mixing the two of them, so i would have a serious talk with her about that."

Jay replied: "Zoloft work the best for me. Lexapro made me nausious, too much seretonian in it. Paxil made me edgy and very irritable. I have never tried celexa. But I love Zoloft, it helps a lot without the drowsiness. Also ask if you can have a benzopine to go along with it. I take klonopin because my panic attacks are pretty severe at times, so is my anxiety. With Zoloft and klonopin I rarerly have any attacks. It keeps them at bay. Meds differ from person to person, but it did help for me. I hope this helps and that you find something that helps you out. -Zoloft helped with my depression as well. Take care"

Celexa/Lexapro Vs Zoloft? Alright so I've narrowed it down to two meds: Zoloft and Celexa/Lex I was on Zoloft from ages 13-17 and it worked great for me. The only problem I have is that it seems to cause panic attacks in people for the first 4 weeks, and as someone with anxiety now, I don't know if I could handle that :( The issue I have with Celexa/Lex is that since Celexa is in the same PGP substrate family as Paxil and Effexor, and I had horrid withdrawal symptoms and Serotonin Syndrome from the Pax, do you think I should even try Celexa/Lex? I'd like to hear some debate between Celexa/Lex users and Zoloft users. There's also Emsam, but I heard that makes some people really angry lol. I think I'll take anger over anxiety and withdrawal symptoms! I'm currently on Effexor for 3.5 weeks and need to get off it NOW because I've read that the withdrawal symptoms are even worse than Paxil, and I've experienced the Paxil nightmare after being on it for 10 years

Brian replied: "I've heard that Paxil has horrible withdrawl as does Effexor and Cymbalta. I think Zoloft or Lexapro would be fine, or even Prozac which probably has the least withdrawal or side effects, but also takes longer to get into and out of your system."

humpty dumpty replied: "Here is what I know, celexa did not help me at all. Paxil does but it is an older ssri and there are better ones now and the withdrawal can be extreme. My mother and husband and two friends are on lexipro and it works great for them, but it is expensive. I have also heard good things about zoloft, but not as much as lexipro. Also you might want to bear in mind they don't get fully into your system in 4 weeks so the panic attacks might have happened anyway without the zoloft."

Paul A replied: "I have no experience from Effexor, but all the rest of the medications you mentioned, Celexa, Lexapro, Zoloft, and any SSRI will have the same withdawal issues. It's not a big problem, but you just have to do it properly and wean off it VERY slowly. I've been on Wellbutrin SR and Lexapro for over 2 1/2 years, and it's working great for me. ..."