Zoloft versus effexor- any input?

[Anonymous]

Hi, I have anxiety, depression and some obsessive/ruminating thoughts. Im seeing a therapist and need medication too. Zoloft and effexor were both suggested by the psychiatrist. Has any one used both and have input? I took Lexapro a few years ago and it helped until then I got kind of numb and I also gained a ton of weight on it. Im hoping to avoid that this time around.

[Anonymous]

Effexor is called SIDE-Effexor for a reason. It has a ton of side effects and it is one that is really hard to wean off of. I would absolutely try Zoloft first.

[Anonymous]

I took Effexor for several years in my 20s and while it worked fine while I was on it, the withdrawal was horrible. Would not recommend it.

Have you considered Prozac? The safety profile of Prozac is very good, and it is often prescribed (in high doses) for compulsive thoughts. I'm surprised your doctor is suggesting Effexor, TBH.

[Anonymous]

Effexor was hell to get off. The withdrawal was horrible and lasted for months even when slowly tapering. Never again

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Effexor was hell to get off. The withdrawal was horrible and lasted for months even when slowly tapering. Never again

same poster. I've been on and off zoloft as well. It's so much better. Try zoloft first.

[Anonymous]

Different poster- and I concur with all the previous posters- getting off of Effexor was hell on earth for me. The twitches, brain zaps, nausea, brain fog…. That lasted for effing ever…. Horrible evil stuff.

[Anonymous]

OP here- wow about Effexor! Those who take/took Zoloft, did you have any issues with weight? I have a blood pressure issue that fluctuates with weight so not only do I not want to be overweight, I have to be careful with the bp situation.

[Anonymous]

I’ve been on Zoloft for 3 months and have lost weight. Not too much loss, but a nice bonus. I am weaning off now though because it really numbed my emotions. I gained weight on Lexapro and had all kinds of other side effects.

[Anonymous]

Have you considered taking the Geno Mind test? It looks at certain genetic information to recommend which drugs may work best. It might be helpful

[Anonymous]

What obsessive thoughts?

[Anonymous]

To me, Zoloft is one of the easiest AD’s to take and to get off if. It’s just a really easy AD I think, as compared to others.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What obsessive thoughts?

I overthink and ruminate to the point where it debilitates me. Like I cant make important decisions, I dont follow through with commitments/plans I make, because I overthink and obsess over non-important things, or talk myself out of things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you considered taking the Geno Mind test? It looks at certain genetic information to recommend which drugs may work best. It might be helpful

I havent but the person I went to who recommended effexor said that she did some genetic studies and found that ssri's arent ways best for people from eastern european backgrounds, which I am. Which is why she recommended effexor since it isnt an ssri.

[Anonymous]

*always*, not ways

[Anonymous]

Actually Im only half Eastern European, haha woops, I thought my moms side was also considered Eastern European and its not. So maybe Zoloft is worth a try first.