Has anyone changed from Zoloft 100mg to Paxil 20 mg ( gradually of course lol)

[lola200677]

I'm about to swap meds Zoloft to Paxil tomorrow. Does anyone know of the main differences when overlapping these? I know they're in the same AD group so it shouldn't be that bad, but just thought I'd ask if anyone's out there that's been through this. Will it make me 'edgy'??
Thankuuu

[Paxiled]

By the way, I did switch from Zoloft to Paxil, but my experience doesn't count since the Zoloft didn't do anything at all -- no effects, no side effects -- so I probably at that time didn't metabolize it well.

[Paxiled]

I don't quite understand -- but I'm assuming you plan to switch before you complete the taper off Zoloft.  I think it's always best to completely quit a med before switching to another so you can tell what are withdrawal effects and the best taper schedule for you and what are new effects of the new med.  As for the drugs, Paxil is quite unlike any other med out there.  It appears to be the strongest of the ssris in its affinity to its particular targeted serotonin receptors and has a larger effect on choline receptors as well.  Probably because of this it ends to be the most difficult to stop taking, though Zoloft is no picnic for many.  But as with any med, the reaction you have to it can't be predicted by anyone else's reaction to it -- you can only do your homework and see what's said about the various meds in studies, lawsuits, FDA actions, and anecdotal reports on sites like this one.  But that's more than we could find out before!  But whatever you decide to do, I'd advise discussing this with your psychiatrist and reading up on the tapering protocols -- these two meds aren't that similar though they're in the same class, so you should really discuss stopping the Zoloft before moving on to any other medication, in my opinion.  

[mbsc1981]

I've had friends switch to Zoloft from Paxil, but not vice versa. I believe Paxil is a milder AD with fewer side effects. I was on Paxil a while ago. It took about a month for it to set in, but it worked really well for me. And my friend who is on AD currently.

I wouldn't imagine it should be too difficult, because they're working on the same issue, but you may experience some hiccups as the transition takes place. I'd keep that in mind, in case you start to develop abnormal irritation or anxiety symptoms.

Also, your pharmacist will be able to answer these questions more clearly than many of us on the forums can. My pharmacist was awesome about informing me on Paxil.