Question 1

what is the difference between effexor (venlafaxine) and zoloft?

Accepted Answer

SNRI vs SSRI: Effexor (venlafaxine) increases two different neurotransmitters in the brain (serotonin and norepinephrine) whereas zoloft increases just serotonin.  Side effect profiles are similar.  Withdrawal symptoms are worse with effexor (venlafaxine). People who don't respond to one, may respond to the other.

Question 2

hi i am currently being seen for anxiety and depression - effexor xr 75 and zoloft 100 mg. i am still experiencing trouble sleeping, concentration, and restlessness. i see my primary this friday and have been seeing her for almost 6 months. any recommendations on what to ask her to try or maybe increase for these issues?

medication?

Accepted Answer

TAKE ONE AND MAXIMIZ: I do not think that the medication regimen that you are on would be my choice. You should take either the Effexor or the Zoloft and not both. There is duplication My suggestion would be to maximize the Effexor and taper off the Zoloft. Effexor has a dual mechanism of action when you increase and it can go up to 225mg or even300mg. Perhaps see a psychiatrist that specializes in this.

Question 3

is 150mg of effexor (venlafaxine) and 100mg of zoloft likely to cause serotonin syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Not recommended to b taken together, Discuss with your doctor.

Question 4

my psychiatrist is trying to wean me off effexor (venlafaxine) xr and start zoloft. i've been super nauseated all day with diarrhea. is this a side effect?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Weaning off of Effexor (venlafaxine) can cause nausea, vertigo, diarrhea.  Talk to your doctor about getting medication to help with the side effects while you go through this transition.

Question 5

is effexor (venlafaxine) right for me? 200mg zoloft daily doesn't work. i am a diabetic i have been taking zoloft for 12 years now and it always worked in the past. thanks for your help!

Accepted Answer

Hello. : Hello. I don't know what condition you are taking the zoloft for. Ptsd? Anxiety disorder? Depression?  The first issue is to ensure that your diagnosis is correct. Although 200mg of zoloft is the maximum recommended dose in the pdr; it is often prescribed off - label at higher doses.  Some of the concerns with Effexor (venlafaxine) is that to get a dose that has more than just an effect on serotonin levels; you could have problems with weight gain and hypertension. 
   Some patients need a medication combination or a mood stabilizer good luck.

Question 6

are there differences between zoloft and effexor (venlafaxine)?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Effexor (venlafaxine) is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Your doctor may choose either one based on your symptoms of depression and which might help you the most.

Question 7

is zoloft better drug than effexor (venlafaxine)? i heard more people using zoloft than effexor (venlafaxine).

Accepted Answer

Nope: One is not better than the other.  Response rates are similar for major depression.  Differences in potential side-effects and drug-interactions.  Cost basis is similar for both (despite what the retail pharmacy might want to sell it to you for).

Question 8

i tried to quit effexor (venlafaxine) xr but the symptoms came back. psch put me on zoloft 200m mg. how much time will it take to work?

Accepted Answer

Variable: This is a good question.  As soon as a person takes a dose of Zoloft (sertraline) (or any SRI) their levels of serotonin in their brain begin to change.  Some individuals likely benefit from that alone

However...the secondary therapeutic actions relate to changes on the surface of the nerve cell which requires more complex mechanisms i.e protein synthesis...and this can take 2-4 weeks. So time is needed.

Question 9

was on 75mg of effexor (venlafaxine) for last 7 weeks and have been upped to 150mg for the last week or so. feel worse than what i was when i was on zoloft.

Accepted Answer

Let treating dr know: It is common for some medications to work well and others may not work as well.  You need to let your treating Dr. know and medications may need to be adjusted or switched until the right one or combination of them works best for you.  Good luck.

Question 10

currently take 200mg zoloft  daily and dr. has now added effexor (venlafaxine) xr 75mg daily. is this a problem? what alternatives should i discuss with dr.?

Accepted Answer

Seems like a lot: Zoloft 200 mg is a pretty high dose.  You may want to ask him about weaning down on the Zoloft as he's increasing the Effexor XR.  You may also want to ask about another class of medication instead of the Effexor XR such as wellbutrin, buproprion or abilify, (aripiprazole) depending on your diagnosis.

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Doctor answers about:

Effexor and zoloft

A member asked:

What is the difference between effexor (venlafaxine) and zoloft?

A member asked:

A member asked:

Is 150mg of effexor (venlafaxine) and 100mg of zoloft likely to cause serotonin syndrome?

A member asked:

My psychiatrist is trying to wean me off effexor (venlafaxine) xr and start zoloft. i've been super nauseated all day with diarrhea. is this a side effect?

A member asked:

Is effexor (venlafaxine) right for me? 200mg zoloft daily doesn't work. i am a diabetic i have been taking zoloft for 12 years now and it always worked in the past. thanks for your help!

A member asked:

Are there differences between zoloft and effexor (venlafaxine)?

A member asked:

Is zoloft better drug than effexor (venlafaxine)? i heard more people using zoloft than effexor (venlafaxine).

A member asked:

I tried to quit effexor (venlafaxine) xr but the symptoms came back. psch put me on zoloft 200m mg. how much time will it take to work?

A member asked:

Was on 75mg of effexor (venlafaxine) for last 7 weeks and have been upped to 150mg for the last week or so. feel worse than what i was when i was on zoloft.

A member asked:

Currently take 200mg zoloft daily and dr. has now added effexor (venlafaxine) xr 75mg daily. is this a problem? what alternatives should i discuss with dr.?

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