Can you switch from Prozac to zoloft without weaning off the Prozac first?

Answer 1

i wouldn't worry too much about weaning off of Prozac...
it's acclimating to effexor (and weaning off of it) that's tough.

that said, effexor worked wonderfully for me, pulling me out of a very deep hole.

it's just that it has side effects that can be pretty rough.

Answer 2

Yes. I am not a doctor, however, I took Effexor for over 12 years and switched to Prozac because I absolutely hated the side effects of Effexor. I took both medications for two weeks before tapering off the Effexor. Many people that have taken Effexor have very uncomfortable withdrawals, including myself, especially if they have taken it over a long period of time. I desperately wanted off Effexor so My doctor suggested I switch to Prozac and then wean myself off the Prozac. I began by taking Prozac for two weeks while still taking my regular dose of Effexor. After two weeks of taking both Prozac and Effexor, my doctor suggested I reduce the Effexor, taking it only every other day for one week (I was already on the lowest possible mg dose). After that week I cut out the Effexor completely. I took Prozac for another 7-10 days and then stopped the Prozac. I occasionally had very mild withdrawal symptoms, most of which occurred after stopping the Prozac and mostly in the evening, but it was very manageable and lasted only a few days.

If you have a difficult time withdrawing from Effexor I would suggest talking with your doctor about weaning yourself slowing off, by switching to Prozac like I did. I had tried many times, with a doctors assistance, to wean off of Effexor and I could never get past the third or forth day until I added the Prozac.

I changed from Lexapro to Effexor without weaning off first. Lexapro is the same type as Prozac, so I suppose you can. I felt a bit funny for a few days, that was about it.

Answer 3

You should always titer your drug dose up slowing and likewise slowly decrease it as you wean off of it. However, Prozac and Zoloft are in the same drug class, they are both SSRI's so switching between the 2 you do not have to wean off of one before moving to the other. If you decide to discontinue use of both, or move to another class of drug, you should slowly decrease the drug dose to wean off of it.

Answer 4

It depends on your doctor's recomendations. Prozac is a stronger and different form of medicine, and you will not act the same way you did when you move to Welbutrin.

It is safe to take Welbutrin and Prozac at the same time. Even when used together they work on two different parts of the brain. Welburtin is used more for depression, and Prozac is used more for Anxiety.

If you are more anxious than depressed, then stay with the Prozac family. If you are more depressed, then move to Welbutrin. If you decide to move over, wean onto welbutrin (this will be rather quick due to welburtin has few sideeffects and you start with a high dose rather quickly); then after a couple of weeks to a month keep a journal. You may decide to stay on Welbutrin and Prozac at the same time. If you decide to still move away from the Provac then wean off.

It will take up to a month to wean off from Prozac. During this time-frame keep a journal of your behaviours each day. Write down the days that you are upset for no reason, and the days that you are extremely happy, also note any other behaviors that are outside of your normal. This will help you determine is Prozac is good for you or not. It will also let you know that when you come off of Prozac completely, Welbutrin will not be able to control your anxiety and depression alone.

Answer 5

i wouldn't worry too much about weaning off of Prozac...
it's acclimating to effexor (and weaning off of it) that's tough.

that said, effexor worked wonderfully for me, pulling me out of a very deep hole.

it's just that it has side effects that can be pretty rough.

Answer 6

I am prescribed to both. Wellbutrin works on one side of the brain while Prozac works on the other.