Zoloft was one of the first SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) anti-depressants to hit the market and was widely prescribed, and there is no doubt that it has helped millions of people on their way to recovery from depression. However, other unpleasant effects have been experienced from Zoloft, including feelings of fogginess, numbness, insomnia, and even sexual effects. (For more sexual effects from Zoloft, see the previous Associated Content Article). Many other SSRI medications have come on the market along with Zoloft, each with their own list of risks and benefits.
One of the newer SSRIs on the market is a drug called Lexapro, which is actually an updated version of an older anti-depressant called Celexa. Lexapro is the fastest growing anti-depressant on the prescription drug market today, in large part due to its relatively benign side-effect profile. Most people who LexaproLexapro does not experience any side effects have experienced any, and those who have problems note that they are a lot. less serious than the older nervous hatreds. Scientists aren’t exactly sure why Lexapro has fewer side effects, but because there are fewer “wrong.” Molecules that are in other they act on receptors in the brain. That’s why many patients switch from Zoloft (or other older drugs) to Lexapro.
A few years ago, I made the switch from Lexapro to Zoloft, and I have to say that it was definitely the right decision for me. Within a few weeks of switching, many of the side effects on Zoloft began to feel stale; and I began to feel like an old man again. But the transition process was not without “bumps” along the way. Here are a few tips to help make your transition from Zoloft to Lexapro as smooth as possible:
1) Go slowly. Whenever you switch medication from one anti-depressant to another, it should be a gradual process to minimize Stay hydrated. This last tip may be the least one, but perhaps the most important. Drinking plenty of water while switching from Zoloft to Lexapro will help your body make the transition easily. Not only is dehydration linked to headaches, depression, and fatigue, but your body will actually be able to “move” drugs around your body and use them more effectively when you’re well-hydrated. So make sure to drink at least eight ounces of water per day… every day.
By following these simple steps, I was able to completely transition from Zoloft to Lexapro in less than two months, and since I started Lexapro, my mood has never been better. If you are experiencing unpleasant side effects on Zoloft, Prozac, or another older anti-depressant, ask your doctor if switching to Lexapro makes sense for you. If your doctor agrees to give you the test, follow the simple steps in this article, and you’ll be feeling better in no time.
