I have been on Effexor 37.5mg daily for 20 years ,I was put on it for intrusive thoughts I started on 150mg and eventually I got it down to 37.5mg daily
Doctor wants to put me on sertraline 50mg
I’m afraid to switch medication after all these years can anybody advice me please
I’m scared
On Effexor 37.5mg for 20 years?
Question posted by Triona r on 31 Jan 2022
Last updated on 1 February 2022
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Answers
jakyoga65
31 Jan 2022
Hi. I agree with Wildcat's advice. Also curious why the switch. Would definitely recommend a slow transition to the sertraline and allow for a few weeks of adjustment. Best of luck.
Triona r
31 Jan 2022
I feel that the Effexor hasn’t been working for a good while now
My mother died in September so I feel a lot worse than I did but I know that is grief
I don’t know if I should go on 75mg of Effexor or just try the sertraline
I suppose I’m afraid that if I swap then I could be back to square one with intrusive thoughts etc
Thank you for your help
jakyoga65
1 Feb 2022
I understand. Right now I am in the process of increasing sertraline to see if it helps, as I have been on it for almost 20 years. She did say it was worth trying the increase first as tapering off one and then trying another medication will have its own set of struggles. Hard things to deal with.
WildcatVet
31 Jan 2022
Hi, Triona!
Why does your doctor want you to switch? Has the Effexor started to lose it's effectiveness? It's not uncommon with long term use.
I wouldn't be afraid of starting a new medication but since you did well on a very low dose of Effexor you might want to ask the doctor to start you at 25mg of the sertraline.
You'll want to use the lowest dose that controls your symptoms and another low dose may work for you. If not, then there's always time to increase it.
Best regards,
Wildcat
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effexor, depression, sertraline, doctor
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