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Can You Tell Me The Best Way To Make The Transition Between Medicines?

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Posted on Mon, 27 Jul 2020
Twitter Mon, 27 Jul 2020 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 12 Aug 2025 Last reviewed on
Question : Hi I am switching over from 25 mg of zoloft to 5 mg of lexapro.

Can you tell me the best way to make the transition? I gained weight on zoloft and my doc said that I would probably have better luck not gaining with lexapro especially at a low dose.

Please let me know a plan.

Thx
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Dear,

First of all I like to inform you that if the zoloft worked well for you, there is good chance that Lexapro will be effective option for treatment of anxiety and depression. This is because zoloft and Lexapro share the mechanism of action of each other and generally effective. Despite the effectiveness the side effect profile is different among different individuals. I think opinion of your psychiatrist is correct as the low dose of lexapro have less chance of causing weight gain. Although I must acknowledge that individual variation are always there and it is important to remain vigilant about few extra pounds.



Since low dose of lexapro unlikely to affect the existing weight so there is need for exercise and diet modification to execute weight loss.

Regarding the switch of medications, considering your sensitivity in mind I suggest you following way.

First week
Zoloft 25 mg (one tablet of 25 mg) plus lexapro 2.5 mg (half tablet of 5 mg) per day

Second week
Zoloft 12.5 mg (half tablet of 25 mg) plus lexapro 2.5 mg (half tablet of 5 mg) per day

Third week
Zoloft 12.5 mg plus lexapro 5 mg (one tablet of 5 mg) per day


Fourth week
lexapro 5 mg (one tablet of 5 mg) per day

I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3344 Questions

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Can You Tell Me The Best Way To Make The Transition Between Medicines?

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Dear, First of all I like to inform you that if the zoloft worked well for you, there is good chance that Lexapro will be effective option for treatment of anxiety and depression. This is because zoloft and Lexapro share the mechanism of action of each other and generally effective. Despite the effectiveness the side effect profile is different among different individuals. I think opinion of your psychiatrist is correct as the low dose of lexapro have less chance of causing weight gain. Although I must acknowledge that individual variation are always there and it is important to remain vigilant about few extra pounds. Since low dose of lexapro unlikely to affect the existing weight so there is need for exercise and diet modification to execute weight loss. Regarding the switch of medications, considering your sensitivity in mind I suggest you following way. First week Zoloft 25 mg (one tablet of 25 mg) plus lexapro 2.5 mg (half tablet of 5 mg) per day Second week Zoloft 12.5 mg (half tablet of 25 mg) plus lexapro 2.5 mg (half tablet of 5 mg) per day Third week Zoloft 12.5 mg plus lexapro 5 mg (one tablet of 5 mg) per day Fourth week lexapro 5 mg (one tablet of 5 mg) per day I hope this helps you. Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions. Thanks and regards.