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I Have Been Taking Zoloft For 1 Month At 25

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Posted on Fri, 10 Jul 2020
Twitter Fri, 10 Jul 2020 Answered on
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Question : I have been taking zoloft for 1 month at 25 mg - I am very sensitive to medication. I struggle with anxiety and it has gotten a bit better but not completely, I wake up with anxiety daily. I do not want to go up on the medication because of side effects. Also I have had weight gain and also I have been very flat and tired.

My doctor is suggesting that I change to Buspar because I am too sensitive to SSRI's. I want to know best way to transition to this medication from 25 mg to 5 mg twice a day of Buspar. How do I make the switch without being too affected. Will Buspar help me? Does it help lose the weight I have gained from the zoloft?
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

First of all I like to inform you that if the anxiety is the only problem than buspar can be considered. In case there is anxiety as well as depressive symptoms the SSRI should be considered as first line as buspar does not act for depression despite being an excellent option for anxiety specially generalised anxiety disorder.

In regard to weight gain the Buspar is weight neutral and unlikely to cause weight gain for you. Although it does not 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 37.5 (one and half tablet of 25 mg) plus Buspar 5 mg per day
Second week
Zoloft 25 mg plus buspar 5 mg twice a day

Third week
Zoloft 12.5 mg plus buspar 5 mg twice a day

Fourth week
Buspar 5 mg twice a day

I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3345 Questions

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I Have Been Taking Zoloft For 1 Month At 25

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXXXX Thanks for using Healthcaremagic. I read your query and understand your concerns. First of all I like to inform you that if the anxiety is the only problem than buspar can be considered. In case there is anxiety as well as depressive symptoms the SSRI should be considered as first line as buspar does not act for depression despite being an excellent option for anxiety specially generalised anxiety disorder. In regard to weight gain the Buspar is weight neutral and unlikely to cause weight gain for you. Although it does not 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 37.5 (one and half tablet of 25 mg) plus Buspar 5 mg per day Second week Zoloft 25 mg plus buspar 5 mg twice a day Third week Zoloft 12.5 mg plus buspar 5 mg twice a day Fourth week Buspar 5 mg twice a day I hope this helps you. Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions. Thanks and regards.