Was On Zoloft For Panic Disorder. Have Gained Weight And Had Sleeping Problem. On Lexapro. Dosage?

Posted on Sun, 21 Jul 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 21 Jul 2013 Answered on

Tue, 20 Aug 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I was previously on Zoloft 100 mgs for over a year which was great for my panic disorder but went off it due to a big weight gain and difficulty sleeping. I am now on Lexapro and increased the dose to 20mgs about 3 weeks ago. I don't think it is working as well as the Zoloft. I am not seeing a psychiatrist but work with mental health doctors and they suggested trying Lexapro due to the weight issue. Can I go to 30mgs or is this too high a dose

Answered by Dr. Sundar Gnanavel (1 hour later)

Hello.......
Zoloft is sertraline and lexapro is escitalpram, both belong to SSRI group of drugs and can be used for panic disorder. I would not recommend increasing lexapro beyond 20 mg as it is the recommended maximal dosage. Zoloft or lexapro do not differ much in terms of weight gain. You have the option of incorporating exercises and diet restrictions in your daily regimen or shift to psychotherapy techniques like CBT/ Cognitive behavioural therapy from medication. Contact your psychiatrist. Wish you good health.
Regards
Dr Sundar
Psychiatrist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar