new here...zoloft or paxil?(please help)

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
new here...zoloft or paxil?(please help)
10
Tue, 06-28-2005 - 4:45pm
I have been experiencing some pretty severe anxiety for a while and finally decided to go the the doctor. My doc, after talking with me, suggested zoloft or paxil. I have been trying to read up on both of them and wondered if you guys could give me any advice. I'm also starting a new 5th grade teaching position in August and I am hoping to start a med that will help me with this before the first day of school. A classroom full of children will be impossible for me to handle if I'm having an anxiety attack, which I'm sure I will (new job and all). I'm also in a relationship that is about to become an engagement (at some point) and I'm hoping (really, really hoping) to avoid any sexual side effects...like lack of desire, not able to reach orgasm, etc. Is it inevitable that I will experience these with both of these medications or is one better than the other?
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2005
Tue, 06-28-2005 - 4:56pm

I have been on both of those antidepressants at different times and preferred Zoloft better. For me, its withdrawal effects were minimal to none, whereas with Paxil, I became dizzy and nauseous when withdrawing slowly.

I can't comment on the sexual side effects, because I believe these meds affect everyone differently in that department. I will say that Zoloft affected me, but it wasn't to the point where I couldn't enjoy myself the way a married person should. I'm sure the dosage has an effect on that as well.

Hope that helps!

Kendra

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2001
Tue, 06-28-2005 - 5:16pm

Hi there,


I am new to anxiety and anxiety meds. I am curious as to why you Dr. gave you that choice? Also are you going to be taking klonopin, xanax or ativan?


I am on lexapro and I have had great results. I have had very few side effects and its one of the only ones that isn't supposed to cause weight gain (that was one of my big issues)


I don't have any info on paxil or zoloft. You should check out the anti-depressent board, they are great there..


http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/listsf.asp?webtag=iv-bhpaxil&nav=start


I wish you lots of luck and success. I have just recently gotten anxiety and it is such a hard thing to deal

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 06-28-2005 - 5:26pm
Hi,
I did not get a prescription for xanax, even though I wanted to. I was afraid to ask. It took me forever to get up the courage to ask for the other prescription. He did give me a prescription for zoloft...just for one month, to see how it goes. When we were talking about my symptoms, he said that zoloft and paxil are the 2 that he prescribes most often and he thought that zoloft might have fewer side effects for me but couldn't guarantee it. I was just thinking that if zoloft doesn't work, he will probably want to switch me to paxil to see if it works for me but from what I've read they both seem to have the same side-effects.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2001
Tue, 06-28-2005 - 5:36pm

I understand what your going through.


Like I said, I am newly diagnosed and I have adjustment disorder with severe anxiety. This is due to some tramatic events.


I was SO SCARED to get xanax or anything. Finally after talking with my Dr. I decided to try klonopin. When I finally got up the courage to take it I was so mad at myself fo waiting so long. I have the girls on this board to thank for getting me through that, and lots of other things.


Take Care and let me know if I can be of any help. P&PT

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
Tue, 06-28-2005 - 8:19pm
Hi and Welcome!! I have taken Paxil since 1995 and it worked
very well for me! I did gain weight while taking it but I also
take xanax--- or maybe I eat too much ??? The biggest thing for
me was stopping the anxiety and panic and it worked along with
therapy I overcame agoraphobia and many phobias!! I now lead a
much more normal life! I was a reading teacher for 35 years
anxiety is not good for teaching that is for sure!! I am sure that
either of the meds will help! Good luck and keep us posted. Judy
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Tue, 06-28-2005 - 9:12pm

Hi & welcome! It's nice to have you here. You are not alone. The meds are very individual in their use & effects. Getting pre-informed is good, but actually taking meds is the only way *you* will know what's best for *you.*

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 04-05-2005
Tue, 06-28-2005 - 9:39pm
ame, I take Zoloft and I really like it. No major side effects. Some slight loss of libido, slight weight gain, which I knew about in advance so I stepped up the exercise and lost the gain and then some. I first got a prescription for Paxil, but I decided not to take it after reading up on it (I need to stay away from the internet!) I have heard that it can cause a big weight gain and it can be difficult for some to go off of. I bet there are plenty of people who take Paxil and love it (I replied to your message before reading other replies - I'll go read them now!) Whatever you decide, I sure hope it helps. I have gotten great relief from Zoloft but I still have to do other things like therapy, exercise, meditation, yoga, etc. Please keep us posted. M
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-14-2003
Wed, 06-29-2005 - 5:08pm

Ame,

Totally agree with everyone whom feel zoloft is better. Haven't had experience with paxil, but feel zoloft is better then paxil, from what I read/saw/etc. Thank you.

~Jessica
~Jessica
Avatar for dosbabe
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-12-2008
Thu, 06-30-2005 - 2:31pm
I've tried both of them and Zoloft is definately a more mild medication.

*~*~* Amy *~*~*


 
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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2005
Thu, 06-30-2005 - 9:34pm

Hm, well, this is embarrassing, but Zofoft did affect my husband's libido.

Renee