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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Paul_d_234 on September 15, 2004, at 6:27:20
Day 1 - 9/14
Have been tapering off of Zoloft from 100MG down to 50MG last week. Attempting to get off Zoloft cause of weight gain and sexual side affects.
Have been depression/anxiety free for 5 years on Zoloft but weight gain (70#s) has been impossible to get rid of - even with heavy exercise and dieting.
50mg Zoloft
30mg Cymbalta taken in evening.First night had a bit of trouble staying asleep. Woke up a few times. Seemed to a bit more "energized" at night - nothing significant to report as this is the first day.
Plan is to stay on 50mg Zoloft and 30mg Cymbalta for two weeks and then drop Zoloft to 25mg for 2 more weeks. Will go to 60 mg Zoloft and 0mg zoloft in 4 weeks if side effects are low.
Paul
Posted by Paul_d_234 on September 16, 2004, at 15:36:30
In reply to Zoloft to Cymbalta Journal, posted by Paul_d_234 on September 15, 2004, at 6:27:20
> Day 1 - 9/14
>
> Have been tapering off of Zoloft from 100MG down to 50MG last week. Attempting to get off Zoloft cause of weight gain and sexual side affects.
>
> Have been depression/anxiety free for 5 years on Zoloft but weight gain (70#s) has been impossible to get rid of - even with heavy exercise and dieting.
>
> 50mg Zoloft
> 30mg Cymbalta taken in evening.
>
> First night had a bit of trouble staying asleep. Woke up a few times. Seemed to a bit more "energized" at night - nothing significant to report as this is the first day.
>
> Plan is to stay on 50mg Zoloft and 30mg Cymbalta for two weeks and then drop Zoloft to 25mg for 2 more weeks. Will go to 60 mg Zoloft and 0mg zoloft in 4 weeks if side effects are low.
>
> Paul
Day 3 on same doses (30mg Cymbalta and 50mg Zoloft), so far so good. No side effects to speak of.
Posted by Paul_d_234 on September 18, 2004, at 8:45:05
In reply to Re: Zoloft to Cymbalta Journal (Day 3), posted by Paul_d_234 on September 16, 2004, at 15:36:30
> > Day 1 - 9/14
> >
> > Have been tapering off of Zoloft from 100MG down to 50MG last week. Attempting to get off Zoloft cause of weight gain and sexual side affects.
> >
> > Have been depression/anxiety free for 5 years on Zoloft but weight gain (70#s) has been impossible to get rid of - even with heavy exercise and dieting.
> >
> > 50mg Zoloft
> > 30mg Cymbalta taken in evening.
> >
> > First night had a bit of trouble staying asleep. Woke up a few times. Seemed to a bit more "energized" at night - nothing significant to report as this is the first day.
> >
> > Plan is to stay on 50mg Zoloft and 30mg Cymbalta for two weeks and then drop Zoloft to 25mg for 2 more weeks. Will go to 60 mg Cymbalta and 0mg zoloft in 4 weeks if side effects are low.
> >
> > Paul
>
>
> Day 3 on same doses (30mg Cymbalta and 50mg Zoloft), so far so good. No side effects to speak of.
>Day 5 on same doses (30 mg Cymbalta and 50 mg Zoloft). So far, so good EXCEPT noticed on Day 4 (Friday) tirenedness in afternoon and some slight "weirdness" feeling in morning. Sleeping is fine (not mid-night awakening).
Sexual drive is same as before - no change.
Weight is same - no change this week - although I seem to be less hungry - notice I am eating dinner at about 8-9 pm rather than 7PM cause I am not yet hungry
Thats all for now.
Posted by SLS on September 18, 2004, at 9:17:22
In reply to Re: Zoloft to Cymbalta Journal (Day 5), posted by Paul_d_234 on September 18, 2004, at 8:45:05
Hi Paul.
> Thats all for now.
Sounds good so far.
:-)
Good luck!
- Scott
Posted by Paul_d_234 on September 19, 2004, at 8:41:30
In reply to Re: Zoloft to Cymbalta Journal (Day 5), posted by SLS on September 18, 2004, at 9:17:22
Posted by Paul_d_234 on September 22, 2004, at 7:06:39
In reply to Re: Zoloft to Cymbalta Journal (Day 5), posted by Paul_d_234 on September 18, 2004, at 8:45:05
> > > Day 1 - 9/14
> > >
> > > Have been tapering off of Zoloft from 100MG down to 50MG last week. Attempting to get off Zoloft cause of weight gain and sexual side affects.
> > >
> > > Have been depression/anxiety free for 5 years on Zoloft but weight gain (70#s) has been impossible to get rid of - even with heavy exercise and dieting.
> > >
> > > 50mg Zoloft
> > > 30mg Cymbalta taken in evening.
> > >
> > > First night had a bit of trouble staying asleep. Woke up a few times. Seemed to a bit more "energized" at night - nothing significant to report as this is the first day.
> > >
> > > Plan is to stay on 50mg Zoloft and 30mg Cymbalta for two weeks and then drop Zoloft to 25mg for 2 more weeks. Will go to 60 mg Cymbalta and 0mg zoloft in 4 weeks if side effects are low.
> > >
> > > Paul
> >
> >
> > Day 3 on same doses (30mg Cymbalta and 50mg Zoloft), so far so good. No side effects to speak of.
> >
>
> Day 5 on same doses (30 mg Cymbalta and 50 mg Zoloft). So far, so good EXCEPT noticed on Day 4 (Friday) tirenedness in afternoon and some slight "weirdness" feeling in morning. Sleeping is fine (not mid-night awakening).
>
> Sexual drive is same as before - no change.
>
> Weight is same - no change this week - although I seem to be less hungry - notice I am eating dinner at about 8-9 pm rather than 7PM cause I am not yet hungry
>
> Thats all for now.
>Day 8 (9/22/2004)
Cymbalta at 30mg, Zoloft now at 25mg.
Side effects for now pretty mild but do include:
Constipation, Somnolonce (excessive Day time tiredeness), sleeping longer (Could be due to reduction of Zoloft).No change in weight over last 8 days - hoping to start losing once I am off Zoloft.
Benefits - as I have been depression / anxiety free my goal is to try to have no increase in depression / anxiety while I switch over to Cymbalta.
So far so good. Seems like an easier switch - especially compared to when I went from Zoloft to Welburtrin/Serzone 7 years ago.
Thats all for now.
Posted by Rayray on September 22, 2004, at 19:00:44
In reply to Re: Zoloft to Cymbalta Journal (Day 8), posted by Paul_d_234 on September 22, 2004, at 7:06:39
Hi Paul,
Thanks for taking the time to share your Cymbalta experiences. It sounds like we've been down some of the same paths: Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Serzone. I've been on the first two for many years with two detours to Serzone in the past 10 years. Unfortunately, Serzone did not do anything for me. Zoloft has been my mainstay but lately seems not to be doing the trick.This Saturday I'm going to see my pdoc about switching to Cymbalta. I'm hoping for a little more motivation and interest in things as well as a bit more libido.
How have things been in the libido department for you, or is it too early to tell?
Best of luck,
Ray
Posted by Paul_d_234 on September 23, 2004, at 17:39:11
In reply to Re: Zoloft to Cymbalta Journal (Day 8), posted by Rayray on September 22, 2004, at 19:00:44
> Hi Paul,
> Thanks for taking the time to share your Cymbalta experiences. It sounds like we've been down some of the same paths: Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Serzone. I've been on the first two for many years with two detours to Serzone in the past 10 years. Unfortunately, Serzone did not do anything for me. Zoloft has been my mainstay but lately seems not to be doing the trick.
>
> This Saturday I'm going to see my pdoc about switching to Cymbalta. I'm hoping for a little more motivation and interest in things as well as a bit more libido.
>
> How have things been in the libido department for you, or is it too early to tell?
>
> Best of luck,
>
> RayVery similiar experience, went from Zoloft to Serzone cause of weight gain and loss of libido. Eventually added Welbutrin to Serzone cause of day time tiredeness. Eventually the Welbutrin/Serzone combination pooped out and back to the Zoloft - which seems to always work well for me.
So far on the Libido front it is definitely diminished from the already low level I was on during Zoloft. So libido is less.
Interestly, ability is fine.
Many times side effects are heavest when body first adjusts to them. Will know better in two weeks once Zoloft is out of my body and Cymbalta is at 60.
Posted by Paul_d_234 on September 23, 2004, at 17:45:15
In reply to Re: Zoloft to Cymbalta Journal (Day 8), posted by Paul_d_234 on September 22, 2004, at 7:06:39
Day 10
Zoloft at 25MG (from 50MG) last 3 days.
Cymablta at 30MG.
So far depression / anxiety is no problem (under control as it was under the zoloft for the last few years).Side Effects -
Libido:
Even less libido than when on 100MG zoloft although ability not affected at all. This will likely pass if it is like other ADs for me.Weight Gain:
No change in baseline. Waiting to see what happens once I am off ZOloft for 2 weeks (hoping for a weight reduction).Somnolonce (Day Time Tiredeness) some - occassionally need a nap but not every day.
Constipation / Darrahae - some but not heavy. Seems to have shifted from constipation to Darrahea.
Mental processes are fine - in fact seem somewhat enhanced.
Thats all for now.
> > > > Day 10 - 9/14
> > > >
> > > > Have been tapering off of Zoloft from 100MG down to 50MG last week. Attempting to get off Zoloft cause of weight gain and sexual side affects.
> > > >
> > > > Have been depression/anxiety free for 5 years on Zoloft but weight gain (70#s) has been impossible to get rid of - even with heavy exercise and dieting.
> > > >
> > > > 50mg Zoloft
> > > > 30mg Cymbalta taken in evening.
> > > >
> > > > First night had a bit of trouble staying asleep. Woke up a few times. Seemed to a bit more "energized" at night - nothing significant to report as this is the first day.
> > > >
> > > > Plan is to stay on 50mg Zoloft and 30mg Cymbalta for two weeks and then drop Zoloft to 25mg for 2 more weeks. Will go to 60 mg Cymbalta and 0mg zoloft in 4 weeks if side effects are low.
> > > >
> > > > Paul
> > >
> > >
> > > Day 3 on same doses (30mg Cymbalta and 50mg Zoloft), so far so good. No side effects to speak of.
> > >
> >
> > Day 5 on same doses (30 mg Cymbalta and 50 mg Zoloft). So far, so good EXCEPT noticed on Day 4 (Friday) tirenedness in afternoon and some slight "weirdness" feeling in morning. Sleeping is fine (not mid-night awakening).
> >
> > Sexual drive is same as before - no change.
> >
> > Weight is same - no change this week - although I seem to be less hungry - notice I am eating dinner at about 8-9 pm rather than 7PM cause I am not yet hungry
> >
> > Thats all for now.
> >
>
> Day 8 (9/22/2004)
>
> Cymbalta at 30mg, Zoloft now at 25mg.
>
> Side effects for now pretty mild but do include:
> Constipation, Somnolonce (excessive Day time tiredeness), sleeping longer (Could be due to reduction of Zoloft).
>
> No change in weight over last 8 days - hoping to start losing once I am off Zoloft.
>
> Benefits - as I have been depression / anxiety free my goal is to try to have no increase in depression / anxiety while I switch over to Cymbalta.
>
> So far so good. Seems like an easier switch - especially compared to when I went from Zoloft to Welburtrin/Serzone 7 years ago.
>
> Thats all for now.
>
>
Posted by Paul_d_234 on September 26, 2004, at 8:40:44
In reply to Re: Zoloft to Cymbalta Journal (Day 10), posted by Paul_d_234 on September 23, 2004, at 17:45:15
Day 12
Cymbalta at 30 mg (need to decide whether to raise to 60 mg).
Zoloft at 0MG (Day 3 of no zoloft)
Benefits:
So far depression / anxiety is no problem (under control as it was under the zoloft for the last few years.
Side Effects -Libido:
Even less libido than when on 100MG zoloft although ability not affected at all. This will likely pass if it is like other ADs for me.
Weight Gain:
No change in baseline. Waiting to see what happens once I am off ZOloft for 2 weeks (hoping to start seeing a gradual weight reduction.Somnolonce (Day Time Tiredeness) occassionally need a nap but not every day.
Constipation / Darrahae - seems to have passed.Headache - New Side Effect - started yesteray all day, then woke up with headache again. Aspirin seems to help somewhat.
Mental processes are fine - in fact seem somewhat enhanced.Thats all for now.
Paul
Posted by Rayray on September 28, 2004, at 21:27:23
In reply to Re: Zoloft to Cymbalta Journal (Day 12), posted by Paul_d_234 on September 26, 2004, at 8:40:44
Hi Paul,
Add me to the list -- I'm on Day 4 of Cymbalta (30mg)and so far so good. I did about about one week of tapering from Zoloft 150 ( and 150 mg. Wellbutrin) before I saw by pdoc but he thought I should just make the switch outright. So far so good. No transition problems of note.The only side-effects I've noticed is a slight sleepiness and occasionally feeling a little warm or flushed. No headaches so far either like I had with Prozac. And, I think I might even be feeling a little "perkier".
I tolerate most meds very well so I'm not expecting any showstoppers. I'll go up to 60mg on Saturday.
Good luck!
Ray
Posted by Paul_d_234 on September 29, 2004, at 13:21:13
In reply to Re: Zoloft to Cymbalta Journal (Day 12), posted by Rayray on September 28, 2004, at 21:27:23
Good luck to you also Ray, seems you are doing fine.
> Hi Paul,
> Add me to the list -- I'm on Day 4 of Cymbalta (30mg)and so far so good. I did about about one week of tapering from Zoloft 150 ( and 150 mg. Wellbutrin) before I saw by pdoc but he thought I should just make the switch outright. So far so good. No transition problems of note.
>
> The only side-effects I've noticed is a slight sleepiness and occasionally feeling a little warm or flushed. No headaches so far either like I had with Prozac. And, I think I might even be feeling a little "perkier".
>
> I tolerate most meds very well so I'm not expecting any showstoppers. I'll go up to 60mg on Saturday.
>
> Good luck!
>
> Ray
Posted by Paul_d_234 on September 29, 2004, at 13:29:08
In reply to Re: Zoloft to Cymbalta Journal (Day 12), posted by Paul_d_234 on September 26, 2004, at 8:40:44
Day 15
Cymbalta at 30 mg (need to decide whether to raise to 60 mg, so far so good at 30mg so I may just stay at 30mg for another few weeks).
Zoloft at 0MG (Day 6 of no zoloft)
Benefits:
So far depression / anxiety is no problem (under control as it was under the zoloft for the last few years). Going to stay at 30mg Cymbalta for now as I seem to be doing fine even at this low dose.
Potential Side Effects -
Libido:
Same as when I was on 100mg of Zoloft - so thats good. Libido is less that when I take no anti-depressants but I can manage well at this level.
Sexual ability is unaffected so everything fine in this department.Weight Gain:
Four pound less than when I started - most of the weight loss occurred in the last week (since stopping zoloft). Too early to tell if this is a one week fluke or the start of a trend (I am hoping for a trend to reduce the 65# I gained while on Zoloft).Somnolonce (Day Time Tiredeness) occassionally need a nap but not every day. Was tired Monday / Tuesday of this week but today (Wed) am fine.
Constipation - No Problem.
Diarrhea - No problem.
Sweating - no problem.
Headache - some - goes away with aspirin so not a big deal.
Mental processes are fine - in fact seem somewhat enhanced.Cymbalta seems like a fine medication so far. Glad I switched from Zoloft.
Thats all for now.Paul
Posted by Paul_d_234 on September 29, 2004, at 13:33:01
In reply to Re: Zoloft to Cymbalta Journal (Day 12), posted by Paul_d_234 on September 26, 2004, at 8:40:44
Day 15
Cymbalta at 30 mg (need to decide whether to raise to 60 mg, so far so good at 30mg so I may just stay at 30mg for another few weeks).
Zoloft at 0MG (Day 6 of no zoloft)
Benefits:
So far depression / anxiety is no problem (under control as it was under the zoloft for the last few years). Going to stay at 30mg Cymbalta for now as I seem to be doing fine even at this low dose.
Potential Side Effects -
Libido:
Same as when I was on 100mg of Zoloft - so thats good. Libido is less that when I take no anti-depressants but I can manage well at this level.
Sexual ability is unaffected so everything fine in this department.Weight Gain:
Four pound less than when I started - most of the weight loss occurred in the last week (since stopping zoloft). Too early to tell if this is a one week fluke or the start of a trend (I am hoping for a trend to reduce the 65# I gained while on Zoloft).Somnolonce (Day Time Tiredeness) occassionally need a nap but not every day. Was tired Monday / Tuesday of this week but today (Wed) am fine.
Constipation - No Problem.
Diarrhea - No problem.
Sweating - no problem.
Headache - some - goes away with aspirin so not a big deal.
Mental processes are fine - in fact seem somewhat enhanced.Cymbalta seems like a fine medication so far. Glad I switched from Zoloft.
Thats all for now.Paul
Posted by Paul_d_234 on October 9, 2004, at 11:32:41
In reply to Re: Zoloft to Cymbalta Journal (Day 15), posted by Paul_d_234 on September 29, 2004, at 13:33:01
Journal - 2004 Day 1 (9/12) Day 5 (9/18) Day 7 (09/20) Day 8 (09/22) Day 10 (09/24) Day 12 (09/26) Day 15 (09/29) Day 21 (10/11)
Medications
Zoloft 50 mg 50 mg 50 mg 25 mg 0 mg 0 mg 0 mg 0 mg
Cymbalta 30 mg 30 mg 30 mg 30 mg 30 mg 30 mg 30 mg 30 mg
Weight 265 265 265 265 265 265 261 259
Side Effects:
Nausea
Dry Mouth
Insomnia some
Dizziness
Constipation
Diarrhea some some some
Decreased Appetite some some
Increased Sweating
Decreased Sexual Desire some some some some less
Decreased Sexual Ability
Decreased Urination some some some
Increased Fatigue (Lack of energy and motivation)
Increased Somnolence (Daytime sleepiness) some some some some some some
Headache some
Anticholingergic
Confusion
Blurred Vision
Constipation
Dry Mouth
Light Headness
Arrhythmias (Abnormal Heart Rhythm)
Comments Pain in Elbow, Chest Day 2 at 25mg-Z Day 1 at 0mg-Z Day 3 at 0mg-Z Day 6 at 0mg-Z Day 13 at 0mg-Z
Most side effects (Except for occassional day time tiredeness and some lessened libido.Effective as anti-anxiety and anti-depression med.
So far so good.
Thats all paul
Posted by Paul_d_234 on October 9, 2004, at 11:43:14
In reply to Re: Zoloft to Cymbalta Journal (Day 21), posted by Paul_d_234 on October 9, 2004, at 11:32:41
> Journal - 2004 Day 1 (9/12) Day 5 (9/18) Day 7 (09/20) Day 8 (09/22) Day 10 (09/24) Day 12 (09/26) Day 15 (09/29) Day 21 (10/11)
> Medications
> Zoloft 50 mg 50 mg 50 mg 25 mg 0 mg 0 mg 0 mg 0 mg> Cymbalta 30 mg 30 mg 30 mg 30 mg 30 mg 30 mg 30 mg 30 mg
> Weight 265 265 265 265 265 265 261 259
>
> Potentail Side Effects:
> Nausea - None> Dry Mouth - None
> Insomnia - some first week - passed by week two.
> Dizziness - none
> Constipation - some first week; has now resolved.
> Diarrhea - some first two weeks but now resolved.
> Decreased Appetite - some first two weeks but this benefecial side effect has ended. Perhaps at 30 mg not much side effect.
> Increased Sweating - none.
> Decreased Sexual Desire - some for me - about the same as when I was on 100mg zoloft.
> Decreased Sexual Ability - none.
> Decreased Urination - some.
> Increased Fatigue (Lack of energy and motivation) - none.
> Increased Somnolence (Daytime sleepiness)- yes defenitely some excessive day time tiredeness obseverd. need to sleep one to two hours during the day about 3 to 4 times per week.
> Headache - some first 2 weeks; seems to have now passed.
> Anticholingergic - none.
> Confusion - none.
> Blurred Vision - none.
> Constipation - some first week but that has passed.
> Dry Mouth - none.
> Light Headness - none.
> Arrhythmias (Abnormal Heart Rhythm) - none.
> Comments Pain in Elbow, week two. Pain in chest - week three. May have nothing to do with medication.
>
>
> Most side effects (Except for occassional day time tiredeness and some lessened libido) have pased by week two.>
> Effective as anti-anxiety and anti-depression med for me.>
> So far so good, glad I switched from Zoloft.
Three weeks - 6lbs lost.>
> Thats all paul
This is the end of the thread.
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