I am gaining weight with Paroxetine. Shall I opt Zoloft?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Both Mirtazapine and Paroxetine are known to cause weight gain. Sertraline (Zoloft) also causes some weight gain. So, in my opinion, shifting to Sertraline will not be a good idea. Other SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like Fluoxetine or Escitalopram can be tried instead of Paroxetine.

Fluoxetine does not cause much weight gain and is considered safe. The drug has great efficacy in controlling OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) symptoms, too. For sleep, I suggest low dose Benzodiazepines instead of Mirtazapine. The benzodiazepines will relieve anxiety and help with sleep. Discuss these drugs with your doctor.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Fluoxetine is relatively safe in bipolar disorder as compared to other SSRIs like Paroxetine, which you are taking. The drug should reduce irritability. Fluoxetine causes insomnia and should be taken preferably in the morning after breakfast. Evening doses should not be given, so the drug will not result in disruption of your sleep.

Taking a low dose Benzodiazepine like Clonazepam will help with good sleep. Cross-tapering is the best option to stop using the drug. Reduce the dose of Paroxetine slowly over four weeks and increase the dose of Fluoxetine over four weeks. This will not cause any withdrawal symptoms.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.