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Can Xanax And Zoloft Be Taken Together?

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Posted on Sat, 13 Dec 2014
Question: I am currently taking half 1 mg Xanax for myanxiety. It does not last too long. I start getting jittery. Now my MD put me on Zoloft half of 50 mg. Is it okay to take both. I don't know whats making me jittery and more anxious. Is it after the Xanax wears off? I am afraid of the addiction of this drug. I have been on it approx 6 weeks. He has recommended I see a Psychiatrist at this point. How long between taking the Xanax and the Zoloft should I wait?
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Answered by Dr. Ravi Soni (36 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Hi, it may be the xanax weaning off effects

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for your query. Welcome to HCM.

Thr xanax is a benzodiazepine drug which acts as a anxiolytic and hypnotic also. It has short half life and there may be the weaning off effects but usually it does not occur with it. Because it has short half life there are chances of becoming addict to it.

Your doctor has started good drug the zoloft. It will take time to show it's effects. Xanax just calms your mind and that is why your anxiery is relieved but that is momentary, actually xanax does not act on neurochemicals, dysregulation of which is the cause for the anxiety. Zoloft will balance your neurochemicals and settle down your anxiety. It will take time for zoloft to work effectively, you will find it's effects after 15 days and once started it has to be continued for at least 6 to 8 month depending upon the response in anxiety symptoms.

Xanax is require initially to calm you while zoloft will take it's effects. So xanax should be taken for short duration only, Not more than 4 to 6 weeks.

Currently if you have been given zoloft 50 then you have to take xanax for some days. Gradually the dose of zoloft will be increased to 150 to 200 mg in 2 months.

You can take zoloft and xanax together but not for long duration. Stop xanax after 6 weeks of starting the combination of drugs. Keep in my that xanax can not be stopped suddenly, it should be gradual over period of 15 to 20 days.

Discuss all these issues with you prescribing doctor or psychiatrist. Do not take or modify the drugs on your own.

Hope i have answered your query. If you have further qyery then feel free to ask.
Wish you good health.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ravi Soni

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 538 Questions

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Can Xanax And Zoloft Be Taken Together?

Brief Answer: Hi, it may be the xanax weaning off effects Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for your query. Welcome to HCM. Thr xanax is a benzodiazepine drug which acts as a anxiolytic and hypnotic also. It has short half life and there may be the weaning off effects but usually it does not occur with it. Because it has short half life there are chances of becoming addict to it. Your doctor has started good drug the zoloft. It will take time to show it's effects. Xanax just calms your mind and that is why your anxiery is relieved but that is momentary, actually xanax does not act on neurochemicals, dysregulation of which is the cause for the anxiety. Zoloft will balance your neurochemicals and settle down your anxiety. It will take time for zoloft to work effectively, you will find it's effects after 15 days and once started it has to be continued for at least 6 to 8 month depending upon the response in anxiety symptoms. Xanax is require initially to calm you while zoloft will take it's effects. So xanax should be taken for short duration only, Not more than 4 to 6 weeks. Currently if you have been given zoloft 50 then you have to take xanax for some days. Gradually the dose of zoloft will be increased to 150 to 200 mg in 2 months. You can take zoloft and xanax together but not for long duration. Stop xanax after 6 weeks of starting the combination of drugs. Keep in my that xanax can not be stopped suddenly, it should be gradual over period of 15 to 20 days. Discuss all these issues with you prescribing doctor or psychiatrist. Do not take or modify the drugs on your own. Hope i have answered your query. If you have further qyery then feel free to ask. Wish you good health.