Frequently Asked Questions: Comparing Meds

This article will serve as an index to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions my patients and medical professionals ask me about comparison between meds. Which is better? What’s the difference between x and y? Etc. The most recent question is listed first.

Question: I have suffered anxiety and depression since age 15. Nothing has worked. I have mostly taken Zoloft. Recently, I have switched to Cymbalta … My quality of life gets worse from day to day.

Question: A friend has been on Effexor XR for a few years now, but the doctor wants her to get on Welbutrin to help her stop smoking. Can she take both Welbutrin and Effexor XR together?

Question: I take Zyprexa and Cymbalta for depression. I would like to get off the Zyprexa. Is there another combo that will work just as well, such as Cymbalta-Effexor, or Cymbalta-Wellbutrin?

Question: Which is better for infrequent panic attacks, Xanax, Niravam or Klonopin?

Question: Are the terms “antipsychotic” and “mood stabilizers” the same?