Switching from Citalopram to Sertraline

[iPhoneAddiction]

Would IBU to just stop taking Citalopram and start taking Sertraline?

I know you are supposed to taper off the first before starting to second, but surely this just delays the time spent without either working as well as is needed?

Any experiences?

Also, please don't crucify me for asking. Pretty please?

I went from sertraline to citalopram and the switch over was to start them the next day with no break, did feel a bit like a spaceman for a day or two but fine after xx

Why are you wanting to change?

My GP told me to switch the next day.

I think I just switched one day as told to. No effects, they both take a while to get going/ disappear anyway if I'm thinking right.

I am changing because they give me horrible nightmares. But really realistic ones that cause me to wake up feeling like I have had zero sleep.

It has resulted in feeling sleep deprived and is affecting work and things. I cannot take sleeping tablets full time as they cause the groggy hangover feeling the next day.

For those who just stopped one and started another the next day, can I ask what dose you were on? Just wondering if this makes a difference.

4-6 weeks of feeling messed up whilst holding down a full time job as a single mum feels a very scary prospect. If I can minimise that by a couple of weeks I'd prefer that. Even if it means a few days of feeling like a zombie or experiencing side effects.

iPhone, I have just switched from Citalopram to Sertraline. I was on 40mg which was reduced to 30mg, 20mg and then 10mg over the course of about 4-5 weeks. I think it does make a difference if you're on a higher dose of Citalopram. The usual dose range of Sertraline is 50mg to 200mg. The usual dose range of Citalopram is 20mg to 40mg (though lower doses are sometimes prescribed). Going from the maximum dose of one to the starting dose of another could be a bit of a shock to the system. I know when you're feeling good like crap that it's tempting to jump in and get on with things but please be guided by your GP with regards to tapering as they are best placed to advise you.

Good luck and stick in there. Sometimes it does take a few attempts to find the best medication for you but you will find something that suits.

Apart from decrease in nightmares - what are the other advantages to the switch?