How easy is it to switch ADs?

[TeacakeTilly]

Doctor switched me from citalopram to sertraline as I was getting new side effects after a couple of weeks (kind of shuddering tremors). Sertraline makes me feel similar but it's making me really hungry and stopping me sleeping too.

How easy would it be for me to switch back to citalopram? I reckon the tremors had actually started to lessen when doc switched me and tbh I'd rather have that than the hunger and sleeplessness!

I switched from setter alone to citalopram with no side effects at all. Seethe alone had very similar side effects to the ones you have described when I was taking them! Seem fine now on the citalopram.

Sorry, sertraline not setter, predictive text is a bugger!

Thanks. Bumping in case anyone else has opinions too!

Did you say your GP changed you from citalopram to sertraline after 2 weeks? This seems incredibly premature - to switch ADs after 2 weeks as they usually take 2/4 weeks to kick in and for you to know if they are of benefit to you. Citalopram and sertraline are both SSRIs but I hear more people talk well of citalopram than sertraline. I think you need to see your GP again.

Yes, I thought it was a bit weird at the time but was in such a state I wasn't thinking straight. My usual doctor, who is great, has gone on maternity leave This was a different one. I will try to go and see them again soon. Just don't want to confuse my body by switching after another fortnight!! She took me off cit for a week to see if side effects stopped and I felt so awful that week I just went along with what she said.

I would try and see another GP - at this time of year there are quaified doctors but they need to do 2 years post qualification and many of them do a placement in GPs surgeries. Not saying this is who you saw - but just wondered. Ask to see one of the "more established" members of the practice, a polite way of saying "no junior Drs please"

So she took you off citalopram for a week because of side effects within that 2 week period - surely not. I must have this wrong. No I agree you don't want to be chopping and changing and I have never ever heard of a GP changing meds after 2 weeks, or taking you off one drug because of side effects in so short a period. The thing is you usually feel worse anyway when you start to take the drugs, because yo feel the side effects before the benefit and if you're lucky the side effects will settle down.

Hope you can get things sorted.

You should give an SSRI at least 4-6 weeks to get to therapeutic level and for side effects to die down