Switching ADs

[Hairydogmummy]

I'm in the process of coming off Sertraline because of terrible diarrhoea. I was only on it 8/9 weeks. Half that time at 50 and half at 100mg. I was told to go back to 50 for three days then stop, which I've done today. GP prescribed me Escitalopram 5mg and said to start taking them once diarrhoea has settled down. Has anyone any tips/experience of swapping ADs? Not sure what to expect really? Bit anxious about being trapped between withdrawal and side effects and not being able to tell which is which! So far I just feel a bit foggy headed and spaced out. I'm on them for severe GAD and intrusive thoughts.

Hi
I switched from citalopram to sertraline - no break in between stopping one and starting the next. No side effects at all. I had initial side effects when I first went on anti depressants.
I am now off medication. I weaned off very slowly over three months, no side effects. I’m really sensitive to meds. I have been off them for three years however I have tried to get back on them recently and couldn’t cope with side effects. But really need something to level out my anxiety.
Good luck - it’s scary starting up again

Thanks...I think the thing that's worrying me is the fact that I'm going to have to be on nothing for a few days before restarting on the Escitalopram so my poor brain is going to be confused! I'll just have to hope the diarrhoea settles quickly so I can start on it but then if I get very anxious I'll have diarrhoea anyway!

There wont be any withdrawal. You have to be on them for a significant period of time to have issues coming off them. I've med hopped plenty and never had withdrawal from any AD that I was on for less than a year, especially when cross tapering onto another of the same type.

That's really reassuring....thank you!