Sertraline to venlafaxine straight switch

[SadRainbow]

I've been taking Sertraline since 2017 and the doctor has increased my dose more than once in recent months. I'm now on 175mg and it's not helping. He now suggests I try venlafaxine and says a straight switch should be fine, that I don't need to taper the drugs.

Anyone have experience of this? I did find one old thread but it wasn't very reassuring

I'm a bit worried about it because I really don't need to feel even worse than I do now (though obviously I know switching can be uncomfortable in any case).

Thanks.

Bump

Not sure my comment will be too helpful but I did the straight switch with no problems whatsoever, however, I hadn't been on sertraline for that long. FWIW I was on fluoxetine for a number of years and did a straight switch to sertraline and that was also fine.

I've been on venlafaxine for around 4 weeks now so still early days but generally seeing the odd glimmer of the old me coming back from time to time. That's the worst thing about ADs, they take so long to fully kick on. I'm told venlafaxine is one of the very best so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it pulls me out of PND.

Good luck to you, I really hope you can transition to it with no problems. Xxx

Thanks so much for your reply Bonnie. I'm glad you're getting some hopeful signs with venlafaxine - I hope you feel much better soon 🙂

It can be done. I have done it. It depends on how long each respective drug stays in your body (half life is the official term doctors use). E.g., fluoxetine prozac is not suitable for a straight swap and needs a 2 week washout period. The only thing I would say is that different antidepressants have different equivalent doses, and docs tend to start people on the lowest dose, so just bear in mind that if you are starting on 75mg of venlafaxine for example, that that's equivalent to a starting dose of 50mg sertraline and you were on 175 of that. I have been on ven for years and it's the only one that's really worked for me and has actually probably saved my life. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Thank you for your reply iamnotcrazynow. I really appreciate it. Yeah, I was also wondering about the fact that they maybe quite different dosages. I guess I'll find out when it's time to collect the new prescription. Maybe the pharmacist can advise me.

I'm glad venlafaxine helps you.

I collected my new prescription today so I will stop the sertraline and start venlafaxine tomorrow. The pharmacist said the difference in dosages shouldn't be a problem. Here's hoping for a smooth transition!

Good luck.

I reduced my sertraline down to 50mg and after a week at that dose just swapped for and then started venaflaxetine. I did a week of 35.7 am and then added the pm.

I've had no side effects, and after a few months on it and starting to feel. Good.
Sertraline was hurrendous for.me and it took a year I get off it. I felt. Poisened by it.

But venfletine helps but I feel. Clear headed too.

Thank you Grenola

First day of Venlafaxine and no more Sertraline today. It's actually been okay. I feel a little bit yuck but nothing dramatic.

That is good.... I remember not even realising how unsuited I was to sertraline.

Hope venflax suits you..... When I went up el tabkets a day I think I had a headache that day. But fine after that x

Hi I've just done a direct switch to venlafaxine and really anxious I.know this is an old.post but was you all OK I've been diagnosed with postpartum ocd and panic disorder

I hope you find Ven better than Sertraline!

Like you, I was on Sertraline for ages and then it stopped working. Ven works for me so much better. I swapped staright - no issues.

All the best

Thank you so so much for replying to my comment. Just hope it pulls me out of this hole of intrusive thoughts and anxiety it's been a horrible experience and I feel so guilty as I'm back to work soon and have been robbed of this precious time with my daughter who is now 8 months I have to upp the dose in a couple of weeks I'm on day 4 of venlafaxine fingers crossed