How do you transition from one SSRI to another?

[EllasMama]

For those of you who've switched SSRIs: Did you do it all at once or gradually? Do you get side effects with the new one? After reading tilly2321's post about Dr. Hale's new opinion on Lexapro, I feel like I should consider switching to Zoloft. Just wondering how one usually does that and what happens. We're TTC and I need to figure out a plan for if/how/when to switch. I will talk to my nurse practicioner but I'd like to feel "armed" with more info before going in.

Bummer, dude. I really didn't want to switch.

Thanks,
Carol

[gilnikche]

I am going to move this over to the Mental Health Forum. I think you will get more responses

[kaydee]

I have switched back and forth many times, and have always done it over a period of abotu 2-3 weeks, reducing the dose of 1 med while phasing in the new one. I am about to switch again, and my doc said just to stop what I am taking (Paxil) for a few days and then starting at the full dose of my new med (Celexa).

Some people have strong reactions when going off or switching emds; I am not one of those people, but it seems like in those cases the transition should be more gradual and be more carefully monitored. Good luck!