It is estimated that nearly 30 million Americans will take some form of antidepressant during their lifetime. With such an abundance of antidepressant users and oftentimes only patients' reported symptoms to guide doctors' prescriptions, it is not uncommon for patients to switch antidepressants. Whether someone is experiencing undesirable side effects from his original medication or simply fails to respond to the antidepressant, there are a couple reliable methods to replace medications. With the help of a physician, making the switch from one antidepressant to another is fairly simple.
Instructions
Cross-tapering Medications
1. Visit your physician or mental health care provider to consult with her as to change antidepressants. She will be able to prescribe a new antidepressant based on your specific symptoms and medical history, and will also outline a plan for you to safely change medications.
2. Follow the instructions of your doctor to begin tapering the dose of your original antidepressant (usually a reduction of about 25% each day).
3. Continue tapering off the dosage of the original drug for the prescribed period of time, usually about one to two weeks.
4. Wait for three days after stopping intake of the first medication, then begin taking the prescribed dosage of the new antidepressant on the third day.
5. Continue to use the new medication in increased doses as prescribed by your physician, until you have reached an effective daily dosage. Take the new medication at the same time every day.
Immediately Switching Medications
6. Consult with your physician to ensure that you fully understand and follow the antidepressant substitution guidelines he prescribes.
7. Begin taking the newly prescribed medication in place of the old one when your doctor says you may do so. (For those taking fluoxetine, doctors generally advise waiting 3 to 4 days before starting a new antidepressant. Patients using other medications may be able to make the switch in just one day.)
8. Continue taking the prescribed dosage of the new medication at the each day.
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