Switching antidepressants

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Authors

Outhoff, Kim

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MedPharm Publications

Abstract

Switching antidepressants because of lack of efficacy or unacceptable side-effects, while often required in general practice, may result in toxic drug-drug interactions, worsening depression or unpleasant discontinuation reactions. Switching strategies to minimise these risks include immediate switching, cross-tapering or incorporating a washout period. Immediate switching is generally possible when substituting a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or a serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor for a drug from its own class. Cross-tapering over a period of weeks is preferred when switching between different antidepressant classes or from high-dose antidepressants. Dangerous interactions necessitate the observance of an adequate washout period when switching to and from monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

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Keywords

Switching antidepressants, Discontinuation reactions, Immediate switching, Cross-tapering, Washout period

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Outhoff, K 2015, 'Switching antidepressants', South African Family Practice, vol. 57, no. 2, pp.32-34.