Switching antidepressants
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Date
Authors
Outhoff, Kim
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
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.
Description
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.