Can Citalopram Fluoxetine Or Paroxetine Be Taken In Place Of Venlafaxine?

Posted on Thu, 27 Oct 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 26 Oct 2016 Answered on

Wed, 16 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been taking .75mg Venlafaxine XR twice a day but Medicare will no longer cover it. They gave me three medicines that might work. Citalopram Fluoxetine and Paroxetine. Which one would you recommend?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Of those medications, fluoxetine and citalopram are both excellent medications and very effective with only minor side effects when starting (like nausea for a few days). I would avoid paroxetine as missing doses of it can sometimes cause withdrawal.

Dr Sheppe
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (32 minutes later)

I forgot to tell you that they were for hot flashes. Do fluoxetine and citalopram stop hot flashes like Venlafaxine?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Yes, I would expect either to help with hot flashes.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee