Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
157 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Is Anxiety & Fatigue Common While Switching Medications?

Hello...My anti-depressant was switched from Lexapro 20 mg per day, to Fetzima 40 mg (20 mg for 1st 2 days). Today is the 3rd day. I have had anxiety, fatigue and excessive sweating. Also, the depression seems to be worse. Is this normal when switching medications?
posted on Sun, 15 Jun 2014
Twitter Wed, 25 Jun 2014 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 5 Aug 2014 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist,  's  Response
HI
Thanks for using healthcare magic

Normally while switching, we do cross tapering. That means, we keep patient on two different antidepressant and start decreasing one antidepressant with simultaneously increase another. In your case, your psychiatrist have stopped once and start another, so you would get depressive and anxiety symptoms. Nothing to worry, with time all these would resolve.

Thanks
I find this answer helpful
Psychiatrist,  Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki's  Response

Hello,
Thanks for using healthcaremagic.
You have shifted from escitalopram to livomilnacipran.
Yes there may be symptoms of anxiety during switching.

It is not the right way from my point of view to switch.First Fetzima should be added and gradually lexapro dose should be decrease.

There may be chances that your worsening due to side effects of milnacipran.

So discuss with your doctor about above points and get the solution.

Hope I have answered your query, if still any confusion late me know.
Regards, Dr. Chintan Solanki
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Escitalopram


Loading Online Doctors....
Is Anxiety & Fatigue Common While Switching Medications?

HI Thanks for using healthcare magic Normally while switching, we do cross tapering. That means, we keep patient on two different antidepressant and start decreasing one antidepressant with simultaneously increase another. In your case, your psychiatrist have stopped once and start another, so you would get depressive and anxiety symptoms. Nothing to worry, with time all these would resolve. Thanks