switching antidepressant (tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) to another TCA) in adults
Last edited 03/2023 and last reviewed 03/2023
Switching antidepressant (tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) to another TCA)
- switching to dosulepin requires specialist advice and should not be done in primary care due to the increased cardiac risk and toxicity in overdose.
From all except clomipramine
Direct switch
- a direct switch, i.e. stopping one medicine and then starting the new medicine the following day, is normally possible
From clomipramine
Cross-taper- cross-tapering can usually be undertaken cautiously over 2 to 4 weeks, the speed is determined by individual tolerability
Reference:
- NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service (February 2023). Tricyclics to other antidepressants: switching in adults
summary advice - switching from tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) to another antidepressant