switching antidepressant (SSRIs to another SSRI) in adults
Last edited 03/2023 and last reviewed 04/2023
SSRIs to another SSRI
From all except fluoxetine
Direct switch- a direct switch, i.e. stopping one antidepressant and then starting the new antidepressant the following day, is normally possible
From fluoxetine
- Taper, washout and switch
- gradually reduce the dose of fluoxetine to 20mg daily and stop; wait 4 to 7 days before starting low dose SSRI
- clinicians should decide the duration of the washout period on a case-by-case basis
- fluoxetine may still cause medicine interactions 5 or 6 weeks after stopping, as fluoxetine and its active metabolite have a long half-life
Reference:
- NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service (February 2023). SSRIs to other antidepressants: switching in adults