Can you go from taking zoloft 200mg BID and stop and go right to cymbalta 60mg?

Question

I suffer from bi polar and have been on zolft for over 7 years. I went to the doc and will my increased depression and symptoms he suggested we switch to cymbalta. He said to just stop the zoloft and just start taking the cymbalta that it contains the same thing that it really wouldnt give me withdraws. I am so scared because i had the stupid idea 3 years ago that i just didnt need the zoloft and quit cold turkey and got serious withdraws and had to go and get me more zoloft. I also take alprazolam for anxiety. My question is has anyone ever heard of that to just quit taking zoloft and just go and start right on the cymbalta. Not that i dont trust the doc but really dont want to go threw with draws. Thanks ahead of time for your answers and experiences.

Answer 1

there is no clinical evidence that taking zoloft over the maximum suggested dose of 200mg has any additional benefit, so i'm curious to know why your doctor had you on such a high dose, even with bipolar.  

the psychiatrist i work for almost always tapers off any dose of anti-depressant, especially a dose that high.  i would ask your doctor if it's ok to taper down, say, 50mg a week until you're only taking 50mg, then stopping it.  cymbalta can cause stomach problems so if you start experiencing symptoms, let the doctor know immediately.  be sure to take your xanax as prescribed during this time.  this will help keep you from getting overly anxious.  

if this is your family doc, you really should be seeing a specialist.  if this is your psych doctor, then i'd suggest maybe getting another consult with someone else if you're not happy or not sure about the doctor you are dealing with now.  good luck.

Answer 2

You ABSOLUTELY need to ask your pharmacist!

Answer 3

Personaly, I have never had a problem doing what your dr wants you to do. IF I had withrawals, I hardly noticed it.

Do what he says. Try taking the Cymbalta at night, somehow that helps me.

The alprazolam will help too, in case there is any withdrawal.

You'll be fine, and if you do get dizzy, headache, or twichy, just take a tylenol, lay down, and in a da or so, u will be fine.

Answer 4

It is my sincere hope that the doc you are talking about is a psychiatrist and not a family practitioner who is treating your bipolar disorder.  I have been under the impression that it is best to slowly decrease the dosage of one antidepressant while introducing the other and titrating that dose up.  At least that has been my experience with the medications that I have taken for Major Depression.  If you have a history of withdrawals from zoloft in the past I would suggest telling your doctor or reminding him of your past experience, the last thing you need is more stress by having to go through the withdrawals of your Zoloft.  You also might want to check with your pharmacist, pharmacists are very well versed in medications and you can simply let they know your concerns so he/she can direct you to the best person.  I wish you luck and hope that the Cymbalta helps you, it has helped me.