Can you stop one tricyclic medication and start a different one right away?

Question

If you've been taking Nortriptyline and your doctor switches you to Anafranil, can you stop taking the former one night and start the latter the next night or do you have to take time to let the first med out of your system before you begin a new one?

Answer 1

All of the the books I've ever read say to wait 2 weeks between ANY switch in meds, but most docs are happy with about one unless the switch involves an MAOI.  I've never found a doc who would let me try an MAOI anyway--I think they're afraid of the liability,

Answer 2

What was your daily Nortriptyline dosage? To answer your question I need to know a dosage.