My doctor is changing me from sertraline 200 mg to escitalopram 20 mg, because of ongoing side effects on sertraline. This is the cross taper schedule: for 6-7 days: reduce from 200 mg to 150 mg sertraline further 6-7 days: reduce from 150 mg to 100 mg sertraline further 6-7 days: reduce from 100 mg sertraline to 50 mg sertraline and add 5 mg escitalopram further 6-7 days: reduce 50 mg sertraline to 25 mg sertraline, increase escitalopram to 10 mg. To finish: stop sertraline altogether, continue with 20 mg escitalopram. Does this cross taper seem okay? I am trying to reduce the risk of sertraline withdrawal. I also have a fear of vomiting. Is this schedule likely to make me vomit? Or should I avoid most withdrawal? I am on my second week now, so I am now on 100 mg sertraline. What side effects can be expected when going from 150 mg-100 mg sertraline? Thanks for the help and information.

Dr. Saranya DevanathanPsychiatrist51yrs exp

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Dear Hailey, All the persons on sertraline need not get withdrawal symptoms. Few get and that is why precaution is taken. You are going to beon another SSRI group of drugs, escitalopram. So don't worry much about withdrawal symptoms. Vomiting is a very rare symptom. Don't expect a rare event and develop more anxiety. You need not expect any withdrawal. You can switch smoothly with this schedule. All the best. 

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Dr. AmitaPsychologist23yrs exp

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You need is relaxation therapy's.  

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Dr. Soumen KarmakarPsychiatrist9yrs exp

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This schedule is alright; there shouldn't be any adverse reactions. Sertraline doesn't cause withdrawal on dose reduction. This schedule is probably done keeping your condition in mind, so that your anxiety doesn't precipitate. There should be less vomiting, too, as gastrointestinal side effects are lesser with escitalopram than sertraline.  

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Ms. Kajol BirawatPsychologist6yrs exp

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Hi lybrate-user! I understand you are faced with a lot of confusion at the moment. It may be in your best interest to follow the regimen prescribed by your psychiatrist and openly discuss your fear of withdrawal and induction of vomiting with him. The regimen of psychiatric medication is very essential. It maybe helpful to go along with their recommendation. If you see any side effects, complete the dosage as prescribed and then follow up with your doctor. Sometimes side effects come from your body adjusting to the new regimen and that is normal. Hope this helps! take care!  

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