switching from sertraline to fluoxetine

[Bisana]

Hi all I had been treated for sertraline for six month but now I switch it to fluoxetine. My question is does it start from zero or continue from the sertraline?

[bulldog71]

I have switched medications several times. It should just carry on. I hope this helps. Good luck.

[Adele62]

Fluoxetine is actually a “gold standard” med for OCD. Be patient and build up gradually. You may get some headaches, nausea and insomnia initially but they should diminish. Although the full effect might take 8-12 weeks, I am currently on 20mg and noticed improvements in the first few days. Some people need a dose from 40-80mg a day for severe symptoms.

[erable]

hope you don’t mind me asking but why the switch? I’m on sertraline and am having some side effects even after a year that flare up so wondering if I should change meds?

[Bisana in reply to erable]

I had been treated with fluoxetine for four years and it worked best. After four years I believe am cured and stopped the med. After 9 months break my symptom relapse again and went to psychiatrist prescribed me sertraline for six months. But it did not work as fluoxetine had done me. In addition I have read many times that fluoxetine is best for OCD.

[Oldbury1 in reply to Bisana]

Hiya, I was in steraline 100mg max dose but dusnt work for me I was in the same position but my doctor switched it to fluoxetine im currently on 60mg it takes that little abot of the edge or helps to start the day better where sometimes ive thought no to OCD im not going to waah my hands iver n iver n again I need my rest for work the next day. But i do have some bad days out the blue which literally took over the whole day with ocd. So im still on fluxotine as ive had a few assessment from other doctors who do a follow up have advice to still stay on it. But do remember to take it if I forget obe day I get abit dizzy n nausea feeling. Hope that helps