Hello everyone! I just made the switch to Sertraline (Zoloft) last night from Citalopram (Celexa). I spent many hours trying to research last night (being quite afraid of switching from one right to the next). I thought I would come on here and create a record of sorts to maybe help other people out who are also looking for some answers.
I have suffered from problems with anxiety for 15 years and on off. This last bout has been quite nasty and has left me obsessing over my health. I am constantly worried that I am going to die suddenly. Every pain and sensation means something fatal. It is certainly taking a toll on my ability to live happily.
Because of my fear of drugs (putting something foreign into my body), I decided to start with Celexa because I had taken it 5 years prior and felt relatively safe doing so. I was prescribed a dosage of 10mg which I was to increase to 20mg after day 4, and then up to 30mg a week after that. After joining this website I came across an old thread about Celexa being linked to heart problems and sudden death at higher doses (over 40mg). I wasn't even close to that dosage but because I am super sensitive, this news scared the crap out of me. I did not increase the dose past 10mg, but stayed on the drug until my next appointment. My doctor and I decided that it was pointless to keep me on Celexa if it was going to make me worry, so I made the switch to Zoloft last night. I was, of course, completely horrified that something bad would happen switching between SSRI's, primarily because I know that the Celexa is still in my body and will continue to be for at least a few more days. I asked around on here and spoke to a pharmacist and got the reassurance I needed to go ahead with the switch. So last night, rather nervously, I took the new pill and began my journey.
I am to take 12.5mg's of Zoloft for 4 days, increasing to 25mg. One week after, I go up to 50mg, with a follow up appointment shortly after that.
So far (12 hours after first dose) I feel mostly okay. I found I had some trouble sleeping, waking up during the night feeling "weird", possibly frantic that I was "going crazy". I do know that I was really concerned about making the switch, so a lot of that could have to do with anxiety. I have a mild headache today across the front of my forehead and suffered a mild panic attack about 1 hour ago, but I don't think today has been much different than any other day I've lived lately.
So that's the jist of it. I'll come back on here from time to time if I have anything relevant to report. Hopefully this thread will help someone out someday going through similar!
Take care everyone and may we all feel better and be on the road to recovery soon!!