Brief Answer: See below Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear of this switch that has left you feeling more depressed than you were. I want to believe your doctor discussed the various reasons for making the switch with you and you felt comfortable that it was the right thing to do. If that were the case, then I will advice that you exercise some patience because it often takes a few weeks before you start noticing the full benefits of a new antidepressant medication. However, if he didn’t let you know why this decision was made, please ask him about this. If there is just no reason for this switch, I will suggest that you return to taking your previous drug, Effexor in this case.. I hope this helps. I wish you well and do feel free to ask for clarification and more information if need be. Thanks for using our services. Dr. Ditah, MD.

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Brief Answer: Switching with reasons is often instant Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for this follow up questions. We never switch for the fun of doing so. Switching is often guided by a poor response to treatment or terrible side effects or some other problems. In this case, unless the class of medications are contraindicated, switching is immediate. However, it appears you were doing pretty well before he switched you. If that is the case, then you would need to talk to him to understand more about this problem. These drugs are equally effective as anti depressants. Patients respond differently to the same anti depressant. What may not work well for you may simply be the best for another person. This is why if you find one that works well for you, there is just no reason to go changing it. I cannot comment on his integrity or judge his clinical decisions without hearing from him. At this point, I would want to trust his competence unless I find reasons not to. Thanks and hopes this addresses your query fully. I wish you well. Dr. Ditah, MD

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Brief Answer: The dosages are different Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for this follow up. 10mg of brintellix is actually the maximum dosage that can be administered. These drugs contain different active ingredients and they are not prescribed in the same dosages. This has no effect on how well thy work. There are some other patients who ma require just 5mg of this brintellix! Both drugs are effective in treating anxiety, depression, etc. This is why they are both approved by the board that validates medications for various disease conditions. I hope this helps. I will advice that you wait a little longer before declaring whether this drug would work well or not for you as 5days are largely insufficient to evaluate a new medication for anxiety/depression. I wish you well and feel free to request for more clarifications if need be. Thanks. Dr. Ditah, MD.

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