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It Is Safe To Switch From Sertraline To Imipramine Without Dose Reductions?
Question: Thank you for the help. I am interested in determining if moving to imipramine from sertraline without decreasing the dosage first is safe. I take 100 mgs of sertraline, which helps with my depression, but prevents me from being able to reach an orgasm. I used to take imipramine with no problems of any kind, but my health plan raised the price to extravagant levels. The sertraline is much less expensive. Also, is it dangerous to take both concurrently--say, 50 mgs sertraline and 100 mgs imipramine? Or alternating between the two. I am male, 67 years old, and in pretty good health (some blood pressure issues). My PCP is thorough but also somewhat narrow-minded and stubborn. That's why I've come to this site. Thanks!
Brief Answer:
Yes it is safe to switch, but you have to choose only one of them.
Detailed Answer:
Dr. Hanif warmly Welcomes you!
Thanks for consulting at my virtual clinic. I have carefully worked through your case, and can realize your health worries. Being your physician, I will take care all of your medical concerns.
It is safe to switch from Sertraline to Imipramine without initial dose reductions. Why tapering off of sertraline before discontinuing it not needed? Its because both sertraline and imipramine work by raising the serotonin levels in brain.
What you can do is, stop taking 100 mg sertraline and start taking Imipramine 75 mg (only once daily to start with) at the same timing of the day when you were taking sertraline. Dose of Imipramine may have to be adjusted and raised by your treating physician up to 75 mg twice daily if needed.
You may keep only one out of the two drugs. You can't alternate with the two at the same time to avoid serious life threatening side effects.
You can't take both the drugs concomitantly as sertraline will increase the levels and effects of imipramine by affecting its hepatic metabolism.
Have a wonderful time ahead. Hope I answered all of your questions. Let me know if you have any further clinical concerns. I will be happy to get back to you shortly. If satisfied here, please give a five star rating and don't forget to close the discussion.
Regards!
DR. XXXXXXX HANIF
USA
Yes it is safe to switch, but you have to choose only one of them.
Detailed Answer:
Dr. Hanif warmly Welcomes you!
Thanks for consulting at my virtual clinic. I have carefully worked through your case, and can realize your health worries. Being your physician, I will take care all of your medical concerns.
It is safe to switch from Sertraline to Imipramine without initial dose reductions. Why tapering off of sertraline before discontinuing it not needed? Its because both sertraline and imipramine work by raising the serotonin levels in brain.
What you can do is, stop taking 100 mg sertraline and start taking Imipramine 75 mg (only once daily to start with) at the same timing of the day when you were taking sertraline. Dose of Imipramine may have to be adjusted and raised by your treating physician up to 75 mg twice daily if needed.
You may keep only one out of the two drugs. You can't alternate with the two at the same time to avoid serious life threatening side effects.
You can't take both the drugs concomitantly as sertraline will increase the levels and effects of imipramine by affecting its hepatic metabolism.
Have a wonderful time ahead. Hope I answered all of your questions. Let me know if you have any further clinical concerns. I will be happy to get back to you shortly. If satisfied here, please give a five star rating and don't forget to close the discussion.
Regards!
DR. XXXXXXX HANIF
USA
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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