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Pharmacy/switching anti-depressants

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Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith - 10/2/2009


Question
I would like to switch from Lexapro to Pristiq (due to weight gain on Lexapro).  How do I transition?

Thanks!
Renee

Answer
Dear Renee

There is no need for a prolonged washout period so you can just stop taking Lexapro one day and take the Pristiq 4-5 days later. This gives the body time to eliminate all the Lexapro. These drugs are very similar in action too much in the bloos stream can occasionally cause a mild to serioius reaction.

Regards

Dr Alan Galbraith

Pharmacy

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Dr Alan Galbraith

Expertise

I can answer most questions on most drugs. Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.

Experience

I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease.

Organizations
Institute of Biology, London.


Publications
Author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" 5th Edition published in November 2007 by Pearson Education, Australia.

Education/Credentials
BSc(Hons);MSc;PhD;MIBiol; Cert Biol; HECert

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