Can you switch from 10mg of Citalopram to 50mg of Sertraline?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
In this article, we will discuss switching from Citalopram to Sertraline – both of which are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). We will also discuss some switching strategies and what one must do to ensure a safe transition.
Can you switch from 10mg of Citalopram to 50mg of Sertraline?
You can switch from 10mg of Citalopram to 50mg of Sertraline if your healthcare provider advises this transition (1,2). Antidepressant switching is quite common and many people try multiple antidepressants before sticking to the one that works for the best in their case.
However, the antidepressant transition should be carefully carried out under your doctor’s supervision. The antidepressant-switching strategy should be decided by your doctor and the dosage strength of the new antidepressant should be determined carefully.
What is the best switching strategy to switch from Citalopram to Sertraline?
When it comes to switching from Citalopram to Sertraline, it’s crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider. Your doctor knows about your complete medical history, understands why you’re transitioning from Citalopram, and is aware of the duration you’ve been on it.
With this valuable information, your doctor can determine the most suitable switching strategy for you. Typically, since both Citalopram and Sertraline belong to the same class of antidepressants, there are two primary switching strategies to consider: the direct switch and the cross-taper (3).
Direct switching
The direct switch involves discontinuing the use of your old antidepressant, Citalopram, and directly initiating the new one, Sertraline. This approach is generally employed when switching between antidepressants within the same class (3). However, it is not suitable for everyone.
Cross tapering
The cross-taper strategy involves gradually reducing the dose of your current antidepressant, Citalopram, while simultaneously introducing the new one, Sertraline, starting from the lowest effective dose. This method allows for a smoother transition between medications (3).
Ultimately, the choice between these strategies is a decision that should be made by your doctor, taking into account your unique circumstances and medical history.
What are the dosage recommendations for Sertraline?
The recommended dosage for Sertraline typically starts at 50 milligrams once a day for adults, and you can take it either in the morning or evening (4).
Your doctor might make adjustments to your dose based on your individual needs, but generally, it doesn’t exceed 200 mg per day for adults (4).
For children, the appropriate dose must be determined by their doctor, as it varies based on their specific circumstances. Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance regarding the correct dosage for your situation to ensure safe and effective treatment.
How to ensure a safe transition from Citalopram to Sertraline?
Ensuring a safe transition from Citalopram to Sertraline is important for your physical and mental well-being. It is important to follow your doctor’s directions properly for a smooth antidepressant transition.
If your healthcare provider recommends a cross-taper strategy, where you gradually reduce Citalopram while introducing Sertraline, it’s essential to adhere to their prescribed doses and timing.
This approach helps minimize potential withdrawal symptoms and ensures a smoother transition. Moreover, patience is key during this transition. Understand that Sertraline may take some time to exhibit its full therapeutic effects.
Don’t worry if you experience initial side effects; many of these typically subside within a few days as your body adjusts to the new medication. Early side effects of Sertraline may include nausea, diarrhoea, insomnia, acid reflux, metallic taste, etc.
However, always report any unusual or concerning side effects to your doctor. Remember, don’t hesitate to discuss any questions or uncertainties with your doctor. Clear communication with your healthcare provider is essential to ensure your transition to Sertraline is safe and effective.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed switching from Citalopram to Sertraline. We have also discussed typical switching strategies and what one should do to ensure a safe and smooth transition.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Sharbaf Shoar N, Fariba KA, Padhy RK. Citalopram. 2021 Dec 11. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29489221. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482222
2.-
Singh HK, Saadabadi A. Sertraline. 2023 Feb 13. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31613469. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547689
3.-
National Prescribing Service Limited. Guidelines for switching antidepressants. [Internet]. NPS MedicineWise; 2010. Available from: https://www.nps.org.au/assets/Products/Guidelines-switching-antidepressants_A3.pdf
4.-
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. ZOLOFT (sertraline hydrochloride) tablets, for oral use. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/019839s74s86s87_20990s35s44s45lbl.pdf
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