How to change the antidepressant? Gradually or overnight?

The sertraline contained in Zoloft and the escitalopram contained in Escitalopram Actavis belong to the same therapeutic group, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). If you change an antidepressant to another drug belonging to the same group, the so-called "rapid change" is possible, overnight. Such a change is considered relatively safe. In this situation, a change "to the bookmark" is not required, which consists in gradually reducing the dose of the previous drug and simultaneously introducing a new drug in a low dose. It is impossible to 100% predict what the body's reaction to the change of drug will be. Sometimes, when changing treatment, there are withdrawal symptoms of the previous drug, which patients mistakenly identify with the ineffectiveness of the new drug. For the first 2-3 weeks, a temporary deterioration of health is possible, of which you need to be aware. Of course, these side effects may or may not occur in every patient.