What can I expect when switching from sertraline to pristiq?

[Shell82]

I was on sertraline for 3+ years but was switch to pristiq and began to take it today.  I would like to know what to expect because I tend to panic when I experience any changes in my health.  I have also been suffering from allergies for a week and a half and wonder if this will have any effects on the switch.

[bj4474]

SAME WITH ME, JUST STARTED PRISTIQ TODAY FROM ZOLOFT.

[bj4474]

my med schedule for 10 days.  50mg zoloft, 200mg wellbutrin,  1mg klonopin 4x a day, 50mg PRISTIQ.  after 10 days i stop  zoloft and wellbutrin and start 100mg PRISTIQ WITH THE KLONOPIN .  SHOULD THIS WORK?     PLEASE REPLY

[Shell82]

Thanks for replying.  My M.D. did give me samples of xyzal which work really well, but the Pristiq was another story.  Yesterday was my first day on it, and I woke up today gasping for air, and have had shortness of breath off and on since.  My doc just told me to stop taking it and go back to sertraline, however I had already taken the pristiq, so we'll see what happens.
Some really good news though is that I was able to use some tips from my therapist to shorten the panic attack I got from the sudden loss of breath.  
Again thank you for replying, I was beginning to fear that no one would answer me, and my therapist wanted me to start talking about my problems with others, and I thought starting out with strangers might help me with telling my friends.

[cj29]

Whenever I would switch medications, there was an adjustment period where I did feel some side effects, but if you know that it is happening it really makes it much easier to handle.  Starting, stopping, or switching any medication can cause side effects...not just ADs, SSRIs, but other medications as well.  As long as you are doing this under the advise of your doctor, you are doing the right thing, in my experience.  I also have hayfever this time of year and it drives me bonkers, but have you ever been prescribed an antihistamine our an OTC med for it?  Keep us posted!