“anxiety and depression”
Well i wanted to ask for your opinion
I have been taking the anti-depressant Cymbalta-(duloxetine)-60 mg once day. I have been taking it since 2006 . So like 17 years. For depression and anxiety. all these years it has worked wonderfully for me. With no problems
Until a couple of weeks ago
i have been going thru a rough patch
Which started about 2 weeks ago.
And it seems like my cymbalta isnt doing what it suppose to.So i went to my dr last Monday June 12th , a week ago. And she increased my dosage to 90mg.
So i take 60 in the morning and 30 at night.
And she told me if in a week i felt like wasnt helping me to double the dosage, to 120. today, is the june 28th and
i feel like the 90mg hasnt done anything. i still feel anxious and depressed . And i called the dr today and dr said to go ahead and start increasing it to 120mg total daily. i just wanted to get a 2nd opinion.
I have been taking the anti-depressant Cymbalta-(duloxetine)-60 mg once day. I have been taking it since 2006 . So like 17 years. For depression and anxiety. all these years it has worked wonderfully for me. With no problems
Until a couple of weeks ago
i have been going thru a rough patch
Which started about 2 weeks ago.
And it seems like my cymbalta isnt doing what it suppose to.So i went to my dr last Monday June 12th , a week ago. And she increased my dosage to 90mg.
So i take 60 in the morning and 30 at night.
And she told me if in a week i felt like wasnt helping me to double the dosage, to 120. today, is the june 28th and
i feel like the 90mg hasnt done anything. i still feel anxious and depressed . And i called the dr today and dr said to go ahead and start increasing it to 120mg total daily. i just wanted to get a 2nd opinion.
Female | 44 years old
Medications: cymbalta-duloxetine 90
3 Answers
I see, I'm sorry to hear about the rough patch and i hope things are getting better. Starting off, usually Cymbalta beyond 60 mg is used for fibromyalgia and musculoskeletal pain, so i might try other options such as therapy. If you are not receiving any kind of therapy, I would highly recommend that. Working with a therapist might help with the situation. Hope things get better very soon
When evaluating the effectiveness and adjustment of antidepressant medications like Cymbalta (duloxetine), it's important to consider several factors, including the duration of treatment, dosage, patient response, and potential side effects. Duloxetine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety due to its action on serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which can help improve mood and anxiety symptoms.
Given your history of using Cymbalta successfully for 17 years at 60mg daily and the recent increase to 90mg without perceived benefit, the situation merits careful consideration. Here are several points to consider:
Timeframe for Effectiveness: The adjustment period for an increased dose of an antidepressant like Cymbalta can vary. While some individuals may notice improvements within the first few weeks, it can take up to 4-6 weeks (or sometimes longer) for the full therapeutic effects to be realized, especially when adjusting dosages.
Dose Adjustments: The increase to 90mg and the consideration to move to 120mg are within the range of what is sometimes necessary for managing symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, it's essential to monitor for both effectiveness and side effects closely. Duloxetine has a maximum recommended daily dose, and increasing the dosage should always be approached with caution and under close supervision by a healthcare provider.
Side Effects and Tolerability: As with any medication, it's crucial to balance the potential benefits with any side effects. Higher doses of duloxetine can increase the risk of side effects, which might include nausea, dry mouth, sleep disturbances, or increased blood pressure, among others. Monitoring these and discussing them with your healthcare provider is essential.
Evaluation of Other Factors: It's also important to consider any external factors that may be contributing to the current "rough patch," including stress, life events, or other health issues. Sometimes, adjunct therapies such as psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications (including exercise, diet, and mindfulness practices), or even considering adjunctive medications might be beneficial.
Second Opinion and Consultation: Seeking a second opinion, as you are doing, is a prudent approach, especially when considering significant changes to a long-standing medication regimen. Consulting with a psychiatrist or a pharmacologist specialized in psychopharmacology can provide a comprehensive review of your treatment plan, evaluate the current dosage's effectiveness, and consider any alternative strategies that might be appropriate.
Given your history of using Cymbalta successfully for 17 years at 60mg daily and the recent increase to 90mg without perceived benefit, the situation merits careful consideration. Here are several points to consider:
Timeframe for Effectiveness: The adjustment period for an increased dose of an antidepressant like Cymbalta can vary. While some individuals may notice improvements within the first few weeks, it can take up to 4-6 weeks (or sometimes longer) for the full therapeutic effects to be realized, especially when adjusting dosages.
Dose Adjustments: The increase to 90mg and the consideration to move to 120mg are within the range of what is sometimes necessary for managing symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, it's essential to monitor for both effectiveness and side effects closely. Duloxetine has a maximum recommended daily dose, and increasing the dosage should always be approached with caution and under close supervision by a healthcare provider.
Side Effects and Tolerability: As with any medication, it's crucial to balance the potential benefits with any side effects. Higher doses of duloxetine can increase the risk of side effects, which might include nausea, dry mouth, sleep disturbances, or increased blood pressure, among others. Monitoring these and discussing them with your healthcare provider is essential.
Evaluation of Other Factors: It's also important to consider any external factors that may be contributing to the current "rough patch," including stress, life events, or other health issues. Sometimes, adjunct therapies such as psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications (including exercise, diet, and mindfulness practices), or even considering adjunctive medications might be beneficial.
Second Opinion and Consultation: Seeking a second opinion, as you are doing, is a prudent approach, especially when considering significant changes to a long-standing medication regimen. Consulting with a psychiatrist or a pharmacologist specialized in psychopharmacology can provide a comprehensive review of your treatment plan, evaluate the current dosage's effectiveness, and consider any alternative strategies that might be appropriate.
In my opinion as a doctor who played a key role with Lilly to develop this medication I suggest you find a therapist who can get to the bottom of your illness. A pill cannot do everything to heal this illness. Daily physical activity can.
