Is Cymbalta and duloxetine the same?

Cymbalta is available as a generic drug called duloxetine. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Is there a better antidepressant than Cymbalta?

However, when compared to placebo, Cymbalta and Effexor are both more effective for treating conditions like major depression. One study pooled several clinical trials and found that venlafaxine is a better short-term treatment option for major depression than duloxetine.

How is Cymbalta different from other antidepressants?

How is Cymbalta different from other antidepressants? SNRI medications like Cymbalta work on both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, while SSRI medications like Prozac work on serotonin.

Is Cymbalta worth the risk?

The prominent consumer group Public Citizen indicates that the antidepressant Cymbalta should not be taken for any of the approved uses, as there no evidence that the benefits outweigh the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening side effects associated with the medication.

How do you know if Cymbalta is not working?

Signs that your antidepressant might not be working include:

1. You feel more or the same amount of sadness, anxiety, or irritability after several weeks or months of taking the medication.
2. You feel slightly better, but still feel that your depression is affecting your ability to function.
3. You are having trouble sleeping.

Does Cymbalta make you lazy?

But even the newer classes of antidepressants—including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac (fluoxetine) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as Cymbalta (duloxetine)—can lay you low.

Can I take Cymbalta forever?

Once Cymbalta begins to work, clinical guidelines for depression suggest using pharmacological treatment options for at least 4 to 12 months. Many people who choose to take Cymbalta for mental health conditions and chronic pain continue treatment long term. In some cases, your doctor may stop prescribing Cymbalta.

What are the most common side effects of Cymbalta?

The most common side effects of the drug include nausea, headache, dry mouth and sleepiness — but more serious side effects may occur. Like most antidepressants, Cymbalta (duloxetine) may trigger suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents and adults under the age of 24.

What are the worst side effects of Cymbalta?

Tell your doctor right away if any of these serious side effects occur: confusion, easy bruising/bleeding, decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability, muscle cramps/weakness, shaking (tremor), difficulty urinating, signs of liver problems (such as nausea that doesn’t stop, stomach/abdominal pain, vomiting.

How long should you stay on Cymbalta?

Is it safe to switch to duloxetine for depression?

Conclusions: Switch to duloxetine was associated with significant improvements in both emotional and painful physical symptoms of depression and was well tolerated and safe, regardless of which of the switch methods was used. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00191932.

Will switching from Cymbalta to alprazolam make it worse?

Luckily switching over to Cymbalta hasn’t made it incredibly worse — thus far. I take OTC meclizine (25-50 mg) when the nausea is unbearable or alprazolam (0.25-1 mg) when I’m feeling anxious and panicky too. These medications are taken on an “as needed” basis.

How do you switch from one antidepressant to another?

Switching strategies. A direct switch – one drug is stopped and another drug is commenced the next day at the usual therapeutic dose – can be used when switching between some SSRIs, SNRIs and tricyclic antidepressants. However, there will be a considerable risk of withdrawal symptoms and drug interactions.

When to switch from fluoxetine to clomipramine?

stop fluoxetine (or taper if dose >40 mg/day), wait 14 days for washout, then start above drug at 25 mg and continue low dose for further 3 weeks‡ stop fluoxetine (or taper if dose >40 mg/day), wait 14 days for washout, then start clomipramine at 25 mg and continue this dose for further 3 weeks‡