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Anxiety and Stress Disorders

Alternative to Cymbalta

01/26/2009

Question:

I HAVE BEEN ON CYMBALTA FOR A WHILE NOW, MINE INSURANCE WILL NOT COVER CYMBALTA ANYMORE, CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHAT OTHER MEDICATION I CAN TAKE.. I HAVE TRIED LEXAPRO AND ZOLOFT, DIDN`T WORK FOR ME, I SUFFER FROM DEPRESSION AND PTSD...ALSO BECAUSE I CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY CYMBALTA I AM NOT TAKING ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, AND I AM STARTING TO FEEL WITHDRAWLS.. I HAVE BEEN VERY EDGY AND CRY ALOT...

Answer:

Cymbalta is associated with a significant discontinuation syndrome and thus I would not abruptly discontinue this agent. If you have no medication available to take I would call your physician as soon as possible to minimize potential significant discomfort. Other agents that you have not mentioned that might be helpful are venlafaxine or tricyclic antidepressants that are available by generic. Discuss all of these options with your physician and weigh the pro's and con's of Cymbalta vs these alternatives.

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Response by:

Nicholas A Votolato, RPh BCPP Nicholas A Votolato, RPh BCPP
Formerly:
Introductory Clinicxal Psychopharamcology
Advanced Clinical Psychopharmacology
Clinical Pharmacokinetics
Clinical Therapetics
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University