My grandmother has taken prescribed narcotics for pain (general) and sleeplessness for several years. She had a colostomy 1 year ago. Her mental functioning has always been good. Her doctor sent her to a psychiatrist last week; she was diagnosed with depression and prescribed cymbalta. I'm worried because she has a droopy-eyed, druggy look about her now and she seems a little more out of it; her legs hurt and her mouth is always dry. Is it safe for her to take cymbalta?
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Q: My 93 year old grandmother has just been prescribed cymbalta. Is it safe?
Answers (2)
2/ 7/10 6:42pm
Thank you for your question and welcome to AnxietyConnection.com.
I am not a medical professional and would not be able to give you medical advice.
I can tell you that dry mouth is a common side effect of cymbalta. Other side effects may include:
nausea
constipation
loss of appetite
tiredness
drowsiness
dizziness
increased sweating
blurred vision
yawning
Normally, side effects disappear within a few weeks of taking the medication. If any side effects persist longer than a few weeks or get worse, you should speak with your grandmother's doctor.
I do not see anything in the side effects regarding leg pain, however, these are considered to be the most common side effects so it does not mean that this is not caused by the medication.
You should speak with your grandmother's doctor about your concerns. He or she would be better able to discuss her medical history and determine how and when the medication should be taken.
For more information:
I hope this helps
Eileen
2/ 7/10 12:56am
My mother is 91 and was put on Cymbalta to replace Zoloftin December because it also helps with pain and she has some arthritis in her spine. She had her dosage upped to 60 mg from 30 and was seeing people and things in her room and was much more anxious. Now she is back down to 30 mg. I do not know yet if this is the best answer or not. I do not like to see her imagining things and people that are not there, especially since she has a relatively sharp mind.
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By Terri— Last Modified: 12/25/10, First Published: 02/06/10
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