Is it safe to take 25mg. elavil with 30mg. cymbalta?

Hello Miss Millie,

I am curious as to why you are asking this question.  Did the same physican prescribe both medications for you?  If so, do you not have confidence/trust in this doctor?  The reason I ask is that I think it's critical that people do have trust and confidence in the doctor that is treating them.  If you don't, I'm wondering if you'd be able to ask him/her some questions, such as the one you posed here.

If you were prescribed the two medications by two different doctors, then my advice is that you tell each about the other!  Each doctor you see should know all of the medictions that you are taking.  Cymbalta is an SNRI used for the treatment of anxiety and depression.   Elavil is a tricyclic antidepressant that is supposed to help anxious feelings as well.  The most important question you could ask your doctor is this:  "Why are you prescribing both medications for me?  How do you expect this combination to help me?"  It would be great if you posted your physician's answer!!

Regards,

Jennifer L. Fee, Psy.D.

The Stress Masters

Finally, I am a psychologist, not a psychiatrist, so I cannot advise you on your medication, but just provide some general education.

Hi Miss Millie:

I would have to agree with Dr. Fee about this regarding trusting your physician. I would add one thing -- Elavil is often used for sleep and tends to be a very mild medication. You have been prescribed the next to the lowest dose, since it comes in tablets from 10mg to 150mg. You can read more about Elavil here.  Cymbalta is, as Dr. Fee said, an antidepressant, and you can read more about Cymbalta here. Many patients take these two medications in combination safely.

However, as she said, ask your doctor why he wants you to take both. Many of my patients are on far more medications than these two, but they are also battling severe chronic pain.

Best of Luck!

Dr. Diana Walcutt

The Stress Masters

*Dr. Walcutt is a Psychologist, not a Psychiatrist. Psychiatrists prescribe medications. Psychologists study them, but the majority of Psychologists are not authorized to prescribe meds or give you specific advice about them. Dr. Walcutt's answers are not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental disorder. Any information given in a post about medication is for educational purposes only, and primarily to aid you in having an informed discussion with your own Psychiatrist/Physician.