I have been on cymbalta 60mg for about a week, switched from zoloft. 2 hours after taking cymbalta I am lethargicly tired for the rest of the day, the doctor also put me on 7.5 mg of Deplin. These both were prescribed for GAD. Is this a side effect that will subside or is this the wrong drug for me, anxiety is not better either
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5/12/10 7:13pm
Angela
Thank you for your question and welcome to AnxietyConnection.com.
I am not a medical professional and cannot give you medical advice.
However, I can tell you that most people experience mild side effects from antidepressants for a few weeks. For most people, these side effects do not interfere with their lives and slowly disappear.
If you are having side effects that interfere with your life, or cause you to not be able to participate in activities, go to work or complete daily tasks, you should immediately speak with your doctor. Antidepressants can sometimes also cause mood changes. You should speak with your doctor if you are having mood swings.
For more information:
Side Effects of Antidepressants
I hope this helps.
Eileen
5/12/10 7:13pm
Hello Angela
Switching medications can always be difficult and I really think you have to give it a chance for more than just a week.
Here is our information about Cymbalta and they do say: "It may take 1 to 2 weeks to feel a benefit from this drug and 4 weeks to feel the full benefit of this medication. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens."
I know that may seem like a long time but it may be worth the wait.
On My Depression Connection we have a Member Medication Review each Thursday and here is what other members are saying about their experience with Cymbalta.
The side effects do usually fade over time but if they don't...contact your doctor. Please hang in there and if there is anything we can do for you in the meantime let us know!
5/12/10 8:36pm
Thank you so much for your response. I called my Doctor today and she said to try taking the medication at night, so I will give that a try. I have been on quite a few medications for anxiety over the years but they were all SSRI's and Cymbalta is a different class of medication. I am just frustrated, I was in the process of trying to get off of my zoloft ( over the course of a year) I thought I was finally at a place in my life that I was strong enough to control it, to have enough faith and strength, but I failed again:( I am going to give Cymbalta about a month if I can stay awake that long.. ugghh.. if this doesn't work I don't know my next step. Thank you so much for replying to my post. It helps to know that I'm not alone.
Blessings,
Angela
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By Angela— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 05/12/10
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Eileen,
Thank you so much for your response. It's nice to know I'm not alone in this. I have just been abnormaly tired and hate this drugged up feeling. I called my doctor today and they said "try taking it at night" so they were not much help, but I will try that, I am going to give this med a chance but, ugghh. I am so tired and it wasn't like this before. I have been on quite a few drugs for panic over the years, I have never had one do this but I have always been on an SSRI, not an SSNRI. So maybe it is just going to take some time. Thank you for your reply!
Blessings,
Angela