I am 21 and diagnosed with major depression. I have been taking 300mg of Wellbutrin XL and 120 mg of Cymbalta daily for the past 5 months, but have been on Cymbalta for at least a year and a half. In January we decreased my Wellbutrin because I was having a twitching/ muscle spasm problem which I never had before. After the decrease my twitching has lessened but my jaw twitches occasionally while I'm talking. Lately, I have been having memory problems which is effecting my ability to answer work related questions. I have been having a hard time finishing sentences because I don't know what to say next. My jaw twitch occurs mostly when I'm talking and I'm nervous or telling a long story. The combination of a jaw twitch and suddenly stopping in the middle of a sentence isn't a fun time. I have also been shaky and I'm not sure if that related to the medication or sugar level sugar thing.
So can the combination of these medicines cause side effects of memory loss? Are there more side effects I should look out for?
Are there side effects of combining Wellbutrin and Cymbalta?
Question posted by Shellyxox213 on 6 April 2017
Last updated on 6 April 2017 by chuck1957
4 Answers
Shelly; Really nothing too much with these 2 taken together but I do know that many times with this combination I see doctors decreasing the Cymbalta a bit. You could talk to the doctor about that if it is correct or because it is still bothering you so much. Bring it to the doctor's attention. Everyone is different on how the medications work so there is no one answer for everyone. But You for sure want to let your doctor know that this is affecting your way of life And try not to worry many times it is just a minor adjustment to our meds and that could be enough to take the twitching and muscle problems away. Best of luck to you. But try and get in and talk to the doctor again. enjoy the day.
Hi, i am sorry to hear about the side effects you're dealing with, on top of the depression. I am 45 and have been dealing w/ deep depression since I was 17. Honestly, the best answer I can give you is to talk to a pharmacist; they know a lot more than do the doctors. May sound strange, but that has been my experience. Good luck hon.
Click on the link in order to access a full interaction report:
https://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=949-2273,440-2469
The combination isn't a bad one and the side effects you describe are actually more common amongst Cymbalta users - Wellbutrin has few side effects and they're generally more minor - whereas Cymbalta has a range of potential side effects and memory and thinking ability deficits are very much a Cymbalta side effect. Have you considered trying just Wellbutrin? Cymbalta can be difficult to get off of, but if it is causing your memory/thought issues then it's not a good fit and talking to your doctor about the possible alternatives would be a good idea. Also, be sure to slowly taper the Cymbalta (maybe even more slowly than doctor guidance depending on how you feel) if you do come off it. Best wishes.
Related topics
cymbalta, wellbutrin, wellbutrin xl, depression, seasonal affective disorder, major depressive disorder, side effect, psychiatry, diagnosis, major depression disorder
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