A woman I know was Dx'd with depression and PTSD, she was already on Lexapro 10mg from Gen Prac but it wasnt doing enough so she went to a Psychiatrist and was upped to 20mg, caused vision problems and severe headaches. Today she saw him and he Rx'd Cymbalta 30mg for a week then 60mg in conjunction to the Lexapro, has anybody heard of this? it seems like way too much Serotonin to me
Lexapro and Cymbalta?
- Asked
- 19 Mar 2016 by howielinux
- Updated
- 21 March 2016
- Topics
- cymbalta, post traumatic stress disorder
Details:
Responses (2)
lady2882
19 Mar 2016
I could see the Lexapro with the 30mg of Cymbalta but when she goes up to the 60mg of Cymbalta I can see what you mean as that could very easily cause serotonin syndrome (too much serotonin). Also I think she should do some online research about the Cymbalta because it does not have a very good track record with PTSD but rather can cause more anxiety and make the PTSD worse. That was a problem I had with it and I have PTSD too. Also it can be very difficult to withdraw from (another thing I know from first hand experience).
There are other drugs that are much easier to take for her conditions and I am surprised that her doctor did not try them first. An example would be Zoloft which really helped with my PTSD.
Most of the time we just need our PTSD treated and the depression goes away.
Is she having any talk therapy? That works wonders on giving up the tools we need to deal with the PTSD as well as the depression.
Take care of you and her
janiebme
19 Mar 2016
Hi howie-
I agree with Lady. I have PTSD, depression and anxiety. That seems like a lot that will hit the serotonin levels. Also, Cymbalta does not have a very good track record. I did find that Lexapro did well for my anxiety but not so well for depression. PTSD is a tricky beast to deal with. Maybe Lexapro is not the med for her if the psych doc has to add so much more of another serotonin med to help it? Just a thought.You did not say what her symptoms were. That can make a difference in the chosen meds.
Like Lady said I would research the meds for PTSD and some of the off labels too.
I admire you for trying to support her the best you can. I hope you are doing better Howie.
Best to you both :)
howielinux
19 Mar 2016
Yea I agree it just too much Serotonin and SNRI's cause many people anxiety. I was going to recommend she ask about switching to Zoloft and adding Lamictal. She also is Rx'd Valium 10mg TID but only takes 1.
Further Information
- Cymbalta Information for Consumers
- Cymbalta Information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side Effects of Cymbalta (detailed)
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Yea she didn’t tell me that the Psychiatrist was planning on stopping the Lexapro once she reaches 60mg of Cymbalta. The depression is the more evident Dx, I'm guessing he Rx'd the Valium 10mg TID to cover the anxiety from PTSD. She also has RLS and Diabetes and had ok results with Gabapentin so she is going to try Lyrica but the Dr said 1 med at a time which is the responsible way to go