Doctor prescribed 60mg Cymbalta plus 2.5mg oxycodone for pain in hip and lower back. Concerned about developing serotonin syndrome.
Prescribed Cymbalta + oxycodone for intense pain. Will this cause confusion, trouble speaking, othe?
Question posted by Bird51 on 10 May 2023
Last updated on 1 November 2023
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
4 Answers
bobsy
31 Oct 2023
Cymbalta (duloxetine) is basically a SNRI drug used to treat depression. However using it off-label is can be effective for pain when used in some people as a pain-relief med for treating fibromyalgia. It is not a pain med though. Oxycodone (an opioid pain med) is the right med to use for hip and lower back pain. Also people who are depressed will sometimes respond well to Cymbalta because depression can cause a person to be more sensitive to nerve pain. Taking Cymbalta with Oxycodone should not be a problem. However taking Cymbalta with Tramadol could cause Serotonin Syndrome since both drugs are used for dealing with serotonin. With the hip and lower back pain that is the type of pain known as Nociceptive pain which oxycodone is the correct drug to treat this type of pain. Cymbalta will not have any effect on nociceptive pain.
masso
1 Nov 2023
Please provide well informed answers to the members seeking for help.
You mention the following on your answer:
"Taking Cymbalta with Oxycodone should not be a problem."
Interactions between your drugs
Moderate
oxyCODONE DULoxetine
Applies to: oxycodone, Cymbalta (duloxetine)
Using oxyCODONE together with DULoxetine can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, seizures, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms during treatment.
In addition, combining these medications may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience some impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Full interaction report: https://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=949-2273,1770-0
smchurch
11 May 2023
Great question! I have been on this combination for about a year and one-half, and "Yes," I have experienced (i.e., although only sporadically) trouble with speaking, with some degree of confusion - often having to stop mid-sentence, and rather than explaining the issue, just stating, "Oh, I'm sorry - I forgot what I was going to say!" Obviously, this has troubled me, but I had no idea that it might be medication related. Sorry for not being able to give you an answer, but thank you for bringing up the issues - I will definitely start doing some research! Please reconnect with me should you find any conclusive evidence!
ggeolas
11 May 2023
First oxycodone lowest strength is 5mg that would mean you would have to split the tablet in half which should not be done you could get an uncontrolled dose this medication should not be split chewed or crushed you can read this by going to drugs.com a great resource to review the medication you are on while I did not get any pain relief from C1ymbalta and it was a nightmare coming off of it and not worth taking. Good luck hope this helps
WildcatVet
10 May 2023
Hi, Birds!
Serotonin syndrome is rare and easily treatable in the early stage. It's good to get acquainted with the symptoms so you know what to watch for::
https://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=949-2273,1770-0
This is more information for serotonin syndrome:
https://www.drugs.com/cg/serotonin-syndrome.html
Regards and feel better soon!
Bird51
10 May 2023
I've seen the symptoms. Wife just came out of the hospital. Combo of Cymbalta and Tramadol really screwed things up! Hope we're not going to have a repeat!
WildcatVet
10 May 2023
Hope all goes well!
Bird51
10 May 2023
Thanks...
Related topics
cymbalta, pain, back pain, oxycodone, chronic pain, confusion, doctor, prescription, syndrome
Further information
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.