I have been on cymbalta 60 mg since September 2017. My depression since then was much better but then has gotten increasingly worse. The inability to leave bed, the constant darkness and negative thoughts. I was back into a major depressive episode that was not going away.
This week I went back to the doctor and was given 150 mg of Wellbutrin XL to try paired with the cymbalta. I got name brand Wellbutrin, as well as switched to name brand of cymbalta.
It’s been one week of being on Wellbutrin - it was not only suppose to help me depression but also help with my fatigue/energy.
It has done the opposite. My fatigue has increased dramatically - I feel in a exhausted fog. I am in bed most of the day or on the couch and cannot function or even do my most simple daily tasks. I can’t think clearly and am forgetting everything. I can’t focus or process my thoughts or information. I also have not been able to sleep at night - I have been finally falling asleep around 12/1 am but am up at 3 am wide awake and ready for the day. Which adds to my daytime tiredness.
On the plus side - it has lifted my depressive episode and my moods have been elevated.
Is this a normal side effect? Should I ride it out the 4 weeks? Should I go back to my doctor?
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Answers
WI
WildcatVet
29 July 2018
Hi, nbg! "Very common (10% or more of users): Headache (up to 34%), migraine (up to 25.7%), dizziness (up to 22.3%), tremor (up to 21.1%), SEDATION (up to 19.8%)" "Very common (10% or more of users): INSOMNIA (up to 45%)" "Side effects have been reported to be generally mild and transient. They are most common during the first 2 weeks of treatment and decrease in intensity and frequency with continued treatment. They generally do not lead to treatment cessation." Although these side effects generally resolve with time if they are interfering with your life and ability to function they should, of course, be reported to your doctor ASAP. Best regards and good luck!
Votes: +0
RA
Rathmullan
29 July 2018
Sorry to hear of your experience. Wellbutrin is a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor whereas Cymbalta inhibits the re-uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. I imagine that your symptoms may be the result of your body getting used to a new chemical balance. Difficult for me to relate to what you are going through, but I would try to ride out these symptoms for another week or two. If things get worse in that period you should call your Doctor. If things stay the same after one month I would suggest calling or making an appointment with your Doctor. With these two drugs you are getting a double dose of norepinephrine which acts a bit like a stimulant. So it should help alleviate your fatigue/energy issue. Hopefully you will feel a little bit better with each passing day.
