Been on 90mg Cymbalta for about 4 mos. but not helping and have absolutely no energy or desire to do anything or go anywhere, need a med that will help with that. Probably will just switch, don't have fibromyalsia. Not sure which antidepressant to try, was on Effexor for many years and quit working. Any recommendations? Thanks :-)
Cymbalta not working for depression, should I switch to diff. or add another?
Question posted by LISA_GIBSON on 25 Sep 2015
Last updated on 27 October 2018
5 Answers
JackieStebbins
27 Oct 2018
I been on my Duloxetine 60mg. for 14 years now.
And I feel like it stop working for me.
Should I ask my Dr. For
something different?
WildcatVet
27 Oct 2018
Hi, Jackie! It's not uncommon for antidepressants to "poop out" with long term use. You have many options: you could try an increase in dosage up to a maximum of 120mg/day, you could try an add-on like Abilify or Rexulti, or you might consider switching to a different medication altogether.
Have a talk with your doctor and she/he can help you decide which option to try first.
Best regards and I hope you're feeling better soon!
JackieStebbins
27 Oct 2018
I every day i fight to get up out of bed.
I don't want to go anywhere.
I just to stay in bed.
It's so hard for me. To do anything.
WildcatVet
27 Oct 2018
I couldn't go out, couldn't drive, couldn't even shower and dress. You have to get help because life doesn't have to be this way. There are hotlines you can call if you just need to talk to someone or you can post here, but at the very least, promise you'll call for a doctor's appointment on Monday, okay? It doesn't have to be this way!
chuck1957
26 Sep 2015
Hi Lisa sounds like time to see the doctor and go over what you have asked here you have been more than patient to give this a try and let the doctor decide what would be better,Adding another medication or changing you all together..what works for one does not mean it's goin to work for another..Best of luck try and get on it soon..
LaurieShay
25 Sep 2015
When I switched from Cymbalta to Pristiq I was very pleased with the results. But, of course, we are all different. Besides adding Abilify, there is also Wellbutrin which really helps me when added to my other antidepressant. Just some suggestions.
MeggieGirl
25 Sep 2015
Hi Lisa,
I also was on Cymbalta (8 years) and did not have motivation or energy, and suffered from Major Depressive Disorder as well as Anxiety. I switched to Wellbutrin, which provides dopamine to the brain (it is a "happy" chemical), and it is also a stimulant, so you usually take it in the morning, and I felt like a different person. Every person will be different, so it's like spinning the medicine wheel and seeing where it stops, but I can't say enough good things about this one, as it is in a class of anti-d's that is completely unique to any of the other SSRI's and SNRI's.
Cymbalta, by the way, is reportedly horrific to withdraw from - however, I was able to do a cross-taper within only a few weeks to a month with absolutely NO side-effects. There are people who have been trying to withdraw from Cymbalta for over a year and are still suffering, and I believe the key is, they are not adding something back IN. So, that's just a word of caution, please - if you decide to stop Cymbalta, please make sure that you do so carefully, under strict Doctor's supervision, and that you are cross-tapering it with another medication to help with the withdrawal symptoms.
Wellbutrin seemed to do this beautifully. :) I wish you the best of luck!
WildcatVet
25 Sep 2015
Hi, Lisa! Ahh, the old trial and error as it's impossible to predict which drug(s) will work for each individual. Sometimes a new antidepressant, sometimes a combination of different types of antidepressants, sometimes the addition of an antipsychotic such as Abilify which can booster the effects of antidepressants. There are many possibilities.
Time for a heart to heart with your doctor describing all your emotions and physical symptomes. That may help him/her prescribe a drug(s) that covers all bases.
Good luck and best wishes! WVC
WildcatVet
25 Sep 2015
PS, if anxiety is an issue, Lexapro or Celexa might be worth a try.
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