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Is Switching From Prozac To Cymbalta Advisable?

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Posted on Fri, 31 Mar 2017
Question: Yes, I'm actually asking for a friend with no on line access. She is currently taking Buspar and Prozac. Her doctor (not the one who originally prescribed these drugs) wants to switch her to Cymbalta and Buspar. The change, as I understand it, is mainly to try to relieve some neuropathy while still keeping the anti-depressant effects of the Prozac. My question is does she have to wean off Prozac or, since both Prozac and Cymbalta inhibit serotonin re-uptake (although the description I read says Prozac is "selective" and just says "serotonin" for Cymbalta), can she just switch to Cymbalta straight off the Prozac? Also, one site I read says Cymbalta may cause problems with glaucoma, which she has. However, for several years her pressures in both eyes have been stable (with drops). But I should note that for a number of years before that she had to go to new drops to control the pressure as the old drugs ceased to be effective.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (18 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It can be switched immediately

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

In my opinion cymbalta can be switched immediately since the withdrawal symptoms are not a major issue with prozac thanks for its long half life. If both are continued at same time there is risk of serotonin syndrome that why stopping one and starting another is best practical strategy.

The problem of cymbalta with glaucoma is very rare although precaution need to be taken if decides to prescribe cymbalta for her neuropathy.

I hope this helps you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3355 Questions

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Is Switching From Prozac To Cymbalta Advisable?

Brief Answer: It can be switched immediately Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for using Healthcaremagic. I read your query and understand your concerns. In my opinion cymbalta can be switched immediately since the withdrawal symptoms are not a major issue with prozac thanks for its long half life. If both are continued at same time there is risk of serotonin syndrome that why stopping one and starting another is best practical strategy. The problem of cymbalta with glaucoma is very rare although precaution need to be taken if decides to prescribe cymbalta for her neuropathy. I hope this helps you. If you have more questions feel free to write back to me. Thanks and regards.