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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Lexapro Be Taken Immediately On Withdrawal From Cymbalta?

Hello, I've been taking 30mgs a day of Cymbalta for 3 months. I have had to many side effects from this. I informed my Psychiatrist this, so we decided to take Lexapro 10mgs once a day. I just picked up my Lexapro today. Can you please tell me if I can start taking the Lexapro right away or should I wait.
I'm afraid of getting sick due to changing right away. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Fri, 17 Jul 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Lexapro is Escitalopram and is a SSRI drug, Cymbalta is Duloxetine and is SNRI drug. Best way to start Lexapro while on Cymbalta is to reduce the dose of Cymbalta and in the same time to increase the dose of Lexapro gradually. Crosstapering of doses prevents any serious withdrawal symptoms and you will see great improvement. So start with 5 mg Lexapro and reduce the doses of Cymbalta to half or take the drug on alternate days for next 2 weeks and then stop Cymbalta and increase the Lexapro dose to 10. Consult your psychiatrist for that.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care
DR. Seikhoo Bishnoi
Psychiatrist.
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Can Lexapro Be Taken Immediately On Withdrawal From Cymbalta?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Lexapro is Escitalopram and is a SSRI drug, Cymbalta is Duloxetine and is SNRI drug. Best way to start Lexapro while on Cymbalta is to reduce the dose of Cymbalta and in the same time to increase the dose of Lexapro gradually. Crosstapering of doses prevents any serious withdrawal symptoms and you will see great improvement. So start with 5 mg Lexapro and reduce the doses of Cymbalta to half or take the drug on alternate days for next 2 weeks and then stop Cymbalta and increase the Lexapro dose to 10. Consult your psychiatrist for that. Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care DR. Seikhoo Bishnoi Psychiatrist.