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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Taking Cymbalta For Depression. Blood Work Shows High LDL Levels. Due To Medicine?

I have been prescribed and taking Cymbalta for depression for 15 months. Good improvement. Recently, after finding a new physician, and blood work came in, my LDL levels were high--141-was the latest. And I understand there may be a link between these two. Can you provide some guidance? Of course I will return to my M.D. with the same questions--and he is aware that I am currently taking the Cymbalta. Thanks
Fri, 5 Apr 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

There is some medical evidence that SSRI , which is the family of drugs that cymbalta belongs to, can raise cholesterol in some persons.

The only way to determine if it is having an effect would be to discontinue the cymbalta but this would then have affect your depression negatively.
It would be a case of balancing benefits with risk. You can consider taking medication for the elevated cholesterol if you and your doctor believe that it is necessary.
Lifestyle changes can also help reduce cholesterol, this would include use of fruits and vegetables, high fiber foods , reduce use of fat and exercise.

I hope this helps
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Taking Cymbalta For Depression. Blood Work Shows High LDL Levels. Due To Medicine?

Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic There is some medical evidence that SSRI , which is the family of drugs that cymbalta belongs to, can raise cholesterol in some persons. The only way to determine if it is having an effect would be to discontinue the cymbalta but this would then have affect your depression negatively. It would be a case of balancing benefits with risk. You can consider taking medication for the elevated cholesterol if you and your doctor believe that it is necessary. Lifestyle changes can also help reduce cholesterol, this would include use of fruits and vegetables, high fiber foods , reduce use of fat and exercise. I hope this helps