Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
How Soon Can Duloxetine Be Taken After Discontinuing Imipramine?
Question: I have run out of my regular antidepressant, Imipramine 150 mg 1 per day, and won't be able to get a refill for 2 or 3 weeks. Can I take Duloxetine HCL DR 30mg, 1 a day in the meantime with no expected repercussions mentally or physically? I have taken the Imipramine for 10 years, so would a change over to Duloxetine be worth the try for results? I am between Drs. and won't have A new prescriber until last of XXXXXXX Thank you..
Brief Answer:
I wouldn’t recommend!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this difficulty getting your medications refilled. I will not recommend that you start on duloxetine. This is because you would have to wait at least a week before starting duloxetine and this drug takes a couple of weeks before it start to have meaningful effects on you. Though it might sound difficult to you, I will suggest that you rather stay without medications than start these which wouldn’t give any meaningful gains to you.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Let me know what your take is.
I wouldn’t recommend!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this difficulty getting your medications refilled. I will not recommend that you start on duloxetine. This is because you would have to wait at least a week before starting duloxetine and this drug takes a couple of weeks before it start to have meaningful effects on you. Though it might sound difficult to you, I will suggest that you rather stay without medications than start these which wouldn’t give any meaningful gains to you.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Let me know what your take is.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thank you Dr. Ditah for your timely response. I have in fact been off of the Imipramine for approx. 3 wks. now, and I am feeling the results of the general 'blahs', etc. creeping in and it has really had an effect on my daily activities as I pretty much have no incentive or the effort to do the daily activities that need to be attended to and it is showing in my personal affairs already. Question: would it be worth the effort to try maybe half-doses (Dulox.) for a few weeks until my reg. Rx can be attended to, or could you suggest another course of treatment until then? My old (retired) physican suggested I be checked for ADHD as it has similar symptoms. I plan on approaching my new Dr. with this also. Impulsive spending, late on obligations such as bills, etc. Comment? :
Brief Answer:
In this case, go with duloxetin!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I will suggest you go with duloxetin. This in this context is at least better than nothing. Go with full dose and follow through. Also, indulge into activities you love and more outdoors/group activities with friends so as to lighten up the mood. It would be important to see your doctor sooner than later as well.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with us if need be.
In this case, go with duloxetin!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I will suggest you go with duloxetin. This in this context is at least better than nothing. Go with full dose and follow through. Also, indulge into activities you love and more outdoors/group activities with friends so as to lighten up the mood. It would be important to see your doctor sooner than later as well.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with us if need be.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
