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What Medication Will Help Manage Major Depressive Disorder And Debilitating Anxiety?
Question: I have major depressive disorder and what my doctors have called a "debilitating anxiety," and these illnesses have been with me so long that I've accepted them as just part of my life, despite the fact that I've been on 40 mg of Lexapro for the last 14 years. Because I take narcotics for RA (not that much and not that strong but very much needed for mobility), I wonder if the potency of my narcotics sort of "cancels out" any progress my antidepressants might be making. My doctor gave me directions to wean off Lexapro and try Cymbalta and even though I followed his directions verbatim, the Cymbalta scared me terribly because I felt insane while taking it. I actually felt as if I were outside my own body, and although my mouth was making words, I could not identify with the person (me!) who was doing the talking. I don't know if I should just settle for the Lexapro and in doing so, suffer from depression and anxiety that makes me feel as if my house is the safest place for me and I don't care if I leave my home. Or, should I keep trying to find a combination of meds that will truly make me feel better. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Brief Answer:
DULOXETINE can be tried.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I can understand your concern. You are on Lexapro 40 mg and this is a high dose for this drug. Escitalopram 40 mg can cause more side effects than therapeutic benefits in some individuals. If you are taking Narcotics even then no need to get worried because the drugs will not reduce the potency of Lexapro.
If you tried Cymbalta in past and that resulted in side effects even then you can give the drug a try. Side effects in past doesn't mean that you will get similar effects in future.
Duloxetine has great actions in pain and this drug will supplement the pain killers too. The drug will help in reducing the severe anxiety symptoms and also depressive symptoms. Fear of leaving home, depression, lack of focus etc symptoms will respond to this drug. So you can give the drug a try.
Please cross taper the drugs properly. Don't decrease the dose of Escitalopram abruptly and also increase the dose of Duloxetine abruptly. This will definitely help you.
Thanks AND TAKE CARE
Please let me know if you need more assistance.
DULOXETINE can be tried.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I can understand your concern. You are on Lexapro 40 mg and this is a high dose for this drug. Escitalopram 40 mg can cause more side effects than therapeutic benefits in some individuals. If you are taking Narcotics even then no need to get worried because the drugs will not reduce the potency of Lexapro.
If you tried Cymbalta in past and that resulted in side effects even then you can give the drug a try. Side effects in past doesn't mean that you will get similar effects in future.
Duloxetine has great actions in pain and this drug will supplement the pain killers too. The drug will help in reducing the severe anxiety symptoms and also depressive symptoms. Fear of leaving home, depression, lack of focus etc symptoms will respond to this drug. So you can give the drug a try.
Please cross taper the drugs properly. Don't decrease the dose of Escitalopram abruptly and also increase the dose of Duloxetine abruptly. This will definitely help you.
Thanks AND TAKE CARE
Please let me know if you need more assistance.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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