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Suggest Dosage Of Cymbalta

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Posted on Mon, 30 Nov 2015
Question: I stopped taking Dexedrine four days ago - have been very tired and depressed. My counselor was very upset when he found out my doctor had prescribed this for me and told me to stop it immediately which I did. I suffer from depression so at night time I take 120 ml Cymbalta and 1/2 a sleeping pill, Zoplicone, and throughout the day if I feel anxious I take one Lorazepam, 5 ml. I worry about taking these drugs, thinking they will hurt me, and I still don't feel well as I am tired all the time. What can you suggest to help me.
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Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thank you again for asking a premium question.

I believe the increase in Cymbalta from 90mg to 120mg is the best thing to treat your fatigue and somnolence, as these are primary symptoms of depression. It may take up to 8 weeks on this new dosage for your fatigue and tiredness to resolve, but you should have hope this will happen. Continue to see your therapist in the meantime to continue therapy while the medication takes effect.

Regarding the dexedrine, this is commonly used in people who have fatigue with depression, in order to perk them up enough to take care of themselves while the antidepressant takes effect. There is nothing unusual or wrong about this prescription choice. However, if the side effects for you outweight the benefits, then simply take the antidepressant at the higher dose. This will help your concerns about fatigue.

I would also strongly advise against taking lorazepam during the day. This is a heavy sedative that will make you very tired, especially at the high dose you are using (5mg). I would take 1mg maximum, if at all. Try to avoid it if at all possible as this can make even healthy people very tired.

Do let me know if you have any follow-up questions. In the future, direct your queries to my private link below, to ensure continuity of care.

My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States. For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: XXXX

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

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Suggest Dosage Of Cymbalta

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, and thank you again for asking a premium question. I believe the increase in Cymbalta from 90mg to 120mg is the best thing to treat your fatigue and somnolence, as these are primary symptoms of depression. It may take up to 8 weeks on this new dosage for your fatigue and tiredness to resolve, but you should have hope this will happen. Continue to see your therapist in the meantime to continue therapy while the medication takes effect. Regarding the dexedrine, this is commonly used in people who have fatigue with depression, in order to perk them up enough to take care of themselves while the antidepressant takes effect. There is nothing unusual or wrong about this prescription choice. However, if the side effects for you outweight the benefits, then simply take the antidepressant at the higher dose. This will help your concerns about fatigue. I would also strongly advise against taking lorazepam during the day. This is a heavy sedative that will make you very tired, especially at the high dose you are using (5mg). I would take 1mg maximum, if at all. Try to avoid it if at all possible as this can make even healthy people very tired. Do let me know if you have any follow-up questions. In the future, direct your queries to my private link below, to ensure continuity of care. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States. For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: XXXX