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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Drug Interaction Between Ultram And Cymbalta Cause Serotonin Syndrome?

Yes! Thank you! My son age 32 is passing out, and exhibiting hallucinations. This has come on and worsened over months. He has long time rxs with the same physician of many years. He takes Ultram ER and Cymbalta and there is something called serotoin syndrome toxicity that matches his symptoms. His doctor just responded that he doesn't have enough symtoms such as gastrointestinal, sweating, and coma to be that interaction. (unrelated to these medications, My husband developed atypical symptoms of a possible drug interaction after many years of the same meds/no changes. It turned out that it was an interaction causing his problems.) Is it possible that my son's doctor is wrong? The FDA site for cymbalta says that not all symptoms that can happen will necessarily happen (wording is symptoms may include). Is it possible that my son does have this serotonin toxicity?
Thu, 11 Jun 2015
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Ultram ER consists of Tremadol and Cymbalta is Duloxetine. Cymbalta is a SNRI medicine and taking the drug with high doses of tremadol is known to cause serotonin toxicity. But proper evaluation and physical examined are needed to make final diagnosis. He is showing hallucinations which are worsening since last one month and no other symptoms are there that can make serotonin syndrome as diagnosis. So first of all get him evaluated for persistent hallucinations and start treatment accordingly. Based upon the history you have mentioned I dont think he is suffering from serotonin syndrome because this is an emergency and one cant remain in this syndrome for weeks. Still if you have doubts consult a psychiatrist again for second opinion.

Thanks, I hope this helps you. Take care

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi,
Psychiatrist
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Does Drug Interaction Between Ultram And Cymbalta Cause Serotonin Syndrome?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Ultram ER consists of Tremadol and Cymbalta is Duloxetine. Cymbalta is a SNRI medicine and taking the drug with high doses of tremadol is known to cause serotonin toxicity. But proper evaluation and physical examined are needed to make final diagnosis. He is showing hallucinations which are worsening since last one month and no other symptoms are there that can make serotonin syndrome as diagnosis. So first of all get him evaluated for persistent hallucinations and start treatment accordingly. Based upon the history you have mentioned I dont think he is suffering from serotonin syndrome because this is an emergency and one cant remain in this syndrome for weeks. Still if you have doubts consult a psychiatrist again for second opinion. Thanks, I hope this helps you. Take care Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, Psychiatrist