HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

I Have Recently Started The Medication Cymbalta For Anxiety And

default
Posted on Thu, 18 Jun 2020
Question: I have recently started the medication Cymbalta for anxiety and depression. I am incredibly sensitive to medications and can only take very low doses so I am on 20 mg. While my anxiety and depression are both better, I feel very emotionally flat, neutral, and numb. I usually find a lot of XXXXXXX within the day with my children and lately I’ve been feeling pretty emotionally flat towards them not feeling excited or inspired by them at all. I need to know if this side effect will get better, if I need to add some medication to this, or what? Please help me I am only on 20 mg for about 10 days
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

First of all I do not think you should add any medication to counter the side effects of Cymbalta as every medication have their own side effect profile and we can not keep adding medication for management of side effects.

Secondly there is possibility that over time you will feel better in regard to side effects. This is because emotionally flat and numbness is not only the side effect of medication, it is also contributed by depression itself. Over time depression will be improved leading to improvement with currently observed side effects.

Thirdly considering your sensitive nature to medications a low dose of Cymbalta can be tried such as 20 mg every other day.

I hope this answers you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3350 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Psychiatrist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
I Have Recently Started The Medication Cymbalta For Anxiety And

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for using healthcaremagic. I read your query and understand your concerns. First of all I do not think you should add any medication to counter the side effects of Cymbalta as every medication have their own side effect profile and we can not keep adding medication for management of side effects. Secondly there is possibility that over time you will feel better in regard to side effects. This is because emotionally flat and numbness is not only the side effect of medication, it is also contributed by depression itself. Over time depression will be improved leading to improvement with currently observed side effects. Thirdly considering your sensitive nature to medications a low dose of Cymbalta can be tried such as 20 mg every other day. I hope this answers you. Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions. Thanks and regards.