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Is It Safe To Take Cymbalta And Venlalic Together?

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Posted on Tue, 23 Jun 2015
Question: Can I take cymbalta and venlalic together
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
The two Rxs together can cause a dangerous excess of serotonin.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Ms. Howes,

I would not recommend taking Cymbalta and Venlalic together unless a physician, in particular a psychiatrist, recommends specifically doing that.

The reason I say this is because Cymbalta and venlafaxine (Venlalic) together can increase the risk of "Serotonin Syndrome". It's rare, but it is serious and can include symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, seizures, extreme changes in blood pressure, tachycardia, fever and other problems.

Some doctors do combine serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications, but they control the dosages and titrate up carefully.

So to answer your question, no, I would not combine these two meds without specific instruction from one doctor who would oversee both.

I hope this information helps. If I can provide further information or clarification, please let me know.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

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Is It Safe To Take Cymbalta And Venlalic Together?

Brief Answer: The two Rxs together can cause a dangerous excess of serotonin. Detailed Answer: Hello Ms. Howes, I would not recommend taking Cymbalta and Venlalic together unless a physician, in particular a psychiatrist, recommends specifically doing that. The reason I say this is because Cymbalta and venlafaxine (Venlalic) together can increase the risk of "Serotonin Syndrome". It's rare, but it is serious and can include symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, seizures, extreme changes in blood pressure, tachycardia, fever and other problems. Some doctors do combine serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications, but they control the dosages and titrate up carefully. So to answer your question, no, I would not combine these two meds without specific instruction from one doctor who would oversee both. I hope this information helps. If I can provide further information or clarification, please let me know.