
Suggest Treatment For Headache, Depression And Body Pain

I was on a ex for paxal 10 mg which w as s helping but my mood swings were like peaks and valleys. I went to new doctor and told her all of the above and she prescribed Cymbalta. I started with 30mg but was back to crying at the drop of a hat so she increased it to 60mg and I have taken that for almost 30 days. The Cymbalta helped alleviate some of the Pain and sleeping. But seemed to intensify my anxiety. Since I have not had an allergic reaction, I was wondering if there is a medication with the same active ingredients with out the depression medication?
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Cymbalta works to alleviate pain by a unique mechanism, through blocking serotonin reuptake. This is a feature of all antidepressants in its class, so there's no way to get these effects without also getting an antidepressant effect. However, if you feel Cymbalta isn't right for you, there are two other medications similar to it that are worth trying: Pristiq or Effexor. Ask you doctor about switching to one of these.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. 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 (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers


Followup
Detailed Answer:
Cymbalta and Paxil should not be used together for more than a few weeks, due to risk of serotonin syndrome.
Cymbalta is not approved to treat tension headaches, so this will need a different treatment.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. 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 (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers


Followup
Detailed Answer:
I think if you are feeling anxious and agitated, Cymbalta is not right for you. I'd recommend trying a more sedating antidepressant such as mirtazapine. I would slowly wean off Cymbalta if you were under my care.
Dr Sheppe


Followup
Detailed Answer:
Lexapro is not particularly sedating, but mirtazapine certainly is. Mirtazapine is also good for treating anxiety. Pain is a different story... very few antidepressants are helpful for pain, and all of those are activating rather than sedating. I'd give. mirtazapine a try.
Dr Sheppe


Followup
Detailed Answer:
Yes, there are 2 medications similar to Cymbalta, in the same class of medications. The trade names for these are Effexor and Pristiq. You can ask your doctor if she thinks one of these might be appropriate to switch to.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. 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 (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

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