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

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suffering From Extreme Fatigue. Using Cymbalta. Any Side Effects? Have Mild Depression

HI, I HAVE A VERY DEAR FRIEND WHO HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING EXTREME FATIGUE FOR SEVERAL YEARS. TRADITIONAL DOCTORS TELL HIM THERE IS NOTHING WRONG, HE HAS HAD A MENTAL/EMOTIONAL EVALUATION SHOWING ONLY SLIGHT IF ANY DEPRESSION . WHEN SEEING A BIOFEEDBACK (SCIO) PRACTITIONER IT SHOWS DEPRESSION, (ATYPICAL) . THE PRACTITIONER FEELS IT IS A GENETIC DISORDER . HIS ENERGY SEEMS TO BE MUCH IMPROVED WITH CYMBALTA, HOWEVER THERE ARE MANY SIDE EFFECTS. HIS IMMUNITY IS VERY LOW AND IS SICK OFTEN EVEN THOUGH HE EATS HEALTHY AND TAKES MANY SUPPLEMENTS . HE HAS BEEN SUFFERING WITH THIS FOR YEARS. ANY IDEAS WHERE TO START?
Tue, 8 Jan 2013
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

Fatigue and decreased energy can often be the predominant complaints in depression. You have mentioned that you friend has been diagnosed to have depression by two different practitioners and that he has shown significant improvement on Cymbalta. Now, Cymbalta (Duloxetine) is an antidepressant medication, which has been found to be more effective on the 'somatic' symptoms of depression.

Another possibility for your friend's problems could be Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which is also classified as a psycho-somatic disorder and is also treated with antidepressants. However, you have mentioned that Cymbalta is causing him many side effects.

I would advise your friend to consult a Psychiatrist for a detailed evaluation and psychological assessment. Depending on the diagnosis, further treatment options can be planned. If he needs anti-depressants, then there are other classes of medication which can be tried. There are also effective psychological and behavioural therapies which can help deal with his problems.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Anxiety/ depression


Loading Online Doctors....
Suffering From Extreme Fatigue. Using Cymbalta. Any Side Effects? Have Mild Depression

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query. Fatigue and decreased energy can often be the predominant complaints in depression. You have mentioned that you friend has been diagnosed to have depression by two different practitioners and that he has shown significant improvement on Cymbalta. Now, Cymbalta (Duloxetine) is an antidepressant medication, which has been found to be more effective on the somatic symptoms of depression. Another possibility for your friend s problems could be Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which is also classified as a psycho-somatic disorder and is also treated with antidepressants. However, you have mentioned that Cymbalta is causing him many side effects. I would advise your friend to consult a Psychiatrist for a detailed evaluation and psychological assessment. Depending on the diagnosis, further treatment options can be planned. If he needs anti-depressants, then there are other classes of medication which can be tried. There are also effective psychological and behavioural therapies which can help deal with his problems. Wish you all the best. Regards, Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar Consultant Psychiatrist