cymbalta or prozak?

[belkins]

I have been given both cymbalta and prozak. The prozak is less expensive, but what worked for you? I have hep C and fibro and alot of joint pain. Of course I am depressed due to all of that going on, all diagnosed since menopause a few years back. The hep C has been dormant for at least 20 yrs, has to have been that long since exposed. Got any suggestions for me? Besides a gunshot to the head? Nah, just joking!

[Mako1]

i was told this from a very good source in Forysth Hospital, this is not saying your not depressed over all thats going on but i was the same way from worrying about what was wrong with me and no 1 could figure it out.Well to make a long story short my family doctor "and i had 2 on this" put me on prozac saying i had major depression and i know i didnt.The source told me when they get that far with you to prescribe hard medications for depression,anxity,stress that they pretty much dont know whats wrong with you,i have found that to be very true.2 different doctors told me the same and i knew they was over paid and was guessing becasue they dont know.For fibro dont go by a family doctors opnion if you ask me, find a Rheumatologists that knows about firbo because between 2 doctors, one had me on 7 different medications,the other was 8. Once i got off the drug oD lol i felt much better and i was not depressed, nor did i have stress or anxiety like the big bucks said. Once my Rheumatologists put me on milnacipra its all been good or theres more good days now than bad im going on week 4 :).Time will tell on this..good luck

[ginap48]

I am new to this site but not new to fibromyalgia, arthritis and chronic pain.  I used to take antidepressants for the pain only but have had to up the dosage for depression as well from having to live with the chronic pain.  Cymbalta caused bad depression for me as well as my sister who lives with the same diseases.  I moved over to Celexa and it has helped me get out of the depression.  There are a lot to choose from.  Sometimes you have to switch up the meds because they cause too many side effects or they stop working for you after a while.  Ask your Dr about some more good choices for you.  PS  I am almost at menopause.  I'm just HOT in Atlanta!  good luck  Ginap48

[VaBreeze]

I hope you aren't using them both as it could be dangerous.  I have used the Cymbalta before and had good results as far as helping FMS.  I discontinued it due to its side-effects, even though it helped the pain.  You might check out some of the alternative protocols in our Health Pages.  It's likely that you are dealing with a build up of bacteria in your body, which is found in over 50% of those with these illnesses.  There are options on treatments.  Hope you feel better soon.

http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.php

Prozac (fluoxetine) and Cymbalta (duloxetine) (Major Drug-Drug)

MONITOR CLOSELY: Concomitant use of agents with serotonergic activity such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, 5-HT1 receptor agonists, ergot alkaloids, lithium, St. John's wort, phenylpiperidine opioids, dextromethorphan, and tryptophan may potentiate the risk of serotonin syndrome, which is a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition thought to result from hyperstimulation of brainstem 5-HT1A and 2A receptors. Symptoms of the serotonin syndrome may include mental status changes such as irritability, altered consciousness, confusion, hallucinations, and coma; autonomic dysfunction such as tachycardia, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, shivering, blood pressure lability, and mydriasis; neuromuscular abnormalities such as hyperreflexia, myoclonus, tremor, rigidity, and ataxia; and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

MANAGEMENT: In general, the concomitant use of multiple serotonergic agents should be avoided if possible, or otherwise approached with caution if potential benefit is deemed to outweigh the risk. Patients should be closely monitored for symptoms of the serotonin syndrome during treatment. Particular caution is advised when increasing the dosages of these agents. The potential risk for serotonin syndrome should be considered even when administering serotonergic agents sequentially, as some agents may demonstrate a prolonged elimination half-life. For example, a 5-week washout period is recommended following use of fluoxetine before administering another serotonergic agent. If serotonin syndrome develops or is suspected during the course of therapy, all serotonergic agents should be discontinued immediately and supportive care rendered as necessary. Moderately ill patients may also benefit from the administration of a serotonin antagonist (e.g., cyproheptadine, chlorpromazine). Severe cases should be managed under consultation with a toxicologist and may require sedation, neuromuscular paralysis, intubation, and mechanical ventilation in addition to the other measures.