Switching from Lexapro to Cymbalta

terbear · Post by **terbear** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 8:38 am

I have been on Lexapro for 6 years - 10 mg. My anxiety won't give up and my doctor wants to switch me to Cymbalta 30 mg. He told me to stop taking Lexapro for 3 days and then start Cymbalta. My Psychiatrist wants me to stop Lexapro today and start Cymbalta tomorrow. Any advice would be most appreciated. Thanks!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 8:52 am

Anytime I have switched anit-depressants I have switched the next day... just my 2 cents.

Gman5256 · Post by **Gman5256** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 12:45 pm

With Lexapro--and, as I understand it--most SSRI's, a gradual downshift is always necessary. In fact, if you read the patient info on the drug, I'm pretty sure it directs you to ease off it over the course of several days.

I'm also a bit surprised that you take only 10 mg. I've taken it (technically, Citalopram) for a couple of years, and I was told that the minimum effective dosage is 20 mg. Now, granted, I'm taking it for depression, but the dosage ought to work the same way. Have you ever taken more than 10 mg? It might make a difference.

Sadly, I think that a lot of health-care providers are not well-informed on these medications, which seems true in your case. I would say, do yourself a favor (if you haven't already) and read some professional resource books, such as the PDR "Nurse's Drug Handbook" or some Mayo Clinic publications.

Eric B.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 12:38 pm

I'm not sure 20 mg is the minimum--Lexapro is dispensed in 5, 10, and 20 mg. For immediate anxiety relief, I've found lorazepam to be helpful. I use a .5 mg tablet cut in quarters, and put a piece under my tongue. If I don't feel better in 10 minutes, I'll use another.
Dave

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 1:48 pm

I recently switched to Cymbalta after 2 years on Lexapro (20 mg). It only took me one week to switch and I didn't feel any strange symptoms. I thought Lexapro was working, but I still had some anxiety so the doc suggested I switch and it's been much better. No more anxiety. However, I'm planning on weaning myself off Cymbalta and possibly trying this program by this summer, as I'd like to start a family and they don't recommend getting pregnancy on anti-depressants. Good luck!