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My mom has long struggled with anxiety and depression. Had been on Lexapro for years. A few years ago switched to Cymbalta because of benefits of pain relief. Now suspect it is causing problems with low sodium levels and low blood pressure. Will not be the one with her on her next doctor's appointment. Has anyone had to switch from Cymbalta at a very old age (92). If so, what was experience?

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Certainly do not totally rely on internet re-search although some is informative and can be double checked with your mother's medical provider. This is some of what I found by a simple search:

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) can cause low blood pressure and low blood sodium levels. These can put you at higher risk for falls and dizziness. This tends to happen within the first week of treatment, but can occur at any time, particularly after the dose is raised.

Can duloxetine cause low blood sodium?

Hyponatremia is a known adverse effect of duloxetine, and it can lead to potentially life-threatening complications. Administration of thiazide diuretics also has been the cause of hyponatremia.

Which drug is best to avoid in combination with duloxetine?

It's not recommended to combine duloxetine with other antidepressants. Other common antidepressants include: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like paroxetine (Paxil, Brisdelle) and fluoxetine (Prozac) Other SNRIs like venlafaxine (Effexor XR)

Why is Cymbalta so hard to get off of?

Unfortunately, drugs like duloxetine can cause physical dependence at very high rates. One particular study from 2005 noted that nearly 44% of participants experienced withdrawal symptoms. This is because the brain becomes used to the drug's ability to increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine present.

READ THIS: https://www.drugs.com/compare/cymbalta

Gena / Touch Matters
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Catskie62 May 2023
I agree Cymbalta has horrible withdrawal symptoms.
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Good idea to discuss with her doctor. Those I know who were on Cymbalta had great relief for their pain and depression. It worked great for my cousin with her arthritis. Her mood was also greatly improved.
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Learn2Cope May 2023
I know it has helped her, but really fear it may be causing enough problems that will merit switching. Do plan to discuss with doctor.
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Medical questions can and should not be answered in this group as we are not doctors.
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TouchMatters May 2023
YES. I agree. Always, always, always discuss medical concerns with the patient's medical provider - and get a second or third opinion if desired.
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Always discuss with her doctor but be an advocate as well. Speak about alternatives and mention your concerns. I also took Cymbalta for a couple years but changed to Venlafaxine (Effexor).
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Even Lexapro can lower sodium levels. Perhaps Cymbalta is doing this even more. The sodium level is crucial and can get trickier with age. Primary care doctors are not always experts on less common medication side effects. I have found a better guide for medications to be a kidney specialist who had to step in when Lexapro lowered my sodium levels. I now have the kidney doctor review all my medications for exactly that possibility.
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YES!! My mom was hospitalized for severe hyponatremia March 2021. She was taking several offending medications her doctor prescribed. Hydrochlorathiazide, Omemprazole, Cymbalta which all contribute to low sodium. She's off those meds, takes 75mg bupropion (Wellbutrin) and has been on sodium chloride tablets for 2 yrs. Her labwork has been great, no problems with the sodium anymore. You really have to monitor fluid intake as it will cause problems. Propel or Gatorade is a good alternative
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Learn2Cope: As we here on the forum are not doctors of medicine, you should pose your question to your mother's physician.
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i lost my saliva glands, i have dry mouth but the trade off was better then excruitating s i joint pain for 15 years.
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You need to seek assurance of the MD if you are MPOA that this medication is properly withdrawn.

Withdrawal is always a problem with these drugs, even when others are introduced in their stead, and sometimes ESPECIALLY when others are introduced. You need the MD assurance here, not ours. Sure do wish you the best in this.
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