Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Cymbalta Effective In Treatment Of Postpartum Depression?
Question: My daughter just had a baby one month ago and seems to be having postpartum depression. Her doctor gave her an anti-depressant which she had an allergic reaction to and she broke out in hives. She was then given Zoloft and seemed to have a reaction to that drug. Her pharmacist said the two drugs work the same way so it is possible would cause the same reaction. She is taking a steroid for the hives but stopped taking the Zoloft in fear it was just causing more problems. Would a drug like Cymbalta work better?
Brief Answer:
both are ssri&ssnri, and hence should be avoided.
Detailed Answer:
hello ,
thanks for contacting health care magic.
post partum depression is yet not so common manifestations post partum but has been challenges for patient and physicians together.
3% women tend to face it within 15 days of delivery.
The ideal ways of treatment is firstly Counselling, then along with antidepressants if counselling is not supportive , or the use of estrogen pills or high estrogen oralcontraceptive pills.
In your daughter's case, she was started on ZOLOFT which is sertraline, a SSRI, which caused her allergy and given her hives. your question about Cymbalta , which is duloxetine is also an SSNRI( selective serotonin and nor epinephrine reuptake inhibitor). the mechanism of action of both is same and hence it is also likely to cause allergy to her and hence should be avoided.
secondly , both these drugs are secreted in breast milk and can affect the baby as per various studies conducted, so should ideally be avoided.
best form of treatment would be COUNSELLING , FAMILY SUPPORT and if required estrogen oc pills for a month.( estrogen helps elevating the mood as well).
you may discuss the options with your obstetrician and take an informed decision.
regards,
Dr.Sameer Kumar
both are ssri&ssnri, and hence should be avoided.
Detailed Answer:
hello ,
thanks for contacting health care magic.
post partum depression is yet not so common manifestations post partum but has been challenges for patient and physicians together.
3% women tend to face it within 15 days of delivery.
The ideal ways of treatment is firstly Counselling, then along with antidepressants if counselling is not supportive , or the use of estrogen pills or high estrogen oralcontraceptive pills.
In your daughter's case, she was started on ZOLOFT which is sertraline, a SSRI, which caused her allergy and given her hives. your question about Cymbalta , which is duloxetine is also an SSNRI( selective serotonin and nor epinephrine reuptake inhibitor). the mechanism of action of both is same and hence it is also likely to cause allergy to her and hence should be avoided.
secondly , both these drugs are secreted in breast milk and can affect the baby as per various studies conducted, so should ideally be avoided.
best form of treatment would be COUNSELLING , FAMILY SUPPORT and if required estrogen oc pills for a month.( estrogen helps elevating the mood as well).
you may discuss the options with your obstetrician and take an informed decision.
regards,
Dr.Sameer Kumar
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
