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Is It Advisable To Change From Cymbalta To Seroquel?

Posted on Mon, 1 Feb 2016

Question: I have had a serious anxiety problem all of my adult years. I simply cannot take SSRI meds. as I have a serious reaction each time. One month ago it was Cymbalta and my reaction was extreme. I have used Lorezepam for ten years, starting with .5 and now use 2 mg. It is like magic, and I know most doctors discourage this. My new doctor recommendef SeroquiL on the phone recently. Is it possible to switch to a different benzodiazipine ? My e-mail is YYYY@YYYY .

Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
klonopin(clonazepam) is an alternative benzodiazepine

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern.

Doxepin is TCA group antidepressant. You cannot tolerate SSRI so your doctor has added lithium. However lithium 300 mg per day is very low dose. Hope your doctor will increase dose and also will check serum lithium level.

Lorazepam is a very good anti-anxiety drug. For long term use I prefer clonazepam (klonopin). It is longer acting than lorazepam so you would need relatively lesser drug. I recommend the same in your case. You can switch to the same after discussing with your doctor.

Seroqule is also good option. it will help in sleep as well as in depression.

Other option is buspirone or bupropion (wellbutrin).

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chintan Solanki (9 minutes later)

yes, you have answered my question. Also, I just had lithium levels drawn, and thyroid and kidney function taken, plus an ekg. All were good. I am healthy, eat well and get plen5y of exercise. I have finally accepted that what I have is genetic, and I must manage it. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
wish you good health

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

It is good that all reports are fine. Hope you will be benefited more with clonazepam.

Wish you good health and early stability.

If still any query there, I will be happy to answer. If not, you can close the discussion and if feasible give your feedback and rating so I can improve my service. In future you can contact me directly on this site if you wish with this link:
http://bit.ly/drchintansolanki
by clicking on 'Ask me a question' on same page.

Take care.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar