What Causes Persistent Dizziness While On Cymbalta?

Posted on Fri, 19 Feb 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 19 Feb 2016 Answered on

Wed, 20 Apr 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello. I'm 39 yrs old and have had lightheaded off balance issues for 4 years now. This only happens when standing. I've had MRI of brain and blood work that all came back fine. I also visited an Ent that looked at my ears and all test were fine. This all started when I had a major panic attack 4 yrs attack go aND have had anxiety ever since. I think my fear of anxiety causes my dizziness but how can I be sure. I take cymbalta 30mg for anxiety and sometimes it helps sometimes it doesnt. I also fear I have a touch of agoraphobia. Please help. I'm 6'0 and weigh 300lbs.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

The fact that all your blood work , MRI , and physical exam are normal, plus your history of a panic attack and anxiety, makes this very highly likely to be anxiety-related dizziness.

Cymbalta 30mg is a low dose. To combat anxiety, I would recommend this dose be increased, or a switch to a different medication such as Zoloft o Lexapro, and in either case concurrent cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety. This will help your symptoms and help you feel better!

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee