Whether I Will Be Experiencing Same Side Effects With Duloxetine?

Posted on Thu, 9 Jan 2025

Question: Hello, this query is for Psychiatrist.
I suffer from GAD,SAD and hypochondria since many years. In 2019, i also developed mild neuropathy and idiopathic RLS symptoms as well for which i take gaba 100 mg once daily. In 2019 late, i also took treatment for anxiety with doctor prescribing me Venlafaxine however had numerous side effects overtime such as heart murmurs, once numbness in both arms, muscular twitching and jerks when trying to sleep. i couldn't take it more then 150 mg in a day and i was able to take it only for 6 months. Now My neurologist is saying that my heightened anxiety seems to be infesting the nerve sensations symptoms more, so is insomnia and could possibly be causing symptoms similar to RLS and recommending me duloxetine 20 mg for a start. My question is whether i will be experiencing same side effects with duloxetine, which i had with venlafaxine??? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (24 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most likely no

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

First of all I like to inform you that side effects are generally medication specific and causation of side effect by one medication does not mean that another medicine will cause same side effects. In addition many of the side effects mentioned by you are often responsive to duloxetine so duloxetine causing these side effects are very unlikely.

I hope this answers you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more qurestions.
Thanks again.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Saisudha Kotla

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (1 hour later)

Thanks so much doctor for clarifying, If you have to choose amongst these medicines which would be your first choice of drug concerning to the issues i have- Paroxetine, fluoxetine or Duloxetine? I am asking generally in reference to my anxiety issues and insomnia as well ,also the major thing is i don't want any sexual side-effects, so in that case which one out of these would be preferrable?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I think each have their merits and demerits

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for follow up.

I think this question can not be answered by me or can be best answered by your treating psychiatrist. As per the available data each medication have equal efficacy and choice of medication depends on the side effects as well as prior experiences with patient or biological relatives in addition to many other factors. For example each medication have chances for sexual side effects and it will largely depend on how your body reacts to medication rather than medication itself alone. My experience with duloxetine causing sexual side effects is slightly low in compare to other two medications (fluoxetine and paroxetine).

I hope this helps you further.
Thanks again.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (4 hours later)

Thanks for your response doctor, one more query whether medicines can cure anxiety permanently or not? Any chance of relapse?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (25 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Dear,

Medicines can treat the symptoms of anxiety disorder but cure is less likely after years of problem. Most patients relapse on sudden discontinuation of medications. So it is important to withdraw the medicines in gradual manner if possible.

I hope this helps you further.
Thanks again

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj