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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suffering From Depression. Taking Cymbalta Duloxetine Hci. How Long Should I Take This Medicine?

I retired from the australian Air Force in 2002 and have since felt a feeling of depression after leaving the Force and have been described a drug called Cymbalta duloxetine HCI 60 mg I feel now that I have been mis diagnosed and strongly feel that the transition from Military life to Civilian life that medication may have not been the answer and counselling would have been of more benefit. I would like to stop taking this drug but have been told not to stop without advise where and how can I get this a advice from a Doctor who can advise me correctly.
posted on Fri, 5 Jul 2013
Twitter Sat, 6 Jul 2013 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 11 Jul 2013 Last reviewed on
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
I understand from your concern that current medication hasn't helped you much. However more details may be required about you regarding symptoms that you had when you first consulted doctor, your family life, your current location and activity post retirement. It would be helpful if you could describe your current state of feeling in detail to your doctor. I am not clear whether you are regularly following up with psychiatrist. In case you are not it is highly recommended, or else you can take a second opinion about drugs if you are not satisfied with your current treatment plan. It is not clear where you are located at present, hence I may not be able to tell you where you can consult. I sincerely recommend in mean while to continue with medication. Even if stopping / changing treatment is planned ahead, the drug has to be tapered down slowly over period of few weeks. I hope this answers your queries. Wish you a speedy recovery.
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Psychiatrist,  Dr. Dr.Nehal's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for using healthcare magic.

I have gone through your available history.

Duloxetine is very good, potent anti depressant drug. Usual dose ranges from 40-120 mg per day.
The reasons for poor efficacy in your case might be
- Inadequate dose
- Poor compliance
- Treatment resistance depression
- Faulty diagnosis or associated condition like substance use.

You should consult your treating doctor and discuss your case again. Doctor may look for the reason of inadequate response and may direct you accordingly.

Counselling, whether alone or in combination with drug, should help you to come out of it.

If still not satisfied, you may consult another psychiatrist for detailed evaluation and management.

I hope it will help you.

Thanks.
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Suffering From Depression. Taking Cymbalta Duloxetine Hci. How Long Should I Take This Medicine?

I understand from your concern that current medication hasn t helped you much. However more details may be required about you regarding symptoms that you had when you first consulted doctor, your family life, your current location and activity post retirement. It would be helpful if you could describe your current state of feeling in detail to your doctor. I am not clear whether you are regularly following up with psychiatrist. In case you are not it is highly recommended, or else you can take a second opinion about drugs if you are not satisfied with your current treatment plan. It is not clear where you are located at present, hence I may not be able to tell you where you can consult. I sincerely recommend in mean while to continue with medication. Even if stopping / changing treatment is planned ahead, the drug has to be tapered down slowly over period of few weeks. I hope this answers your queries. Wish you a speedy recovery.