Posted by Racer on October 23, 2004, at 12:20:37
In reply to cymbalta, posted by shiz on October 23, 2004, at 8:42:26
While both Effexor and Cymbalta are SNRIs, that's about the extent of their similarity. The molecular structure of each is very different, but they both inhibit the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine.
I've taken both, and have no reservations in recommending you give Cymbalta a try. Effexor did not work for me on its own, and Cymbalta doesn't seem to be working on its own, either, but I've become increasingly treatment resistant over the years. At first, Effexor did cause the "brain zaps" and a bunch of other little, niggling problems for me, most of which passed as I adjusted to the medication. Most of the initial adjustment phase problems with Cymbalta have also faded. There have been no brain zaps, there were a few vivid dreams, which have passed; there were a couple of days of relative insomnia, which passed; there's been a fair amount of sedation, especially at the higher doses; and otherwise there's been nothing.
If Effexor has had any effect for you, try Cymbalta. If Lexapro is the only AD you've tried, give Cymbalta a try. They do say, after trials of up to 18 months, that it doesn't seem to have the withdrawal symptoms that Effexor has, so it should be worth a try. And I suspect strongly that it will be a very effective medication for a lot of people, with the potential for fewer side effects than most of the alternatives.
Good luck.
poster:Racer
thread:406326
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041018/msgs/406369.html