Posted by chasethdevil on July 10, 2011, at 14:55:48
In reply to New drufgs for me - what do you think?, posted by tepi on July 2, 2011, at 17:09:06
Cymbalta is similar to Effexor/Pristiq in that it is an SNRI, targeting serotonin and norepinephrine receptors, and on high doses I believe dopamine to a lesser extent.
However, I have tried both and while some people may feel Pristiq/effexor works better for them, it is hellish in so many ways. It is THE most difficult AD to withdrawal from, and that's even while tapering slowly. Pristiq/Effexor also typically have more side-effects than Cymbalta. I'd compare Pristiq/Effexor more closely to Remeron. I was on this drug for about 7 years on and off. The reason I finally stopped taking it was because it was interfering really intensely with my cognition. It got worse the longer I was on it. Memory and comprehension, motivation all bad.
Anyway, I never gave Cymbalta a fair shake but I think from what I've read, other accounts, and my pdoc's information; it's an excellent drug to start on for depression or depression/anxiety combo. Not sure about how it works on other mental issues. It's sort of like combining a regular SSRI like zoloft or lexapro with a drug like wellbutrin; as they target separate neurotransmitters that are both involved in mood disorders.
Remember that even if a meds are in the same drug class, and may target the same neurotransmitter, they all work a bit differently and on different receptor sites. I've tried to start on drugs with a reputation for the least side effects first. I have severe generalized anxiety coupled with major depressive episodes. Make sure you give the drug a proper chance(at least six weeks) before you move on. The waiting is always so ridiculously painful because you don't even know if the drug is going to help you yet you need to invest this time :( . However; with Cymbalta, the norepinephrine part should kick in in a week or two, giving you a mood boost. I hope they work out for you. Can't provide any insight on the other drug.
Lindsay
poster:chasethdevil
thread:989996
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110630/msgs/990697.html