[tatiana67]

My partner has always had depression. But it has always been manageable until recently. Early this year it seemed as if her effexor stopped working at the level she was on, so she increased it on her own. Eventually she was taking too much and it actually caused a severe case of dry mouth, but the depression did ease up. She went to her doc, who switched her to cymbalta. For a few days/a couple of weeks that was great. Then it turned very bad. For the last week, she has been severely depressed, agitated, angry, crying alot, hopeless, and has had suicidal thoughts. Is it the cymbalta? Should she switch back to a lesser dose of effexor? her doc has since left town and we haven't found a new one yet. when she made the switch, the doc just told her to stop one and start the other the next day. That worked ok with the help of a little xanax to get over the transition of drugs. I don't know how to help...

[bipolar_bear]

I would suggest finding a doc right away and let them manage her meds. A psychiatrist is trained esclusively in this area and may be a good option. Everyone reacts differently to them so one persons experience may not be the same. She is very lucky to have such a kiind caring person in her life.

BB

[gimmeice]

Hello tatiana, Welcome to psychcentral.

I agree that finding a new doctor is a really good idea, I wouldn't recommend changing meds without the okay of a dr. Another thing to consider is that cymbalta takes up to two months(I believe that is what dr told me) to even see it's full effect. Sometimes med changes are necessary but those should be disgusted with a doctor a person should not change without supervision because there are some serious side effects to these types of meds.

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[Tumnus]

Originally Posted by tatiana67

I don't know how to help...

It sounds like you are already helping by being so supportive and trying to reach out. I agree that she needs to have medical supervision before making any med changes. I've tried to mess with mine on my own and it has only gotten me into trouble. Is she willing to let you help in finding a new doctor?

[tatiana67]

Thanks so much for all the responses. I do have a new doctor, a psychiatrist, but we don't have an appointment yet. I hope to get that this week. I don't intend to mess with the meds on my own, she did that already with not good results. I just hope she will hold on until we can get the help she needs.