Lexapro vs. Cymbalta

My gp switched me from lexapro to cymbalta when she felt that some of my concerns weren't resolving, particularly concentration and lethargy. After 3 weeks on the cymbalta, I can't say that I feel these areas have improved much. I don't know whether to talk to her about continuing on the cymbalta or going back to the lexapro. Any comments gratefully appreciated.

From my limited experience with medication, it may take longer than 3 weeks to feel the full effect of the Cymbalta. Your doctor is probably in the best position to evaluate whether the lethargic feelings should have lifted by now.

Cymbalta doesn't really do me any good unless I am on 120mg, and it takes about a month or so to really feel any positive effects.

I did speak with her and she increased the dose to 90 mg and I have to say that I really have started to feel better--more interested in life generally and less tired.

That is great! I am on 90mg, and it has changed my life. It is the first AD that has ever worked for me- and there have been many...

Hope things only continue to go up from here for you.

Hope you are feeling better. I am currently on Lexapro, and thinking of going back on Cymbalta - I felt better on Cymbalta. Lexapro is not doing anything for me, and I've been on it a year. I don't know why I've waited so long to address the problem. I'm going to speak to my MD about this.

Chances are you're going to have one or more side effects from any psychotropic medication. Anti-depressants take lots and lots of adjusting and time to work (if they work at all).

And it depends on what your diagnosis is. The anti-depressants like lexapro/celexa can cause severe agitation and/or other side effects for bipolar patients. (That's what they did to me.) I don't have experience taking cymbalta.

(fyi: Lexapro and celexa are almost the same med. I think lexapro molecule is like a mirror image of the celexa molecule and with less side effects.)