Question 1

my drug plan through work no longer covers cymbalta (duloxetine). i take this for general anxiety. is there an alternative i can take that would be less costly?

Accepted Answer

Depends: I don't know how drug plans work in Canada, but here south of the border, Cymbalta (duloxetine) isn't resorted to unless the patient has tried and failed a number of other drugs; or, if they also have a pain condition that Cymbalta (duloxetine) is approved to treat. If that doesn't apply to you, then many of the later-generation antidepressants and anxiolytics are now available as generics.

Question 2

recently diagnosed with fibro, specialist wants me to take cymbalta, (duloxetine) is this safe for fibro? any alternatives, i hate meds.

Accepted Answer

Cymbalta (duloxetine) is used: By many people who have fibromyalgia.  Although it is relatively safe, there really aren't any medications without potential for side effects. One alternative to use of medications is acupuncture. It can ground, center, reduce anxiety, reduce depression and in doing this often helps with pain control. Take care.

Question 3

im on cymbalta (duloxetine) 60mg. isn't there something cheaper. my cope pay is  $51 dollars. sometimes i don't even have the money and right now its been 5 days i?

Accepted Answer

Cheaper meds: Yes, there are cheaper medications than cymbalta, (duloxetine) but your physician may be prescribing it for particular reasons which you need to discuss with him or her.  Share with him/her your concern about price and ask about alternatives.  Also, many drug companies have patient assistance programs which help with this cost. You can find out more here:.

Question 4

i've been taking cymbalta 120mg/day for years.  it's now very expensive.  is generic effexor (venlafaxine) an alternative especially for the chronic shoulder pain?

Accepted Answer

Effexor (venlafaxine): Yes Effexor (venlafaxine) shares many of the same properties as Cymbalta and is much cheaper.  Discuss with your doctor who will likely be willing to try it.  You have to slowly go up icon the dosing, so don't give up too early if not helping on the starter dose.  Your doctor can help you set up a dosing sequence tailor made for you.

Question 5

can topamax be used for fibromyalgia as an alternative to lyrica, (pregabalin) cymbalta, etc?

Accepted Answer

Topamax (topiramate) for FMS: Very few, but Neurontin (gabapentin) would probably be more effective.

Question 6

i am on cymbalta (duloxetine) for fibromyalgia pain exacerbated by stress. what alternatives do i have before  trying to conceive in the next few months?

Accepted Answer

None: If pregnancy is planned i would suggest you avoid taking any of the meds specifically approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia during the pregnancy.

Question 7

what is cymbalta (duloxetine)?

Accepted Answer

A multi-use medicine: Duloxetine increases the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the tiny space between neurons for a few microseconds.  More importanly for the treatment of depression, is the actual internal response by the cell binding the medication which takes 3-6 weeks or more for full effect.  This medicine is further known to help reduce pain transmission up the spinal cord as well.

Question 8

how does cymbalta (duloxetine) work?

Accepted Answer

Cymbalta (duloxetine): Is an nsri, or a norepinephrine/serotonin reuptake inhibitor.  This means that Cymbalta (duloxetine) slows the breakdown of both of these neurotransmitters, which allows them to have a longer effect.

Question 9

how effective is cymbalta (duloxetine)?

Accepted Answer

Pain/ depression: Cymbalta (duloxetine) is as effective as any other antidepressant. So what makes it special?  Its ability to improve diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain& chronic pain.

Question 10

is cymbalta (duloxetine) 30mg addicting?

Accepted Answer

No: Cymbalta (duloxetine) is not an addictive medication but if abused may lead and result in the classic cycle of addiction for a long period of time. Cymbalta (duloxetine) should always be tapered down and not stopping abruptly.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Cheaper alternative to cymbalta

A member asked:

My drug plan through work no longer covers cymbalta (duloxetine). i take this for general anxiety. is there an alternative i can take that would be less costly?

A member asked:

Recently diagnosed with fibro, specialist wants me to take cymbalta, (duloxetine) is this safe for fibro? any alternatives, i hate meds.

A member asked:

Im on cymbalta (duloxetine) 60mg. isn't there something cheaper. my cope pay is $51 dollars. sometimes i don't even have the money and right now its been 5 days i?

A member asked:

I've been taking cymbalta 120mg/day for years. it's now very expensive. is generic effexor (venlafaxine) an alternative especially for the chronic shoulder pain?

A member asked:

Can topamax be used for fibromyalgia as an alternative to lyrica, (pregabalin) cymbalta, etc?

A member asked:

I am on cymbalta (duloxetine) for fibromyalgia pain exacerbated by stress. what alternatives do i have before trying to conceive in the next few months?

A member asked:

What is cymbalta (duloxetine)?

A member asked:

How does cymbalta (duloxetine) work?

A member asked:

How effective is cymbalta (duloxetine)?

A member asked:

Is cymbalta (duloxetine) 30mg addicting?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?