Can a combination of Cymbalta and Pristiq work better than Pristiq alone for major depressive disorder?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been suffering from major depressive disorder for nine years, with recurring thoughts of worthlessness, isolation, and feeling of rejection. I am taking the tablet Pristiq 50 mg at night. I also take Lexapro, Prozac, Mirtazapine, Bupropion, Modafinil, Inspiral (methylphenidate), Trazodone, and Clomipramine. Can we add the tablet Cymbalta 20 mg in the morning if that is safe from interactions? Please put some light on this combination, as I read in one of the online forums that this works better than taking Pristiq alone.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand how one feels when depressed. I saw that you have been on multiple medicines in the past. It has been seen in studies that with monotherapy, only 50 percent of patients with depression respond, while others require polytherapy. You are among the rest of the 50 percent regarding taking Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) 50 mg and Cymbalta (Duloxetine) 20 mg together. It does work well. We have the option of increasing the dose of the tablet Pristiq further. It should work for you. If it does not work, we have some other drugs available. I hope I have cleared your doubts.

Thank you.