Pharmacy and Medications

Alternatives to Cymbalta for Treating Depresssion

09/25/2008 03:28PM

Question:

I tried Cymbalta which worked wonders for my anxiety and depression but it is not covered under my insurance. I can`t seem to find anything else that gives me the same help; I have tried Lexapro, Effexor, Zoloft. What might be more comparable to Cymbalta since it does not come in generic form? I have to pay for medications myself. Thanks.

Answer:

There are many that believe that two antidepressants would be the next alternative given the previous response to Cymbalta. The first (and the most commonly used) would be a combination of sertraline + bupropion. Another, that would be a little more rigorous might be sertraline + a tricyclic antidepressant (desipramine). All of these agents are available in a generic formulation that should be less expensive, but also might be helpful. The risks and benefits should be discussed with your personal physician.

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Response by:

Nicholas A Votolato, RPh BCPP
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Psychiatry
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University