what is the danger of combining cymbalta with a sumitriptan?
I take Cymbalta for fibromyalgia and my Dr. thinks that I may also suffer from migraines. But he says that there may be a dangerous interaction if I started a sumitriptan. What kind of a reaction? And what else would I be a to take? Thank you to all who answer!
Public Comments
1. Ask your pharmacist, they would know better than your MD.2. walgreens has a drug interaction checker
http://www.walgreens.com/pharmacy/default.jsp?headerSel=yes&tab=pharmacy
the link should be in the green box.
and you can ask your pharmacist-make sure tehy check teh computer--not just rely on their memeory (i've had a pharmacist miss interactions)
3. Hi - I agree, this is a question that a pharmacist might be better at answering than a physician.
I'm guessing that your doctor is concerned that taking both at the same time could cause a condition called "serotonin syndrome". Serotonin syndrome is a condition that can occur when you have dangerously high levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin - caused by taking certain combinations of prescription medications that affect serotonin levels in the body. Serotonin syndrome symptoms can include restlessness and rapid heartbeat to muscle rigidity and seizures. These typically go away quickly upon discontinuing use of the medications causing the symptoms.
Cymbalta (Duloxetine) boosts serotonin levels (along with norepinephrine), and the triptan meds, including Imitrex (Sumatriptan), also affect serotonin. Your pharmacist would have some ideas on this combination based on your Cymbalta dosage and how often you take the Imitrex.
If you are taking a migraine med more than a couple times a week, it might be better to explore a preventive med option, like Topamax (Topiramate) or Inderal (Propanolol).
