doctor prescribed 2 antidepressants at the same time (cymbalta and cipralex)

[Codesan]

My girlfriend's psychiatrist prescribed her today cymbalta (which she has already been taking for a year at 60mg) for depression and 5mg of escitalopram for anxiety (to be raised to 15mg if needed)
Now I'm worried about serotonin syndrome and wondering if the doctor knew that it is dangerous to take two antidepressants at the same time.
My viewpoint is that she should not even start the escitalopram when she is taking cymbalta because she could have a serotonin syndrome.

what would bluelight say about this? Is the doctor out of her mind? what are the real dangers about this and has anyone ever heard of this kind of mix?

 

[bupropion]

I think it's probably okay. I've taken Prozac and Paxil together. The doctors didn't like it but some medical books say it's okay to do.

 

[effie]

Logically, the risk is no higher than taking an equivalent dose of just one antidepressant. The risk of serotonin syndrome is pretty small; it is much higher with a serotonin releaser and a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. If your girlfriend is concerned, however, she should take it up with her psychiatrist.

Cymbalta (duloxetine) is licensed for anxiety too, but different SSRI/SNRIs work better in different people, so it may be that something added to it will boost the anxiolytic properties. It's not really a combination you would see in the UK but we have different patterns of prescribing here. Two antidepressants is not uncommon amongst psychiatric patients, but usually not two SSRI/SNRIs. However, any medication issues should really be taken up with your girlfriend's doctor, as they are the expert and know your gf's case. If you have concerns about them it's okay to seek a second opinion, but it's best not to jump around psychs too much as you want someone who knows you well.