system
Suffering from extreme fatigue. Using cymbalta. Any side effects? Have mild depression
human
HI, I HAVE A VERY DEAR FRIEND WHO HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING EXTREME FATIGUE FOR SEVERAL YEARS. TRADITIONAL DOCTORS TELL HIM THERE IS NOTHING WRONG, HE HAS HAD A MENTAL/EMOTIONAL EVALUATION SHOWING ONLY SLIGHT IF ANY DEPRESSION . WHEN SEEING A BIOFEEDBACK (SCIO) PRACTITIONER IT SHOWS DEPRESSION, (ATYPICAL) . THE PRACTITIONER FEELS IT IS A GENETIC DISORDER . HIS ENERGY SEEMS TO BE MUCH IMPROVED WITH CYMBALTA, HOWEVER THERE ARE MANY SIDE EFFECTS. HIS IMMUNITY IS VERY LOW AND IS SICK OFTEN EVEN THOUGH HE EATS HEALTHY AND TAKES MANY SUPPLEMENTS . HE HAS BEEN SUFFERING WITH THIS FOR YEARS. ANY IDEAS WHERE TO START?
gpt
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query. Fatigue and decreased energy can often be the predominant complaints in depression. You have mentioned that you friend has been diagnosed to have depression by two different practitioners and that he has shown significant improvement on Cymbalta. Now, Cymbalta (Duloxetine) is an antidepressant medication, which has been found to be more effective on the 'somatic' symptoms of depression. Another possibility for your friend's problems could be  Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which is also classified as a psycho-somatic disorder and is also treated with antidepressants. However, you have mentioned that Cymbalta is causing him many side effects. I would advise your friend to consult a Psychiatrist for a detailed evaluation and psychological assessment. Depending on the diagnosis, further treatment options can be planned. If he needs anti-depressants, then there are other classes of medication which can be tried. There are also effective psychological  and behavioural therapies which can help deal with his problems. Wish you all the best. Regards, Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar Consultant Psychiatrist