Does anyone here have experience switching from Pristiq (or effexor, i think they are similar) to Cymbalta? i would really appreciate any advice, and or stories. -Hillary Cymbalta (duloxetine) is good for treating depression, anxiety, and some forms of chronic pain, but it is more likely than other antidepressants to cause problems if you drink alcohol or have high blood pressure. I had great success for many years with Cymbalta. It helped me manage both my depression and anxiety. I eventually switched to Pristiq because I was sleeping too much. Pristiq requires dosage adjustment in patients with liver impairment. The initial dose is 50 mg once daily with a maximum dose of 100 mg a day. Cymbalta, on the other hand, is not recommended for use in patients with liver impairment. After I had decided enough was enough, my dr weened me onto pristiq and took me off cymbalta. The withdrawals and side effects were minimal for me, perhaps to do with the slow weaning process. Usually, if I had forgotten to take the cymbalta at the usual time I would have major dt’s, light headed and dizzy and nauseous. In order to avoid these symptoms, the dose of SSRI can be slowly reduced instead of abruptly stopped. Paxil The most common side effects of duloxetine are nausea, dry mouth , constipation , diarrhea, fatigue , difficulty sleeping, and dizziness. Pristiq is basically a new form of Cymbalta, so be careful!! If you had negative side effects on Cymbalta, you will probably have them on Pristiq as well. Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) can cause mydriasis (excessive dilation of the pupil), and patients with increased intraocular pressure or those at risk of acute narrow-angle glaucoma should use these medications with caution. What other drugs will affect Pristiq? Taking Pristiq with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before you take opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures. These clinical words do not do justice to what it is like to stop antidepressants like Cymbalta, Effexor(venlafaxine), Paxil (paroxetine), Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) or Zoloft (sertraline) suddenly. Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….