Antidepressant induced gambling addiction

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(@gettingon)
Posts: 3
Topic starter
 

During the time that I was on Duloxetine/Cymbalta I developed a severe gambling addiction. It was only when I was weaning myself off the Duloxetine that my gambling urges decreased, and since continuing to wean off, and finally stop taking the Duloxetine altogether my gambling urges have completely disappeared.

I wonder if anyone else has experienced similar?

 

This topic was modified 4 years ago by Gettingon
 
Posted : 11th August 2020 7:09 pm
(@charlieboy)
Posts: 1013
 

Hi gettingon  I've looked into this quite a lot if you read any information about any SSRIs (what you took is one of these) there is mention of increased risk of " impulsive, compulsive" behaviour. They will not specifically say gambling etc as that leaves the company wide open. Problem is those drugs are v important for depression and work v well for a lot of people. I'm on a different drug to you but also I've noticed impulsive behaviour over a few years not just related to gambling but other things as well but equally so it's helped massively with my depression, it's a fine line !!

 
Posted : 12th August 2020 10:58 am
(@gettingon)
Posts: 3
Topic starter
 

Hi Charlieboy

Thank you for your reply. I agree with what you say, and it is a fine line. Needless to say had I known or been informed that Duloxetine would or may impact me in this way (among other unwanted side effects) I would not have taken them at all. 

 
Posted : 12th August 2020 4:50 pm
(@charlieboy)
Posts: 1013
 

Yes. Were you very depressed as far I'm aware duloxetine seems to be reserved for severe depression. I take sertraline controls my depression well had it not worked the next step up would have been duloxetine my gp said. I'm so sorry that this has happened to you, I'm still taking sertraline as I can't deal with the depression/ acute anxiety and now I'm a couple of months without gambling so things are going good,hope things continue to go ok for you . Best wishes

 
Posted : 13th August 2020 1:43 pm
(@gettingon)
Posts: 3
Topic starter
 

Yes I was, but I didnt know it was reserved for severe depression. Its just crazy how strong my gambling urges were whilst on it but are now non existant. Thank you. I'm glad Sertraline is working well for you and congratulations on being two months gamble free! You can do it! 

 
Posted : 14th August 2020 1:51 pm

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