@A MyBCTeam Member

That is why we must become experts about what meds may be prescribed for various ailments that result from BC treatments and any other health issues
and know ALl side effects, including rare ones.

If one is not sure about a med, hold the prescription back and research before filling it..

While I will never claim to have a medical degree, I am a licensed clinical therapist who has worked with clients and their doctors/psychiatrists. None-psychiatric physicians can sometimes be a little quick to prescribe antidepressants, anti anxiety or other mood stabilizers without having a good understanding of what is truly going on for the person (trauma, grief, actual clinical depression, psychosocial stressors, etc). Unfortunately, a person (often women) will go into an appointment and described their symptoms and get handed a prescription and no other recommendations like therapy and/or lifestyle changes.
While medication can be warranted (I do not prescribe to never taking mental health medications), I can say it may not be needed. Oftentimes, lifestyle changes will do the trick. Other times, being on antidepressants for a time, until you are at a place to make those changes (moderate to severe depression can make it difficult to incorporate positive changes-no energy to do so), then wean off work really well. I’ve had several clients who have been very successful with doing that. I have worked very closely with psychiatrists to help clients manage being on and weaning off antidepressants.
Anyway, lifestyle changes include incorporating healthy foods (blueberries, oats, salmon, flaxseed, lean protein like turkey, egg whites, etc). Turkey and eggs contain tryptophan which even bipolar clients have found help quite a bit although I would not recommend getting off bipolar medication. Foods to avoid are those that are highly processed: cured meat, packaged crackers and cookies (homemade is the way to go), reducing or eliminating dairy and gluten (inflammatory), alcohol, artificial sweeteners (unless required for diabetes of course), processed sugar (raw sugars tend to be better), etc. Walking and yoga are good exercises to incorporate. Making sure to take some down time without electronic devices (puzzles, reading, music) is also important.
If you still need an antidepressant, believe me, there are plenty of options to try other than Cymbalta (duloxetine). It is important that your physician understands that different antidepressants might work or not work with other medications you are on. Believe me, some doctors do not due their due diligence unfortunately.

My doctor got the recall around the fist of the year. She immediately took me off of it. I was taking both 60mg and 30mg. I had been on it for years. She said we weren't going to take the chance.
Thanks Sue for all you do.

In 2024, there were 

two major recalls of the antidepressant duloxetine (generic for the brand-name drug Cymbalta) due to the presence of a potential cancer-causing impurity called N-nitroso-duloxetine (NDLX). The recalls were initiated by Breckenridge Pharmaceutical and Rising Pharmaceuticals. 

Recall Details

Impurity: The recall was due to levels of N-nitroso-duloxetine (a type of nitrosamine) exceeding FDA limits. While nitrosamines are common, elevated levels in medication could increase cancer risk with long-term
In 2024, there were two major recalls of the antidepressant duloxetine (generic for the brand-name drug Cymbalta) due to the presence of a potential cancer-causing impurity called N-nitroso-duloxetine (NDLX). The recalls were initiated by Breckenridge Pharmaceutical and Rising Pharmaceuticals.
Recall Details
Impurity: The recall was due to levels of N-nitroso-duloxetine (a type of nitrosamine) exceeding FDA limits. While nitrosamines are common, elevated levels in medication could increase cancer risk with long-term use.
Risk Level: The FDA classified the recalls as Class II, indicating that serious adverse health consequences are
considered remote.