Cymbalta Question

I think you will find as with any medication, procedure, or even surgery that you will hear good things and bad things. The key is not basing your own treatment on whether it works/doesn't work for someone else.

I have always tried anything my Dr. wanted me to and gave it a 100% shot. Obviously we should all be careful to know if we have any allergic reactions to something...but otherwise, a new medication should be given a full month to see if it works for someone.

This is why I say there are pluses/minuses to the internet in that "some" people...not saying you, will read negative things and then have that mindset before trying a treatment.

I, personally, had a good experience with Cymbalta when I needed it for nerve pain. It was a bit "stimulating" for me so I ended up taking it right before bed as it seemed that around 8-12 hours later I would have a burst of energy from it. So when I had originially taken it in the morning, I was having trouble getting to sleep that night.

I made the mistake of stopping the medication cold turkey thinking it would be no big deal...Well...that was the part that is good to learn from others experiences...it was a nightmare for me doing this with restless legs, brain "zaps", and just a terrible feeling.

But if someone is on the medication and tapers off gradually, there shouldn't be a single issue.

It is a bit strange that your Dr. has you on two long acting medications as well as two short acting medications for breakthrough. I know I've cautioned you before...but just know that if you were to ever need to change Drs...this is not the "norm" for them to do. But I'm glad it works for you now:)

And just wanted to add that the main reason I added the caveats in my post are because there are many new people to chronic pain that have joined HW and thousands of others that just read but don't post.

So I just want them to know that many of us here are because we still live with chronic pain and that there are so many others who have great experiences with medicine, procedures or surgeries who are pain free and living out living their lives!

I completely understand wanting to do proper research and know you well enough that you do this for every single stage of your care:)

It is definitely good to try and find as many non narcotic ways to help with ones pain as well as adding in as many natural things like massage, acupuncture, aqua therapy, etc.

I can't remember if you have a TENS unit? These are very helpful.

And as I wrote, if nerve pain is one of the stronger pains you get, something like Cymbalta, Lyrica or Neurontin are all good medicines that work specifically for that type of pain.

Keep us posted..

I have been on Cymbalta for nearly a year now. For me, it has helped, though not at much as I had hoped. I do like the anti-depressant properties of it though. I did notice a BIG change in my outlook on life and things that would have made me sad (like when I can't do things I want because of my pain) don't make me as sad anymore.

The only side effect I've noticed is on occasion it feels as if I've got fireworks in my head. Strange description but the best I can give. LOL It isn't daily, and the only time I notice it is when I haven't taken my pain meds.

If you're comfortable making a change, go for it! I hope it works well for you too!

 

     Morning Cogito!

         I was on Cymbalta for a short 3 months or so, and at first it helped with reducing some of my pain, but gradually quit over a short period of time.

   As far as how it made me feel mentally...I did not like it and it seemed to supress my personality to a somber mood. Took the little joy I have right out of my heart!

   If you happen to try it, and then for some reason have to quit...be prepared to experience somethig called brain Zaps!...they don't hurt..but are weird to say the least...and I found that they were tied to quick movement of the eyes.

      I would be concerned with it as I know you are writing a book...but it is really up to you, and you may actually do very well on it.

   Take care,

      SE

I currently take 90mg of Cymbalta daily. I also take 900mg of Gabapentin (neurontin) daily. The gabapentin helps greatly with the neuropathic pain that I experience. The cymbalta helps my depression and also helps with some nerve pain in one of my surgical scars. Before being on the cymbalta - I used to have to wear clothing that was a size or two larger than I actually needed because I couldn't stand anything being up against that surgical scar. It is really nice to be able to actually wear clothing that fits since being on the cymbalta.

I do find the cymbalta to be a bit stimulating so I take it first thing in the morning. If I forget to do that - I never take it after 12 noon or I wouldn't be able to sleep that night.

Hope this med helps you if you decide to try it out. I have never experienced any type of brain zaps or altered mental faculties due to this medication.
Trudy

Hi Cogito.

One piece of advice I would give, is to increase your dose slowly. The first time I was put on Cymbalta, I went straight to 60mg and I had something akin to a depressive/psychotic breakdown that brought me very close to harm. I had to stop it again after just a few days because the side effects were so intense, and I vowed I would never touch it again.

Then a few months ago my GP convinced me to give it another go, just starting out on 30mg, and it's been better. It does nothing for my pain, but I think it has improved my mood. It has also improved my quality of sleep. I don't fall asleep any easier, nor do I stay asleep much longer - but I wake aware of having dreamt, and feeling like I've gone through a proper sleep cycle which is a big change to previously.

Laura