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Posted 6/4/2009 4:21 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Everyone,

I have chronic pain and my doctor wanted me to try cymbalta. It turns out that I'm not covered. So, he wrote a prescription for Wellbutrin. I am not normally a depressed person but right now my husband and I are having so many problems and can't see much light. He has tremendous faith and I do my best but am scared.

I read the reviews on it and it's half and half. Has anyone here had experience with it?

Some side effects sound terrible and the thought as well as the thought of getting off them.

Some people love them and some people not. I know it's an individual thing. But if it gave me some help, I'd be grateful. We've been going on 4 years of nothing but bad things happening to us.

I am scared but thought to give it a try. My husband is totally against them and I have been resisting them all along, but just maybe they'll help.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Posted 6/4/2009 6:46 PM (GMT 0)
Demin, There are many times in our lives when things get to be too much and we find ourselves dealing with depression. Even the CP can very well bring on depression. I do think that when depression gets bad, antidepressants can be very helpful. And there are so many of them out there. Side effects always sound scary. They have to list every possible side effect. Some people don't have any of them at all.

I am sorry that things have been bad for you for 4 years. I do understand where you are coming from on that. I hope that you and your husband can get things worked out. I am not sure I understand-your husband is against antidepressants in general or just the Wellbutrin? Ofcourse, you respect where he stands on it. But your main concern is to do what is in your best interest and what is best for you. It is really your decision to make. If depression is left untreated, it doesn't just go away...It does need to be dealt with and treated. That is a choice you will have to make.

If you are concerned you can always discuss it with your doctor who recommended the Wellbutrin and voice your concerns. I think he would be the one to lead you to the right one. And sometimes one may not work for you and you will have to try another one until you find what works for you.

Depression is a horrible thing. I personally am prone to depression and have been for many years. It can be a very dark and lonely and painful life.. I do know this. Please get help for yourself and get it treated. You may also consider counseling along with the antidepressant. That way you will be more able to understand what is going on and start being able to deal with and resolve the things that has lead you to depression.

I do wish the best for you. I hope I didn't say anything to offend you. If so, please forgive me. It certainly was not my intentions. Please keep us posted on how this works out for you. We will be here to support you.
Anice
Posted 6/4/2009 8:59 PM (GMT 0)
Yes it's definitely an individual thing - but my past experience with Welbutrin and Cymbalta weren't that positive. Welbutrin made me feel all jittery and just not quite right. Cymbalta was worse... jittery, insomnia, chills, a "too much coffee feeling". One's like Paxil and Celexa work better for me. Celexa is the one I'm currently on... less sexual side effects; I had some insomnia at first but that went away after a couple of weeks, and it's best to take it early in the day to avoid the insomnia just in case. And it's best to use as low dose as possible to avoid any possible side effects.
Posted 6/4/2009 9:13 PM (GMT 0)

Thank you both for your input.

I was doing as well as can be untill recently. It could be b/c I was on ultram and that had a liitle ssri in it. I'm just guessing.

Yes, CP alone is terrible, but to have a husband and wife not well at the same time is worse.

My husband's views on it, should have just been left out of this post. It doesn't matter, but, yes, he is against them all and tried many. I know I have to take care of me and with all I've been through in life, I've never been through 4 years like this. And I never felt myself a depressed person, but the opposite. I've been an outgoing, fun person, but with the way I am feeling it is making me nervous.

I will give it more thought and certainly appreciate you taking the time to read my post and write back.

Bless you.

Posted 6/4/2009 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
Denim,
I haven't responded because - and please forgive me if I'm wrong here - it seems like this is an issue you keep struggling with, and since anti-depressants aren't "prn" meds, you need to make some peace with the issue one way or another, and then stay the course.

I'm on an anti-depressant, and only since all the CP started. There are very physiological reasons why many CPP's end up with depression. The neurotransmiters involved with depression are also involved with pain. So it's not in your head. Mind and body and not separate. So you can struggle with the depression that may be created by CP and/or other things, or decide to try to deal with the physical aspects with an anti-depressant, and work with a therapist to deal with the pain and other aspects of life that are changed by pain. The best outcomes for depression are with a combination of medication and psycotherapy.

It's certainly true that no medication is without side effects. But there are side effects to NOT taking one that's needed, too. If you had diabetes and needed insulin, would you refuse it? Depression is no less a physical illness. But it can take some time to find the right ant--depressant and dose, and for a small percentage of people, there may not be a medication that helps. Most will find one that at least eases the depression if they keep working with a specialist, and in this case a specialist should probably be a psychiatrist working with your pain management doctor. If your PCP is prescribing the anti-depressant, that could be one reason why a satisfactory one is more difficult to find, as they aren't specialists. They're find for a basic, mild to moderate depression, but once it gets complicated - as with any other illness - specialists are needed.

There's a pretty big difference between cymbalta and wellbutrin, and I don't know why wellbutrin would be your doctor's second choice. I'm not a doctor, but have worked in the mental health field. Again, forgive me if I'm wrong or being intrusive, but I thought I remembered at one time you mentioned bipolar. You last post makes me wonder. If that is the case, wellbutrin can aggravate bipolar disorder. If your doctor was looking for something to help with pain and depression (remember what I said earlier - they have similar physiological mechanisms, which is why some anti-depressants help with pain), perhaps ask about effexor. But I am not a doctor and you really should consult a specialist about this, so you can get the best choices for you.

I do hope you'll make peace with trying something to help withn your depression, but since it can take a couple of months for these medications to take full effect, it's not something you want to go back and forth on. Plus it can take awhile to find the right dose, and maybe even switching anti-depressants may be needed.

Hope this helps some.

Good luck with your decision.

PaLady

Post Edited (PAlady) : 6/4/2009 3:31:32 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/4/2009 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
Ok I'm on both sides of the fence on this one.

I loved Wellbutrin!!!!!! But I can't take it.......

I skipped over all the posts but I promise I will go back and read all of them.

When I started taking the medication I was on cloud nine. I felt I could take on the world. Then a headache started it was annoying but didn't think twice about it. I had migranes off and on over the years. Then after a week or so it got worse, then it became unbareable. I ended up in the ER. They pumped me full of pain meds the headache just became worse. They scheduled an MRI and found my brain was swelling. They infected me with an anti-inflammatory med for the brain stem.

Guess what? The headache went away almost immedietly.....

So much to say is that I loved it then hated it.

Its all up to you. All people react differently to all meds. Mine had an easy remedy it was even worth some of the headache to experience what positives that medication gave me.

Laurie
Posted 6/4/2009 10:42 PM (GMT 0)
Ok I read all the posts. I will have to say I have NEVER been in a depression. I'm not even prone to them. I try and laugh everyday, kiss my husband, say I love you to my children and smile as much as I can. Even when I hurt inside and out I try not to show it.

I started taking Trazadone for sleep, and when my mother died they tried others on top of that. I was just not as uppity as I usually was. Now that I have CP they increased my Trazadone and added Celexa. I have had my share of marriage bumps along the way the last 18 years but I would never change a one of them it has made me the wife I am today.

But you are right do whats right for you. Your husband if he has such faith he will support you will whatever you decide to do.

Laurie
Posted 6/5/2009 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
I didn't read all of the replies but I wanted to mention that this medication caused me severe migraines (I do not normally have them) that landed me in the ER after 20 or so hours of straight vomiting due to the headache. This may be more of an extreme reaction but I wanted to let you know it can happen. It also made my vision blurry until I had stopped taking it for a couple of weeks. All the best...


Skrape
Posted 6/5/2009 3:52 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I'm visiting from the fibromyalgia board and saw this thread.

I've taken Welbutrin XL off and on for years and I've never had a problem with it. It has *some* side effects, but they far outweighed the good it does me. Your mileage may vary of course. The only way you will know if it works is if you try it and keep in mind that these types of medications take up to two weeks to show any affect - they are not instantaneous.

BTW, I have bipolar, which is why I take the welbutrin, so I'm prone to depression. I also have Degenerative Disc Disease, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Tendinitis, and a few other things. I don't take pain meds because of my quirky brain chemistry... however psyche meds seem to work fine.

I also wanted to address this:

LLPLUV said...
Ok I read all the posts. I will have to say I have NEVER been in a depression. I'm not even prone to them. I try and laugh everyday, kiss my husband, say I love you to my children and smile as much as I can. Even when I hurt inside and out I try not to show it.

I can laugh and smile all day when I am depressed. That's not the issue. It's how you feel inside, and as you said, "even when I hurt..." Most of the people in my life do not know when I'm in a depression because I have great masks. Half the time, I walk around in a mild depression for *weeks* and sometimes months before I'm even aware of it (usually by cycling out of it). Depression can be a tricky devil... I say try the Welbutrin, if it works, you'll see the difference. If it doesn't then you will not have lost anything.
Posted 6/5/2009 5:34 AM (GMT 0)
Denim

Is your Doctor prescribing the Wellbutrin for your CP or for depression? Most people with CP do have a certain amount of depression! As chronic pain and depression go hand in hand.  I understand the influence your husband might have on you, but I would not let his feelings about these medications affect your decision on whether you should use them or not! Unless he is a medical Doctor, and has a valid medical reason for not using them,  his views are just his oppinions,  and we all have oppinions! wink

Please do yourself a favor, don't read about side affect and and stuff like that,  I say that because if everyone read about all the possible side affects on most medications, no one would ever take them! Everyone is so different, and not everyone experiences side affects! I would talk with your Doctor about your concerns you have with the  taking this medication, and if after that, he still wants you to take it, I would, but remember these type of medications, will often take months before they have any affect on you, so be patient!

Denim I do wish you well!

Good Luck to You

White Beard

Posted 6/5/2009 4:48 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks everyone for your replies. I do appreciate you reading my post and taking the time to write.

I'll answer one by one. White Beard. It started that he wanted me to try cymbalta for the pain and the depression that comes with all that I am dealing with. My insurance didn't cover cymbalta, so he wrote it for wellbrutin, why? I don't know.

PAlady, you are right, I have been struggling with this for some time. I remember telling you that because I was on ultram, I couldn't take an anti depressant and I know we had a misunderstanding, and to this day feel bad if I came across wrong, I am sorry. And no, I don't have bi-polar.

I did go to the Web MD site and read the reviews. Some were excellent, some not. I know White Beard, too late, I read them before I read your post, but knowing me, I would have looked anyway.

I dealt with so many things, like the death of my husband and never felt like this. I never even thought about pills. I know this isn't me. I know I shouldn't let my husband's views on it get in the way, but to be honest, I think they are. I also know, this is the lowest I ever felt and I would tell someone to try it. I am afraid of the side effects and coming off of it ...but I don't like where I am at and can't focus or feel good about anything. Some people said, that ultram was a bad drug and once off of that you'd feel great. Actually, I feel worse. I know I have the signs of depression, and it has taken 4 years of one thing on top of another to get here. 

Thanks everyone. You all make sense, and like a child, still scared.

Oh, and PAlady, I agree, I saw that Effexor was similiar to Wellbutrin also. 

Posted 6/5/2009 6:36 PM (GMT 0)
Denim,
As far as I know - and that's from my cousin who's a pharmacist - effexor is the next closest thing to cymbalta IF you're using it for both depression and pain. I had some problems with the cymbalta (although it was the only thing that made my feet feel "normal" again) so I had to discontinue it. But I am able to take the effexor. Helps a lot with mood, but not as effective with the pain as the cymbalta was. I would just ask your doctor why the wellbutrin instead of effexor. He/she may have a reason.

At any rate, as White Beard said every medication has side effects, and each one of us reacts differently to them. The anti-depressants aren't all that bad to come off of IF you do it with a doctor's supervision. Some require tapering; others may not, but most people tend to take this into their own hands and just stop abruptly, or try to figure out their own tapering dose.

Your "side effects" now are from your fears of the medication, and not trying it; you're not going to feel any better, and besides with the chronic pain this isn't all about thoughts.

But it's your choice, like it is with all of us.

PaLady
Posted 6/5/2009 7:08 PM (GMT 0)

Dear PAlady,

Thanks again for you concern. I really do mean it, that you and the others are such a compassionate group and you are always in my prayers. I know that many of you are suffering but go out of your way to read posts and give input and that means a lot to me.

Well, I took the first step! I told my husband I think I need to give it a shot and he was sompassionate also, telling me, of course, he's here for me and whatever it takes to make me better. That alone and you and the others responses has helped me, more than you know.

I also read that effexor is the closest to cymbalta. I have a follow up with him, but I am open. You have a good memory and know that I have thought about this for some time and like I said before, I am sorry, if I didn't come off right with you. I had suspected that, but rather than rehash, I would love to start over.

Someone was just telling me that they had no trouble coming off of it. It's my over anaytical mind at work again. I have always gotten off a drug the slow, tapered way. I would never go cold turkey like I hear so many do. I'd rather take my time, and spare myself the least amount of grief.

So, I am finally giving it a chance. Yesterday, it finally seemed clear that I had and was heading that way---down. And I know it's not my fault--(that's another discussion).

I want to thank you and everyone here for being a great group and I will try to stay in touch more.

Bless you all.

  

 

Posted 6/5/2009 8:26 PM (GMT 0)
Denim,
Consider the button reset! :-)

I am glad to read you're going to try it, but remember you need to give it a fair shake and that usually means at least a few months of trying different doses, perhaps different anti-depressants. And hopefully it won't take long for your doctor to find the right combination to give you some relief, and then you can truly make the decision about staying on one for awhile. Just remember what chronic pain does to our lives AND our bodies.

Some days I so hate seeing the number of pill bottles on my counter, hate realizing how I've gone from taking nearly no meds to so many, but I do know what it was like without it. And my mood was getting so terribly depressed, and my thoughts were always hopeless - not suicidal, just a feeling of hopelessness - and at least now while I still have those moments, they're fewer and farther between. The anti-depressant isn't going to take away everything, just like our pain meds don't take away all the pain, but it can make more livable.

You may have some initial side effects; that's common. Your doctor can tell you which ones might be more serious, but mostly things like a little nausea or dry mouth are common but often go away in a week or two once your body adjusts. And a medication that creates some insomnia can often be taken in the morning, and vice versa. So there are lots of options. I'm saying this so you don't give up on it too soon, because you may not feel much relief for a few weeks. And you need to take them every day.

Glad I could be of some help. Let us know how it goes.

There are a ton of us here on anti-depressants along with our other meds!

PaLady
Posted 6/5/2009 10:05 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks PAlady. I am one to give up very easily and I know what you mean about the number of bottles. Like I would feel victorious when I would cut something out. I would judge myself on how much I was taking and actually feel bad that I was taking anything. My husband would remind me that I was more of a patient. I had spent so long devoted to health and I was equating the pills taken to a bad vision of myself--all wrong, I know. I know an anti depressant won't make it all go away but to feel better about things, sounds good to me and I will do my best not to give up or think of side effects. Thanks for your encouragement and for resetting the button. I really hated that and am glad it's of the past.

Blessings to you.

Posted 6/6/2009 7:32 PM (GMT 0)

Denim,

I don't know if you have seen my post about my son who was recently DX'd Bipolar 2...but, he was put on Geodon first, then they added Welbutrin...He took 1 pill!!! just one, and went on a downward spiral of suicidal thoughts that almost put him in the hospital.... Of course he a teenager....

Now, I took it several years ago and it didn't do much for me...Maybe it will help you.  I hope so.

Me.

Posted 6/7/2009 12:45 AM (GMT 0)

I sure hope it helps me. Sorry about your son. They should have known better. I read it is not to be gven to people who are bi-polar also. I try to read these things before I take anything. but like everyone here is saying, give it a try and try another if it doesn't agree with you or help you. I would be thrilled if it helped a little. CP is depressing, there's no doubt about it. I fought for years not to try it. I was taking ultram and said I couldn't but was also very scared. 

Did you get the impression I was bi-polar? It sounds that way, maybe I am misinterpreting it...but in case you thought I was, I am not.

Sorry it didn't help you. Maybe try another one.

I hope your son feels better. This is why I don't trust doctors. I am sure there are some good ones out there--I just haven't met any. And the people that do are very fortunate.

I wish the best for you and your son.

Sincerely.  

Posted 6/8/2009 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Denim,

Sorry that I'm late to post! I haven't been around much this week, as I've just been in too much pain & my eye sight has not been good enough to read -- even now it's not great, but I'm kind of forcing them to work!

I'd have to agree with White Beard's post. Don't think too much into the side effects. Yes, it is good to know what they might be, but they shouldn't put you off of taking a medication. Because everyone's bodies are so different, everyone reacts quite differently & in many cases, the majority of people have nothing more than minor side effects from medication, if they have any at all. And, as Palady stated, others do not benefit from medication at all, and additionally, do not have any side effects (I'm one of those lucky few who is completely resistant to anti-depressants AND pain medication).

Think of it this way: Walking across the road every morning to get to work has it's own risks: You might be hit by a car & seriously injured or killed. You might step in a pot hole & break your leg. Or you might trip & skin your knee. OR, you might make it safely across the road, with no problems. So, would you stop walking across the road, just because someone, somewhere in the world got hit by a car while crossing the road? No! You need to get to work & although it is unfortunate that someone got hurt, the vast majority of people who walk across the street won't have such a problem, and those who do get hurt, may live in a environment which makes them more prone to such a thing (such as busy city vs. a quiet country road). What I'm trying to say by this drawn out metaphor, is that although everyone's biochemistry is different, you don't have much to lose by trying this medication. If you don't like it, you can always stop it!

I'd talk about your fears with your doc (and psychologist, if you have one), he can give you a better idea as to whether or not your fears are rational. But honestly, I think you have more to lose by not trying the medication. It may even help you!

Best of luck,
Skeye
Posted 6/8/2009 5:48 AM (GMT 0)
No, I didn't think you were Bipolar...I just wanted to put in my 2 cents worth...

Me.
Posted 6/8/2009 5:20 PM (GMT 0)

Skeye, No need to apologize. When you are in pain and your eyes are bothering you, I can totally understand. I thank you for be comapassionate enough to put your own problems aside for me, that's a big thing to me.

My fears aren't that huge. I had already told my doctor before that I wasn't keen on taking them.

But when you are in pain and there is a possibility that something might help, you go for it and I did.

My doctor is very precautious, sometimes I wish not so much. I wish we had other choices for pain meds. I wish all I needed was alleve. I think most of us can relate to feeling who thought we would be in this position in life?

I didn't. I blame myself a bit for overdoing my exercises.

I am still fairly young, and alleve doesn't do it. I'm doing my best, as we all are and can't thank you all enough for your generosity.

My prayers are with you all.

Bless you.

Posted 12/29/2014 4:33 PM (GMT 0)
I was recently prescribed bupropion 150mg which is the generic form of wellbutrin. This was prescribed to me by my doctor to treat depression. To my surprise my arthritis pain (advanced osteoarthritis) is nearly gone and appears to work as well as opioid pain relievers. Hope it does the same for you.
good luck....RBA
Posted 12/29/2014 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
I spoke with my doctor because I was having tons on anxiety before my THR, she tried to get me on cymbalta, which insurance did not cover. So now I'm on celexa and am so much better. I've always been against anti depressants, but turns out I needed it. She said if u feel dizzy, nauseous,etc first couple of days then u have an imbalance and u probably need the meds. I think I need something else too because I still have freak outs and get very nervous. But give it a try. I hope to graduate to cymbalta, as I think it helps with pain too.
Posted 12/30/2014 1:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hello RBA & welcome to the chronic pain forum. Please note that you have posted on a thread that is dated back to 2009 & the OP has not been to Healing Well in almost 4 years.

We do ask all new members to make a separate intro post so that all members will see it & be able to say hello. By posting on this older thread not many people will see your post.

I will lock this thread so that others do not post on it as we like to keep the older threads off of the main page. Thanks.
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