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Cymbalta For Non-Diabetic Nerve Pain?

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Posted 2/4/2009 5:58 AM (GMT 0)
I've been taking Prozac for depression, but recently started hearing about Cymbalta for nerve pain. My research indicates that cymbalta is prescribed for Diabetic Nerve Pain. I have tremendous amounts of nerve pain NOT related to Diabetes. My question is, does Cymbalta work for nerve pain not related to diabetes? Has anyone here had success with Cymbalta? Failures? Since I know that my depression is directly a result of my chronic daily pain, I'd stop the Prozac in a second, if I thought Cymbalta had a shot at helping me. Any feedback?
Posted 2/4/2009 7:15 AM (GMT 0)
Jimmy,
Yes, it can help with nerve pain - often neuropathy - even if it's not due to diabetes. Plus it helps with depression. Others here have had varying results; some good, some not so good. There's a recent thread by MaryMary as one example. I think it's certainly worth discussing with your doctor but definitely don't just stop your prozac abruptly. Work with your doctor about how to make the switch. Even some anti-depressants need to be weaned. Also, you may want to visit the cymbalta website to learn more.

PaLady
Posted 2/4/2009 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jiimmy,

Cymbalta has many uses and like any other medication works differently for each individual. I was prescribed it for fibromyalgia and couldn't tolerate the side effects. Others I know use it with no side effects and it does help with pain. But, many people become resistant to it and after a few weeks or months is stops working for them.

These are just a few things I can share but below is a listing I found of what it really is and what's it's prescribed for. As with most medications, they are often prescribed for off-label uses also.

Hope this helps,
Chutz
****************

Cymbalta is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs). Cymbalta works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (serotonin and norepinephrine), which helps to improve certain mood problems.

Cymbalta is used to treat major depressive disorder and general anxiety disorder. It is also used to treat a chronic pain disorder called fibromyalgia, and to treat pain caused by nerve damage in people with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy).
Posted 2/4/2009 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jimmy,

I've also been on cymbalta for non-diabetic nerve pain (although it unfortunately didn't do anything for me). Diabetic nerve pain is one of the "official" things on the list that cymbalta is used to treat, but like PAlady & Chutz said, it has other "off the label" uses as well. The use of cymbalta to treat non-diabetic nerve pain is becoming more & more common.

Skeye
Posted 2/4/2009 6:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jimmy, yes I took Cymbalta for neuropathy in my hands and feet and did very well until it lost its punch with me, then I was switched to Lyrica. I was also kept on my current antidepressant which it did not interfere with. This is something for your dr to decide. If I am remembering right and I hope I am,lol. I was started out on 37.5 mg and then bumped up in 2 weeks. Wanted to make sure if it caused me any nausea I was well past it before increasing it. Just keep in mind we all react differently to medications. Good luck, Susie
Posted 2/4/2009 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
I am taking Cymbalta for non-diabetic nerve pain. Its almost 2 weeks since I started taking it, having been on Gabapentin for a year. I have found a big improvement since starting the Cymbalta, though the side effects were very difficult for the first week.
Mary
Posted 2/5/2009 2:17 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the great responses. I'll have to talk about it with my doctor and see what he wants to do. Since I've just been switched from MS Contin to Oxycontin, I'll probably want to give that a chance to work, rather than change 2 meds at the same time. Anyway, thanks again for the information.

Eric
Posted 2/8/2009 9:20 PM (GMT 0)
I take the Cymbalta as well as Lyrica to help with the nerve pain & fibromyalgia. They have been a big help to me. Why not ask for some samples?
Posted 2/11/2009 6:10 AM (GMT 0)
My Dr. has given me cymbalta for nerve pain in my back several times when it has got real bad and it worked great if you forget to take it on time you can really tale the difference in your pain level
Posted 2/11/2009 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
Like kttn, I take Cymbalta with Lyrica but mine is for diabetic neuropathy. The benefits of Lyrica are enhanced by the Cymbalta, and I know they help me in a big way, really big.

However, I would really dig with your doctor on side effects and potential of bad effects if you stop taking it down the road. Many are reporting that they got sick for several days when they quit.
Posted 2/12/2009 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
I should add that I took EITHER Amitriptyline OR Cymbalta, in conjunction with Lyrica.

Whereas KTTN takes both, so she has a step up on the combos.
Posted 2/13/2009 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
drjimmy,
I'm new to this site. It sounds like you have certainly been through it. I have taken Cymbalta for about 4yrs for depression and Fibromyalgia pain. It worked like a charm but I have been going through some sort of flare for about the last 2 months and I feel like crap. I just went to a new rheumy at Ohio State University and had both hips injected for bursitis. She wants to set me up with some pain management people there. I rarely take pain meds unless I'm about to die because they are so hard get prescribed. I had some Loratab 10mg. but one side of my throat is paralyzed after this last surgery and I couldn't swallow the pills. She wrote for Percocet 5mg. which just doesn't get it. I may try taking two of them and see how that works. I'm blessed with such a supportive (and protective) family. I see my ortho next week. I fell and did something to my left hip and shoulder. I hope my hip isn't gone. I've had both knees replaced and each seemed to go ovenight. I'm also taking 600mg. of Neurontin three times a day and Lyrica 50mg. twice a day. Most days nothing seems to work. My neurosurgeon has me listed as disabled now and I had to quit my job. This site is so wonderful for me because I can talk to people who truely know what it is to be in constant pain and still go about their lives for the most part. I can't really drive anymore because it causes such pain that I want to vomit. That has really taken my independance away for sure. I will say a prayer for you and hope that you get some rest tonight and that tomorrow will be a better day for you.
Nurse2
Posted 2/13/2009 6:04 AM (GMT 0)
nurse, welcome to the forum, great place to be you will see. sorry you are in such pain, i am sure as a nurse you are apprehensive about having pain meds, please remember they are there to help your quality of life. we take them so we can get out of bed each day..... not everyone is addicted to meds; you will do fine. you know when to stop. fibro can be a real pain, i am sitting here in so much pain tonight from it- usually its under control with all the meds i take.... like you (you can see my meds below) i am having a severe flair up, sometimes torridol helps the flare ups (its not strong) (to me anyhow) but it didn't work, and i even had it iv'ed. i too am schooling to be a nurse, i am up for a pain pump & pray that it will allow me to work again (i am only 31). I want to work with pain patients, probably oncology. maybe even at my PM drs office...... i don't drive either just because of the meds i take, i don't want to be in an accident & get grief over my meds.... since i am always taking them. i'm not groggy, don't mistake me. in fact i am going to ask to bump up my meds. if possible. here i am rambling about me...... i was wanting to say pain meds are a god-sent for us CP'ers.... i don't know what i would do without them, and its sad they have a bad rap. there is always something on tv about oxycontin & it really tees me off. its a great med..... if taken properly. so don't be afraid.... maybe your dr can give you either a patch or oral liquid morphine to help since you reallly can't swallow the pills. but i have noticed the stronger the med, the smaller the pill....??? sometimes i want to grow my own poppy field... the red tape is annoying. i understand regulating- but insurance makes it hard for some people, and i had no insuarnce for awhile, lost 2 cars, a home, my credit is effffffereed up. its sad. what to do? what do we do.... welcome again, and please feel free to chime in, and have a lpd (low pain day)...... ((hugs)) -Shannon
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