cymbalta

Has anyone ever been on Cymbalta?  My doctor wants to add it to my current meds (prozac).  I read it can cause liver damamge. Did anyone ever gain weight on it?  

I have experienced NO weight gain from Cymbalta. That's a first in pych meds for me.

MY COUSIN COMMITTED SUICIDE 5 DAYS AGO AFTER BEING ON CYMBALTA FOR about 6 WEEKS. PLEASE RESEARCH. 13 PEOPLE COMMITTED SUICIDE DURING CLINICAL TRIALS. TYPE IN CYMBALTA SUICIDE RISK IN YOUR SEARCH ENGINE AND READ, READ, READ. I MISS MY COUSIN SO MUCH, AND I DON''T WANT ANYONE ELSE TO SUFFER THIS KIND OF LOSS.

I found this clearly stated info about cymbalta on the internet:

What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
• Symptoms of a Cymbalta overdose may include nausea, vomiting, tremor, agitation, seizures, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and enlarged pupils.

What should I avoid while taking Cymbalta?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Cymbalta may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

What are the possible side effects of Cymbalta?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Cymbalta and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
· an irregular heartbeat or pulse;
· low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness);
· high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision);
· chills or fever;
· unusual bleeding or bruising;
· a rash or hives.
• If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking Cymbalta and talk to your doctor:
· headache, tremor, nervousness, or anxiety;
· difficulty concentrating;
· constipation;
· nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight;
· weakness;
· increased sweating;
· sleepiness or insomnia; or
· decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.


What other drugs will affect Cymbalta?
• Do not take Cymbalta if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. Wait at least 5 days after you stop taking Cymbalta before taking a MAOI. Serious, and sometimes fatal, reactions have occurred when these medicines have been used together. Also, do not take Cymbalta if you are taking thioridazine (Mellaril). Dangerous, even fatal irregular heartbeats may occur if these medicines are taken together. You must wait 5 weeks after stopping Cymbalta before taking thioridazine (Mellaril).
• Before taking Cymbalta, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
· an antiarrhythmic such as flecainide (Tambocor) or propafenone (Rythmol), and others;
· a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;
· venlafaxine (Effexor);
· a phenothiazine such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphe****ne (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphe****ne (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), and others;
· a quinolone antibiotic such as trovafloxacin (Trovan), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), and others;
· quinidine; or
· a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), fluvoxamine (Luvox), and others.
• You may not be able to take Cymbalta, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Cymbalta. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

bev

I've been taking the highest dose of Cymbalta available & haven't really had too many problems with it -- I've been on it for about 6 months so far -- I did have some major problems in my life & was definitely low & feeling suicidal, but I don't think that's due to the medication itself. Remember the Prozac controversy?? I tried to commit suicide while I was taking Prozac, but then continued taking it for a long time after with no problem. The whole reason people are put on these medications is because they're depressed & always have the potential for suicidal ideation -- I don't really think we can blame suicidal thoughts on one med or the other. I've taken several different types of antidepressants, and Cymbalta is the one I've done the best with so far. Read up on any of the SSRI's or tricyclic antidepressants -- all those same warnings are going to be there.

The above is good warning, but so that its available here are the signs of Liver damage, per the link:  dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), itchiness, abdominal tenderness in the liver area, or unexplained flu-like symptoms. Elevations of liver enzymes may be found on blood tests. The article ends:

Report any Cymbalta side effects to Lilly at (800 545-5979)  
or to the FDA's Medwatch program at (800 332-1088)
or online at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

My daughter (28), who's had her adventure with cymbalta reported here by me, called a week ago, saying she was getting sadder each day.  The next morning because she was on her way to counseling, I called Lilly at the number listed below to ask about the decline.  They recommended that the doctor increase her dosage to the recommended 60mg/day.  Then I called her.  Her boyfriend thought she was PMSing, and after he told her what he saw, she ageed.  When I explained all this to the doctor, he said to wait and see.  It's a week later now, and she's been fine on the same dosage every since. 

The other day, her boyfriend and she both had the flu (or food poisoning according to him).  She wasn't able to keep the pills down that day.  The next morning, she said she had a panic attack.  It sounded like she had been easily confused upon waking up due to some unusual circumstances and panicked for a few minutes.  I called that into Lilly too. 

Anyone taking this drug should call in and report.  I was surprised with how interested Lilly was in knowing about everything that was going on.  The ladies words were, "We REALLY want to know what people are experiencing."  That seems kind of good and kind of scary to me--like the public is test subjects.  If so that's all the more reason to call with your report. 

bev

Funny you should say that about Cymbalta.  I took it for several days and thought I would die.  I had so much nausea, which is listed as a side effect, that I just couldn't stand it.  It made me so sick feeling and dizzy as well.  I really wanted to take something for the depression from the change in my life and the  "NO MORE WORKING FOR ME" that I spent $50.00 on this drug.  I took three or four tablets and I was scared to continue it.  The nausea was contant and terrible! I felt I really wasted $50.00 which is my copay for this drug. SusieM

My doctor wanted to put me on this. I took home samples, did research on it, then threw it out. I'm currently on Wellbutrin. The Wellbutrin alone (400 mg) isn't enough and I've been on it for years. All these drugs have so many side effects. It's hard to find the one where the benefits out weigh the side effects. It's very interesting to read real peoples reaction to this med. Thanks for sharing your experiences. It's a tremendous help.

I do not need an anti-depressant but a pain med.

Not all the people who has used Cymbalta is using it for depression!!

Well, you won't get any hate mail from me.  I'm really glad you wrote in.  As I clicked the link, I thought I've belabored that it worked for my daughter enough; I'll just read.  As I read, I thought too bad--and even got a bit angry about the statement that my MD not being good enough to diagnose and prescribe or the inference that he might be getting a kickback.  Since I picked him over the one suggested by her counselor, that's insulting to my intelligence and my doctor.

Then I got to your post--it made me feel so good!  My daughter, who has taken cymbalta for 6 weeks, acts like her old self.  She's on 20 mg twice a day and coupling that with weekly counseling.  Between the two, she realizes that her very "nice" boyfriend, isn't so very nice and that he drove her to extremely low self esteem.  She hopes to move out by the end of the month.  That's a far cry from 6 weeks ago, when she was a smashed soul.

Cymbalta answered this mother's prayers--three of them.  1) she's back, 2) she is religious about her counseling sessions, and 3) she's getting out of a bad relationship.  Time will tell, if I get my 4th wish--that she has as easy a time getting off it, as she had when starting it.

bev 

Actually according to a post "your own results" poll site, 60% have average to remarkable results with cymbalta.  The percent who reported horrible results is just about the same as those who have miraculous. 

Bottom line: nothing works for everyone, and the swing on cymbalta requires competent forethough by all concerned.  Having results posted either way is good, because it informs.  However, I'm still smarting over the negative doctor comments.

 

bev

Sorry to hear that so many didn't have any luck with Cymbalta. It's coming up on a year soon that I was put on Cymbalta. I have been on Depression meds most of my life. I know that they all have many side affects but I go into each time without reading any enclosed pamphlets just for that reason. Cymbalta was a lifesaver for me! I had been on it only 4 months and thank God I was when Katrina hit. I would not have been to take charge along with hubby to evacuate his 80something yr old parents along with my 80something yrs old parents, our 19 yr old daughter, her boyfriend and his 88 yr old MawMaw. Then we also had our two 20something yrs old sons, one with wife and two children. WHEW!! I had to call ahead to reserve 5 motel rooms, arrange the travel needs, of course son had to take his truck to carry Grandpas electric chair. And then trying to keep all comfortable away from home for 1 1/2 months. Saying all that, before Cymbalta, I would have never been able to do any of that. Not to say that after a few years, it might not work anymore, like many other have done. I then go on to the next effective Antidepressant.
Please all, keep just a positive attitude toward all meds. your Dr. prescribes!

I've been on Cymbalta for over a year and had no problems.  Am also on Wellbutrin.  Partial response to both.