Cymbalta, worth taking the 2nd time?

Hey,

Used to take Cymbalta Duloxetine 60 mg for my crippling depression a few years ago during a 6 month period. Cymbalta really restored my natural self and the only side effects I experienced were sweating, and the withdrawal effects were horrible brain zaps during 2 weeks.

I’m a Diabetic and was recently also diagnosed with IBS and Autism.
I have now been in a depressive mood for 2+ years. Feeling fatigued, aliphatic, sleep problems, no interest in hobbies or friends. My GP was checking my overall health and everything was fine.

I do not know if its life itself or my IBS which causes me to feel depressed. Nothing seems to give me highs anymore.
I have started taking Probiotics for my IBS which apparently also could reduce depression. Been trying diets, meditation, and exercise. No luck.

I went to a psychiatrist and she prescribed me Effexor, alternatively Paxil. But I resited taking any of them and asked to be put on Cymbalta again since it worked well for me the first time.

But will Cymbalta Duloxetine work for me a 2nd time if it worked as well the first time? I’m terrified of the brain zap withdrawal effects or anything worse. And that Cymbalta or antidepressants, in general, will permanently alter my brain and in worst case make permanent damage. My psychiatrist insists worst case scenarios won't happen and if Cymbalta worked for me the 1st time there is a good probability it will work equally as well this time. Cymbalta made me feel the best I ever felt. But as soon as I quit taking Cymbalta my depression came back.

I have been hearing diet, life style changes, vitamin supplements etc are the cure. But none seem to work.

I begin to think that Cymbalta is my last resort (or any other antidepressant) to cure my current depression.

Should I try Cymbalta Duloxetine again a 2nd time? Any experiences? I'm just so afraid of the side effects. Especially reading some people get permanent brain zaps etc. But then I don't want to feel this depressed.

Welcome. Sorry to hear about your difficulties.

There is an Irritable Bowel forum on this site, too. Perhaps you can check in with that forum and see if there is any guidance from others with this problem. (My daughter has IBS).

I had been on Cymbalta at one time, in the hopes that it would help my chronic pain as well as my depression. Sadly, the side effects were an issue for me. I did not experience the brain zaps, thank goodness.

I've been managing (mostly well) without meds for a few years now, but would go back on 'something' if I'm too far into the 'black hole' again. The first med I had ever been on was Paxil and it was a huge help. Until the side effects. Then we tried Cymbalta when it came out. Again, a huge help, until the side effects. Both gave me Vertigo. Waah!

Meanwhile, I've had to learn other ways to help me. Meditations, music, gardening (indoors and out), my pets, coming here, dark chocolate, etc. have all helped, most of the time.

Please keep posting and let us know how things are going. I hope the best for you.

That's exactly what happened!