Time for meds to work and massage aftermath

I have a couple small questions. For those that have taken/are taking Cymbalta, how long does/did it take for it to start to work? I've been on it for over a week now and it doesn't seem to be doing anything.

The second thing is that I'm flaring badly today after having a massage yesterday (Valentine's gift from my wife, and yes, the masseuse was certified to massage fibro people). It could be coincidence because I can think of at least five other reasons I could be flaring (it's been a bit of a stressful week, for one) but has anyone else ever flared after a massage and are pretty sure that's what caused it? My wife wants me to have massages if they'll help with the pain but we're both scared to schedule another for fear I'd flare again.

Hi, evenkeel,
I'm new and this is my first post, so I hope it's helpful! I have been on Cymbalta for a couple of years now, and it has helped tremendously. But it did take several weeks for me to really feel the benefits. Also, depending on what kind of stresses were going on around me, my doctor adjusted the amount several times. I just recently asked him to decrease the dosage, and once again, it took several weeks for me to get used to it.

As far as the massage, I have had many massages. I am also a massage therapist who works w/people w/chronic pain. Each massage I have had has been different - I can never quite figure it out! Some have put me into a flare, some have helped. It doesn't even seem to depend on the pressure, but more on the flow. All I can say is don't give up on the massage, but trust your body. It will tell you whether and when you should get another one. Sometimes the massage itself, regardless of pressure, can just be too detoxing for your body. (Be sure to drink plenty of water after and for the next day.) I got a very relaxing pedicure last week, and am getting a facial tomorrow. Sometimes they relax me more than a massage. Maybe trying some other therapies would be good for you.

Good luck w/the Cymbalta - it has really helped me!

Hi Evenkeel,

It takes cymbalta six to eight weeks to reach the full benefit, though you could start feeling better before that. So be patient.

Often when we get a massage, it forces toxins out of our body and we experience pain. This could be the case with you.

I sure hope that you feel better soon. And yes, stress can cause a flare. I would go back for another massage, just to see if it is helping.

Hugs, Karen

I don't know what's going on, but I'd almost swear that I hurt more while taking Cymbalta than without it. It doesn't seem to be doing anything at all. I have a checkup with my doctor next week and I'll ask him about increasing the dose for a month to see what happens, but I'm pretty much ready to call it quits with this. As for another massage, I still haven't been low enough in pain to even consider letting someone massage me again. I have had far fewer headaches and upper back/neck pain since then. *sigh* As with anything fibro-related, wait a day and things will change. ETA: the only side effect I've noticed with the Cymbalta is that I sweat-a lot. I would have the occasional hot flash/flush before I started it but now I seem to sweat at random times and also sweat way more than necessary if it's in reaction to something (i.e. being overheated). It's a pain in the butt and is quite embarrassing.

The sweating thing happened for me with Cymbalta too but it DOES GO AWAY with time.. I think it lasted a few weeks before it subsided... thankfully. As did the off/on nausea (lasted less than a week) and the lack of appetite (lasted a couple months).

Hang in there and talk to your dr if things are not working well.

Why did you stop Savella if it was helping?