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Effexor to help with fibromyalgia?

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Posted 5/7/2014 12:57 AM (GMT 0)
I have recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I have spent the past year struggling and trying to find an answer to my upper back pain which has now spead throughout my body. After many different tests and money my rheumatologist diagnoses fibromyalgia. I am currently taking Lyric 75mg three times a day. I really don't notice any difference since taking this. I am also currently taking citalopram 20 mg as I have been for about 10 years now. My rheumatologist wants me to start cymbalta. Unfortunatley with no perscription insurance i am not able to afford the cymbalta or the generic which is still just as expensive. She then recommended i try Effexor 37.5 mg once a day. Has anyone had experience with this medication or lyrica? Is effexor just as good as cymbalta even though it is not labeled for fibromyalgia? I am nervous upon starting it. I just want to find the right combination to make this pain go away. Sometimes it is so hard to make it though the work day in so much pain. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.
Posted 5/7/2014 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
Cymbalta made me very nauseous and dizzy, even if I took a tiny bit, but apparently there are 2 types of people. Like Aleve, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. With Cymbalta, it seems the same. It's worth a try, just like everything.
Posted 5/7/2014 1:37 AM (GMT 0)
Oh, and Aleve doesn't work for me, lol.
Posted 5/7/2014 4:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, Jennifer. Welcome to the forum...we do understand. It's not an easy road we walk, indeed. But being on this forum helps. Talking to others who go through what we do is a real gift.

I personally didn't like Effexor (it made me feel speedy) but for some, it's just what they need. We're all so different that way. I do take Gabapentin, which is similar to Lyrica, and it helps with my nerve pain (from damage from a ruptured disc.)

Take a look at "Fibro 101" if you haven't already - the first thread on the list. It's very helpful because it contains so many links to a wide range of Fibro subjects.

I hope you'll stick around, so we can get to know you. Happy reading!

Debbie
Posted 5/7/2014 10:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi JenniferButterfly,

Thought I'd chime in... I had been taking Celexa for a while and it didn't do a thing for me. The Dr. switched me to Effexor and I think it might have helped a little, maybe, certainly nothing noticeable. As soon as Cymbalta became available as a generic I was able to get it and it has made a HUGE difference. I'd say a 75% reduction in pain.
Posted 5/8/2014 1:23 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you soooo much for all of your comments! I did read the "fibro 101" and found that I can try to go through the Eli Lilly Company to see if i qualify for low cost Cymbalta. I have done this with the Pfizer Co. for Lyrica but still waiting for them to approve my application. Right now I am kindly being given samples packs of the Lyrica from my Dr. to get me through until hopefully the application is approved. I will look into the program for Lilly Co. for the Cymbalta. Its great to know that there are programs that might help those like me with insurance but without perscription coverage. MommytoJandO...what dose of cymbalta are you on? It makes me happy to hear that it has helped you as I hope it does for me too.
Posted 5/8/2014 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jennifer,

I'm on 60mg once a day.
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