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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by alesta on September 28, 2004, at 12:16:40
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by SLS on September 26, 2004, at 14:10:00
Hi, Scott,:)
How are you doing today? I agree with the other posters; you’ve helped so many people! :-) and I recently read a past thread where you posted and was touched by your compassion and insight concerning the multitude of degrees of suffering. it was a haunting read..
I read some info concerning treating treatment-resistant depression recently, and I wanted to share it with you. there’s a new discovery indicating that treatment-resistant depressives actually have a dysfunction in the brain (rather than just temporary chemical level abnormalities or whatever of “normal” depressed people, I suppose), which is why they don’t respond to medications. And so now they’re taking this new finding and are going to try and develop an antidepressant specifically for treatment-resistant depressives! http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2003-10/pg-rbi093003.php This is so exciting! So there’s new hope on the horizon. http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2003-10/pg-rbi093003.
I also read an article that mentioned a *very* high dose of parnate as being an efficacious option for treatment-resistant depressives (people who don’t respond well to meds for depression). this makes sense--parnate hits more neurotransmitters than most, and then raising the dose way above normal in order to get a response is a great idea, and would be a fantastic way to get as much neurotransmitter action as possible. Here is the web site. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2710808&dopt=Abstract.
I see that your doc decided to raise your lamictal dosage. I think that’s a good idea, rather than raising your cymbalta dosage..lamictal sounds like a great antidepressant! I looked up some ratings for it a while ago, and it had rave reviews; there was no mention of cognitive problems. Is this a rare side effect? Anyway, also, I think a very high dosage of cymbalta could potentially be very difficult to withdraw from.
Also there’s some success of treatment with electromagnetic stimulation. http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/fe446.htm So that’s an option...
Oh, (you’re going to be bored by the end of this post :)) I also read that some ppl w/ treatment-resist. dep. could have food allergies. See: http://www.consciouschoice.com/issues/cc1211/foodallergies1211.html) I’m not saying you do..it’s just a possibility..and, also, aspartame causes depression and should be avoided. I hope some of this information might be helpful. I tried, anyway!..;)keep that chin up, chico!:)
Take care, Scott
Amy:)
Posted by SLS on September 28, 2004, at 16:19:47
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » SLS, posted by alesta on September 28, 2004, at 12:16:40
Posted by SLS on September 29, 2004, at 7:53:51
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by SLS on September 26, 2004, at 14:10:00
9/29/2004
Day 41
6 days at 30mg
35 days at 60mg60mg (30mg b.i.d.)
Losing hope. I don't feel much better than I did when I was taking imipramine. Maybe a little? It has been 10 days since I experienced my last period of improvement.
Overall, Cymbalta feels cleaner than Effexor with regard to tolerability.
I want to thank everyone for their generous support and warm sentiments.
- Scott
Posted by flipsactown on September 29, 2004, at 8:02:33
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by SLS on September 29, 2004, at 7:53:51
I know you can hang in there Scott. It took 45 days for Lexapro to kick in for me, so perhaps Cymbalta will be kicking in soon for you. We are all with you, my friend.
FST
> 9/29/2004
>
> Day 41
>
> 6 days at 30mg
> 35 days at 60mg
>
> 60mg (30mg b.i.d.)
>
> Losing hope. I don't feel much better than I did when I was taking imipramine. Maybe a little? It has been 10 days since I experienced my last period of improvement.
>
> Overall, Cymbalta feels cleaner than Effexor with regard to tolerability.
>
> I want to thank everyone for their generous support and warm sentiments.
>
>
> - Scott
>
>
Posted by silversea69 on October 1, 2004, at 1:16:32
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » nmk, posted by SLS on August 31, 2004, at 12:00:07
I have just started on Cymbalta 09/28/2004 at 9:00PM EST. By 10:30, I started to feel manic and needed to do to get up from the computer and I cleaned my kitchen and did dishes, which seemed to take care of it. 11:30PM my heart started racing and I found it hard to catch my breath. I went outside to go for a walk as it is a cool night and that usually calms me. I walked about 2 blocks and it felt as though someone was sitting on my chest! I returned home and it went away. My doctor told me to take this at night since it would cause drowsiness, well it has had the opposite effect on me. Around Midnight, my stomach started to hurt.
Posted by Wanderer on October 1, 2004, at 21:57:11
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report - Thanks! » SLS, posted by iris2 on September 27, 2004, at 11:04:17
Hi --
Dr prescribed this today but am hesitant to start as I normally have 2-3 glasses of wine with dinner several nights a week. Is this going to be a liver damage risk? The pamphlet says if you have heavy alcohol use you can have severe liver damage.
Thanks for your help!
Posted by iris2 on October 1, 2004, at 23:41:55
In reply to Cymbalta and Alcohol, posted by Wanderer on October 1, 2004, at 21:57:11
I would go with what the insert says. I read Cymbalta has a drug interaction with alcohol. Even if it were not, several drinks a day is going to have an effect on your liver. Your liver has to clean these toxins from your blood. In addition it will be more difficult for you to judge whether the medication is having a positive affect for you if you have alcohol in your system and the medication is being affected by that. It is to your benefit to stop or taper your drinking if only to evaluate the effects of the medication and to take advantage of them if they are positive. Drinking can and will only get in the way. I am not just preaching. I really mean it.
I started Parnate years ago and it was a life changing medication for me. Unfortunately at the time I was drinking some but smoking cocaine. I stoppped both and was able to take advantage of the wonderfull effects the Parnate had lifting my depression. I am not advocating abstonance. Conventional wisdom tells us that one glass of red wine a day is supposed to be benefitial to us.
I am not sure in your case how that would effect you when mixed with the Cymbalta.
My opinion from a lot of experience.
irene
Posted by jeopardy on October 2, 2004, at 11:38:01
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by SLS on September 29, 2004, at 7:53:51
SLS, What time of day do you take your second dose of Cymbalta?
Thanks, Jeopardy
Posted by SLS on October 2, 2004, at 11:58:13
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by jeopardy on October 2, 2004, at 11:38:01
> SLS, What time of day do you take your second dose of Cymbalta?
> Thanks, JeopardyI take my first dose of 30mg at 7:00am and my second dose at around 11:00pm.
- Scott
Posted by jeopardy on October 2, 2004, at 12:15:57
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by SLS on October 2, 2004, at 11:58:13
Scott, You've never had a problem with inteference with sleeping? I haven't decided when to take my 2nd dose...but bedtime would be perfect. Do you know if others, with your relationship on this board, take the second dose around the same time?
Jeopardy
Posted by cache-monkey on October 2, 2004, at 12:19:25
In reply to Cymbalta and Alcohol, posted by Wanderer on October 1, 2004, at 21:57:27
<<< Dr prescribed this today but am hesitant to start as I normally have 2-3 glasses of wine with dinner several nights a week. Is this going to be a liver damage risk? The pamphlet says if you have heavy alcohol use you can have severe liver damage. <<<
I'm not sure about the risk of liver damage with that amount of alcohol. But, I worry about the consequences for your mental health.
Alcohol is a depressant. The effect isn't immediate, rather it cumulates over time. You're going on Cymbalta for depression, I assume. I would imagine that whatever you're going through, the alcohol is probably lowering the valleys.
I used to drink about that, a little less. Maybe I'm just sensitive, but I've cut back lately to a drink every couple days and I've noticed the difference. Also, at least for me, I think that drinking when on an antidepressant can make hangovers worse; make the valleys even lower.
Anyway, just my two cents.
Take care,
cache-monkey
Posted by theo on October 3, 2004, at 7:51:55
In reply to Cymbalta and Alcohol, posted by Wanderer on October 1, 2004, at 21:57:11
Just a little input. I single, 40 and use to have my own business and huge parties. I've drank since I was 18 and finally stopped at age 39 in 2003. I started taking antidepressants around 1991-92.
After stopping drinking, antidepressants are so much better. I think taking these meds while drinking made my depression worse.
I used to read info like this in huge denial and think "whatever," but it does make a huge difference if you don't drink with these meds.
I'm sure it's exactly what you don't want to hear, but if you don't drink for at least 2 months, you should be able to tell a difference and then you can make a decision for yourself on the difference.
Posted by SLS on October 4, 2004, at 10:28:21
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by SLS on September 29, 2004, at 7:53:51
10/04/2004
Day 46
6 days at 30mg
40 days at 60mg60mg (30mg b.i.d.)
Nothing. It completely stopped working.
- Scott
Posted by Ritch on October 4, 2004, at 13:02:22
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by SLS on October 4, 2004, at 10:28:21
> 10/04/2004
>
> Day 46
>
> 6 days at 30mg
> 40 days at 60mg
>
> 60mg (30mg b.i.d.)
>
> Nothing. It completely stopped working.
>
>
> - Scott
>Scott,
Do you think that some of your AD poop-outs could be bipolar cycling phenomena? You mentioned that you had a med-induced mania from desipramine in the past. If your cycling has a long enough period, the poop-outs might be temporary depressive dips in your cycling profile. Just wondering what your thoughts were about that ...
Posted by ravenstorm on October 4, 2004, at 20:15:30
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » SLS, posted by Ritch on October 4, 2004, at 13:02:22
Not to keep harping on this and I know that you know your own brain better than any of us. . .but that said, you are only a little over week six. Please don't ditch it until you've put in eight to twelve weeks. Week ten has been a magic time frame for a number of my friends.
Sorry its not working. That sucks.
Posted by flipsactown on October 5, 2004, at 1:29:36
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by SLS on October 4, 2004, at 10:28:21
Scott,
I can understanding how frustrating it can be, waiting and hoping that Cymbalta will kick in soon, if at all. However, you have come this far, certainly another 2 to 4 weeks or longer, is worth waiting for. We all still have our fingers and toes crossed for Cymbalta to finally kick in. Please remain positive. We are behind you all the way.
FST
> 10/04/2004
>
> Day 46
>
> 6 days at 30mg
> 40 days at 60mg
>
> 60mg (30mg b.i.d.)
>
> Nothing. It completely stopped working.
>
>
> - Scott
>
Posted by iris2 on October 5, 2004, at 11:13:38
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by SLS on October 4, 2004, at 10:28:21
Scott,
I am so sorry to hear this. You have really stayed with this too. Are you going to stay on it much longer?
I continue to hope the best for you,
irene
Posted by Minnie-Haha on October 5, 2004, at 19:14:58
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by SLS on October 4, 2004, at 10:28:21
> 10/04/2004
> Day 46
> 6 days at 30mg
> 40 days at 60mg
> 60mg (30mg b.i.d.)
> Nothing. It completely stopped working.
> - ScottI don't think I've chimed in yet, but I'm rooting for you, too... whatever you decide to do. My doc suggested I try Cymbalta, but I told him I wasn't sure yet, so I've been watching your experience with great interest. You are very kind to share your ups and downs on this trial.
Posted by sl on October 8, 2004, at 11:11:55
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by Minnie-Haha on October 5, 2004, at 19:14:58
My doc was thinking about trying me on this to potentially replace my Wellbutrin that I've been on for over 10 years.
Is this something I can overlap with wellbutrin, when starting up?
The idea of going 6 weeks with no chemical support is very scary to me, I've tried ineffective meds and been nonfunctional til I went back on wb.-sl
Posted by karaS on October 9, 2004, at 19:52:06
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine), posted by sl on October 8, 2004, at 11:11:55
> My doc was thinking about trying me on this to potentially replace my Wellbutrin that I've been on for over 10 years.
> Is this something I can overlap with wellbutrin, when starting up?
> The idea of going 6 weeks with no chemical support is very scary to me, I've tried ineffective meds and been nonfunctional til I went back on wb.
>
> -sl
I'm attaching a link from below that talks about Wellbutrin and Cymbalta being combined. This should answer your question.
Posted by iris2 on October 9, 2004, at 21:03:05
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) » sl, posted by karaS on October 9, 2004, at 19:52:06
I was curious about the reasons your doctor wants you to change medicines. Do YOU think the Wellbutrin is not working as well as you would want to feel or think you should be feeling better than you are?
irene
Posted by karaS on October 9, 2004, at 21:10:42
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) » sl, posted by karaS on October 9, 2004, at 19:52:06
Irene,
sl was the original poster on this thread and is the one who is switching from Wellbutrin to Cymbalta.
I had the same question though. It sounded like he or she had been doing well on Wellbutrin - so why switch?
K
Posted by sl on October 10, 2004, at 21:35:14
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) » karaS, posted by iris2 on October 9, 2004, at 21:03:05
> I was curious about the reasons your doctor wants you to change medicines. Do YOU think the Wellbutrin is not working as well as you would want to feel or think you should be feeling better than you are?
I could feel better, more social, less irritable--but mostly I could have less side-effects. It'd sure be nice to have my brain back. :P
Basically from that post, it looks like I could take just a teensy amount of duloxetine, and then after a couple weeks eliminate the wellbutrin and up the duloxetine--seems like that'd shorten the ramp-up period. Does that sound right? Like I might have a shorter time to wait til it started working?
Thanks!
sl
Posted by happy lady on October 11, 2004, at 13:54:55
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » jessie77, posted by 4WD on September 2, 2004, at 18:44:09
Hi there,
I am posting for the first time but have been reading all of your response for a long time. I appreciate all the care all of you provide to one another.
I have been taking cymbalta for month. I started at 15 mgs then went to 30 mgs. I am experiencing overwhelming sleepiness around 10 or 11 in the morning. I take the cymbalta at night along with 40 mgs of paxil. I am also experiencing some nausea and slight headache. I am hoping that thse side effects will go away with time. Any thoughts? Best to all..
Posted by utopizen on October 11, 2004, at 15:11:26
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by SLS on September 21, 2004, at 7:39:17
> This is what I'm taking:
>
> Cymbalta 60mg
> Lamictal 150mg
> Namenda 20mg
> Abilify 10mg
>
> Because I am bipolar, it is possible that I need one or more of these other drugs for the Cymbalta to be effective.
>Scott, may I ask why you take Namenda? It is for ADD or do you suffer from Alzh.?
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