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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Hopeful79 on October 29, 2004, at 15:58:46
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Day 13 - Anyone else on Week 2/3?, posted by shiz on October 28, 2004, at 17:43:51
Oct 29
Yes I am shiz, I'm very sensitive. When I started Cymbalta on the 25th I was already on Luvox 100mg 3X a day which wasn't working very well anymore. Well when I took Cymbalta, I felt so much better that I on my own decreased my Luvox to 100mg once a day. That lasted two days,now I feel crappy again. So yesterday which was the 28th I upped my Luvox to 200mg day. Today I'll go back up to my full dose, I'm hoping that I'll feel better in the next couple of days. So I concern myself with all of it(side effects, effectiveness, and interactions with other meds.) I know where you're at. I can only tell you my experience and offer encouragement but I can't tell you what to do. Is anyone else out there currently on Luvox or other SSRI and starting Cymbalta?
Posted by shiz on October 30, 2004, at 16:26:01
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » jboud24, posted by earthgirl on October 16, 2004, at 11:39:09
how is your cymbalta still working for you
Posted by remar on October 30, 2004, at 17:37:45
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by shiz on October 30, 2004, at 16:26:01
this is remar, i was on cymbalta for only three days at 60mg and i could not take the side effects so i quit. i've been on alot of the antidepressants too and none of them have continued to work for me. i'm trying the natural way now with 5-htp, gaba, a high protein diet all through the day and of course vitamins and i've been feeling pretty good. there's a book called The Mood Cure that's great for people like us.it explains why your low on neurotranmiters and how you can fix it without medication. i'm going to give it my best shot because i'm so tired of the meds.
Posted by Hopeful79 on October 30, 2004, at 22:52:46
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by remar on October 30, 2004, at 17:37:45
Hey Remar, I don't blame you for wanting to go the natural way. It would be best to do it under the supervision of a naturopathic doctor, but you can do it on your own too. I've heard of the mood cure and I have a copy of it. I too am going natural thru a nutritionist and I'm on some good supplements, but she couldn't give me anything specifically for depression because I'm on an antidepressant but I read that you can add those natural things while cutting back your meds slowly, I'll have to talk to her more about that. Hope it works out. Now I know everyone is different but I'll just throw this out there. I tried 5-HTP on my own with my Luvox and become more agitated so I stopped it. I tried SAM-E by itself and that didn't seem to work. My nutrionist said you have to try to get a good quality product. GABA is one I've never tried, I'd like to though, it's calming in a 100mg dose I believe. Anyway I'm going on. Take care and hope it works for you.
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 31, 2004, at 9:55:03
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by remar on October 30, 2004, at 17:37:45
> there's a book called The Mood Cure that's great for people like us...
I'd just like to plug the double double quotes feature at this site:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#amazon
The first time anyone refers to a book, movie, or music without using this option, I post this to try to make sure he or she at least knows about it. It's just an option, though, and doesn't *have* to be used. If people *choose* not to use it, I'd be interested why not, but I'd like that redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020918/msgs/7717.html
Thanks!
Bob
Posted by remar on October 31, 2004, at 20:36:08
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » remar, posted by Hopeful79 on October 30, 2004, at 22:52:46
thank you hopeful, i'm glad to hear that your trying some of the natural things too. i'm not saying that i won't have to be on an antidepressant again at some point, maybe in the near future, but i really want to give this a chance because i've been taking meds for 20 years and i'm tired of it. your right about the 5-htp, it was making me a little nervous. let me know how things are going for you. remar
Posted by invisiblemanpa on November 1, 2004, at 6:37:31
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by remar on October 31, 2004, at 20:36:08
Just a quick note to all out there following any posts on Cymbalta. I am on day 21 of Cymbalta after weaning of the dreaded Effexor, which for me was not a real problem except for sleep issues. I have had zero side effects from the Cymbalta and I do think that I am starting to feel
less depression symptons and some less anxiety, even before I take Klonopin. In my case, as in many others, I know there is no magic pill. I had numerous life crisis come crashing down at once which, I believe (and have be told) led to my depression and greatly increased my socail / GA anxiety that I have had most of my adult life. So anyway...I can't say, all my worries are gone and I am as happy as a clam (whatever that means). I think it is hard to judge the actual full effectiveness of AD when you are still struggling with many major serious life issues. I do know that when they don't work, they can make things much worse as did Effexor XR........so without rambling much more, I have had zero side effects and am able to look ahead a bit better and start to tackle the issues that I face. I am also sleeping much better. Sleep deprivation makes any situation seem much worse and much harder to deal with. I also have stopped taking Remeron which was added to supposedly help the Effexor work, maybe I can drop a few pounds now... So...at least I can say that this has been the easiest AD for me to start and I hope the benefits increase as the days go by.....Best of Luck!
e
Posted by hope4best on November 1, 2004, at 6:44:33
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3, posted by invisiblemanpa on November 1, 2004, at 6:37:31
E,
So glad to hear that Cymbalta is going good for you so far. It's been about a month for me and I feel really good. Been very productive, my house is cleaner than ever and that's something I NEVER like to do. However, now I'm doing it cheerfully and planning to even clean out my basement--a huge task. I am entering my 4th week at 60 mg after starting at 30 for a little over a week. Sleeping problems have subsided completely, and I am able to sleep fine now after some initial insomnia. Overall I feel really good, and I wish you and everyone the best of luck.
Posted by banga on November 1, 2004, at 7:13:29
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3 » invisiblemanpa, posted by hope4best on November 1, 2004, at 6:44:33
Hi!
Glad to see people are getting some relief! So great for you! It reminds me to be patient..I've been on so many different meds, I'm only on day 6 of Cymbalta at 40mg, and find myself already assuming it won't work. I think it's because some people commented that the anxiolytic effects can be immediate, and they certainly haven''t been for me.
For people with anxiety, has it helped, and when did it start helping?
Posted by invisiblemanpa on November 1, 2004, at 7:38:51
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3, posted by banga on November 1, 2004, at 7:13:29
From past experiance, I would say day 6 is quite early to expect relief. For any of the AD that are also used for anxiety, it seems that it can take anywhere from 1 week to 8 plus. I have my doubts that any of the AD with supposed crossover benefits would completly control someones anxiety with severe socail or GA. I know so far in this on going struggle, as I have posted in the past, the only meds that truly have a dramatic benefit for anxiety are benzos........
e
Posted by banga on November 1, 2004, at 8:40:56
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3, posted by invisiblemanpa on November 1, 2004, at 7:38:51
Yes, I know it is way early in the game for AD effects, it's just some people posted about immediate anxiety relief from Cymbalta so that was a secret wishful thinking that it would be the case for me. I am very wary of benzos, as is my doctor due to my past alcohol abuse. That's why I'm targeting meds that tout crossover benefits to anxiety. I truly do feel more up today... and maybe then also less anxious? 'We'll see...how do you feel in terms of physical energy?
Posted by invisiblemanpa on November 1, 2004, at 9:27:56
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3-invisiblemanpa, posted by banga on November 1, 2004, at 8:40:56
My energy levels have increased for the most part, sleeping thru most of the night is a big help. It is getting to be less of a struggle to get myself to exercise in the early morning. As the day drags on, my energy levels really drop as does my ambition and motivation. Hopefuly in time that will also pass. I have spent to many days on end wanting to sleep my life away. Sleep can be a lot easier to deal with than the realities of life. But then we weren't put here to sleep our lives away. I to abused alcohol before starting on medication. The drs said I was trying to self medicate. Maybe that is true. I know that I was trying to escape reality. Benzos for me take the edge off the unexplainable mysteries of anxiety. I switched from ambien, which was pooping out for me, I am now on Klonopin. It doesn't effect me the same as ambien or Xanax. A lot less noticable, but very helpful. That's all been explained in others posts in the past..........you know actually I think they should legalize marijuana for depression and anxiety......but that's another story!
Posted by banga on November 1, 2004, at 12:42:28
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3-invisiblemanpa » banga, posted by invisiblemanpa on November 1, 2004, at 9:27:56
Thanks for the response! I'm glad you have more energy. Sounds a lot like me--just at times wanting to sleep life away, self-medicating with alcohol...I do truly feel more up to things today than last week, which I did in fact sleep away for much of the time. Just fearful of the whole world. Currently I'm on Cymbalta, Geodon (which also helped with anxiety a bit), and amantadine (slight energy boost, but not enough)...and still weaning off Lexapro. Wish you the best of luck.
Posted by happy lady on November 1, 2004, at 14:56:35
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3-invisiblemanpa, posted by banga on November 1, 2004, at 12:42:28
Hi there,
Has anyone experienced nausea or gastro effects from cymbalta? I have been on 30 mgs of cymbalta for 38 days. I also take 40 mgs of paxil. any comments are appreciated. thanks,
Happy lady
Posted by hope4best on November 1, 2004, at 19:42:17
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3-invisiblemanpa, posted by happy lady on November 1, 2004, at 14:56:35
Hi, 38 days seems to be a long time to be at 30 mg of Cymbalta. The recommended dosage is 60 mg. Any reason why you haven't upped your dosage? I haven't personally experienced nausea, although I do believe constipation is a common side effect. Do you take the Cymbalta on an empty stomach? Perhaps taking it with food (crackers, toast, milk?) would help. Good luck.
Posted by hope4best on November 1, 2004, at 19:45:34
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3-invisiblemanpa, posted by banga on November 1, 2004, at 8:40:56
Hi, I think 6 days is really too soon to tell. I'm considered "hard to treat" medication-wise, and in my experience with many different ADs, it can sometimes take me over a month to feel the full effects of some meds. Good luck.
Posted by Hopeful79 on November 1, 2004, at 22:20:37
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3 » invisiblemanpa, posted by hope4best on November 1, 2004, at 6:44:33
Hey Hope4Best,
I'm really glad to hear that your're doing real well on Cymbalta after 1 month. That's great. I've been on Cynbalta 30mg for 1 week now and I know it's helping. I am aloud to start 60mg today but I'm going to hold off for, I don't want to up the dosage unless I have too. Thanks for your post it gave me a sense of hope.
Posted by Hopeful79 on November 1, 2004, at 22:27:12
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3, posted by banga on November 1, 2004, at 7:13:29
Hey Banga,
It's helping me but I'm also on Luvox300mg a day. If I just stopped Luvox abruptly I would feel like crap thinking that the Cymbalta isn't working. On the other hand I needed Cymbalta because Luvox alone doesn't provide enough relief. In fact it seemed like it wasn't working at all. In my experience if you have alot of anxiety or depression sometimes you need a second antidepressant to get the brain going again. Prior to the add on of Cymbalta, I felt like a zombie, it was exhausting.
Posted by Hopeful79 on November 1, 2004, at 22:35:39
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3, posted by invisiblemanpa on November 1, 2004, at 7:38:51
Invisible,
You're basically right but not everyone can take benzos they can worsen depression at least in me anyway. There have been tons of days that I would've gladly taken a benzo to relieve my anxiety but they actually create more agitation and depression in me. Sometimes a person needs a benzo with their antidepressant. Serious anxiety can be hard to control and if its really bad you should hve your thyroid checked because it can make you feel similar symptoms. I also suffer from headaches including migraines and take Esgic which has tylenol,caffeine,and butabital which is a barbituate and helps my anxiety.
Posted by Hopeful79 on November 1, 2004, at 22:46:10
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3-invisiblemanpa, posted by happy lady on November 1, 2004, at 14:56:35
Happy Lady,
Hi yea I've experienced nausea, but not necessarily from Cymbalta but because of GI problems. Try crystallized ginger, you can get it from the health food store or a grocery store. Chew slowly,it's a bit tangy so you may want to drink some water with it. Also chamomile tea is soothing to the stomach, anise, caraway,cardamom, and cinnamon. You can make a tea out of these. Hope that helps.
Posted by sunshine211 on November 1, 2004, at 23:50:02
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3-invisiblemanpa » happy lady, posted by Hopeful79 on November 1, 2004, at 22:46:10
Hey to everyone taking Cymbalta. An update that is long over due. I have been taking it now for about 1.5 months at 60mg a day. Things seem really good. I am sleeping A LOT better, no depression, I have emotions that are normal (no flat line or ups and downs). With that I do have to say that my anger is up a little bit, but I have always had a little attitude, nothing I can't control. I take a half of a .05mg of Klonopin everyday to keep the anxiety at bay.
Side effects-bad-constipation. (laugh) I am serious! Eat more fiber i guessSide effects-good-I am not as numb below the waist if you know what I mean.
Posted by Hopeful79 on November 2, 2004, at 1:23:43
In reply to Re: Cymbalta-it's working, posted by sunshine211 on November 1, 2004, at 23:50:02
That's great to hear sunshine please keep us posted on your progress and am sure we'll do the same. As far as constipation you could try some magnesium citrate by mouth, that may help. Ok well Im sure it'll be ok. Your post has also given me a ray of hope for my progress with Cymbalta. Take care.
Posted by DaveJ on November 4, 2004, at 12:30:10
In reply to Re: Cymbalta-it's working » sunshine211, posted by Hopeful79 on November 2, 2004, at 1:23:43
Hello,
I have been on a number of SSRI's and just switched to Cymbalta from Zoloft. My first week on 30mg was great. Yesterday I started 60mg per day and I am not feeling as good. Today and yesterday I have had a real heavy feeling in my head and very tired. Has anyone else felt this way when uping the dosage of Cymbalta? I have also felt some of the flu like symptoms mentioned in another post. Other than these last 2 days I have felt a definite improvement over the Zoloft. I am also wondering if the way I feel has to do with the Zoloft finally getting all the way out of my system as my doctor recommended stopping the Zoloft (50mg day) cold turkey when I made the switch to the Cymbalta. I am taking it for Panic Attacks and it seemed to help but the wierd feeling in my head the last 2 days has triggered some of the panic feelings. Any ideas?
Thanks and best wishes to all struggling with Anxiety and Depression - it really is no fun.
Dave
Posted by invisiblemanpa on November 4, 2004, at 14:55:40
In reply to Re: Cymbalta-it's working, posted by DaveJ on November 4, 2004, at 12:30:10
Being on my third week and up to 60 mg, I think I am feeling a bit less depressed, a little more motivated and not quite as tired. As for the anxiety I am not sure yet, I don't think I will be able to make a fair assessment of that until I starting backing off of the Klonopin, which has been a life saver. The first and second week I was very tired especially in the afternoon..napping...and the second week I most definately felt flu like symptons but that has past and they were not very bad......so far I would say a pretty easy start compared to some past attempts........and yes good luck and prayers to all.
e
Posted by Hopeful79 on November 4, 2004, at 20:44:37
In reply to Re: Cymbalta-it's working, posted by DaveJ on November 4, 2004, at 12:30:10
Nov 4,2004
Hey Dave J
What's up,I know what you're experiencing. I haven't increased to 60mg Cymbalta yet. I'm now 10 days on 30mg and I'm still adjusting I felt great at first but feel strange on and off as well. Truly I think you're still adjusting but maybe the 60mg is too much for you and you may need to drop back down to 30mg. Also your body may indeed be responding to the fact that the Zoloft is no longer aboard. Definitely inform your dr. of this. I'm also on Luvox so again I'm still adjusting. That's my suggestion. If after a couple of days of 30mg your still symtomatic you may need a little Zoloft added back so your nerves aren't as much in shock. Another thing I deal with is dry mouth. Let me know how you do.
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