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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Donna Louise on December 3, 2004, at 17:18:36
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » Donna Louise, posted by Minnie-Haha on December 3, 2004, at 9:53:40
> > Hi all, I have to let you know that I am feeling really good on this drug, the best I have felt in a long time... I took 30 mg for one week and have been on 60mg for 3 1/2 weeks. Just this week have I known that this drug is going to work for me, for awhile anyway. Just wanted to pass on some hope, hang in there, it may work well for all of you too once you get used to the norepinephrine.
>
> So if I'm reading your post right, you've been on Cymbalta about a month? It's great that you're having such great results. Could you please put a note on your calendar to let us all know how you're doing 1 month from now, and again 1 month after that? I'm watching the posts for long-term efficacy.
>
> Thanks.
>I will do that, and I will actually remember to send a post in a month if the medicine is still working. If it has quit (which I doubt, when something works for me it takes a few years to poop out)I would not be able to remember to do it! And yes, it has been almost 5 weeks now, a month on 60mg.
Actually though, I am a little nervous, or rather starting to freak out because I am gaining weight. I don't know whether to blame it on the cymbalta or not. I must reduce calories and increase exercise for tne next month too and see where I am at. I will include that in the month from now post too. If I remember...
Posted by Minnie-Haha on December 3, 2004, at 17:31:43
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by Donna Louise on December 3, 2004, at 17:18:36
> ... I will remember to send a post in a month if the medicine is still working. If it has quit (which I doubt, when something works for me it takes a few years to poop out) I would not be able to remember to do it! And yes, it has been almost 5 weeks now, a month on 60mg.
I understand completely on the remembering problem. That's why I'm suggesting that you write a reminder on your calendar for 1 month from now and 1 month after that. (That's the only way I remember most things ;)
I am really anxious to hear feedback, whether it's good or not.
Thanks!
Posted by fires on December 3, 2004, at 21:49:55
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » Donna Louise, posted by Minnie-Haha on December 3, 2004, at 17:31:43
Saw a Neurologist today. He said I should switch from Effexor to Cymbalta. Effexor has never been as good as Parnate was.
Also, I told him that I thought I was going to become psychotic when on Effex. and Paxil was added. He said Serotonin is probably not for me.
Does anyone know if I can wean off Effexor while I titrate up on Cymbalta? I'm also taking 150 mg Wellbutrin XL.
Posted by Wildflower on December 4, 2004, at 16:08:48
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by fires on December 3, 2004, at 21:49:55
Just an update...
I'm on 120 mg of Cymbalta and I feel really good. 30 and 60 didn't do much for me at all.
Posted by Phillipa on December 4, 2004, at 17:06:48
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Results, posted by Wildflower on December 4, 2004, at 16:08:48
Really, that's great! I was up to 60mgs of Cymbalta, but didn't feel better-stopped dreaming at 60mgs. which I like to do. After reading product literature it said that over 60mgs was no better so I started going down on dose. I didn't know they were prescribing higher doses? Can you tell me if you had side effects when starting or now, and what were your symptoms when you started Cymbalta. Thanks, Phillipa
Posted by Hopeful79 on December 5, 2004, at 3:05:33
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by fires on December 3, 2004, at 21:49:55
Yes I'm sure you can wean off one while going on the other.
Posted by wildflower on December 6, 2004, at 13:12:48
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Results, posted by Phillipa on December 4, 2004, at 17:06:48
> After reading product literature it said that over 60mgs was no better so I started going down on dose.
I've heard that too and questioned my pdoc about it. Her coworker did some trials on higher doses and had favorable results. The lower doses just didn't work on me so we thought we'd give it a try. It may be like other drugs where the initial max dose was raised over time.
> Can you tell me if you had side effects when starting or now, and what were your symptoms when you started Cymbalta.
I had a slightly queasy stomach initially but it was nothing that was too bothersome. I also thought that I had urinary retention but I don't have it now. The only thing I notice now are slight occasional jerking of limbs when I lay down...similar to the ones that occur right before one falls asleep. Once again, not too bothersome. I also have a type of hot flash where I get expremly warm for a bit. Not sure if this is the cymbalta or not. I'm way too young to be having the menopausal hot flashes.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you need anything else.
Posted by fires on December 6, 2004, at 20:11:28
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by Hopeful79 on December 5, 2004, at 3:05:33
> Yes I'm sure you can wean off one while going on the other.
Thanks. Doc wants me to stop Effex. before starting Cymbalta (30 mg). Also, wants me to decrease my 75 mg dose to 37.5 for 5 days and then stop it (Effex). I've been at 75 mg, or more, for many months.
She said I should do OK. I think some here might disagree.
Posted by Hopeful79 on December 7, 2004, at 1:55:16
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » Hopeful79, posted by fires on December 6, 2004, at 20:11:28
> > Yes I'm sure you can wean off one while going on the other.
>
> Thanks. Doc wants me to stop Effex. before starting Cymbalta (30 mg). Also, wants me to decrease my 75 mg dose to 37.5 for 5 days and then stop it (Effex). I've been at 75 mg, or more, for many months.
>
> She said I should do OK. I think some here might disagree.
>
>
Your welcome and I'm sure you will do just fine, let me know how it goes. That's an abrupt wean though five days but you'll be starting the Cymbalta so you're body will respond.
Posted by fires on December 7, 2004, at 12:45:38
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by Hopeful79 on December 7, 2004, at 1:55:16
I'm having a home sleep test Thursday, so I don't want to start decreasing Effexor until Friday.
I hope things go well. I'm thinking that the 150 mg of Wellbutrin might be enough, but I don't want to take the risk (of another MDD episode) -- will start Cymbalta as planned.
Thanks
Posted by Hopeful79 on December 7, 2004, at 18:16:37
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » Hopeful79, posted by fires on December 7, 2004, at 12:45:38
Yea thats good to know. Be careful with the Wellbutrin, everyones different. But I did not do well with it. If has no affinity for serotonin ad sometimes can worsen anxiety is some. Those who have OCD like symptoms usually don't take well to Wellbutrin. Hope it goes well for and I would encourage you to stay with that plan. Take care.
Posted by fires on December 7, 2004, at 20:14:28
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by Hopeful79 on December 7, 2004, at 18:16:37
Seems I don't do well with only, or too much serotonin. Lexapro, Paxil, and Zoloft all bad.
Thanks
Posted by Hopeful79 on December 7, 2004, at 21:01:08
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » Hopeful79, posted by fires on December 7, 2004, at 20:14:28
I understand I am taking Luvox and Cymbalta together. I usually need a combo of two antidepressants and I do better than I would on either drug alone.
Your welcome,
Matt Mucci
Posted by kilbylake on December 8, 2004, at 13:07:35
In reply to Re: just starting cymbalta, posted by 3librasgirl on November 9, 2004, at 18:53:03
My daughter has just started Cymbalta, she is a junior in college, and has struggled with depression for 4 yrs now. I have to tell you I am scared to death of side effects after reading about this med, mostly of the increased suicide claims. Any thoughts on this or support would be greatly appreciated. Please help!
Posted by fires on December 8, 2004, at 20:17:54
In reply to Re: just starting cymbalta, posted by kilbylake on December 8, 2004, at 13:07:35
> My daughter has just started Cymbalta, she is a junior in college, and has struggled with depression for 4 yrs now. I have to tell you I am scared to death of side effects after reading about this med, mostly of the increased suicide claims. Any thoughts on this or support would be greatly appreciated. Please help!
Some of the side effects listed, if experienced could go away with time. Most people will only experience a few of the more common side effects. I've seen where test subjects on placebos have experienced more side effects than those on the med..
About increased suicide: Depressed people are already at an increased risk for suicide. If energy increases before mood improves, one is said to be at greater risk. I've taken many different antidepressants since 1976, and none have made me suicidal. Two, maybe three, kept me from becoming suicidal.
Also, good Drs. generally know "little" things that can make side effects more tolerable.
Good Luck
Posted by remar on December 10, 2004, at 18:04:48
In reply to Re: just starting cymbalta » kilbylake, posted by fires on December 8, 2004, at 20:17:54
hi, this is remar, i would suggest that if your daughter feels worse on cymbalta and has suicidal thoughts to call her dr. right away. i know from experience that some antidepressants make you feel more depressed. but everyone is different. i would suggest this with any antidepressant she was on. i've been on cymbalta for three weeks now with not much change. my anxiety is still high. good luck to your daughter and take care. remar
Posted by mogger on December 30, 2004, at 16:15:23
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » happy lady, posted by hope4best on November 1, 2004, at 19:42:17
Hi everyone,
Has anyone had luck with Cymbalta after not having any luck on Effexor? I am worried as my sister was on Effexor and it aggravated things but from what I am reading they are similar so I am thinking that the outcome will probably be the same. Just had to go off MAOI's as she had a hypertensive reaction. It sucks because she was actually helped by them. We are running out of hope as she has been on just about every AD and had ECT with only partial benefits.
Posted by paltiel on December 30, 2004, at 20:00:08
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by Phillipa on December 3, 2004, at 16:34:29
> I too am on Cymbalta, but have not noticed any improvement. Was on 30mgs for 2 wks, then went up to 60mgs for 3 wks and had to cut back to 30mgs. I wass dreaming on 30mgs and not on 60mgs, and felt dead, but my pulse was always high and I had more anxiety. I also take l.5mgs daily of Klonopin and chloral hydrate to sleep. I seem to do better on a low dose and have been taking some of the spanules out of the pills to further reduce the dose to see how that works. It would be interesting to lower the Klonopin and see how my anxiety is, and if the dead feeling goes away.
*Let me put my 2 cents in. I went from Effexor 120 to Cymbalta. When the Cymbalta wasn't kicking in I eventually went up to 120mgs a day, but over the last month I've gone back to 30 mgs a day. I don't know if I should have waited for the Cymbalta to kick in, or if the Effexor had a withdrawal effect. Anyway, the Cymbalta is good at 30 mgs, and I speak up in public like never before. Helps a lot at work. Weird.
Posted by StevenInLB on January 1, 2005, at 18:43:45
In reply to Luck with Cymbalta, no luck with Effexor?, posted by mogger on December 30, 2004, at 16:15:23
I am currently on Cymbalta 30mg, starting about 3 weeks ago and I tried Effexor up to 75mg about 2 years ago. I would say that the Cymbalta side effect profile is much less severe than with Effexor. I noticed some inital dizzyness, headache and increased sweating, thats about it. Yes they are both SNRI's but they are different drugs, and like all of us know we all react differently. I've noticed some mood improvement and in general Cymbalta feels to be one of the cleanest antidepressants I've taken.
> Hi everyone,
> Has anyone had luck with Cymbalta after not having any luck on Effexor? I am worried as my sister was on Effexor and it aggravated things but from what I am reading they are similar so I am thinking that the outcome will probably be the same. Just had to go off MAOI's as she had a hypertensive reaction. It sucks because she was actually helped by them. We are running out of hope as she has been on just about every AD and had ECT with only partial benefits.
Posted by Donna Louise on January 3, 2005, at 22:08:48
In reply to Luck with Cymbalta, no luck with Effexor?, posted by mogger on December 30, 2004, at 16:15:23
> Hi everyone,
> Has anyone had luck with Cymbalta after not having any luck on Effexor? I am worried as my sister was on Effexor and it aggravated things but from what I am reading they are similar so I am thinking that the outcome will probably be the same. Just had to go off MAOI's as she had a hypertensive reaction. It sucks because she was actually helped by them. We are running out of hope as she has been on just about every AD and had ECT with only partial benefits.
I agree with the others. I have taken both and find they are very different. Cymbalta really is working for me. With effexor I retained some depression and got extra jumpy in addition. Not so with Cymbalta.
I was to report to someone (sorry can't remember who, but I did remember to report, that is great improvement!) how I was doing after another month had passed. I think I am in my 10th week with this drug and still doing well.Donna
Posted by mogger on January 3, 2005, at 23:38:09
In reply to Re: Luck with Cymbalta, no luck with Effexor?, posted by Donna Louise on January 3, 2005, at 22:08:48
Thanks Donna for sharing your experience! That gives me hope.
Posted by mogger on January 3, 2005, at 23:39:31
In reply to Re: Luck with Cymbalta, no luck with Effexor?, posted by StevenInLB on January 1, 2005, at 18:43:45
Great to hear that Steven, i am glad to hear that it is working for you. Effexor was a disaster for my sister.
Posted by Wildflower on January 4, 2005, at 10:09:27
In reply to Luck with Cymbalta, no luck with Effexor?, posted by mogger on December 30, 2004, at 16:15:23
I was on effexor a few years ago with no results other than fits of anger. Cymbalta seems to be working much, much better for me.
Posted by mogger on January 4, 2005, at 16:23:13
In reply to Re: Luck with Cymbalta, no luck with Effexor?, posted by Wildflower on January 4, 2005, at 10:09:27
Wildflower,
Great to hear that you are doing better on the Cymbalta. Hope it continues to work for you. My sister is starting it on Saturday as she has had to wait 2 weeks whilst coming off Parnate. Hope you are well, thanks for replying.
Posted by Minnie-Haha on January 4, 2005, at 18:47:53
In reply to Re: Luck with Cymbalta, no luck with Effexor?, posted by Donna Louise on January 3, 2005, at 22:08:48
> ... Cymbalta really is working for me. With effexor I retained some depression and got extra jumpy in addition. Not so with Cymbalta.
>
> I was to report to someone (sorry can't remember who, but I did remember to report, that is great improvement!) how I was doing after another month had passed. I think I am in my 10th week with this drug and still doing well.
>
> DonnaHi, Donna. It was me who asked you to report back in a month. Thanks.
I am glad to hear Cymbalta is still working for you! I started it myself a little over three weeks ago: first week at 30mg, since then 60mg. So far, so good. I haven't noticed a huge boost in my mood, but I haven't felt like crying and I do feel a little better -- just maybe a little flat?
Most of my side effects have decreased or at least remained liveable so far: a little constipation, fidgeting, sweating, thirst, the occasional headache. One SE, though, is causing me some worry and may neccesitate cutting back or quitting if it persists or can't be addressed with minimum hassle: insomnia.
BEFORE I started Cymbalta, I had NO trouble falling asleep but was regularly waking in the middle of the might and having a hard time getting back to sleep. (The meds I was on at the time were Trileptal and Ativan.) NOW, I am having trouble falling asleep, too. However, I told my pdoc that I was getting sleepy sometimes in the early afternoon (about five hours after taking my dose, in the a.m.), so we have changed my schedule to late afternoon, to see if maybe I get sleepy at bedtime. I just started that today, so we'll have to see what happens. (I also now have an RX for Clonazepam instead of Ativan to take at bedtime if I wish, but I really don't like taking benzos regularly so I hope that won't be necessary.)
In your December post you said you have "major depression and GAD with all the obsessional thinking that goes with it." For comparison, my DXs are Bipolar II and mild OCD. (I'm not sure about these; I think I may actually have mixed depression and anxiety instead of BP disorder, but that's a long story.)
That's as much as I can share for now. I want to give this trial another three weeks (that will be six total) before I give it a stronger endorsement.
FWIW: I have chronic neck and shoulder pain from some old injuries and I noticed a significant reduction in discomfort when I went from the 30mg Cymbalta to 60mg.
Minnie
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