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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by sb417 on August 21, 2004, at 1:10:22
In reply to Cymbalta - why it's hard to know, posted by steve12 on August 20, 2004, at 20:39:38
but it just might help some people, so let's read the threads on this new medicine over the next few months and see how it goes. Hope springs eternal. . .
Posted by theo on August 21, 2004, at 7:36:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta at Walgreens Pharmacies, posted by SLS on August 20, 2004, at 6:59:13
I woke up this morning expecting this thread to be lit up since you posted taking your first dose of Cymbalta. Was your first dose good, bad? I'm currently taking only Lamictal at 150mg. I see my pdoc this Thursday and I want to add an antidepressant. Since Cymbalta's new and suppose to be a true dual I was thinking about asking for it, but want some feedback because I have heavy anxiety and if this med has radical initial side effects I may not want to. Post when you get a chance. I called my local Walgreens and they said they have the 30mg and 60mg of Cymbalta in stock.
Posted by SLS on August 21, 2004, at 7:55:16
In reply to YOU TOOK FIRST DOSE OF CYMBALTA AND NO FOLLOW UP?? » SLS, posted by theo on August 21, 2004, at 7:36:53
> I woke up this morning expecting this thread to be lit up since you posted taking your first dose of Cymbalta. Was your first dose good, bad? I'm currently taking only Lamictal at 150mg. I see my pdoc this Thursday and I want to add an antidepressant. Since Cymbalta's new and suppose to be a true dual I was thinking about asking for it, but want some feedback because I have heavy anxiety and if this med has radical initial side effects I may not want to. Post when you get a chance. I called my local Walgreens and they said they have the 30mg and 60mg of Cymbalta in stock.
I really didn't know what to write about.
How's this for a start:8/20/2004
First dose - 30mg
No side effects.
I felt a small "blip" improvement that lasted for a few hours beginning an hour after dosing.
I was reluctant to post this because the interpretation of this observation is confounded by the fact that I have just finished weaning from high-dosage imipramine. I almost always experience a positive rebound improvement from discontinuing TCAs. It would be difficult to conclude what to attribute this post-dose experience to.
8/21/2004
Second dose - 30mg
I did not experience the same sort of positive response that I did yesterday. However, it is not uncommon for someone to experience a brief improvement during the first 3 days of beginning a new antidepressant, only to watch it disappear and re-emerge several weeks later. This is a good sign in most cases.
- Scott
Posted by theo on August 21, 2004, at 8:04:24
In reply to Re: YOU TOOK FIRST DOSE OF CYMBALTA AND NO FOLLOW UP??, posted by SLS on August 21, 2004, at 7:55:16
So, no high anxiety, "can't go out in public because I feel strange" initial side effects? Can you compare the first couple of days to starting any other new generation antidepressants?
Also, are you taking 30mg once daily? I noticed in the Cymbalta prescribing info they say lower doses take twice daily, then if you take 60mg you can take it once daily. What is your target dose?
Posted by SLS on August 21, 2004, at 8:19:41
In reply to Re: YOU TOOK FIRST DOSE OF CYMBALTA AND NO FOLLOW UP?? » SLS, posted by theo on August 21, 2004, at 8:04:24
> So, no high anxiety, "can't go out in public because I feel strange" initial side effects? Can you compare the first couple of days to starting any other new generation antidepressants?
>
> Also, are you taking 30mg once daily? I noticed in the Cymbalta prescribing info they say lower doses take twice daily, then if you take 60mg you can take it once daily. What is your target dose?
I am so tempted to start taking 60mg (30mg b.i.d.). However, my doctor asked that I remain at 30mg for the first week before increasing to 60mg. Prudent, I guess.At such a small dosage, I don't think it makes sense to report a lack of side effects, but...
No anxiety. No insomnia. No sedation. No anorgasmia. No apathy. No reduced libido. No carbohydrate cravings. No dry mouth. No visions of flying pigs. No kidding.
- Scott
Posted by theo on August 21, 2004, at 8:44:39
In reply to Re: YOU TOOK FIRST DOSE OF CYMBALTA AND NO FOLLOW UP?? » theo, posted by SLS on August 21, 2004, at 8:19:41
That's encouraging. I never had any problems starting any med except Zoloft and Lexapro. They caused me anxiety even after 9 weeks. Prozac and Paxil were never a problem.
Posted by sooshi on August 21, 2004, at 9:21:25
In reply to Sooshi! How are you doing?, posted by sb417 on August 21, 2004, at 1:06:12
Hi sb,
I gave a follow-up to my surgery on my "Anesthesia..." post, but it got bumped into the archives! I did really well, and have had no depression following surgery! However, as of the past 4 days or so, I've been experiencing what feels like Effexor withdrawals, even though I'm NOT withdrawing...you know, "brain whooshes, zaps", etc. Maybe my metabolism is all sped up post-surgery and this is affecting the way I'm processing my meds?? I don't know. I will probably do a post about it, see if I can get any input from others.
Thanks for thinking of me!
Sooshi
Posted by chemist on August 21, 2004, at 10:51:16
In reply to Re: Sooshi! How are you doing? » sb417, posted by sooshi on August 21, 2004, at 9:21:25
hello sooshi, chemist here....i thank sb417 for resurrecting your post, as i was on vacation (blocked) during your in and out of the hospital.....heartened to hear that things went well, and perhaps the recent discomfort will pass: maybe related to the rain, who knows, hopefully fleeting in nature and harmless.....again, best wishes for a speedy and healthy recovery, chemist
> Hi sb,
>
> I gave a follow-up to my surgery on my "Anesthesia..." post, but it got bumped into the archives! I did really well, and have had no depression following surgery! However, as of the past 4 days or so, I've been experiencing what feels like Effexor withdrawals, even though I'm NOT withdrawing...you know, "brain whooshes, zaps", etc. Maybe my metabolism is all sped up post-surgery and this is affecting the way I'm processing my meds?? I don't know. I will probably do a post about it, see if I can get any input from others.
>
> Thanks for thinking of me!
> Sooshi
Posted by sooshi on August 21, 2004, at 15:00:33
In reply to Re: Sooshi! How are you doing? » sooshi, posted by chemist on August 21, 2004, at 10:51:16
Hi Chemist,
You? Blocked? I can't imagine why?! Sorry I wasn't around to defend you! I'm actually feeling a few less "whooshes" and "zaps" today, so maybe it is just the rain (or the lack of it - we needed it badly!). Thanks for your concern!
Sooshi
Posted by chemist on August 21, 2004, at 15:04:09
In reply to Re: Sooshi! How are you doing? » chemist, posted by sooshi on August 21, 2004, at 15:00:33
> Hi Chemist,
>
> You? Blocked? I can't imagine why?! Sorry I wasn't around to defend you! I'm actually feeling a few less "whooshes" and "zaps" today, so maybe it is just the rain (or the lack of it - we needed it badly!). Thanks for your concern!
>
> Sooshihi sooshi, yes, blocked (again)....glad you are feeling better....be well, chemist
Posted by mxrider on August 22, 2004, at 18:22:07
In reply to Re: I wouldn't mind a post every day from you, Scott., posted by SLS on August 20, 2004, at 12:06:34
Hello...you are on the wonder drug we all have been waiting for...what the f*&k???? How about a status report???? Check in please...
Posted by SLS on August 23, 2004, at 2:06:25
In reply to Re: I wouldn't mind a post every day from you, Scott., posted by mxrider on August 22, 2004, at 18:22:07
> Hello...you are on the wonder drug we all have been waiting for...what the f*&k???? How about a status report???? Check in please...
Please see:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040821/msgs/380308.html
Thanks.
- Scott
Posted by struggles on August 23, 2004, at 16:20:45
In reply to Re: YOU TOOK FIRST DOSE OF CYMBALTA AND NO FOLLOW UP?? » SLS, posted by theo on August 21, 2004, at 8:44:39
Hi. I hope I am not intruding. I was doing some research and found you guys. I thought I would join in, since I too have tried many different meds in search of relief. The latest and greatest seems to be Cymbalta. I hope so!
Anyway, hi from Struggles. I look forward to comparing notes with anyone else taking this, and providing anyone interested with feedback.
Cheers.
Posted by sac on August 23, 2004, at 21:11:29
In reply to Hi - Just joined and just took my first dose..., posted by struggles on August 23, 2004, at 16:20:45
Anyone know how much it costs?? I have no insurance so this would be a major issue for me. Very interested in trying it but cost is a factor. Thanks.
Posted by caraher on August 24, 2004, at 8:43:44
In reply to Cymbalta, posted by sac on August 23, 2004, at 21:11:29
A newspaper story a few weeks ago said it was supposed to wholesale for $2.85 per 60 mg
Posted by vikala on August 24, 2004, at 11:34:02
In reply to Cymbalta at Walgreens Pharmacies, posted by Mr. Scott on August 17, 2004, at 20:55:31
I called my Walgreens here in IL last night.. they have Cymbalta too. Put the call in to my psychiatrist requesting a prescription. I have *maybe* 5 other meds left to try before I run out of options. I have hope this will work. Effexor helped me before.. hoping Cymbalta does the same. Luckily I was only on Effexor XR 300mg a day for 9 months - I weaned off slowly and hardly felt a thing. Stopping Zoloft was nearly a disabling experience for me.
I'm not expecting magic, just some relief.
Best wishes to you all,Vikala
Posted by owensmar on August 24, 2004, at 12:37:50
In reply to Re: Cymbalta at Walgreens Pharmacies » Nohope, posted by SLS on August 19, 2004, at 6:11:29
Me too, Scott, me too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by SLS on August 24, 2004, at 13:46:34
In reply to Re: Cymbalta at Walgreens Pharmacies » SLS, posted by owensmar on August 24, 2004, at 12:37:50
> Me too, Scott, me too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a good feeling about this drug. I like what I felt after my first dose - a sort of "blip" improvement that lasted for a portion of the day. I think that demonstrates its potency at important pharmacological sites. Even if it doesn't represent an answer for me, I think it will for many others.
By the way, at the low dosage of 30mg, somnolence is beginning to emerge as a side effect. One other person has reported this. I expect that it will be a startup side effect that will eventually pass. I'll try to keep up with the log I'm keeping as "Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report"
- Scott
Posted by theo on August 24, 2004, at 17:02:44
In reply to Re: Cymbalta at Walgreens Pharmacies, posted by SLS on August 24, 2004, at 13:46:34
My doc left some samples at the front desk so I couldn't ask any questions, but he gave me Cymbalta samples and they are 60mg pills.
When you go to 60mg are you going to take it b.i.d. or once daily? What did your doc suggest?
I'm kinda of freaked out to try 60mg first dose, but those are the only samples I got.
Posted by SLS on August 24, 2004, at 17:27:11
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Samples-Question » SLS, posted by theo on August 24, 2004, at 17:02:44
> My doc left some samples at the front desk so I couldn't ask any questions, but he gave me Cymbalta samples and they are 60mg pills.
>
> When you go to 60mg are you going to take it b.i.d. or once daily? What did your doc suggest?
>
> I'm kinda of freaked out to try 60mg first dose, but those are the only samples I got.
When I go up to 60mg tomorrow, I'll go 30mg b.i.d. just on principle. I think my doctor started me low because there was still some tricyclic in my system.Your doctor is doing exactly what the manufacturer says to do. Except for some added sleepiness, I feel no effects at all. Lexapro gave me anxiety and made me feel uncomfortable and fatigued. There isn't a hint of anxiety or fatigue so far.
You'll be fine.
- Scott
Posted by theo on August 24, 2004, at 18:23:14
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Samples-Question, posted by SLS on August 24, 2004, at 17:27:11
I was reading the insert in my samples and it says: Take a total dose of 40 mg/day (given as 20mg BID) to 60 mg/day (given either once a day or 30 mg BID).
A little confusing on what the Lilly thinks the dose range should be and if the half life is long enough for once a day dosing.
Also, are they assuming at 60mg means it's a high enough dose to extend the half life and take it once a day? At 40mg/day it says MUST be taken BID but at 60mg you can take it once daily, I'm so confused.
Posted by owensmar on August 24, 2004, at 19:59:15
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Samples-Question, posted by SLS on August 24, 2004, at 17:27:11
Scott, what dosage formulations does it come in? 20mg? 40mg & 60mg?
From what I've read, it's enteric coated so you aren't supposed to break tablets in half. It's designed to be absorbed after leaving the acidic environment of the stomach. So how can people take 30mg bid and/or take 40mg bid?
Marsha
Posted by theo on August 25, 2004, at 7:03:29
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Samples-Question » SLS, posted by theo on August 24, 2004, at 18:23:14
> I was reading the insert in my samples and it says: Take a total dose of 40 mg/day (given as 20mg BID) to 60 mg/day (given either once a day or 30 mg BID).
>
> A little confusing on what the Lilly thinks the dose range should be and if the half life is long enough for once a day dosing.
>
> Also, are they assuming at 60mg means it's a high enough dose to extend the half life and take it once a day? At 40mg/day it says MUST be taken BID but at 60mg you can take it once daily, I'm so confused.WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE ABOVE POST??
Posted by SLS on August 25, 2004, at 7:05:38
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Samples-Question, posted by owensmar on August 24, 2004, at 19:59:15
Here's the information that one would find in the PDR:
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/cymbalta_ids.htm
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Initial TreatmentCymbalta should be administered at a total dose of 40 mg/day (given as 20 mg BID) to 60 mg/day (given either once a day or as 30 mg BID) without regard to meals.
There is no evidence that doses greater than 60 mg/day confer any additional benefits.
HOW SUPPLIED
Cymbaltaź (duloxetine hydrochloride) capsules are available in 20, 30, and 60 mg strengths.- Scott
Posted by theo on August 25, 2004, at 7:28:59
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Samples-Question, posted by SLS on August 25, 2004, at 7:05:38
I guess my question would be, in the past 4-5 days you've been taking 30mg, do you think it can be taken once daily? Any peaks and valleys? How far are you planning to split your doses apart while taking 30mg BID to avoid the 2nd dose causing "possible" insomnia?
My doctor will prescribe Cymbalta however I want to and all the studies I've read, even at high doses, show Cymbalta taken BID. I've never seen anything about taking 60mg once daily, except in Lilly's prescribing info. Do you think Cymbalta can realistically be taken as once daily dosing after your experiance taking 30mg once daily?
Did your doctor have any input on dosing?
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