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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by earthgirl on November 24, 2004, at 20:29:27
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » earthgirl, posted by Minnie-Haha on November 24, 2004, at 10:06:42
Mini-HaHa,
Yes, that first week there was some magic. Ahhhhh.... the good old days:-)
Re: your insomnia. You are right about those of us on Cymbalta reporting a wide and inconsistent variety of side effects, so, you never know how YOU are going to react. I could help you to sleep like a baby, who knows?!
What are you on now? Do you take anything for sleep?
EG
Posted by earthgirl on November 24, 2004, at 20:31:38
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by Phillipa on November 24, 2004, at 14:49:03
Phillipa,
So, what are you thinking about doing now? Do you have any ideas about what you might try taking next? What else are you taking?
Earthgirl
Posted by Phillipa on November 24, 2004, at 22:07:05
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by Phillipa on November 24, 2004, at 14:49:03
To tell you the truth, I'm thinking about letting my neurotransmitters have a rest and get all the antidepressants out of my system. I might be willing to try a mood stabilizer like lamictal, or trileptal. Will have to see what happens with W/D and what my pdoc says when I tell him. Phillipa
Posted by Hopeful79 on November 25, 2004, at 21:19:02
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by Phillipa on November 24, 2004, at 22:07:05
I don't know man mood stabilizers, unless you're bipolar tend to worsen depression at least in my experience. You can add a mood stabilzer to your antidepressant and see how that goes but I've tried Depakote, Lithium, Lamictal, Topomax, Gabitril, Tegretol and each one created a general woresening of symptoms but my father takes Depakote so it depends on you.
Posted by remar on November 25, 2004, at 22:31:48
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by Hopeful79 on November 25, 2004, at 21:19:02
i would like to ask what mood stabalizers are. did'nt spell that right, sorry. i'm on day seven of cymbalta and my results are anxiety in the morning to tiredness during the evening and trouble sleeping through the night. i'm thinking of trying something different but i don't know what. did anyone have luck with lexapro? i have'nt tried that one yet. is it the same as paxil?
Posted by banga on November 26, 2004, at 0:38:59
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by remar on November 25, 2004, at 22:31:48
My personal experience---keep in mind we are all diffrerent in what works for us, side effects, etc.---
I too have had anxiety from Cymbalta, I am very disappointed. I will probably go off it.
Since I have tried many antidepressants with not the best help, I am for the first time trying a mood stabilizer--Lamictal. Mood stabilizers, simply put, are meant to be used for people with Bipolar disorder--swings to the extremes in mood (excessive highs and lows). Mood stabilizers tend to---stabilize mood, stop the swings. For some people who have depression and don't respond to antidepressants, sometimes a mood stabilizer helps.
Lexapro worked for me for a while, then stopped, but it was good for a while. It seems Paxil helps many with anxiety as well as depression, but for many people it causes weight gain. I liked Paxil but gained too much weight. Lexapro doesn't typically cause weight gain.
Posted by Hopeful79 on November 26, 2004, at 9:06:37
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by remar on November 25, 2004, at 22:31:48
Lexapro is a refined form of the drug Celexa and in the same family as Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, and Luvox. These are all SSRI's (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). But each has its own unique chemical structure. So they are similar but als different. If you're only on Day 7 Cymbalta I would give it more time than that but if the anxiety is that severe you may need an add on med for now till the Cymbalta kicks in. Cymbalta is different cause its an SSNRI. It targets serotonin and norepinephrine. Now my mom takes Lexapro and does well with it. But me, it didn't work too well.
I am also on Luvox 100mg 3 times a day for the last 3 yrs or more. I was so depressed I asked my doc if I could try Cymbalta. He said sure. Now I still have to take the Luvox cause at this time I need the combination of both antidepressants. And so far so good but still adjusting. As far as anxiety, you may want to have your thyroid checked too.
Posted by Minnie-Haha on November 26, 2004, at 13:16:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » Minnie-Haha, posted by earthgirl on November 24, 2004, at 20:29:27
> Re: your insomnia. You are right about those of us on Cymbalta reporting a wide and inconsistent variety of side effects...
>
> What are you on now? Do you take anything for sleep?I take Trileptal (mood stabilizer -- 150mg/am, 300mg/pm) and Ativan (0.5mg-1.0mg) as needed (at bedtime or if I wake in the middle of the night), but neither is really doing much for me. Just helping me cope (barely), but not making me feel better or well.
Posted by remar on November 26, 2004, at 23:25:54
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by Minnie-Haha on November 26, 2004, at 13:16:53
thanks for the info banga and hopeful. i know i should give cymbalta more time it's just that when the anxiety is so bad you want it to stop right now. i have had my thyroid checked and my dr. said everything ls normal. i have noticed the yucky depressed feeling that would come over me is happening alot less and the anxiety is better at night. i'm not ready to go up to 60 mgs yet because i'm just starting to get over the nausea and was finally able to eat an almost full dinner tonight.i'll hang in there and see how things go. good luck to all of you! remar
Posted by Hopeful79 on November 27, 2004, at 3:23:43
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by remar on November 26, 2004, at 23:25:54
hey try crystallized ginger for nausea it helps.
Posted by curious2know on November 29, 2004, at 8:36:10
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by Hopeful79 on November 27, 2004, at 3:23:43
Hey everyone! im on week 3 or 4 of cymbalta and it's working ok. I feel slightly less anxious, but i too am having trouble sleeping. When i actually can sleep i start having nightmares! It is very unpleasant, but im not sure if i should give this med a few more weeks or not. My doc thinks i have a cortisol/nonrepinephrine chemical imbalance. also my doc has told me there is currently no specific meds for a cortisol imbalence. ok, so what to do? also my dissociation is slightly better but still a problem. anyone have any suggestions for either problems? Thanks for you postings everyone, it helps to know im not the only one going through all of this. God bless!!
Posted by Roland Deschain on November 29, 2004, at 17:17:48
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by curious2know on November 29, 2004, at 8:36:10
Howdy Curious,
I myself just started taking Cymbalta 3 days ago (30 mgs. x2) and yeah I don't sleep well either (but no nightmares-yet) in fact, typing this post is more challenging than I thought; trying to put cogent thought on-line without fading. A loss of appetite as well, but I'm not giving up just yet.
Hopefully these side effects will go away.
Good Luck,
Roland
Posted by Hopeful79 on November 29, 2004, at 19:58:42
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by Roland Deschain on November 29, 2004, at 17:17:48
Good deal don't give up. You will soon experience relief. I am on my 23rd day of 60mg Cymbalta and although I'm still leveling out, I have had some good days that I may not have had otherwise. You will to. I also take Luvox in combination. The one annoying side effect is a real dry mouth. I drink alot of water. Take care and I hope things turn out well for you.
Posted by remar on November 30, 2004, at 22:09:16
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » Roland Deschain, posted by Hopeful79 on November 29, 2004, at 19:58:42
i'm on day 12 of cymbalta and i'm still having trouble with anxiety. when i wake up i feel so wired for hours. the nausea is completly gone and i can eat now. let me know how you all are doing. remar
Posted by Roland Deschain on December 1, 2004, at 10:17:02
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by remar on November 30, 2004, at 22:09:16
Hi everyone,
Day 5 for me and I'm feeling pretty good. Sleep is a little better and my mind isn't racing so much. My appetite could be better but overall I'm very optimistic. Of course its still early and we all know how that goes...
Anyhow, let me know how the rest of you are doing and I hope things improve for you remar!
Roland
Posted by remar on December 2, 2004, at 2:12:01
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by Roland Deschain on December 1, 2004, at 10:17:02
thanks roland, i'm glad to hear you feeling better! i know it's still early for me and i've decided not to give up to soon but i'm really hoping the anxiety will let up soon. i don't want to go back to the ssri's because the side effects are terrible for me. let me know how your doing and good luck. remar
Posted by Donna Louise on December 2, 2004, at 21:12:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by remar on December 2, 2004, at 2:12:01
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 have major depression and GAD with all the obsessional thinking that goes with it. All of it is for now at least, is laying pretty low. The only side effect I am having is vivid dreams and night sweats. I think I am virtually side effect free because I went through all of the usual with strattera, for a long time too. I bet it took a few months to adjust to it. So my body is used to norepinephrine reuptake. I have discontinued the strattera, prozac and even the very low dose of klonopin I was taking. I have been able to cut the provigil dose in half. I still take 10mg of buspar twice a day. But this is fabulous for me. I bet it has been two years since I have been free from residual depression and some pretty high anxiety. 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.
I forgot to say the sexual deadness is better. I forgot to include it as a side effect since it has become such a fact of life for me for so long now.
Posted by Minnie-Haha on December 3, 2004, at 9:53:40
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by Donna Louise on December 2, 2004, at 21:12:53
> 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.
Posted by Phillipa on December 3, 2004, at 16:34:29
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by Donna Louise on December 2, 2004, at 21:12:53
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.
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.
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