![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 24 of 24. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by steve12 on September 4, 2004, at 13:35:23
Well, I'm now on week 3 of Cymbalta (week 1 30 mgs qam; 2-3 60 mgs qam)-- feeling pretty good, but I could of swear that 30 mgs was better. There do appear to be fewer side effects, but anxiety is still high.
Posted by awatts on September 4, 2004, at 14:43:39
In reply to Week 3 of Cymbalta, posted by steve12 on September 4, 2004, at 13:35:23
> Well, I'm now on week 3 of Cymbalta (week 1 30 mgs qam; 2-3 60 mgs qam)-- feeling pretty good, but I could of swear that 30 mgs was better. There do appear to be fewer side effects, but anxiety is still high.
Do you have any sexual side-effects from Cymbalta? Effexor XR (a similar drug) worked for me, but I could not tolerate the sexual side-effects (no orgasm).
Thanks
Posted by SLS on September 4, 2004, at 16:15:07
In reply to Week 3 of Cymbalta, posted by steve12 on September 4, 2004, at 13:35:23
> Well, I'm now on week 3 of Cymbalta (week 1 30 mgs qam; 2-3 60 mgs qam)-- feeling pretty good, but I could of swear that 30 mgs was better. There do appear to be fewer side effects, but anxiety is still high.
Hi Steve.Some people experience an improvement "blip" very early in treatment, sometimes within the first 3 days. It is thought to be a good sign, although the true antidepressant response might take a few more weeks to appear.
Good luck with it!
- Scott
Posted by crazychickuk on September 4, 2004, at 16:30:38
In reply to Week 3 of Cymbalta, posted by steve12 on September 4, 2004, at 13:35:23
I have seen this med being menganed alot lately.. i am interested to know what this is? ssri? snri? what? i dont get on with tcas ssris etc.... wat family does this drug belong to? how long has it bene out? long term affects? any poop out? side affects etc?
thanks
Posted by SLS on September 4, 2004, at 17:05:29
In reply to Re: What is Cymbalta?, posted by crazychickuk on September 4, 2004, at 16:30:38
> I have seen this med being menganed alot lately.. i am interested to know what this is? ssri? snri? what? i dont get on with tcas ssris etc.... wat family does this drug belong to? how long has it bene out? long term affects? any poop out? side affects etc?
>
> thanksHi.
Cymbalta (duloxetine) is a new antidepressant that is considered to be a SNRI like Effexor. It was approved about a month ago.
It is a bit early to conclude how it compares to the others. I have been taking it now for just over two weeks. So far, the only thing I have experienced as a side effect is some sleepiness which seems to be abating. The clinical trials of Cymbalta have been impressive.
- Scott
Posted by KaraS on September 4, 2004, at 17:29:18
In reply to Re: What is Cymbalta?, posted by crazychickuk on September 4, 2004, at 16:30:38
> I have seen this med being menganed alot lately.. i am interested to know what this is? ssri? snri? what? i dont get on with tcas ssris etc.... wat family does this drug belong to? how long has it bene out? long term affects? any poop out? side affects etc?
>
> thanks
I doubt it has been approved in the UK yet.
Posted by crazychickuk on September 4, 2004, at 17:31:11
In reply to Re: What is Cymbalta? » crazychickuk, posted by SLS on September 4, 2004, at 17:05:29
hmmmm sounds like a woncer drug... i am still skeptical though.... how lng has this drug been tested for?
Posted by Racer on September 5, 2004, at 13:27:09
In reply to Re: What is Cymbalta?, posted by crazychickuk on September 4, 2004, at 17:31:11
It's not a wonder drug, but it has been in the approval process for a while, and some of hte studies followed participants for a year, open label.
It is brand new, so there's not a lot of experience with it yet. My advice to you, though, is to wait until you're sure it's available in the UK before you even consider it. Also, because it does remind me of Effexor, it's worth asking you: have you tried Effexor? If so, what results?
Hope that helps.
Posted by crazychickuk on September 5, 2004, at 15:05:59
In reply to Re: What is Cymbalta? » crazychickuk, posted by Racer on September 5, 2004, at 13:27:09
Hi yes effexor was my very first drug for mild depression but because i abused it i started to get anxiety.... i stopped it abruptly that was like 3-4 yrs ago but i would love to give it another shot cus i think it will be the answer to stick my brain back to what it was at the beggining..
effexor at the time made me so out going, lots of confidence and happy.. now i got all the reverse... :( i want it back gonna see doc in a few weeks about it..
Posted by steve12 on September 8, 2004, at 16:58:07
In reply to Re: Week 3 of Cymbalta, posted by awatts on September 4, 2004, at 14:43:39
I've been on Cymbalta for 25 days now (18 days at 60 mgs) this is what I've observed:
1. I felt better about 10 days after I began taking it;
2. I have lost weight -- my appetite is suppressed (good thing ;)
3. Anxiety is under controlBUT:
4. Definately has sexual side effects -- the same as all the other SSRI/SNRI's
5. I sweat a lot -- I mean a lot!I think I'll ask my doc to lower the does to 40 mgs. The research litature has Cymbalta used for MDD between 20-160 mgs! AND, if you look at the offical prescribing info, Lilly has a table which seems to imply that Cymbalta is low in sexual side effects, but it does not mention the dose used!
Nonetheless, I like it.
> > Well, I'm now on week 3 of Cymbalta (week 1 30 mgs qam; 2-3 60 mgs qam)-- feeling pretty good, but I could of swear that 30 mgs was better. There do appear to be fewer side effects, but anxiety is still high.
>
> Do you have any sexual side-effects from Cymbalta? Effexor XR (a similar drug) worked for me, but I could not tolerate the sexual side-effects (no orgasm).
>
> Thanks
>
>
Posted by Paul_d_234 on September 8, 2004, at 19:59:17
In reply to Re: Week 3 of Cymbalta -- this is what I've noted, posted by steve12 on September 8, 2004, at 16:58:07
What is causing the sweating? Is it all day? How do you cope with all the sweating?
What sexual side affects are you experiencing? Lost or dimished libido? Or lost / delayed ability to organism? or something else.
As this is a new med, lots of us are watching how folks are reacting.
How much weight have you lost? Had you gained weight on the previouse AD?
Posted by steve12 on September 8, 2004, at 20:08:37
In reply to Re: Week 3 of Cymbalta -- this is what I've noted, posted by Paul_d_234 on September 8, 2004, at 19:59:17
The sweating is all day, but more pronounced in the morning (as for what's causing it, no one knows, but Lilly's prelim research suggests that this is a problem with Cymbalta -- probably due to NE increase). Coping has been difficult as I wear a suit and tie each day. I wear white shirts exclusively to hide it. As for the sexual side effects -- it's all of those.
I have lost 12 lbs (I gained weight on SSRI's). I basiclly don't feel hungry. I'm hoping that reducing the dose to 40 mgs will reduce the sweating but keep the +'s of this med.
> What is causing the sweating? Is it all day? How do you cope with all the sweating?
>
> What sexual side affects are you experiencing? Lost or dimished libido? Or lost / delayed ability to organism? or something else.
>
> As this is a new med, lots of us are watching how folks are reacting.
>
> How much weight have you lost? Had you gained weight on the previouse AD?
Posted by vikala on September 8, 2004, at 20:45:24
In reply to Week 3 of Cymbalta, posted by steve12 on September 4, 2004, at 13:35:23
Next week I go up to 60 mgs. Only effects I have noticed are stomach upset(if I take it without food), drowsiness and I can't have an orgasm. (I'm female) My doc told me this was supposed to be the drug with the fewest sexual side effects. I feel flat too. I don't "snap" as much as I used to, I don't worry as much, I don't feel as anxious. These are all great things, except I don't feel anything. I don't feel happy or sad or awake or alive. I am taking Ritalin (rxed to help me with motivation prior to Cymbalta) I think I might stop the Ritalin tomorrow. I think both medications work on the same chemicals. We'll see what 60mgs and no Ritalin does in the next week. I am just scared without the Ritalin I'll be reduced to nothing.
V
Posted by Pristine on September 9, 2004, at 13:09:46
In reply to Re: Week 3 of Cymbalta -- this is what I've noted, posted by steve12 on September 8, 2004, at 16:58:07
I've been on it for 9 days. Maybe tomorrow???
I take 60MB AM It isn't doing much. Can you mix it with other meds? Maybe Wellbutrin and/or concerta?
Posted by Atticus on September 9, 2004, at 14:41:42
In reply to Re: Week 3 of Cymbalta -- this is what I've noted, posted by Pristine on September 9, 2004, at 13:09:46
Last evening my pdoc brought up Cymbalta as a potential alternative to the Effexor XR that I take now. Can anyone in this thread who has taken both offer me any kind of comparison, based on personal experience, in terms of side effects, effectiveness in controlling depression and anxiety? I don't want to deal with Effexor withdrawl if Cymbalta doesn't sound like it's an improvement. I know reactions to meds are different from individual to individual, but I'm intensely curious about Cymbalta, as the Effexor seems to be losing its punch. Atticus
Posted by steve12 on September 9, 2004, at 15:07:14
In reply to Week 2 of Cymbalta for me, posted by vikala on September 8, 2004, at 20:45:24
No -- Ritain works on dopamine, Cymbalta doesn't. I think the main way to describe the feeling I initially had taking Cymbalta was an ABSENCE of fellings -- perhaps this is the pain management effect Lilly talks about.
Posted by 4WD on September 9, 2004, at 19:53:38
In reply to On Effexor XR, considering Cymbalta, comparisons?, posted by Atticus on September 9, 2004, at 14:41:42
> Last evening my pdoc brought up Cymbalta as a potential alternative to the Effexor XR that I take now. Can anyone in this thread who has taken both offer me any kind of comparison, based on personal experience, in terms of side effects, effectiveness in controlling depression and anxiety? I don't want to deal with Effexor withdrawl if Cymbalta doesn't sound like it's an improvement. I know reactions to meds are different from individual to individual, but I'm intensely curious about Cymbalta, as the Effexor seems to be losing its punch. Atticus
Hi Atticus,Here's my experience:
Day 7 on Cymbalta 30mg (switched from Effexor XR 37.5mg - low dose due to med sensitivity). The biggest change I've noticed so far is greatly increased energy level. On the Effexor, I was sluggish, had to pull myself around, walked very slowly. By the 3rd day of Cymbalta, I had more energy. By today, I have lots more energy. I am also able to fall asleep much more easily on the Cymbalta. I have also experienced some lightening of mood. Not a lot, but I've only been on it a week.Re side effects, there is less delay in orgasm. Dry mouth is about the same (moderate). My main side effect is a high pitched tone in my head. I experienced this on Effexor as well and it was very dose-dependent. It's worse on Cymbalta than it was on Effexor but I'm taking a higher relative dose of Cymbalta than Effexor.
Word of warning : Do taper the Effexor. I thought I wouldn't need to since they were both SNRIs but boy, was I wrong. I've been having some mild anxiety at first and a couple of attacks of severe anxiety but I've finally realized that is from Effexor withdrawal. Now that I've added Effexor back in order properly to taper it, the anxiety is much less.
Hope this helps. Please keep us all informed of your experiences - I'd be very interested to hear your results and side effecgs (especially if you get the ringing in your ears).
Marsha
Posted by jrbecker on September 10, 2004, at 9:52:15
In reply to On Effexor XR, considering Cymbalta, comparisons?, posted by Atticus on September 9, 2004, at 14:41:42
> Last evening my pdoc brought up Cymbalta as a potential alternative to the Effexor XR that I take now. Can anyone in this thread who has taken both offer me any kind of comparison, based on personal experience, in terms of side effects, effectiveness in controlling depression and anxiety? I don't want to deal with Effexor withdrawl if Cymbalta doesn't sound like it's an improvement. I know reactions to meds are different from individual to individual, but I'm intensely curious about Cymbalta, as the Effexor seems to be losing its punch. Atticus
see my earlier posts in the Cymbalta thread preceding this one.
JRB
Posted by Atticus on September 10, 2004, at 11:22:29
In reply to Re: On Effexor XR, considering Cymbalta, comparisons? » Atticus, posted by 4WD on September 9, 2004, at 19:53:38
Thanks, 4WD. Needless to say, I've been following your Cymbalta journal posts since I discovered them with great interest. They are extremely helpful. Atticus
Posted by 4WD on September 10, 2004, at 18:59:48
In reply to Re: On Effexor XR, considering Cymbalta, comparisons? » 4WD, posted by Atticus on September 10, 2004, at 11:22:29
> Thanks, 4WD. Needless to say, I've been following your Cymbalta journal posts since I discovered them with great interest. They are extremely helpful. Atticus
I'm glad. I'm doing it partly for me too. I figure I'll print them out and take them with me to my pdoc appointment. Maybe in an abbreviated form.
Posted by corafree on October 23, 2004, at 13:09:42
In reply to Re: On Effexor XR, considering Cymbalta, comparisons? » Atticus, posted by 4WD on September 10, 2004, at 18:59:48
Hi. This is corafree. I'm on Eff-XR and curious about Cymbalta, as a lot of peeps seem to be. I would like to join your posts here and keep and eye on what all is happening. Tks cf
> > Thanks, 4WD. Needless to say, I've been following your Cymbalta journal posts since I discovered them with great interest. They are extremely helpful. Atticus
>
>
> I'm glad. I'm doing it partly for me too. I figure I'll print them out and take them with me to my pdoc appointment. Maybe in an abbreviated form.
>
>
>
Posted by suze420 on October 25, 2004, at 18:49:05
In reply to Re: Week 3 of Cymbalta -- this is what I've noted, posted by Pristine on September 9, 2004, at 13:09:46
> I've been on it for 9 days. Maybe tomorrow???
> I take 60MB AM It isn't doing much. Can you mix it with other meds? Maybe Wellbutrin and/or concerta?My doctor just gave me samples of Cymbalta today. I was previously taking Wellbutrin and he told me that it would not be a problem to take both the Wellbutrin and Cymbalta together. I'm planning to stop taking the Wellbutrin and try only the Cymbalta initially. My doc gave me a week sample and told me to call and let him know at the end of the week, so we'll see how it goes. Hope that helps.
Posted by corafree on October 26, 2004, at 1:36:42
In reply to Re: On Effexor XR, considering Cymbalta, comparisons? » 4WD, posted by Atticus on September 10, 2004, at 11:22:29
A - I've noticed we keep crossing paths. Are you not set up for babblemail at Yahoo? Do you ever go to psycho-babble-chat? I hate evenings, well going to bed that is, and was wondering if you are a late night person as well, and if so, this is silly, but since losing my father, I would like to discuss things with a man sometimes. See, told you it was silly. Well, I certainly understand if you may have reasons for not being up for this. In chance you are, please let me know. best wishes again cf
Posted by corafree on January 19, 2005, at 22:17:48
In reply to Re: On Effexor XR, considering Cymbalta, comparisons? » Atticus, posted by 4WD on September 9, 2004, at 19:53:38
Hi! Now are you on Cymbalta alone?
Are you titrating totally off Eff-XR? If so, what affect on anxiety???
Tks for a response, take care, cf
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.