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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by earthgirl on October 16, 2004, at 11:56:26
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by utopizen on October 12, 2004, at 22:36:19
Utopizen,
Your experience and personal knowledge of meds is amazing!
How is your current cocktail treating you, and how long have you been on it?
Also, if it isn't too much trouble, would you be willing to share with us your med "story" or history?
Earthgirl
Posted by earthgirl on October 16, 2004, at 12:06:21
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 12, 2004, at 14:37:46
Invisiblemanpa,
Anxiety and social anxiety competely suck, don't they? I was trying to come up with a more sophisicated comment, but was at a loss... :-)
I am Day 5 Cymbalta and my anxiety and social anxiety are practically non-existant! Normally, those feelings are insidious and relenting for me.
So far, Cymbalta has worked like magic. But it is only the top of the first inning in the Cymbalta ballgame for me, so, I'll get back to you in the 7th inning stretch.
Earthgirl
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 16, 2004, at 16:28:38
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » invisiblemanpa, posted by earthgirl on October 16, 2004, at 12:06:21
Earthgirl,
Yes "Suck" just abouts explains it to a T. And most people have no empathy or understanding unless they have been there. I think it is still to early for me to tell. I plan on trying to back off on the Klonopin and then try going to church etc. without taking it....then we shall see.......the true test for me is being put in a closed room with a group of people, especially if I have to get up and speak..when I am able to do that without any Benzo's then I will swear by Cymbalta......
e
Posted by hope4best on October 16, 2004, at 17:45:11
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » golfgirl74, posted by earthgirl on October 16, 2004, at 11:44:43
Hi, thanks for the dosing advice, I'm gonna increase to 60 tomorrow morning. I too have had trouble staying asleep...I wake up in the middle of the night and I feel wide awake, can't get back to sleep. Also, has anyone been experiencing sexual side effects with Cymbalta? Do they go away?
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 16, 2004, at 18:10:27
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » earthgirl, posted by hope4best on October 16, 2004, at 17:45:11
That's a good question! Because they sure did on Effexor ...it all went away, dreams, ability, desire.....
e
Posted by Rayray on October 16, 2004, at 21:49:11
In reply to How long should I wait to increase Cymbalta dose?, posted by hope4best on October 16, 2004, at 10:16:01
My pdoc recommended twice a day dosing but said I could go with once a day if I wanted. I switched from 30 to 60 after one week with no ill effects. As a matter of fact, the few side effects I felt in week 1 were largely gone in week 2.
Good luck,
Ray
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 17, 2004, at 2:44:41
In reply to Re: How long should I wait to increase Cymbalta dose? » hope4best, posted by Rayray on October 16, 2004, at 21:49:11
Ray,
Did you have any insomnia when switching to Cymbalta. I have switched from Effexor and the insomnia started about 2 plus weeks ago.....I am on day 6 of Cymbalta, but the insomnia sucks. I went for years battling insomnia a few years back it stopped when I tried my first AD, though that was the only benefit from it. I hope when the Cymbalta kicks in I get back into a normal sleep cycle.
Ed
Posted by Rayray on October 17, 2004, at 11:59:41
In reply to Re: How long should I wait to increase Cymbalta dose?, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 17, 2004, at 2:44:41
Hi Ed,
My sleep has been a little lighter on some nights, but nothing too disruptive. I have to add though, that for years I've been taking .5 mg. Xanax before bedtime.This came about years ago (after I stopped drinking! Alcohol puts you to sleep; it just doesn't keep you asleep. ) when I found that as I would fall off to sleep that I would suddenly "startle" awake and then really have problems sleeping.
I don't know why this is, but the Xanax gets me over that hump. If anyone has any insight into this, I'd love to hear it.
Take care,
Ray
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 17, 2004, at 12:09:26
In reply to Re: How long should I wait to increase Cymbalta dose? » invisiblemanpa, posted by Rayray on October 17, 2004, at 11:59:41
Ray,
How true, when I was self medicating myself (binge drinking), that was my goal, to fall asleep...and I did...and I did wake up after a few hours and toss and turn all night. Waking up with a hangover and exhaustion.At least I was able to stop that a few years ago. I learned that drinking only makes lifes problems go away for a wee short period and mixing it with meds..can really cause serious consequences. I ended up in the ER twice, by friends that did not know I was on meds. Anyway.. My Psy doc added Temezepam for sleep a few months ago. It worked in the beginning. Now, like last night I fall asleep, then 2:30....I was up for good. So I got up and read and feel exhausted. Not a good day to judge how the Cymbalta is workng at day 6. On days like this I can't help but to power nap for about an hour. I know it has something to do with coming off the effexor and switching to cymbalta. Although the Effexor made my depression much worse, I usually was sleeping thru most of the night. Hopefully in a few weeks, the brain chemistry will adjust and I can enjoy a good nights rest! Plus hopefully the benefits of Cymbalta!
Ed
Posted by Rayray on October 17, 2004, at 12:29:52
In reply to Re: How long should I wait to increase Cymbalta dose?, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 17, 2004, at 12:09:26
Hey Ed -- I did some powernapping, too, in my first week or two. I'm starting on week 4 of Cymbalta and can say that the sleepiness during the day has largely cleared up and has been limited mostly to some brief periods of yawning and wishing I could take a nap. I hope the same is true for you.
Ray
> Ray,
> How true, when I was self medicating myself (binge drinking), that was my goal, to fall asleep...and I did...and I did wake up after a few hours and toss and turn all night. Waking up with a hangover and exhaustion.At least I was able to stop that a few years ago. I learned that drinking only makes lifes problems go away for a wee short period and mixing it with meds..can really cause serious consequences. I ended up in the ER twice, by friends that did not know I was on meds. Anyway.. My Psy doc added Temezepam for sleep a few months ago. It worked in the beginning. Now, like last night I fall asleep, then 2:30....I was up for good. So I got up and read and feel exhausted. Not a good day to judge how the Cymbalta is workng at day 6. On days like this I can't help but to power nap for about an hour. I know it has something to do with coming off the effexor and switching to cymbalta. Although the Effexor made my depression much worse, I usually was sleeping thru most of the night. Hopefully in a few weeks, the brain chemistry will adjust and I can enjoy a good nights rest! Plus hopefully the benefits of Cymbalta!
> Ed
Posted by remar on October 21, 2004, at 3:50:11
In reply to Re: How long should I wait to increase Cymbalta dose? » hope4best, posted by earthgirl on October 16, 2004, at 11:13:19
have any of you had problems with blood pressure while taking cymbalta? i take effexor and i'm having this problem. i'm weaning myself off of it so i can try cymbalta. also, is anyone having sexual side effects with cymbalta?
Posted by yznhymer on October 21, 2004, at 7:30:20
In reply to Re: side effects, posted by remar on October 21, 2004, at 3:50:11
Posted by hope4best on October 21, 2004, at 18:59:35
In reply to 3 days into Cymbalta = dead below the waist (nm) » remar, posted by yznhymer on October 21, 2004, at 7:30:20
Been on Cymbalta about 2 1/2 weeks & definitely experiencing sexual side effects. I'm hoping they will go away once my body gets used to the cymbalta. I hope I hope I hope
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 22, 2004, at 4:59:17
In reply to Re: 3 days into Cymbalta = dead below the waist, posted by hope4best on October 21, 2004, at 18:59:35
Hey Hope,
Now that doesn't make me excited! I still have high hopes for Cymbalta. I know for me with all of the other side effects from Effexor, that was one of the worst.(I am still afraid of long term liver side effects) Viagra barely help. Once the Effexor was out of my system, things improved and are still functioning.......so I guess I will have to wait and see. I am starting to really believe in the fewer the meds the better....all of these med. cocktails we keep hearing about.just can't be right.....another reason why I am planning on dumping the Remeron shortly and then just be on the Cymbalta, Klonopin as needed and Temezapam as needed for sleep.......have you heard about the new Testerone Patch for women, they supposedly have had great success for it. Women can' take the testerone pills or gell but I guess this patch is working wonders.......geez wish they had it out for my exwife! Maybe for the next one! Give the Cymbalta time and your body time to adjust. Good luck to us all!
Ed
Posted by remar on October 23, 2004, at 2:37:50
In reply to Re: 3 days into Cymbalta = dead below the waist, posted by hope4best on October 21, 2004, at 18:59:35
i had the same problem with paxil, but not with effexor. i'm quitting the effexor because it's raising my blood pressure and making the panic attacks worse. i hope that the sexual side effects do go away for you. how is everything else going since you started taking it?
Posted by hope4best on October 23, 2004, at 7:31:45
In reply to Re: 3 days into Cymbalta = dead below the waist, posted by remar on October 23, 2004, at 2:37:50
Hi, So far I like the Cymbalta. I've been feeling pretty happy and positive. For the first couple of days it was cutting my appetite, which was great--especially after being on Remeron. That's one side effect I hoped would stay around for a while! I just increased to 60mg a few days ago, and other than the sexual side effects I'm really happy with it. Are you on it? How is it going for you?
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 23, 2004, at 8:59:24
In reply to Re: 3 days into Cymbalta = dead below the waist, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 22, 2004, at 4:59:17
Day 11, so that would be about 4th day on 60 mg. I still have not had any serious side effects. I feel though an increase in apathy, general depression, lack of energy etc. and kinda achey all over, like the flu..who knows maybe I have the flu..since I of course can't get a shot. I just feel like climbing back into bed though I will probably force myself to exercise, then climb back into bed. Still waiting for any benefit to kick in. ???
E
Posted by remar on October 23, 2004, at 20:21:57
In reply to Cymbalta Day 11 - Is Happiness Just Around the ..., posted by invisiblemanpa on October 23, 2004, at 8:59:24
i picked up my first prescription today and will start taking it tomorrow.i'm starting off on 60mg, has anyone else started at that dose? i still hav'nt heard if anyone is having high blood pressure problems with cymbalta, let me know.and don't give up on day 11, sometimes it takes longer for some people to feel the total effects of their medication.
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 24, 2004, at 5:28:26
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Day 11 - Is Happiness Just Around the ..., posted by remar on October 23, 2004, at 20:21:57
I started at 30 mg for a week, then went up to 60, there isn't supposed to be any benefit for increasing past 60mg. I don't plan on giving up, not for at least 8 weeks. If by that time, I have not noticed a considerable change, then I am going to go off everything except the Klonopin. I still am keeping my hopes up. I have also started to reduce the remeron that I was taking at night and hope to be off of that in a week or so. I don't feel quite as down today...but it is still early and the coffee is hot and black....anyone else out there have input on how week 2 and 3 went for them on Cymbalta???
Ed
Posted by remar on October 24, 2004, at 6:14:22
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Day 12 - Anyone else on Week 2/3?, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 24, 2004, at 5:28:26
i'm just starting my first dose today, i wish i could be of more help with the upcoming weeks. i would wait at least eight weeks before giving up unless the side effects are terrible or the depression gets worse. do you have problems with anxiety also?
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 24, 2004, at 7:33:46
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Day 12 - Anyone else on Week 2/3?, posted by remar on October 24, 2004, at 6:14:22
Yes...I plan on hanging on until at least 8 weeks...and yes I have a lot of issues with anxiety. I have been struggling my whole adult life with socail anxiety..it came out of nowhere in college and has stayed with me throughout my professional life. I could of gone much further in my profession without. Plus it puts a real damper on a socail life. Like me, a lot of people used alcohol to deal with it in socail situations until I found that I could be helped by benzos. I can keep it under control with a benzo..now klonopin...I am hoping Cymbalta has the excellent crossover benefits that I hear about. None of the other ADs had any effect on anxiety issues, so I am hoping Cymbalta does, so I can only use benzos as needed.
e
Posted by theo on October 24, 2004, at 11:32:08
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Day 12 - Anyone else on Week 2/3?, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 24, 2004, at 7:33:46
> Yes...I plan on hanging on until at least 8 weeks...and yes I have a lot of issues with anxiety. I have been struggling my whole adult life with socail anxiety..it came out of nowhere in college and has stayed with me throughout my professional life. I could of gone much further in my profession without. Plus it puts a real damper on a socail life. Like me, a lot of people used alcohol to deal with it in socail situations until I found that I could be helped by benzos. I can keep it under control with a benzo..now klonopin...I am hoping Cymbalta has the excellent crossover benefits that I hear about. None of the other ADs had any effect on anxiety issues, so I am hoping Cymbalta does, so I can only use benzos as needed.
> e
I couldn't have phrased a better description of myself than what you have above. My social anxiety has held me back from so many situations. I did completely quit alcohol 1 1/2 years ago and although my depression has lifted from not drinking, I still battle social anxiety.Did you have any luck at all with Paxil? It was wonderful for me but had to quit because of sexual dysfunction.
So has the Cymbalta helped you as of day 12 at all for anxiety? Many people on this board trying Cymbalta are also tapering off something else so I've not really seen a post rating Cymbalta truly.
I haven't been on any antidepressant in a couple of months, just taking a low dose of anticonvulsants and they aren't doing much.
Keep me posted on your progress as I'm tempted to try Cymbalta mainly for the same reason you stated, social anxiety.
Please reply though and tell me if Cymbalta has helped at all in the time you've been taking it and if it has initially increased anxiety as some antidepressants do.
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 24, 2004, at 16:32:43
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Day 12 - Anyone else on Week 2/3? » invisiblemanpa, posted by theo on October 24, 2004, at 11:32:08
Maybe a little less depression today....but no differance on the anxiety battle front....I took a klonopin before church today and felt very anxious throughout and am already dreading upcoming meetings this week.........
e
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 24, 2004, at 16:41:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Day 12 - Anyone else on Week 2/3?, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 24, 2004, at 16:32:43
and Yes I tried Paxil about two years ago...it was awful...I shook all over, sweats, vomiting, brain shocks.....after two days it all went down the toilet.....boy I sure have put my share of meds. down the toilet over the past few years!....and I know of other people that have adjusted very easily to Paxil for anxiety issues.....I hope by this time next week I am feeling upbeat, energetic and less anxious on what would be week 3 of Cymbalta.
e
Posted by jacot on October 24, 2004, at 17:18:25
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » earthgirl, posted by hope4best on October 16, 2004, at 17:45:11
I was on a small dose of Cymbalta for around 8 weeks, and even at a small dose of 20 mg, still very apparent sexual side effects. I didn't think they lessened as time went on, so I stopped taking it. Overall, I did feel better, and it was perscribed for GAD. So I hope some of you have better luck than I did.
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