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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by banga on November 1, 2004, at 8:40:56
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3, posted by invisiblemanpa on November 1, 2004, at 7:38:51
Yes, I know it is way early in the game for AD effects, it's just some people posted about immediate anxiety relief from Cymbalta so that was a secret wishful thinking that it would be the case for me. I am very wary of benzos, as is my doctor due to my past alcohol abuse. That's why I'm targeting meds that tout crossover benefits to anxiety. I truly do feel more up today... and maybe then also less anxious? 'We'll see...how do you feel in terms of physical energy?
Posted by invisiblemanpa on November 1, 2004, at 9:27:56
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3-invisiblemanpa, posted by banga on November 1, 2004, at 8:40:56
My energy levels have increased for the most part, sleeping thru most of the night is a big help. It is getting to be less of a struggle to get myself to exercise in the early morning. As the day drags on, my energy levels really drop as does my ambition and motivation. Hopefuly in time that will also pass. I have spent to many days on end wanting to sleep my life away. Sleep can be a lot easier to deal with than the realities of life. But then we weren't put here to sleep our lives away. I to abused alcohol before starting on medication. The drs said I was trying to self medicate. Maybe that is true. I know that I was trying to escape reality. Benzos for me take the edge off the unexplainable mysteries of anxiety. I switched from ambien, which was pooping out for me, I am now on Klonopin. It doesn't effect me the same as ambien or Xanax. A lot less noticable, but very helpful. That's all been explained in others posts in the past..........you know actually I think they should legalize marijuana for depression and anxiety......but that's another story!
Posted by banga on November 1, 2004, at 12:42:28
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3-invisiblemanpa » banga, posted by invisiblemanpa on November 1, 2004, at 9:27:56
Thanks for the response! I'm glad you have more energy. Sounds a lot like me--just at times wanting to sleep life away, self-medicating with alcohol...I do truly feel more up to things today than last week, which I did in fact sleep away for much of the time. Just fearful of the whole world. Currently I'm on Cymbalta, Geodon (which also helped with anxiety a bit), and amantadine (slight energy boost, but not enough)...and still weaning off Lexapro. Wish you the best of luck.
Posted by happy lady on November 1, 2004, at 14:56:35
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3-invisiblemanpa, posted by banga on November 1, 2004, at 12:42:28
Hi there,
Has anyone experienced nausea or gastro effects from cymbalta? I have been on 30 mgs of cymbalta for 38 days. I also take 40 mgs of paxil. any comments are appreciated. thanks,
Happy lady
Posted by hope4best on November 1, 2004, at 19:42:17
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3-invisiblemanpa, posted by happy lady on November 1, 2004, at 14:56:35
Hi, 38 days seems to be a long time to be at 30 mg of Cymbalta. The recommended dosage is 60 mg. Any reason why you haven't upped your dosage? I haven't personally experienced nausea, although I do believe constipation is a common side effect. Do you take the Cymbalta on an empty stomach? Perhaps taking it with food (crackers, toast, milk?) would help. Good luck.
Posted by hope4best on November 1, 2004, at 19:45:34
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3-invisiblemanpa, posted by banga on November 1, 2004, at 8:40:56
Hi, I think 6 days is really too soon to tell. I'm considered "hard to treat" medication-wise, and in my experience with many different ADs, it can sometimes take me over a month to feel the full effects of some meds. Good luck.
Posted by Hopeful79 on November 1, 2004, at 22:20:37
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3 » invisiblemanpa, posted by hope4best on November 1, 2004, at 6:44:33
Hey Hope4Best,
I'm really glad to hear that your're doing real well on Cymbalta after 1 month. That's great. I've been on Cynbalta 30mg for 1 week now and I know it's helping. I am aloud to start 60mg today but I'm going to hold off for, I don't want to up the dosage unless I have too. Thanks for your post it gave me a sense of hope.
Posted by Hopeful79 on November 1, 2004, at 22:27:12
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3, posted by banga on November 1, 2004, at 7:13:29
Hey Banga,
It's helping me but I'm also on Luvox300mg a day. If I just stopped Luvox abruptly I would feel like crap thinking that the Cymbalta isn't working. On the other hand I needed Cymbalta because Luvox alone doesn't provide enough relief. In fact it seemed like it wasn't working at all. In my experience if you have alot of anxiety or depression sometimes you need a second antidepressant to get the brain going again. Prior to the add on of Cymbalta, I felt like a zombie, it was exhausting.
Posted by Hopeful79 on November 1, 2004, at 22:35:39
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3, posted by invisiblemanpa on November 1, 2004, at 7:38:51
Invisible,
You're basically right but not everyone can take benzos they can worsen depression at least in me anyway. There have been tons of days that I would've gladly taken a benzo to relieve my anxiety but they actually create more agitation and depression in me. Sometimes a person needs a benzo with their antidepressant. Serious anxiety can be hard to control and if its really bad you should hve your thyroid checked because it can make you feel similar symptoms. I also suffer from headaches including migraines and take Esgic which has tylenol,caffeine,and butabital which is a barbituate and helps my anxiety.
Posted by Hopeful79 on November 1, 2004, at 22:46:10
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3-invisiblemanpa, posted by happy lady on November 1, 2004, at 14:56:35
Happy Lady,
Hi yea I've experienced nausea, but not necessarily from Cymbalta but because of GI problems. Try crystallized ginger, you can get it from the health food store or a grocery store. Chew slowly,it's a bit tangy so you may want to drink some water with it. Also chamomile tea is soothing to the stomach, anise, caraway,cardamom, and cinnamon. You can make a tea out of these. Hope that helps.
Posted by sunshine211 on November 1, 2004, at 23:50:02
In reply to Re: Cymbalta / Week 3-invisiblemanpa » happy lady, posted by Hopeful79 on November 1, 2004, at 22:46:10
Hey to everyone taking Cymbalta. An update that is long over due. I have been taking it now for about 1.5 months at 60mg a day. Things seem really good. I am sleeping A LOT better, no depression, I have emotions that are normal (no flat line or ups and downs). With that I do have to say that my anger is up a little bit, but I have always had a little attitude, nothing I can't control. I take a half of a .05mg of Klonopin everyday to keep the anxiety at bay.
Side effects-bad-constipation. (laugh) I am serious! Eat more fiber i guessSide effects-good-I am not as numb below the waist if you know what I mean.
Posted by Hopeful79 on November 2, 2004, at 1:23:43
In reply to Re: Cymbalta-it's working, posted by sunshine211 on November 1, 2004, at 23:50:02
That's great to hear sunshine please keep us posted on your progress and am sure we'll do the same. As far as constipation you could try some magnesium citrate by mouth, that may help. Ok well Im sure it'll be ok. Your post has also given me a ray of hope for my progress with Cymbalta. Take care.
Posted by DaveJ on November 4, 2004, at 12:30:10
In reply to Re: Cymbalta-it's working » sunshine211, posted by Hopeful79 on November 2, 2004, at 1:23:43
Hello,
I have been on a number of SSRI's and just switched to Cymbalta from Zoloft. My first week on 30mg was great. Yesterday I started 60mg per day and I am not feeling as good. Today and yesterday I have had a real heavy feeling in my head and very tired. Has anyone else felt this way when uping the dosage of Cymbalta? I have also felt some of the flu like symptoms mentioned in another post. Other than these last 2 days I have felt a definite improvement over the Zoloft. I am also wondering if the way I feel has to do with the Zoloft finally getting all the way out of my system as my doctor recommended stopping the Zoloft (50mg day) cold turkey when I made the switch to the Cymbalta. I am taking it for Panic Attacks and it seemed to help but the wierd feeling in my head the last 2 days has triggered some of the panic feelings. Any ideas?
Thanks and best wishes to all struggling with Anxiety and Depression - it really is no fun.
Dave
Posted by invisiblemanpa on November 4, 2004, at 14:55:40
In reply to Re: Cymbalta-it's working, posted by DaveJ on November 4, 2004, at 12:30:10
Being on my third week and up to 60 mg, I think I am feeling a bit less depressed, a little more motivated and not quite as tired. As for the anxiety I am not sure yet, I don't think I will be able to make a fair assessment of that until I starting backing off of the Klonopin, which has been a life saver. The first and second week I was very tired especially in the afternoon..napping...and the second week I most definately felt flu like symptons but that has past and they were not very bad......so far I would say a pretty easy start compared to some past attempts........and yes good luck and prayers to all.
e
Posted by Hopeful79 on November 4, 2004, at 20:44:37
In reply to Re: Cymbalta-it's working, posted by DaveJ on November 4, 2004, at 12:30:10
Nov 4,2004
Hey Dave J
What's up,I know what you're experiencing. I haven't increased to 60mg Cymbalta yet. I'm now 10 days on 30mg and I'm still adjusting I felt great at first but feel strange on and off as well. Truly I think you're still adjusting but maybe the 60mg is too much for you and you may need to drop back down to 30mg. Also your body may indeed be responding to the fact that the Zoloft is no longer aboard. Definitely inform your dr. of this. I'm also on Luvox so again I'm still adjusting. That's my suggestion. If after a couple of days of 30mg your still symtomatic you may need a little Zoloft added back so your nerves aren't as much in shock. Another thing I deal with is dry mouth. Let me know how you do.
Posted by DaveJ on November 5, 2004, at 9:42:06
In reply to Re: Cymbalta-it's working » DaveJ, posted by Hopeful79 on November 4, 2004, at 20:44:37
Thanks for the advice. I decided to try taking a 30mg in the morning and one in the evening. I still have some of the sample 30mg capsules from my doctor. I will try this through the weekend and see if I feel any different. If not feeling a little more normal by monday will call my doctor and see what she reccommends. It is helpful to know that there are other people experiencing simular things. Hopefully it will work out well for all of us. Thanks again and I will post again after I see how this weekend goes.
Dave
Posted by 3librasgirl on November 5, 2004, at 9:49:26
In reply to Re: Cymbalta-it's working, posted by DaveJ on November 5, 2004, at 9:42:06
I'm glad to hear that Cymbalta is working for some of you. I just started 30mg of Cymbalta today, this time next week I am supposed to up to my terminal dose of 60mg. Switching to this new medication after a year and a half of Wellbutrin XL is kind of scary to me, especially after reading about some of the problems that occurred during the trial phase. I did really well on Wellbutrin with no adverse side effects except for occasional dry mouth during the first 2 months. I would have stayed with Wellbutrin except I reacently had a really really bad major depressive episode, and since wellbutrin doesnt address serotonin issues, my pdoc decided to make the switch. I have my fingers crossed, I'm so tired of being sad. Best of luck to everyone else! Keep posting!
Posted by Hopeful79 on November 5, 2004, at 23:06:08
In reply to Re: Cymbalta-it's working, posted by DaveJ on November 5, 2004, at 9:42:06
Dave,
Hey that was just a test, my password was all goofy. I'm glad you are taking the proper action for yourself. Have a good weekend and please continue to let us here know how you are.
Posted by Hopeful79 on November 5, 2004, at 23:08:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta-it's working, posted by 3librasgirl on November 5, 2004, at 9:49:26
Yea I know exactly how you feel but things will hopefully work out for you and all of us here at Psycho-Babble. Do continue to share.
Posted by curious2know on November 6, 2004, at 9:36:28
In reply to Re: Cymbalta-it's working » DaveJ, posted by Hopeful79 on November 4, 2004, at 20:44:37
Hey everyone,
I have just taken my first dose (30mg)of Cymbalta and I'm really hoping this helps greatly with diminishing my anxiety. I started to dissociate, my doc says its what i do when i become extremely anxious. Just hoping this stuff will make me feel more "together". Anyone else have probs with anxiety/dissociation? If so what has worked better for you? Antipsychotics, benzos, etc...? Thanks and best of luck to everyone!
Posted by invisiblemanpa on November 6, 2004, at 10:14:57
In reply to just starting cymbalta, posted by curious2know on November 6, 2004, at 9:36:28
Good luck with Cymbalta...I am on the end of my third week and have had very few side effects plus feelings of depression seem to be lightening up. I also suffer from Socail Anxiety and GA...and have hopes that Cymbalta will help with this in the long run...but so far with all of the different AD I have tried, none have helped with anxiety...only benzos have helped...right now I am having a lot of luck with Klonopin...good luck!
e
Posted by banga on November 6, 2004, at 11:22:40
In reply to just starting cymbalta, posted by curious2know on November 6, 2004, at 9:36:28
I started Cymbalta 11 days ago...there seems to be some positive results, more for depression than anxiety, still hoping for the best.
Antipsychotics (Risperdone, Geodon) helped me short-term with anxiety and rumination, but it seemed to peter out and so doesn't seem like a long-term solution, at least for me. Haven't really tried out thigs specifically addressing anxiety other than SSRIs, which haven't really helped. I will try for a baseling response with Cymbalta, then see if/what I could supplement with.
Posted by whitdaddy on November 6, 2004, at 13:25:23
In reply to Cymbalta, posted by earthgirl on October 11, 2004, at 13:53:31
I started Cymbalta about four weeks ago. First week I took 30mg a day and then went to 60mg after that. I got my typical response from SSRIs...a little bit of relief from anhedonia and amotivation for about a week, and then nothing. I am wondering (and hoping) if it will start working again after a few weeks. Has anybody experienced this? If so, please tell me how long it took for you to get results.
Thanks!
Posted by curious2know on November 6, 2004, at 18:21:06
In reply to Re: just starting cymbalta-curious2know, posted by banga on November 6, 2004, at 11:22:40
Thank you for your advice everyone, it's the end of my first day in Cymbalta and im a little nauseas. I too am on Klonopin and out of all the many, many, meds i've been on Klonopin has worked the best for my anxiety. Also if anyone is interested in self-help stuff, The Midwest Center for Stress and Anxiety with its CEO, Lucinda Bassett, has some great coping tools. I've got a tape set from them and it's really a great tool for me. Thanks for your support and please keep posting and letting us know how the Cymbalta is working. God Bless!
Posted by 3librasgirl on November 9, 2004, at 18:53:03
In reply to just starting cymbalta, posted by curious2know on November 6, 2004, at 9:36:28
Hello again! Today is the end of day 5 for me, and already I am feeling happier. My chief complaint is that if I take the Cymbalta at 10am (when I get back from Conditioning and Learning) then I feel like a am on amphetamines come 1 or 2pm. I have been experiencing the kind of ANS arousal that usually accompanies a startle reaction, except it lasts for HOURS. My boyfriend told me I was acting "totally cracked out" and I agree! I have never been a fan of benzo's, especially xanax (which I refuse to take anymore) so the only way I have been able to be any sort of normal for these past few days is by taking Klonopin. I know a lot of you on this board take Klonopin too, and I am happy with the results that it has been giving me, but I am reluctant to take anything that is either physically or psychologically addictive... especially something that has such severe physical reprocussions when you decide to stop taking it. I am going to give Cymbalta another week and a half, and if I am not able to function without Klonopin then I am going to stop taking it and return to the Wellbutrin and get back into therapy (which is WAY too expensive for me on my college-student-living-on-scholarship budget) Good luck to everyone and keep posting, all of your insight is helpful to us all! Hope you all had a good weekend :)
*Suzanne*
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