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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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.
Posted by wildflower on December 6, 2004, at 13:12:48
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Results, posted by Phillipa on December 4, 2004, at 17:06:48
> After reading product literature it said that over 60mgs was no better so I started going down on dose.
I've heard that too and questioned my pdoc about it. Her coworker did some trials on higher doses and had favorable results. The lower doses just didn't work on me so we thought we'd give it a try. It may be like other drugs where the initial max dose was raised over time.
> Can you tell me if you had side effects when starting or now, and what were your symptoms when you started Cymbalta.
I had a slightly queasy stomach initially but it was nothing that was too bothersome. I also thought that I had urinary retention but I don't have it now. The only thing I notice now are slight occasional jerking of limbs when I lay down...similar to the ones that occur right before one falls asleep. Once again, not too bothersome. I also have a type of hot flash where I get expremly warm for a bit. Not sure if this is the cymbalta or not. I'm way too young to be having the menopausal hot flashes.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you need anything else.
Posted by fires on December 6, 2004, at 20:11:28
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by Hopeful79 on December 5, 2004, at 3:05:33
> Yes I'm sure you can wean off one while going on the other.
Thanks. Doc wants me to stop Effex. before starting Cymbalta (30 mg). Also, wants me to decrease my 75 mg dose to 37.5 for 5 days and then stop it (Effex). I've been at 75 mg, or more, for many months.
She said I should do OK. I think some here might disagree.
Posted by Hopeful79 on December 7, 2004, at 1:55:16
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » Hopeful79, posted by fires on December 6, 2004, at 20:11:28
> > Yes I'm sure you can wean off one while going on the other.
>
> Thanks. Doc wants me to stop Effex. before starting Cymbalta (30 mg). Also, wants me to decrease my 75 mg dose to 37.5 for 5 days and then stop it (Effex). I've been at 75 mg, or more, for many months.
>
> She said I should do OK. I think some here might disagree.
>
>
Your welcome and I'm sure you will do just fine, let me know how it goes. That's an abrupt wean though five days but you'll be starting the Cymbalta so you're body will respond.
Posted by fires on December 7, 2004, at 12:45:38
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by Hopeful79 on December 7, 2004, at 1:55:16
I'm having a home sleep test Thursday, so I don't want to start decreasing Effexor until Friday.
I hope things go well. I'm thinking that the 150 mg of Wellbutrin might be enough, but I don't want to take the risk (of another MDD episode) -- will start Cymbalta as planned.
Thanks
Posted by Hopeful79 on December 7, 2004, at 18:16:37
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » Hopeful79, posted by fires on December 7, 2004, at 12:45:38
Yea thats good to know. Be careful with the Wellbutrin, everyones different. But I did not do well with it. If has no affinity for serotonin ad sometimes can worsen anxiety is some. Those who have OCD like symptoms usually don't take well to Wellbutrin. Hope it goes well for and I would encourage you to stay with that plan. Take care.
Posted by fires on December 7, 2004, at 20:14:28
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by Hopeful79 on December 7, 2004, at 18:16:37
Seems I don't do well with only, or too much serotonin. Lexapro, Paxil, and Zoloft all bad.
Thanks
Posted by Hopeful79 on December 7, 2004, at 21:01:08
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » Hopeful79, posted by fires on December 7, 2004, at 20:14:28
I understand I am taking Luvox and Cymbalta together. I usually need a combo of two antidepressants and I do better than I would on either drug alone.
Your welcome,
Matt Mucci
Posted by kilbylake on December 8, 2004, at 13:07:35
In reply to Re: just starting cymbalta, posted by 3librasgirl on November 9, 2004, at 18:53:03
My daughter has just started Cymbalta, she is a junior in college, and has struggled with depression for 4 yrs now. I have to tell you I am scared to death of side effects after reading about this med, mostly of the increased suicide claims. Any thoughts on this or support would be greatly appreciated. Please help!
Posted by fires on December 8, 2004, at 20:17:54
In reply to Re: just starting cymbalta, posted by kilbylake on December 8, 2004, at 13:07:35
> My daughter has just started Cymbalta, she is a junior in college, and has struggled with depression for 4 yrs now. I have to tell you I am scared to death of side effects after reading about this med, mostly of the increased suicide claims. Any thoughts on this or support would be greatly appreciated. Please help!
Some of the side effects listed, if experienced could go away with time. Most people will only experience a few of the more common side effects. I've seen where test subjects on placebos have experienced more side effects than those on the med..
About increased suicide: Depressed people are already at an increased risk for suicide. If energy increases before mood improves, one is said to be at greater risk. I've taken many different antidepressants since 1976, and none have made me suicidal. Two, maybe three, kept me from becoming suicidal.
Also, good Drs. generally know "little" things that can make side effects more tolerable.
Good Luck
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