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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Mildred on February 22, 2005, at 10:57:29
But I am hesitant because it is so new, and because I have such a difficult time getting off medications and starting new ones. I am currently on a combo of Wellbutrin XL (300 mg) and Lexapro (5 mg) and, while I am functional and not in terrible emotional pain, I am not particularly happy, motivated, comfortable in social situations, or able to focus on/stay with anything either. Many years ago, I responded very positively to Nardil, but went off of it to try some of the newer, safer drugs. Any experiences and/or info that anybody can share (negative or positive) about Cymbalta would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance -
Posted by linkadge on February 22, 2005, at 11:29:41
In reply to My pdoc wants me to try Cymbalta, posted by Mildred on February 22, 2005, at 10:57:29
Don't mean to be frank, but nardil is only less safe in one respect.
If you know what you're eating, it may even be a safer drug (in that it has been around for many more years than the newer meds, ie we have more patient exposure)
I'd cut your losses and go back on nardil, if that is an option.
Other than that, cymbalta has helped some.
Linkadge
Posted by partlycloudy on February 22, 2005, at 11:44:59
In reply to My pdoc wants me to try Cymbalta, posted by Mildred on February 22, 2005, at 10:57:29
Cymbalta has helped with my depression but I haven't been able to tolerate a high enough dosage (above 30mg) to be effective for my anxiety. My blood pressure is high even at this low dose. I currently use .25mg of xanax as needed for anxiety.
Also, when I had to suddenly stop taking the Cymbalta because of the problems with my BP, I noticed that it had been making me ravenously hungry! Aside from the physical and emotional consequences of stopping the med so quickly instead of tapering, I'd say that this one isn't The Answer for me.
And, one of the meds my p-doc is considering I try is Nardil. Are we going around in circles yet??good luck,
pc
Posted by Mildred on February 22, 2005, at 11:53:04
In reply to Re: My pdoc wants me to try Cymbalta, posted by linkadge on February 22, 2005, at 11:29:41
> Don't mean to be frank, but nardil is only less safe in one respect. If you know what you're eating, it may even be a safer drug (in that it has been around for many more years than the newer meds, ie we have more patient exposure)
Yes, I know. The eating wasn't the thing that worried me, and I never had a problem with that - it was the contra-indications with other medications. I wore a medical alert necklace, but was always worried that if I were ever in an accident or an emergency situation of some sort, that might be overlooked. Or if I need another medication, I would have a problem. Also, the pdoc who prescribed it has since passed away. At that point I learned that many docs are not at all familiar with MAOI's and don't use them. I was unsuccessful at finding someone in my area that I felt comfortable enough with to monitor me on that drug.
Posted by Mildred on February 22, 2005, at 11:57:44
In reply to Re: My pdoc wants me to try Cymbalta » Mildred, posted by partlycloudy on February 22, 2005, at 11:44:59
> And, one of the meds my p-doc is considering I try is Nardil. Are we going around in circles yet??LOL -
That's right - you reminded me of 2 other very troublesome SE's of the nardil - the blood pressure (which was uncomfortably LOW in the beginning - but that stopped) and the tremendous weight gain. How could I forget the weight gain? So Cymbalta has the same SE's? Yuk.
Posted by TamaraJ on February 22, 2005, at 12:02:34
In reply to My pdoc wants me to try Cymbalta, posted by Mildred on February 22, 2005, at 10:57:29
Perhaps you can talk to your pdoc about a tricyclic such as nortriptyline. I can't say for sure, but with nort you would likely retain the good results of the Wellbutrin/Lexapro combo and also see an increase motivation and some help with social anxiety. I have heard a number of positive things about nort. If my current combo of Celexa/Provigil does not give me the results I want (return of motivation, elimination/reduction of apathy, etc.), then I will be insisting on nort. I have never tried Cymbalta (it's not available in Canada), but I have heard very mixed reviews about its efficacy. Anyway, if you are not comfortable and are having doubts about Cymbalta, then do your best to not let your pdoc force it on you.
Wishing you all the best.
Tamara
> But I am hesitant because it is so new, and because I have such a difficult time getting off medications and starting new ones. I am currently on a combo of Wellbutrin XL (300 mg) and Lexapro (5 mg) and, while I am functional and not in terrible emotional pain, I am not particularly happy, motivated, comfortable in social situations, or able to focus on/stay with anything either. Many years ago, I responded very positively to Nardil, but went off of it to try some of the newer, safer drugs. Any experiences and/or info that anybody can share (negative or positive) about Cymbalta would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance -
Posted by Phillipa on February 22, 2005, at 17:21:13
In reply to Re: My pdoc wants me to try Cymbalta » Mildred, posted by TamaraJ on February 22, 2005, at 12:02:34
I tried cymbalta. It didn't help me though. I could tolerate it and weaned off slowly. Thinking back, my BP was high while on it. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Bill LL on February 23, 2005, at 8:17:57
In reply to My pdoc wants me to try Cymbalta, posted by Mildred on February 22, 2005, at 10:57:29
I think that Cymbalta and Wellbutrin might be a good combination since you are hitting serotonin and norepinephrine with Cymbalta, and dopamine with Wellbutrin.
If that doesn't work, and if Nardil worked before, I would go back to Nardil.
> But I am hesitant because it is so new, and because I have such a difficult time getting off medications and starting new ones. I am currently on a combo of Wellbutrin XL (300 mg) and Lexapro (5 mg) and, while I am functional and not in terrible emotional pain, I am not particularly happy, motivated, comfortable in social situations, or able to focus on/stay with anything either. Many years ago, I responded very positively to Nardil, but went off of it to try some of the newer, safer drugs. Any experiences and/or info that anybody can share (negative or positive) about Cymbalta would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance -
Posted by Wildflower on February 24, 2005, at 11:55:07
In reply to My pdoc wants me to try Cymbalta, posted by Mildred on February 22, 2005, at 10:57:29
This is the only AD that provided me some relief and God knows that I've tried quite a few. If it was recommended to you, I'd give it a try.
Posted by lois on February 24, 2005, at 18:10:47
In reply to My pdoc wants me to try Cymbalta, posted by Mildred on February 22, 2005, at 10:57:29
Mildred,
I am on Wellbutrin 300XL and Lexapro 40mg and am switching to Cymbalta now. I also lack motivation. I was hoping I would only need one AD. But I am thinking I will need the dopamine from the Wellbutrin. I'll have to taper off the Lex and Wellbutrin while I am going up to therapeutic of Cymbalta before I'll know if I need to add back the Wellbutrin. I also had initially responded to Parnate-and MAOI like Nardil. Keep posting.
Thx,
Lois
Posted by Mildred on February 24, 2005, at 18:20:21
In reply to Re: My pdoc wants me to try Cymbalta » Mildred, posted by lois on February 24, 2005, at 18:10:47
Wow, Lois, our situations are so similar! Have you started the Cymbalta yet? I'm not making any changes quite yet. Just went through a tough month trying to get off the Lexapro (also hoping I could do with just one AD). I'll be anxious to hear how you are faring.
Mildred
> Mildred,
> I am on Wellbutrin 300XL and Lexapro 40mg and am switching to Cymbalta now. I also lack motivation. I was hoping I would only need one AD. But I am thinking I will need the dopamine from the Wellbutrin. I'll have to taper off the Lex and Wellbutrin while I am going up to therapeutic of Cymbalta before I'll know if I need to add back the Wellbutrin. I also had initially responded to Parnate-and MAOI like Nardil. Keep posting.
> Thx,
> Lois
Posted by lois on February 25, 2005, at 16:00:51
In reply to Re: My pdoc wants me to try Cymbalta » lois, posted by Mildred on February 24, 2005, at 18:20:21
Mildred,
I am coming off lexapro *as* I am starting and going up on Cymbalta. I am on week 2 and am on 60 mgs of Cymbalta,300mgs Wellbutrin XL,and 40 mgs of lexapro. Next week I am to take 60 of Cymbalta, 150 of wellbutrin, and 40 lexapro. I think on week 5 and 6, I am to titrate to 20 of lexapro,60 cymbalta,and 150 wellbutrin. By week 6 or 7, not sure, I should be on just the cymbalta.I have the taper schedule at home. So far no problems at all.Will let you know how the changes go.
Lois
Posted by Mildred on February 25, 2005, at 17:53:40
In reply to Re: My pdoc wants me to try Cymbalta » Mildred, posted by lois on February 25, 2005, at 16:00:51
Thanks, everyone! Lois, I'm looking forward to hearing about your progress - good luck!
Posted by Mildred on February 27, 2005, at 18:44:55
In reply to Re: My pdoc wants me to try Cymbalta » Mildred, posted by lois on February 25, 2005, at 16:00:51
Lois -
How is it going with the transition to Cymbalta? I'm thinking good thoughts : )> Mildred,
> I am coming off lexapro *as* I am starting and going up on Cymbalta. I am on week 2 and am on 60 mgs of Cymbalta,300mgs Wellbutrin XL,and 40 mgs of lexapro. Next week I am to take 60 of Cymbalta, 150 of wellbutrin, and 40 lexapro. I think on week 5 and 6, I am to titrate to 20 of lexapro,60 cymbalta,and 150 wellbutrin. By week 6 or 7, not sure, I should be on just the cymbalta.I have the taper schedule at home. So far no problems at all.Will let you know how the changes go.
> Lois
Posted by lois on February 27, 2005, at 18:57:31
In reply to Re: My pdoc wants me to try Cymbalta » lois, posted by Mildred on February 27, 2005, at 18:44:55
Mildred,
Sill no problems in transition from wellbutrin/lexapro to cymbalta.Feel OK.
Lois
This is the end of the thread.
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