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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 5 to 29 of 32. Go back in thread:
Posted by Phillipa on July 18, 2006, at 0:35:22
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial?, posted by tiredmommy on July 17, 2006, at 23:57:12
I took it twice. First time no side effects but no depression inmprovment. But when I went off it I noticed all kinds of aches and pains so I know it works for pain. Second time I was on 30mg but for some reason I couldn't tolerate the side effects . My head felt like it would explode and my legs twitches constantly. And I wanted to cry and couldn't so went off it. But the first time I tolerated 60mg with no problem. I think the reason I had problems the second time was the pdoc wanted me to go up weekly by 30mg to 120mg and even the manufacturer says no more than 60mg so I think I was terrified and it was a new pdoc and I didn't know him. Love Phillipa
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on July 18, 2006, at 8:11:49
In reply to Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial?, posted by rjlockhart on July 17, 2006, at 19:51:05
I find the commercial very sad, but also very accurate as to how my depression has felt. (The poor doggie! I bet my kitties feel like that sometimes!)
It probably isn't so accurate about how the cymbalta works, but then again, you know how those commercials are...
Best,
EE
Posted by stargazer on July 20, 2006, at 22:28:26
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial?, posted by Emily Elizabeth on July 18, 2006, at 8:11:49
I felt the same, sad music and the same response to the pet looking at it's owner. But I was confused with the man and woman sitting at the table. Both looked depressed but the woman (nondepressed?) gets up and the man just sits there and I assume he is the depressed one, or is it her or is it both of them? I quess it covers all the bases.
The ad definately gets my attention though so the advertising works especially if your depressed and not feeling well. I haven't tried Cymbalta yet and hope I don't have to but it seems like eventually with depression you try
anything and everything.Stargazer
Posted by SLS on July 20, 2006, at 22:55:38
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial?, posted by stargazer on July 20, 2006, at 22:28:26
> I haven't tried Cymbalta yet and hope I don't have to but it seems like eventually with depression you try anything and everything.
Yes.
I'm about to try a diet drug for $270 a month. How's that for shock treatment?
- Scott
Posted by rjlockhart on July 21, 2006, at 11:17:35
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial?, posted by SLS on July 20, 2006, at 22:55:38
The part where the woman is just laying in here bed, she needs something like dexamphetamine or something.
That was seriously looking depressed.
Anyways i dont know why they dont avertise prozac anymore.
Matt
Posted by cecilia on July 21, 2006, at 19:34:42
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial?, posted by rjlockhart on July 21, 2006, at 11:17:35
Prozac is available in generic form now, that's why it's no longer advertised. Cecilia
Posted by cloudydaze on July 22, 2006, at 14:59:51
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial?, posted by tiredmommy on July 17, 2006, at 23:57:12
> I just started it yesterday. What do you guys know that I should know? (Doc said it would help with depression and fibromyalgia.) Is that BS????????
No, its not. I don't know if i have fibromyalgia, but i suspect it. Cymbalta was the last med i took before giving up medication. It did work for me.
It caused a bit of nausea for me on some days though...
Just so you know....my decision to quit meds had nothing to do with cymbalta - it had more to do with my doc telling me that I would have to treat my bipolar with meds for the rest of my life...i wanted to prove him wrong...
I'm thinking about going back on them though....lol
Posted by laima on July 23, 2006, at 17:36:36
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial?, posted by rjlockhart on July 21, 2006, at 11:17:35
I bet it's because a generic is now available...
> Anyways i dont know why they dont avertise prozac anymore.
>
> Matt
Posted by laima on July 23, 2006, at 17:38:49
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial?, posted by cecilia on July 21, 2006, at 19:34:42
Cecilia, I apologize I just repeated your message regarding generic prozac!
As for cymbalta hurting- I tried cymbalta briefly and I can report it made me feel horrible- I had a bad reaction to it. It made my depression much worse.
> Prozac is available in generic form now, that's why it's no longer advertised. Cecilia
Posted by Phillipa on July 23, 2006, at 17:43:12
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial?, posted by Emily Elizabeth on July 18, 2006, at 8:11:49
Cymbalta made my head feel like it was going to explode wanted to cry and couldn't and the twitches of my legs couldn't stand so quit it after l0 days. Love Phillipa
Posted by pulse on July 24, 2006, at 7:36:23
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial?, posted by Phillipa on July 23, 2006, at 17:43:12
i find the ad so revolting in so may ways, i switch channels asap.
the #1 way in which i find the ad beyond vile is the inclusion of this 'who does depression hurt?' ditty. since being 'p.c.' has lost all meaning, if it ever had one, and i'm not a p.c. kinda gal, anyway, please excuse (i say snidely) the following:
in the final analysis, i could care less if it hurts my mate, kids, pets, cousin twice removed, or ishcabibble. i am the one it hurts most...and by a VERY long sight. this is no less than emotional blackmail being perpetrated - in a sickeningly manipultive fashion - against the TRUE sufferer. they ought to be shot for this. shame, shame, shame.
the whole ad is sinking to an all-time low, even for the drug companies. it's a more than obvious & desperate plea, (i.e. scam) in their last-gasp effort to increase sales of cymbalta - before the final gavel descends upon them. after the liver warnings they've already received and been made to inform the public about, cymbalta is in imimnent danger of being pulled from the market...any day. they well know this. so, once again, the ad is REALLY & ONLY about all the money THEY will be losing ....soon.
Posted by cloudydaze on July 24, 2006, at 12:51:03
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial?, posted by pulse on July 24, 2006, at 7:36:23
> i find the ad so revolting in so may ways, i switch channels asap.
>
> the #1 way in which i find the ad beyond vile is the inclusion of this 'who does depression hurt?' ditty. since being 'p.c.' has lost all meaning, if it ever had one, and i'm not a p.c. kinda gal, anyway, please excuse (i say snidely) the following:
>
> in the final analysis, i could care less if it hurts my mate, kids, pets, cousin twice removed, or ishcabibble. i am the one it hurts most...and by a VERY long sight. this is no less than emotional blackmail being perpetrated - in a sickeningly manipultive fashion - against the TRUE sufferer. they ought to be shot for this. shame, shame, shame.
>
> the whole ad is sinking to an all-time low, even for the drug companies. it's a more than obvious & desperate plea, (i.e. scam) in their last-gasp effort to increase sales of cymbalta - before the final gavel descends upon them. after the liver warnings they've already received and been made to inform the public about, cymbalta is in imimnent danger of being pulled from the market...any day. they well know this. so, once again, the ad is REALLY & ONLY about all the money THEY will be losing ....soon.
>
> http://www.google.com/search?q=cymbalta%20liver%20damage%20warning&sourceid=mozilla2&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8I have to respectfully disagree with the above statements, not only because Cymbalta helped me in the past, but because I've done resarch on Eli Lilly (drug company that makes cymbalta).
Last semester, I had to design an annual report for Eli Lilly, and had to do research into the company, it's history, innovations, and it's finances.
Yes, they are a drug company - it's a business like any other business, and they have to make money, otherwise, there would be no drug company.
Actually, I think the commercial is profound. It points out very relevant things about depression that not everyone recognizes. This is the first antidepressant that I have heard of (who knows, maybe there's more out there) that treats the physical hurt too. I think that is a wonderful innovation.
The part about depression hurting your family & relationships is also profound. Not many people think about it, but YES depression doesn't only hurt YOU. It hurts everyone who remotely gives a sh*t about you! Whether you want to believe it or not, or even care about it, it is fact...and I think they are right in pointing it out.
In fact, that statement may encourage someone to help themselves more. Think about it...if you are so depressed that you no longer care about yourself, but still have loe for your family - that statement could be what you need to hear to encourage you to find help. Some people don't want to help themselves, but they would do anything for their families.
My mom has depression, and I have bipolar. My mom's depression has hurt me GREATLY, as has my boyfriend's depression. In fact, I've had to be the strong one in these relationships - in order to survive. One of the main reasons I have started to overcome bipolar is MY DAUGHTER. She gives me reason enough to live. I would never dream of hurting her. If my depression is hurting her, I must overcome it. She is more important to me than depression. No it is not easy, but it's life.
I think it's completely relevant and appropriate. I don't think it's a scam to make money. Eli lilly is a drug company, and yes they are out to make money - but they have provided the world with some wonderful innovations, and seek to provide better care to people. I don't see them as bad guys, I see them as guys trying to do their jobs.
If there is a problem with Cymbalta, that is unfortunate - it was a great medication for me....i was actually thinking about starting back on it.
Cymbalta's website:
www.depressionhurts.com
Posted by laima on July 24, 2006, at 15:50:04
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial?, posted by cloudydaze on July 24, 2006, at 12:51:03
Wow-I feel like I am reliving viewing this commercial and experiencing a PR campaign for Eli Lilly...a company that is no stranger to controversy.Personally, I hope that it's true that the AMA is now pushing for a reduction or full ban on drug commercials on tv, their argument being that they interfere with doctor-patient relationships, and that the commercials might get people's hearts set on or insistent upon a medication inapproriate for their particular situation.
I also never liked the awkward looks shot in my direction from others whenever that ad or one similar came up on tv, or the uncomfortable silences that would follow.
I do agree that drug companies walk a tightrope-we need the medications-but they are for-profit and intensley interested in maximizing those profits.
You're definately fortunate to find cymbalta and that it works for you- but we've all got different chemistries. Made me suddenly plunge to near suicidal, for example.
> I have to respectfully disagree with the above statements, not only because Cymbalta helped me in the past, but because I've done resarch on Eli Lilly (drug company that makes cymbalta).
>
> Last semester, I had to design an annual report for Eli Lilly, and had to do research into the company, it's history, innovations, and it's finances.
>
> Cymbalta's website:
> www.depressionhurts.com
Posted by tiredmommy on July 24, 2006, at 16:33:30
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial?, posted by cloudydaze on July 24, 2006, at 12:51:03
> My mom has depression, and I have bipolar. My mom's depression has hurt me GREATLY, as has my boyfriend's depression. In fact, I've had to be the strong one in these relationships - in order to survive. One of the main reasons I have started to overcome bipolar is MY DAUGHTER. She gives me reason enough to live. I would never dream of hurting her. If my depression is hurting her, I must overcome it. She is more important to me than depression. No it is not easy, but it's life.
I agree. If it weren't for my children, I wouldn't be here. I was never able to do it for myself, but for them, I would do anything.As cheesy as it sounds, the commercial reminded me of that. And I would imagine it made a couple of other people out there realize it for themselves too. It doesn't negate any wrong-doing by the drug companies, but it provides a valuable service none the less.
Posted by laima on July 24, 2006, at 17:30:55
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial?, posted by cloudydaze on July 24, 2006, at 12:51:03
Dear cloudydays and tired mommy,
I was just headed back here to take another look at my post, as I seem to have been having trouble accurately grasping the site's civility rules-in addition to expressing myself accurately and clearly. I'd like to try again, just in case.
I definately agree- depression hurts a lot of people- not just the depressed person, and the commercial is absolutely legit in pointing that out. I am hurting my family badly: they feel helpless, they want me to feel better--and I helplessly feel terrible for it, for not feeling better, etc.
I am still not a fan of drug commercials on tv for the reasons I already mentioned, and speculate that maybe print ads might be less emotionally manipulative (if I can use that word, "manipulative" in a light as opposed to judgemental way? Maybe there is a better word to use that I can't think of?) But I concede, commercials can help educate people- I just think they can, generally speaking, also be misleading, manipulative, or inappropriate many times, especially when actors start portraying doctors and offering advice.
For me, it's the extremely melodramatic flavor of the cymbalta commercial that bothers me most about it, as well as the implication that cymbalta might be the one and only antidepressent able to address the physical pains that can accompany the, if this is the right word, "mental" symptoms. If depression is relieved with another medication, do the physical manifestations not go away? I think they do, from my own experience. And I know my family was beside themselves back when I was relieved by another medication from Lilly- prozac. They were frantic, on the other hand, when I experienced severe worsening of depression during my cymbalta episode. So, while I agree that cymbalta can be wonderful and very helpful for many people, I am concerned that the commercial suggests that some of its qualities are utterly unique to it, and that the drug is a major breakthrough.
I also admit that yes, Eli Lilly has obviously good qualities as well as what I perceive as less than noble qualities. And the drug developing researchers and the marketing people are two different departments, is that right? But we need the medications, so it's not so simple to call the company good or bad. And Eli Lilly did bring us Prozac, a truely remarkable and historic breakthrough for people with depression. I used it for many years and it literally gave me back my life-probably plain saved my life. ( I wish it still worked for me, but that's another story.) I'm not a fan of cymbalta because of my reaction to it.
We really are lucky to have so many medication options today.
Cloudydays, I hope I didn't offend you by disagreeing with some of your ideas or with any klutzy language. I respect your experience with Eli Lilly, too.
Respectfully,
Laima
Posted by Phillipa on July 24, 2006, at 19:43:36
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial? » cloudydaze, posted by tiredmommy on July 24, 2006, at 16:33:30
I live in the US. But they don't allow TV or any commercials in the UK. It's been discussed here before. I think especially the lunesta one. Butterflys in your bedroom? I feel they all of them are inappropriate. Makes me feel like there is something wrong with me if I don't respond positively to the med they are advertising. This is just how I feel. Love Phillipa
Posted by laima on July 24, 2006, at 20:06:31
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial?, posted by Phillipa on July 24, 2006, at 19:43:36
Hi Phillipa,Thanks for your message and for relaying that the subject of tv ads has come up before. I've wondered what other folks here think of the phenomena. If you recall where the Lunesta thread or some of the others might be, I'd be awfully curious to see what was said in those discussions. But if you don't recall, please don't take the trouble of digging. It's been said in many places, and I do think often validly, that the tv ads can also make people feel like they need "fixing" even if they don't. Going through a cymbalta-related nightmare while those cymbalta ads played incessently on tv made me feel like there was something wrong with me, too. Ambien safe and effective? For some, I'm sure. Absolutely. I went and asked and asked for it, finally got it, but it made me do weird things at night that I have no recollection of-whereas the ad insisted that "unusual side effects are highly unlikely". My pharmacist later told me that in his experience, not exactly true. I'd personally now rather let a knowledgeble doctor help me figure out meds without the interference or distraction of powerful ad campaigns. I feel strongly, but will leave it at that.
Well, from what I read about the doctors recently making a statement at their AMA meeting, it sounds possible we'll eventually see a reduction of the tv ads in our country, too.
Warmly,Laima
> I live in the US. But they don't allow TV or any commercials in the UK. It's been discussed here before. I think especially the lunesta one. Butterflys in your bedroom? I feel they all of them are inappropriate. Makes me feel like there is something wrong with me if I don't respond positively to the med they are advertising. This is just how I feel. Love Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on July 24, 2006, at 20:22:35
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial? » Phillipa, posted by laima on July 24, 2006, at 20:06:31
Google the Dr. Bob threads on advertising meds see what comes up. I know one involved ED_UK. Love Phillipa
Posted by laima on July 24, 2006, at 20:34:27
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial? » laima, posted by Phillipa on July 24, 2006, at 20:22:35
> Google the Dr. Bob threads on advertising meds see what comes up. I know one involved ED_UK. Love Phillipa
Oh-good idea, I will. Thanks.
Posted by laima on July 24, 2006, at 20:36:51
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial? » laima, posted by Phillipa on July 24, 2006, at 20:22:35
One thing- some of the ads sure make it seem like complex medical situations are simple to diagnose and treat!
Posted by Phillipa on July 24, 2006, at 20:40:57
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial? » Phillipa, posted by laima on July 24, 2006, at 20:36:51
Yes but most of the good people on this board know that's just not true in a lot of cases. Love Phillipa
Posted by laima on July 25, 2006, at 0:30:38
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial? » laima, posted by Phillipa on July 24, 2006, at 20:40:57
> Yes but most of the good people on this board know that's just not true in a lot of cases. Love Phillipa
Of course!
Posted by cloudydaze on July 26, 2006, at 2:22:26
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial? » cloudydaze, posted by laima on July 24, 2006, at 17:30:55
I think this post is much more useful, thank you :)
Your other one was not offensive, but a bit sarcastic maybe?
No harm done.
I am sorry you had a bad experience with Cymbalta - I know what it's like, believe me.
I've taken....
Ambien, Clonidine, Concerta, Celexa, chloropromazine, Cymbalta, Depakote, Effexor, Geodon, Klonopin, Paxil, Remron, Risperdal, Ritalin, Seroquel, Trazadone, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, and Zyprexa.
Those are just the ones that I remember. There may have been more. I think there were more, but you see, there are huge chunks of my life I don't remember :(
All of these either didn't work at all, quit working, or gave me horrible side effects (ALL of the antipsychotics)
You can see why i was thrilled to find something that worked!
Wow... it was hard to remember all of those.
Posted by laima on July 26, 2006, at 10:08:36
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial?, posted by cloudydaze on July 26, 2006, at 2:22:26
Dear cloudydaze,Yes, I think my personal, not always favorable views about the pharmaceutical industry indeed came out sarcastically in that first post, and I realized shortly afterwards that it was an innappropriate post, particularly since I was responding to your personal and sincere post and not to "the pharmaceutical industry". I also understand after re-studying the rules (and remembering some common sense) that this forum isn't the place for any sarcasm at all, consciously intentional or not. I'm sorry for expressing myself the way I did. And I sure can relate to the elation and joy of finding the right medication! I envy you for this. I'm still trying, as prozac ceased to be helpful for me after long use.
Respectfully,
Laima
> I think this post is much more useful, thank you :)
>
> Your other one was not offensive, but a bit sarcastic maybe?
>
> No harm done.
>
> I am sorry you had a bad experience with Cymbalta - I know what it's like, believe me.
>
> I've taken....
>
> Ambien, Clonidine, Concerta, Celexa, chloropromazine, Cymbalta, Depakote, Effexor, Geodon, Klonopin, Paxil, Remron, Risperdal, Ritalin, Seroquel, Trazadone, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, and Zyprexa.
>
> Those are just the ones that I remember. There may have been more. I think there were more, but you see, there are huge chunks of my life I don't remember :(
>
> All of these either didn't work at all, quit working, or gave me horrible side effects (ALL of the antipsychotics)
>
> You can see why i was thrilled to find something that worked!
>
> Wow... it was hard to remember all of those.
Posted by cloudydaze on July 26, 2006, at 23:43:38
In reply to Re: Has anyone seen the Cymbalta Commercial? » cloudydaze, posted by laima on July 26, 2006, at 10:08:36
>
> Dear cloudydaze,
>
> Yes, I think my personal, not always favorable views about the pharmaceutical industry indeed came out sarcastically in that first post, and I realized shortly afterwards that it was an innappropriate post, particularly since I was responding to your personal and sincere post and not to "the pharmaceutical industry". I also understand after re-studying the rules (and remembering some common sense) that this forum isn't the place for any sarcasm at all, consciously intentional or not. I'm sorry for expressing myself the way I did. And I sure can relate to the elation and joy of finding the right medication! I envy you for this. I'm still trying, as prozac ceased to be helpful for me after long use.
>
> Respectfully,
>
> Laima
>
For the past year or so, I haven't been on any meds. I wanted to prove I could live without them, I guess. Sometimes I like to try to force myself to be strong...Cymbalta was the last med i was on, and I would go back on it if I feel I need to. Lately I've been thinking about it. I think I need to work on finding a new psychiatrist and psychologist (haven't seen mine since i quit meds). In all honesty, I think i quit taking meds because i was exasperated with my pstchiatrist. He told me I would have to be medicated for the rest of my life, and i had to prove him wrong...plus, it seemed sometimes that he used me as a guinea pig...or maybe prescribed meds that i didn't need..
Anywho - your post was not so bad. I wouldn't have taken offense unless I was maybe having a severe depressive episode...and maybe not even then. I've had worse things hurled at me on other messageboards. :)
The rules are confusing to me too...(see my rambling post on the Admin board...i think it may have been a bit impulsive of me to post it though).
Don't be so hard on yourself :-)
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