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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by TehDizzyBroad on January 24, 2007, at 15:55:00
First time poster, but I lurked here when making my decision about Effexor, and now I want to see if I can get any insight on my next medication step.
The long version of the question can be found here: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.support.depression.medication/browse_frm/thread/0c118c522a9eac5b/?hl=en#
Lots of background information there.The short version is, simply, has anyone ever switched straight from Effexor to Cymbalta? If so, what did you experience?
(Please, those rabidly against either/both of these medications, like I've found in the Withdrawl threads, please keep the vitriol and rhetoric out of this thread.)
Posted by Phillipa on January 24, 2007, at 17:27:08
In reply to Effexor -) Cymbalta (and back?), posted by TehDizzyBroad on January 24, 2007, at 15:55:00
I didn't have any withdrawal from cymbalta at 60mg after about three or four months. But no improvement in depression either. So I stopped it no problem. So I did find out it helps pain as off it I had backpain. Love Phillipa
Posted by corafree on January 24, 2007, at 17:44:10
In reply to Effexor -) Cymbalta (and back?), posted by TehDizzyBroad on January 24, 2007, at 15:55:00
Welcome tehdizzybroad.
I'm sorry I can't answer your question; but I'll tag along here as would also like to receive an answer to your ?.
I've gone the Effexor-XR route many times and am done with it. Last time terrible withdrawal.
My PCP always brings up Cymbalta and I just shake my head like 'how can it be that much diff' than E-XR' ... but, I don't really know.
I have an injury to my c-spine and I think my PCP sees the commercial and thinks he can 'kill two birds w/ one stone'.
I have depression which is difficult to treat. Sometimes I wonder if it is because it is not depression at all. Often it seems very situational. I DO HAVE ANXIETY which is here whether I'm happy or sad, and suffer panic attacks at unpredictable times.
Hope we get some Cymbalta users feedback; especially re: differences between it & E-XR.
My reason for first trying Eff-XR was because of its anti-anxiety properties. It alone didn't treat my anxiety. I was on it when I had a nervous breakdown nearly 2yrs ago.
bestwishes, cf
Posted by blueberry1 on January 24, 2007, at 18:30:07
In reply to Effexor -) Cymbalta (and back?), posted by TehDizzyBroad on January 24, 2007, at 15:55:00
At remedyfind.com there was someone who switched straight over from effexor to cymbalta and they said it was 'seamless'. No probs. Cymbalta prevented effexor's dreaded withdrawals for that person.
Posted by corafree on January 26, 2007, at 17:06:30
In reply to Re: Effexor -) Cymbalta (and back?) » TehDizzyBroad, posted by blueberry1 on January 24, 2007, at 18:30:07
X
Posted by corafree on January 26, 2007, at 17:08:01
In reply to Re: Effexor -) Cymbalta (and back?), posted by corafree on January 26, 2007, at 17:06:30
Not funny?
Butt, is the Cymbalta butter???
cf
Posted by Phillipa on January 26, 2007, at 19:34:31
In reply to Re: Effexor -) Cymbalta (and back?), posted by corafree on January 26, 2007, at 17:08:01
Better? I never took the long acting effexor. I took the original and couldn't tolerate it or cymbalta but I took it twice first time I did and no withdrawal for me. Love Phillipa
Posted by tehdizzybroad on January 27, 2007, at 12:34:14
In reply to Re: Effexor -) Cymbalta (and back?) » corafree, posted by Phillipa on January 26, 2007, at 19:34:31
Just an update...
So far, so good. Took the first dose yesterday, 30mg, and felt the same loopy/stoned that I had every time I changed dosages on EffexorXR.
Took the second dose of Cymbalta this morning a few hours later than normal, went back to sleep. Woke up an hour later with a headache that was probably a 7 on my OhShit Meter. Went back to sleep... woke up, and it was gone.
Maybe related to the difference in dosage times, though it would surprise me after only one dose. Never had that kind of problem with the Effexor as long as I kept it within three hours.
A little lethargic, a little achy - but the doc warned me of 'mild flu like symptoms' so this is par for the course.
To be continued...
Posted by corafree on January 30, 2007, at 10:25:12
In reply to Re: Effexor -) Cymbalta (and back?) » corafree, posted by Phillipa on January 26, 2007, at 19:34:31
I believe no one has said that Cymbalta helped them more than Effexor or Effexor-XR here.
cf
Posted by TehDizzyBroad on January 30, 2007, at 11:25:55
In reply to Re: Effexor -) Cymbalta (and back?), posted by tehdizzybroad on January 27, 2007, at 12:34:14
It's Tuesday.
The weekend went by in somewhat of a fog, with that mild stoned-feeling that I am accustomed to with the SNRI. Stayed home from work yesterday, because I did not feel clear headed enough to focus on a high-multitasking job.
Today, however, the nausea is kicking in. Nothing I can't handle - just a general queasiness that I'm hoping some food will take care of. A little dizzy too, but not nearly as bad as I've heard from others just starting Cymbalta.
On the plus side, there seem to be some definite benifits to the switch. The anorgasmia seems to be gone, and my libido seems to be picking back up as well. Plus, the general aches and pains I've always suffered with seem to be abating, especially late at night. No real withdrawl effects from the Effexor, it seems.
This might actually be the better medication for me. personally. Reserving judgement for another week, I think, to see if the side effects fade like the Effexor's did.
Posted by logansgirl on January 30, 2007, at 15:14:30
In reply to Re: Effexor -) Cymbalta (and back?), posted by TehDizzyBroad on January 30, 2007, at 11:25:55
<Hi Everyone,
I'm new here but have gained so much confidence just by reading your threads. Am going from Effexor 150mg to 75mg for a week to 10 days. This is day 2 and I started 30mg of cymbalta 1 per day for a week then no effexor(if all is well, doc says maybe 10 days) and 60 mg of cymbalta 1 per day. So far just my normal reaction to even an hour late of taking my effexor, a whoshing feeling in head. Hope the withdrawal won't be bad. Any encouraging words or hints would be greatly appreciated.>
The previous post was from last week on another thread. Today I am on my second day of 60 mg Cymbalta and no effexor. So far no problems, in fact a friend said yesterday I was much less irritable when we went out to eat. I personally do not feel much difference but am thankful not to have any withdrawals. I do miss the vivid dreams I would awaken with while on effexor.
Posted by corafree on January 31, 2007, at 6:28:50
In reply to switching from effexor to cymbalta, posted by logansgirl on January 30, 2007, at 15:14:30
I think I'm past the Eff-XR withdrawal. It was very flu'ish.
What differences did your doc or you think there might be in Cymbalta, that you chose to try it?
Or RU doing this just as a means of getting away from Effexor-XR; don't think so as I understand.
I have a lot of anxiety. It's increased because doc 'teasing' taking Valium away from me, ya' know titrating me down, telling me he doesn't like benzos (Its not for him! Duh!) and just generally overlooking 'anxiety' as my most prominent life threatening problem. Agoraphobic to the max!
I'm glad you're okay and sounds u did well w/ the withdrawal.
I think sometimes people can actually see things in us that we can't, so maybe ur better but it just hasn't smacked you in the face yet.
My PCP has always wanted me to try Cymbalta re: the commercial, as I have a c-spine injury, but I've been Effexor-XR'd out (five times) and don't respond anymore to anything but large doses of it, which I don't want in my body at any cost.
I'd like it if you'd let me know how you're doing.
I'm trying Lexapro. Just sorta had to pick an AD outta' the hat, and this is one I don't recall taking. That doesn't mean I haven't! Not yet started.
takecare,tks, cf
Posted by rina on February 3, 2007, at 18:34:04
In reply to switching from effexor to cymbalta, posted by logansgirl on January 30, 2007, at 15:14:30
> <Hi Everyone,
> I'm new here but have gained so much confidence just by reading your threads. Am going from Effexor 150mg to 75mg for a week to 10 days. This is day 2 and I started 30mg of cymbalta 1 per day for a week then no effexor(if all is well, doc says maybe 10 days) and 60 mg of cymbalta 1 per day. So far just my normal reaction to even an hour late of taking my effexor, a whoshing feeling in head. Hope the withdrawal won't be bad. Any encouraging words or hints would be greatly appreciated.>
> The previous post was from last week on another thread. Today I am on my second day of 60 mg Cymbalta and no effexor. So far no problems, in fact a friend said yesterday I was much less irritable when we went out to eat. I personally do not feel much difference but am thankful not to have any withdrawals. I do miss the vivid dreams I would awaken with while on effexor.I think it's wonderful that your not experiencing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor XR. It's like a whirlwind for me. Last week I had a hypomanic experience and immediately my pdoc discontinued the effexor all at once. OMG!! Someone call the psych ward for me...lol Every withdrawal symptom someone can have, I've got it. Nauseau, vomitting, head swings, irritability, rage,dizziness, agressiveness etc. Simply awful.
Posted by rina on February 3, 2007, at 18:38:27
In reply to Re: Effexor -) Cymbalta (and back?) » TehDizzyBroad, posted by blueberry1 on January 24, 2007, at 18:30:07
> At remedyfind.com there was someone who switched straight over from effexor to cymbalta and they said it was 'seamless'. No probs. Cymbalta prevented effexor's dreaded withdrawals for that person.
I feel like I want to die from these Effexor XR withdrawals. It's been 1week since my abrupt discontinue, pdoc approved. OMG...this is worst than my last month of pregnacy. I'll take the epidural now please..lol
Posted by rina on February 3, 2007, at 18:41:55
In reply to Re: Effexor -) Cymbalta (and back?) » corafree, posted by Phillipa on January 26, 2007, at 19:34:31
> Better? I never took the long acting effexor. I took the original and couldn't tolerate it or cymbalta but I took it twice first time I did and no withdrawal for me. Love Phillipa
I have major withdrawal symptoms from Effexor XR. Someone go get the nurse. I need an epidural now..lol
Posted by logansgirl on February 4, 2007, at 9:23:19
In reply to Re: Effexor -) Cymbalta (and back?), posted by rina on February 3, 2007, at 18:41:55
Forget the "seamless" change for me. I now have the aching, horrible headaches and tension in my neck and shoulders. I guess it's withdrawal and/or the cymbalta hasn't kicked in yet. I would love to just get off of the antidepressants completely but I just stay so angry without them.
Posted by rina on February 4, 2007, at 15:10:05
In reply to switching from effexor to cymbalta, posted by logansgirl on February 4, 2007, at 9:23:19
> Forget the "seamless" change for me. I now have the aching, horrible headaches and tension in my neck and shoulders. I guess it's withdrawal and/or the cymbalta hasn't kicked in yet. I would love to just get off of the antidepressants completely but I just stay so angry without them.
Do they in any way promote hypomanic effects for you, when you were on Effexor? I'm not sure but what is Cymbalta? What is it used for?
Posted by tehdizzybroad on February 4, 2007, at 17:53:59
In reply to switching from effexor to cymbalta, posted by logansgirl on February 4, 2007, at 9:23:19
Nausea finally went away a few days ago. It wasn't too bad - never got to the point where I was praying to the porcelain god or anything.Sexual side effects are all but gone. I have some of my libido back but, more importantly, that anorgasmic barrier has completely disappeared.
I felt a touch or two of the anxiety that went along with my depression during the week, mostly during high-stress times with my family (serious trigger). That's a few days past though.
So, I'm giving the switch a reserved thumbs up, all around. I still have a week and a half of samples left - two weeks and change until I see the doc again. Hopefully, I won't even have to adjust the dosage. That'll ROCK.
Posted by Phillipa on February 4, 2007, at 18:12:30
In reply to Re: switching from effexor to cymbalta, posted by rina on February 4, 2007, at 15:10:05
Cymbalta is the only other SSNRI which is what effexor is also. Love Phillipa ps cymbalta is also approved for neuropathic pain.
Posted by rina on February 5, 2007, at 14:21:29
In reply to Re: Effexor -) Cymbalta (and back?), posted by rina on February 3, 2007, at 18:38:27
> > At remedyfind.com there was someone who switched straight over from effexor to cymbalta and they said it was 'seamless'. No probs. Cymbalta prevented effexor's dreaded withdrawals for that person.
>
>
> I feel like I want to die from these Effexor XR withdrawals. It's been 1week since my abrupt discontinue, pdoc approved. OMG...this is worst than my last month of pregnacy. I'll take the epidural now please..lol
>Thanks so much for your input. The information is truly a blessing to know but I think I might have done something unethical today. I phoned my psychiatrist that I was seeing prior to my current one now. She knows me alot better and we keep in touch periodically. When I told her about the abrupt discontinuation of the EffexorXR, she almost hit the roof. She said that no psychiatrist would ever completely stop EffexorXR, when a patient has been taking it for years and at a high dose. She said she was going to call her today and discuss it with her. I hope that wasn't unethical.
Posted by TehDizzyBroad on February 5, 2007, at 15:41:50
In reply to Re: Effexor -) Cymbalta (and back?), posted by rina on February 5, 2007, at 14:21:29
> Thanks so much for your input. The information >is truly a blessing to know but I think I might >have done something unethical today. I phoned my >psychiatrist that I was seeing prior to my >current one now. She knows me alot better and we >keep in touch periodically. When I told her about >the abrupt discontinuation of the EffexorXR, she >almost hit the roof. She said that no >psychiatrist would ever completely stop >EffexorXR, when a patient has been taking it for >years and at a high dose. She said she was going >to call her today and discuss it with her. I hope >that wasn't unethical.
>I don't see how it would be unethical, in any way shape or form. What you did, for all intents and purposes, was call to get a second opinion from another doctor. That's not only a patient's right, it's a patient's *duty*, especially in a situation like this, when something in your gut tells you that what's been prescribed to you is wrong with a capital W.
Good on you twice for calling someone you trusted -- I assume that the reason why you switched psych-docs was for some sad, buerocratic reason like insurance, instead of a lack of understanding. You'll correct me if I'm wrong, I hope.
Posted by rina on February 5, 2007, at 18:03:05
In reply to Re: Effexor -) Cymbalta (and back?), posted by TehDizzyBroad on February 5, 2007, at 15:41:50
>
> > Thanks so much for your input. The information >is truly a blessing to know but I think I might >have done something unethical today. I phoned my >psychiatrist that I was seeing prior to my >current one now. She knows me alot better and we >keep in touch periodically. When I told her about >the abrupt discontinuation of the EffexorXR, she >almost hit the roof. She said that no >psychiatrist would ever completely stop >EffexorXR, when a patient has been taking it for >years and at a high dose. She said she was going >to call her today and discuss it with her. I hope >that wasn't unethical.
> >
>
> I don't see how it would be unethical, in any way shape or form. What you did, for all intents and purposes, was call to get a second opinion from another doctor. That's not only a patient's right, it's a patient's *duty*, especially in a situation like this, when something in your gut tells you that what's been prescribed to you is wrong with a capital W.
>
> Good on you twice for calling someone you trusted -- I assume that the reason why you switched psych-docs was for some sad, buerocratic reason like insurance, instead of a lack of understanding. You'll correct me if I'm wrong, I hope.
>
Thanks for making me feel as if my decision in getting a second opinion was warranted. In regard to the change in pdoc. My old pdoc retired, unfortunately for me.
Posted by TehDizzyBroad on February 6, 2007, at 8:02:51
In reply to Re: Effexor -) Cymbalta (and back?), posted by rina on February 5, 2007, at 18:03:05
> > I don't see how it would be unethical, in any way shape or form. What you did, for all intents and purposes, was call to get a second opinion from another doctor. That's not only a patient's right, it's a patient's *duty*, especially in a situation like this, when something in your gut tells you that what's been prescribed to you is wrong with a capital W.
> >
> > Good on you twice for calling someone you trusted -- I assume that the reason why you switched psych-docs was for some sad, buerocratic reason like insurance, instead of a lack of understanding. You'll correct me if I'm wrong, I hope.
> >
>
>
> Thanks for making me feel as if my decision in getting a second opinion was warranted. In regard to the change in pdoc. My old pdoc retired, unfortunately for me.
>Absolutely warranted. With how learned and professional our doctors seem to be, it's easy to forget that WE are the patient; our needs are what ultimately matter the most, hands down. If your pdoc suffers from an easily bruised ego after this, that should ring loud warning bells.
This is the end of the thread.
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