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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 65 to 89 of 89. Go back in thread:
Posted by theo on August 27, 2004, at 9:51:35
In reply to Re: Question for SLS, posted by SLS on August 26, 2004, at 8:39:17
How's the Cymbalta treating you? I have several friends that are doctors and they said even another rep from Lilly has said, start at 30mg ONCE DAILY and then to 60mg ONCE DAILY. The reps aren't even pitching BID dosing and saying 60mg ONCE DAILY is the minimum dose.
If 30mg BID isn't doing anything great, are you going to try 60mg in a single morning dose to see if a larger single dose works better?
Posted by SLS on August 27, 2004, at 9:58:18
In reply to Re: Question for SLS » SLS, posted by theo on August 27, 2004, at 9:51:35
Hi Theo.
> How's the Cymbalta treating you?
Nothing positive to report yet. Perhaps more important at this juncture is that there is nothing negative to report. No side effects after two days at 60mg.
> I have several friends that are doctors and they said even another rep from Lilly has said, start at 30mg ONCE DAILY
For one week?
> and then to 60mg ONCE DAILY. The reps aren't even pitching BID dosing and saying 60mg ONCE DAILY is the minimum dose.
>
> If 30mg BID isn't doing anything great, are you going to try 60mg in a single morning dose to see if a larger single dose works better?Actually, I would be more inclined to go to 80mg; 40mg b.i.d. I should probably give 60mg a full 3 weeks before making any decisions.
- Scott
Posted by theo on August 27, 2004, at 10:04:21
In reply to Re: Question for SLS » theo, posted by SLS on August 27, 2004, at 9:58:18
Yes, 30mg once daily for one week, then to 60mg once daily.
Posted by jparsell82` on August 27, 2004, at 21:05:34
In reply to Re: Question for SLS » SLS, posted by theo on August 27, 2004, at 10:04:21
Hi, could you give me the cost for a one month supply of Cymbalta? thanks
Posted by etoc on August 28, 2004, at 16:11:56
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Samples-Question-SLS, posted by theo on August 25, 2004, at 7:03:29
I am taking the 60mgs capsule. I empty about 1/2 to get somewhere near 30mgs (med sensitive). Like I said in a new post, it sort of feels like Effexor --to early to tell.
For the guys, So far, I didnt have a problem having an orgasm/erection, which is a major selling point. We'll see as I up my dose to 60mgs.
Posted by theo on August 28, 2004, at 16:47:39
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Samples-Question-SLS, posted by etoc on August 28, 2004, at 16:11:56
When you go up to 60mg are you taking it once daily in the AM?
Posted by Cecilia on August 29, 2004, at 0:34:12
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Samples-Question-SLS, posted by etoc on August 28, 2004, at 16:11:56
Cymbalta is enteric coated, so should not be opened up or cut in half. I wish it weren`t as I`m also very med-sensitive. I`m planning to ask my doctor to start me on the 20 mg capsules, but wish it came in smaller doses. I was sick as a dog on less than 25 mg of effexor. Cecilia
Posted by nmk on August 29, 2004, at 16:02:45
In reply to Cymbalta at Walgreens Pharmacies, posted by Mr. Scott on August 17, 2004, at 20:55:31
Hi All,
I just started my first 30mg dose of Cymbalta yesterday and am having a difficult go of it. I have felt dizzy, "spacey", and have noticed an increase in my anxiety and agitation. To top things off, I was only able to sleep 3 hours last night.
I am frightened because these are the same s/e's I was having on Effexor a few years back and had to discontinue after 2 months. The withdrawal, as you all know, was pure hell.
I know it has only been two days but my gut is telling me that this is going to be similar to my effexor experience and I am scared to death. I have a call in to my pdoc but as usual, no return call.
Can anyone offer some insight? Does a NE reuptake inhibitor have a tendency to increase anxiety and agitation in some?
I really want to go back to my zoloft, even though it helps some of the time.
Please help. Thanks so much.
Nicole
Posted by sndg311 on August 29, 2004, at 19:29:10
In reply to Just started cymblata yesterday-PLEASE HELP!!, posted by nmk on August 29, 2004, at 16:02:45
I am on my third day and am thinking of changing the dose to a morning start.2nd day I felt more depressed then the first but today it seems like things are starting to even out. Try and make it the full week and then decide if you need to try something else. A wonder drug for me in the past was .025 of risperdal at bedtime but Im waiting to see if my mood starts to swing before adding it to cymbalta. Hang in there and keep me updated.
Posted by poop'd-out on August 29, 2004, at 23:55:38
In reply to Just started cymblata yesterday-PLEASE HELP!!, posted by nmk on August 29, 2004, at 16:02:45
> Hi All,
>
> I just started my first 30mg dose of Cymbalta yesterday and am having a difficult go of it. I have felt dizzy, "spacey", and have noticed an increase in my anxiety and agitation. To top things off, I was only able to sleep 3 hours last night.
>
> I am frightened because these are the same s/e's I was having on Effexor a few years back and had to discontinue after 2 months. The withdrawal, as you all know, was pure hell.
>
> I know it has only been two days but my gut is telling me that this is going to be similar to my effexor experience and I am scared to death. I have a call in to my pdoc but as usual, no return call.
>
> Can anyone offer some insight? Does a NE reuptake inhibitor have a tendency to increase anxiety and agitation in some?
>
> I really want to go back to my zoloft, even though it helps some of the time.
>
> Please help. Thanks so much.
>
> NicoleNicole,
I took Effexor years ago and only stayed on it for about a week because of the anxiety and agitation. I was hoping Cymbalta might be different. I don't know about the NE factor but I believe it might cause anxiety/irritation in certain individuals. At least that has been my experience. Hopefully, the cymbalta will even itself out after a while. Don't quit just yet! Keep me up to date because it sounds like we have similar reactions to meds.
Hang in there. = )
Beth
Posted by nmk on August 30, 2004, at 11:34:28
In reply to Re: Just started cymblata yesterday-PLEASE HELP!!, posted by sndg311 on August 29, 2004, at 19:29:10
> I am on my third day and am thinking of changing the dose to a morning start.2nd day I felt more depressed then the first but today it seems like things are starting to even out. Try and make it the full week and then decide if you need to try something else. A wonder drug for me in the past was .025 of risperdal at bedtime but Im waiting to see if my mood starts to swing before adding it to cymbalta. Hang in there and keep me updated.
Thanks. I don't know if I can do this another day. It is day 3 and I just don't feel right. The increase in anxiety and agitation has not let up and I am thinking of discontinuing. My pdoc hasn't called me back yet. Please keep me updated and let me know how you are doing on it. I want to see if these s/e's go away completly after time. Also, are you having any sleep disturbances on it?Nicole
Posted by nmk on August 30, 2004, at 11:39:47
In reply to Re: Just started cymblata yesterday-PLEASE HELP!! » nmk, posted by poop'd-out on August 29, 2004, at 23:55:38
> Nicole,
>
> I took Effexor years ago and only stayed on it for about a week because of the anxiety and agitation. I was hoping Cymbalta might be different. I don't know about the NE factor but I believe it might cause anxiety/irritation in certain individuals. At least that has been my experience. Hopefully, the cymbalta will even itself out after a while. Don't quit just yet! Keep me up to date because it sounds like we have similar reactions to meds.
>
> Hang in there. = )
>
> Beth
Hi Beth,Thanks for your reply. It does sound like we have similar reactions to SNRI's. I am extemely med sensitive and I think my pdoc should have started me at 20mg. He still hasn't called back and I am tempted to throw in the towel. These s/e's are so similar to Effexor.
What has worked for you as an AD? I need something that will kill the constant anxiety.
Thanks,
Nicole:))
Posted by owensmar on August 30, 2004, at 14:11:27
In reply to Re: Just started cymblata yesterday-PLEASE HELP!! » poop'd-out, posted by nmk on August 30, 2004, at 11:39:47
> > Nicole,
> >
> > I took Effexor years ago and only stayed on it for about a week because of the anxiety and agitation. I was hoping Cymbalta might be different. I don't know about the NE factor but I believe it might cause anxiety/irritation in certain individuals. At least that has been my experience. Hopefully, the cymbalta will even itself out after a while. Don't quit just yet! Keep me up to date because it sounds like we have similar reactions to meds.
> >
> > Hang in there. = )
> >
> > Beth
>
>
> Hi Beth,
>
> Thanks for your reply. It does sound like we have similar reactions to SNRI's. I am extemely med sensitive and I think my pdoc should have started me at 20mg. He still hasn't called back and I am tempted to throw in the towel. These s/e's are so similar to Effexor.
>
> What has worked for you as an AD? I need something that will kill the constant anxiety.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Nicole:))This is so weird. SSRI's cause me anxiety - especially Paxil. After a week or two on Paxil I was a total basket case and ended up in a doctor's office being given a Xanax to chew up.
On Effexor, though, my anxiety decreased. (Although it's not gone).
I guess it's really so true about different people's reactions. Since we have opposite reactions and Paxil made me anxious - maybe Paxil would make you calm?
Good luck.
Marsha
>
>
>
Posted by sndg311 on August 30, 2004, at 17:09:18
In reply to Re: Just started cymblata yesterday-PLEASE HELP!! » nmk, posted by owensmar on August 30, 2004, at 14:11:27
Today has been my best day so far. I coming to a close on day 4. Agitation is starting to go away. Im more focused, laughing messing with people at work. those are the plus's. The minus's are last night I still had a little trouble staying asleep and this afternoon it was a little hard getting off. Other wise Cymbalta seems to be doing what it is supposed to. If everything else goes right for but the agitation hangs around ask your dock for .25 mg of respirdal. I am not on it now but it worked wonders for mood stabilation for me in the past just nothing for depression. Good luck and hang in there.
Posted by poop'd-out on August 31, 2004, at 2:55:16
In reply to Re: Just started cymblata yesterday-PLEASE HELP!! » poop'd-out, posted by nmk on August 30, 2004, at 11:39:47
> Hi Beth,
>
> Thanks for your reply. It does sound like we have similar reactions to SNRI's. I am extemely med sensitive and I think my pdoc should have started me at 20mg. He still hasn't called back and I am tempted to throw in the towel. These s/e's are so similar to Effexor.
>
> What has worked for you as an AD? I need something that will kill the constant anxiety.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Nicole:))
>
>
>
Hi Nicole,Sorry but I don't think I am going to be of any help to you. I am currently on Zoloft which if I recall was your last AD. It doesn't seem to help that much but it is the most benign of all the AD's I have been on. I have been on them all. Most of them have caused me the anxiety/agitation thing along with a good dose of paranoia. So much fun!!
I also take Neurontin and tegretol as mood stabilizers. My doc and I aren't positive I am bi-polar but we think that I am based on my reactions to all AD's. I am also weaning off of lamictal.
In terms of anxiety I am almost positive that the tegretol has been a help. It was kind of a pain to get on it though, at least for me. So for now I kind of use the tegretol neurontin as a base and have been searching for the miracle AD ever since.
How many days have you been on the cymbalta now? Take care, sorry I couldn't be of any more help.
Beth = )
Posted by nmk on August 31, 2004, at 10:44:28
In reply to Re: Just started cymblata yesterday-PLEASE HELP!!, posted by sndg311 on August 30, 2004, at 17:09:18
> Today has been my best day so far. I coming to a close on day 4. Agitation is starting to go away. Im more focused, laughing messing with people at work. those are the plus's. The minus's are last night I still had a little trouble staying asleep and this afternoon it was a little hard getting off. Other wise Cymbalta seems to be doing what it is supposed to. If everything else goes right for but the agitation hangs around ask your dock for .25 mg of respirdal. I am not on it now but it worked wonders for mood stabilation for me in the past just nothing for depression. Good luck and hang in there.
I am so glad it is working for you and hope it continues to do good things for you. I am just very scared at this point and I don't want to continue taking it. It has been three days and my pdoc hasn't called back. I am tired of calling him, tired of all of this. Maybe I need to start at a lower dose.Please continue to keep us posted.
Thanks,
Nicole
Posted by nmk on August 31, 2004, at 10:52:18
In reply to Re: Just started cymblata yesterday-PLEASE HELP!! » nmk, posted by poop'd-out on August 31, 2004, at 2:55:16
> Hi Nicole,
>
> Sorry but I don't think I am going to be of any help to you. I am currently on Zoloft which if I recall was your last AD. It doesn't seem to help that much but it is the most benign of all the AD's I have been on. I have been on them all. Most of them have caused me the anxiety/agitation thing along with a good dose of paranoia. So much fun!!
>
> I also take Neurontin and tegretol as mood stabilizers. My doc and I aren't positive I am bi-polar but we think that I am based on my reactions to all AD's. I am also weaning off of lamictal.
>
> In terms of anxiety I am almost positive that the tegretol has been a help. It was kind of a pain to get on it though, at least for me. So for now I kind of use the tegretol neurontin as a base and have been searching for the miracle AD ever since.
>
> How many days have you been on the cymbalta now? Take care, sorry I couldn't be of any more help.
>
> Beth = )
Hi Beth,You are a big help to me since it sounds like we are in a similar situation. 100 mg of zoloft has always been the only AD I could tolerate too. I works some of the time but like you, am still searching to find that miracle AD. My doctor thinks I have a bipolar component to my depression but he is still wavering. I have had a poor response to most AD's and have tried lamictal, trileptal, and depakote to no avail. I get very depressed, anxious one week before my period and go up and down the rest of the month.
You mentioned Tegretol. Any side effects? In what way was it difficult getting started? What dosage? Also, what do you take for sleep?
Sorry for all of the questions....I am just searching for anything that may help.
Thanks,
Nicole:))
Posted by poop'd-out on August 31, 2004, at 15:38:57
In reply to Re: Just started cymblata yesterday-PLEASE HELP!! » poop'd-out, posted by nmk on August 31, 2004, at 10:52:18
>
> Hi Beth,
>
> You are a big help to me since it sounds like we are in a similar situation. 100 mg of zoloft has always been the only AD I could tolerate too. I works some of the time but like you, am still searching to find that miracle AD. My doctor thinks I have a bipolar component to my depression but he is still wavering. I have had a poor response to most AD's and have tried lamictal, trileptal, and depakote to no avail. I get very depressed, anxious one week before my period and go up and down the rest of the month.
>
> You mentioned Tegretol. Any side effects? In what way was it difficult getting started? What dosage? Also, what do you take for sleep?
>
> Sorry for all of the questions....I am just searching for anything that may help.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Nicole:))
>Girl we are simpatico!
I am currently suffering through a really bad bout of PMS waiting for my period to start. Some months are so much worse than others! This is a worse one. Also coinciding with the full moon, so who knows? As a matter of fact I haven't felt this freaky for a long time, every once in a while...don't know why.
It sounds like you are really suffering, maybe you should stop? I just know how bad it can be because I have been there. I used to just ride out all the SE's because everyone said they would eventually go away. Finally, after many trials of several AD's I kind of learned from experience that hey this isn't gonna work for me and I ain't gonna keep on freaking out just to keep freaking out some more. It really depended on what the SE's were. If I was in constant paranoia, anxiety and rage well then this might not be a good thing...
Are you currently on any MS at all? I actually tried Prozac again recently and tolerated it much better than when I had taken it alone. Still in the end it was too intense for me, but it wasn't half as bad as when I had taken it alone. Too bad too, my depression was getting better on it to a degree. I can't take AD's without some sort of MS or I totally wig out.
Hmmm, the tegretol. I started taking it soo many years ago. All I can remember is that it made me extremely depressed when I first started taking it. More so than usual. But once I found the right dosing schedule it finally started to help.
For the most part my anxiety and anger went way down. I have no idea what is going on today cause nothing is working!Have you gotten a hold of your doc yet?
Beth = )
Sleep? I want to sleep all the time!! I guess that is where we are different. I am sure the tegretol and neurontin and zoloft and blah all make me crash out. I very rarely have trouble sleeping unless I add, subtract or change my meds.
Posted by poop'd-out on August 31, 2004, at 15:45:37
In reply to Re: Just started cymblata yesterday-PLEASE HELP!! » poop'd-out, posted by nmk on August 31, 2004, at 10:52:18
Nicole,
Sometimes when my anxiety gets really bad, I pop a couple of rolaids and it seems to take the edge off of it. It has something to do with cal/mag ratio. It doesn't make it go away just eases it up a little. This has worked for me and other people I have had try it for this reason. What do you have to lose?
Beth = )
Posted by nmk on September 1, 2004, at 14:48:46
In reply to Strange but true... » nmk, posted by poop'd-out on August 31, 2004, at 15:45:37
> Nicole,
>
> Sometimes when my anxiety gets really bad, I pop a couple of rolaids and it seems to take the edge off of it. It has something to do with cal/mag ratio. It doesn't make it go away just eases it up a little. This has worked for me and other people I have had try it for this reason. What do you have to lose?
>
> Beth = )Thanks Beth, I have never heard of this. I do take 1200mg of calcium per day, divided into a morning and evening dose. Would this suffice or do I need the combo of mag/calcium?
Nicole
Posted by Hattree on September 1, 2004, at 15:03:48
In reply to Re: Strange but true... » poop'd-out, posted by nmk on September 1, 2004, at 14:48:46
I think the effective ingredient is probably the magnesium, though the calcium may potentiate it. I doubt whether calcium alone would help.
Posted by nmk on September 1, 2004, at 15:14:07
In reply to Re: Just started cymblata yesterday-PLEASE HELP!! » nmk, posted by poop'd-out on August 31, 2004, at 15:38:57
> Girl we are simpatico!
>
> I am currently suffering through a really bad bout of PMS waiting for my period to start. Some months are so much worse than others! This is a worse one. Also coinciding with the full moon, so who knows? As a matter of fact I haven't felt this freaky for a long time, every once in a while...don't know why.
>
> It sounds like you are really suffering, maybe you should stop? I just know how bad it can be because I have been there. I used to just ride out all the SE's because everyone said they would eventually go away. Finally, after many trials of several AD's I kind of learned from experience that hey this isn't gonna work for me and I ain't gonna keep on freaking out just to keep freaking out some more. It really depended on what the SE's were. If I was in constant paranoia, anxiety and rage well then this might not be a good thing...
>
> Are you currently on any MS at all? I actually tried Prozac again recently and tolerated it much better than when I had taken it alone. Still in the end it was too intense for me, but it wasn't half as bad as when I had taken it alone. Too bad too, my depression was getting better on it to a degree. I can't take AD's without some sort of MS or I totally wig out.
>
> Hmmm, the tegretol. I started taking it soo many years ago. All I can remember is that it made me extremely depressed when I first started taking it. More so than usual. But once I found the right dosing schedule it finally started to help.
> For the most part my anxiety and anger went way down. I have no idea what is going on today cause nothing is working!
>
> Have you gotten a hold of your doc yet?
>
> Beth = )
>
> Sleep? I want to sleep all the time!! I guess that is where we are different. I am sure the tegretol and neurontin and zoloft and blah all make me crash out. I very rarely have trouble sleeping unless I add, subtract or change my meds.
Hi Beth,Thanks for your response. My pdoc still hasn't called me but I have an appointment with him on Friday. I really want to get off this stuff....I hate it. Anxiety is high, sleep is poor, and I feel too "spacey". I am not on a MS at the present. The last one we tried was Depakote sprinkles, which made me terribly depressed, although it did kill the anxiety. I couldn't lower the dose anymore since I was on the lowest dose possible.
This is so frustrating. If I could get a decent night's sleep, I could deal with all of this. I am working full-time, have three small kids, and I feel constantly stressed. Sorry for babbling, I am just having a lousy day and I want to go home and feel better.
How do you compare the Tegretol to other(if any) MS's that you have tried? I haven't tried Tegretol am hesitant of starting another MS since I have struck out with three already. When I am very agitated and anxoius and can't sleep, I will take 7.5 mg of zyprexa. This knocks me out but I pay for it the next day. Horrible hangover.
Hope you are well today and hope I will be well tomorrow.
Nicole:)))
Posted by theo on September 1, 2004, at 18:07:50
In reply to Re: Just started cymblata yesterday-PLEASE HELP!! » poop'd-out, posted by nmk on September 1, 2004, at 15:14:07
Can you compare your start up experience with Cymbalta to any other med you have tried?
I currently take Lamictal and was going to try Cymbalta, but might go ahead and add Prozac since it shows to be proven good with Lamictal.
From responses I've seen, Cymbalta doesn't seem to be to hot. I know a few people posting have only been on it for about 2 weeks, but if one doesn't feel anything positive after starting a med that's suppose to be fast acting within 10 days, I would have my doubts. My pdoc didn't have anything good to say about it, not because it's just released but she said there hasn't been anything special about it versus current meds already out there.
I feel addicted to AD's. Anytime a new med comes out it's easy to think "newer is better" which isn't always true.
Posted by poop'd-out on September 2, 2004, at 1:51:29
In reply to Re: Just started cymblata yesterday-PLEASE HELP!! » poop'd-out, posted by nmk on September 1, 2004, at 15:14:07
>
> Hi Beth,
>
> Thanks for your response. My pdoc still hasn't called me but I have an appointment with him on Friday. I really want to get off this stuff....I hate it. Anxiety is high, sleep is poor, and I feel too "spacey". I am not on a MS at the present. The last one we tried was Depakote sprinkles, which made me terribly depressed, although it did kill the anxiety. I couldn't lower the dose anymore since I was on the lowest dose possible.
>
Hi Nicole,I have found that lower isn't necessarily better when taking these meds. As a matter of fact I didn't start feeling better on the tegretol until I was taking more of it. I currently take about 800-900mg of tegretol(about 4 or 5 pills). I take them throughout the day because that is what works best for me.
> This is so frustrating. If I could get a decent night's sleep, I could deal with all of this. I am working full-time, have three small kids, and I feel constantly stressed. Sorry for babbling, I am just having a lousy day and I want to go home and feel better.
>I know that feeling!! No kids though. I am so sorry you are having such a crappy day.
> How do you compare the Tegretol to other(if any) MS's that you have tried? I haven't tried Tegretol am hesitant of starting another MS since I have struck out with three already. When I am very agitated and anxoius and can't sleep, I will take 7.5 mg of zyprexa. This knocks me out but I pay for it the next day. Horrible hangover.
>I don't think I ever tried depakote. I think I wanted to avoid it because of weight gain. My doc was more keen on lithium anyways. So I would say lithium. I didn't care for that. Of course, I may not have given it enough time. The MS's
can take alot of time to stabilize, ha! I also take neurontin which I don't feel is much of MS on its own, works well with the Tegretol.
> Hope you are well today and hope I will be well tomorrow.
>Thank you, I am much better today. I hope and pray the same for you!
Try to hang in there til Friday and let your doc work with you on what your next step might be. Just ONE more day, you've made it this far.
Beth = )
PS I agree with the above poster that the magnesium is key with the calcium. Does your cal have mag?
Posted by Donmonique on September 18, 2004, at 1:18:08
In reply to Re: Cymbalta at Walgreens Pharmacies, posted by hok on August 18, 2004, at 22:04:01
I am in Euless Texas and the Walgreen's here has it. I had mine filled a few days ago but am scared to death for some reason to take it. If anyone has incite on this please email me at donmonique@comcast.net because I want to get better. I have lowered my effexor from 800mg to 150mg and my doctor says I can switch when I was down to 150mg and would not have side affects so that's a good thing. You all are wondering if I am odd or my doctor because of the dosage of 800mg I could not tell you much but my doctor said it become a different medication at that dose, so I went with it. I will do anything at this point and I am sure there are a lot of people out here that knows the feeling. So if anyone can help or give me some insight PLEASE email me.
Best Regards,
Donmonique
This is the end of the thread.
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