Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 395545

Shown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

freaking out on Cymbalta

Posted by cache-monkey on September 26, 2004, at 23:53:35

Hey folks,

I just started Cymbalta last week. Tues-Thurs 15 mg in the morning. Fri-Sun 30 mg split between morning and afternoon.

Since I started I've felt completely wired, agitated and stressed. Playing into that is the fact that I'm working on a project right now, but I still attribute it to the med. My temperature feels like it's been bouncing up and down a bit, but I've been sweating almost non-stop.

I'm really freaking out. Someone with experience with Cymbalta (or SSRIs/Effexor) please tell me: are these normal start-up side effects?

I wasn't feeling that bad before I went on. I'm taking it for low-level GAD/dysthymia that was mostly in remission, but also as a buffer for when I try to quit smoking again, and because I'm anticipating a particularly stressful winter. Given how I feel right now, though, I'm really thinking about discontinuing. Does anyone have any advice?

cache-monkey

 

Re: freaking out on Cymbalta

Posted by mcp on September 27, 2004, at 3:30:07

In reply to freaking out on Cymbalta, posted by cache-monkey on September 26, 2004, at 23:53:35

"I'm taking it for low-level GAD/dysthymia that was mostly in remission, but also as a buffer for when I try to quit smoking again, and because I'm anticipating a particularly stressful winter."

I am no doctor, but I have felt and seen what these drugs can do. Sometimes beneficial. Sometimes not. The nots are usually unpleasant. If you had low-level GAD/dysthymia that was in remission I can see no reason to try a powerful drug. Quitting smoking is a bitch. I know. Once again, no need for a powerful drug. Lastly, anticipating stress is no reason either. My opinion is that they should only be used as a last resort. Just my opinion and I hope you don't take offense to what I am saying. However, it sounds to me like your situation requires not much more than a very close look at your nutrition/exercise regimen. I may get castigated by some of the AD aficionados on board here, but that is just how I feel. I think going off is not only prudent, but necessary.


> Hey folks,
>
> I just started Cymbalta last week. Tues-Thurs 15 mg in the morning. Fri-Sun 30 mg split between morning and afternoon.
>
> Since I started I've felt completely wired, agitated and stressed. Playing into that is the fact that I'm working on a project right now, but I still attribute it to the med. My temperature feels like it's been bouncing up and down a bit, but I've been sweating almost non-stop.
>
> I'm really freaking out. Someone with experience with Cymbalta (or SSRIs/Effexor) please tell me: are these normal start-up side effects?
>
> I wasn't feeling that bad before I went on. I'm taking it for low-level GAD/dysthymia that was mostly in remission, but also as a buffer for when I try to quit smoking again, and because I'm anticipating a particularly stressful winter. Given how I feel right now, though, I'm really thinking about discontinuing. Does anyone have any advice?
>
> cache-monkey

 

Re: freaking out on Cymbalta » cache-monkey

Posted by verne on September 27, 2004, at 10:16:07

In reply to freaking out on Cymbalta, posted by cache-monkey on September 26, 2004, at 23:53:35

Do they make 15mgs capsules?

I want to add one more thing about cymbalta. I'm discovering that I can't get away with very much coffee (caffeine). I've been trying to quit so I guess this is my opportunity.

I'm used to about four strong - a horseshoe would float - cups a day - now, one cup is all I can handle.

verne

 

Re: freaking out on Cymbalta » mcp

Posted by yznhymer on September 27, 2004, at 10:19:30

In reply to Re: freaking out on Cymbalta, posted by mcp on September 27, 2004, at 3:30:07

Hi guys...

I'm sort of wrestling with this issue myself. Hope you don't mind if I ruminate out loud here a bit.

My pdoc appt is at noon, and we're gonna discuss trying Cymbalta and who knows what else. I've not gone through a new drug trial in years and my last ADs had relatively benign side-effects(moclobemide; wellbutrin), so its with some trepidation that I read the posts here. Some have found cymbalta to be very "clean" in that regard and others have found it very uncomfortable. In any event, drug trials are not fun and are not risk free.

Frankly, when I read some of the posts, the cure sounds worse than the disease. That is not to minimize the effects of my depression... I'm short on energy, motivation, and the ability to enjoy many things. I have little tolerance for stress, I avoid unfamiliar social situations (though I seem to function OK once I'm in them), and my anxiety and irritability ratchet up very fast. My appetite is out of control, and I have aches and pains all over.

Under these circumstances, do I really want to add a brain chemical to my system that may help with energy and motivation but that cranks up the anxiety even more, does nothing for social anxiety, and turns me into an even fatter sexual dysfuctional? Add to that potential sleep disturbances and other physiological weirdness, and I'm not so sure about the cost/benefits. Of course, if I were back in a suicidal black hole (and that hasn't happened in almost 10 years), my analysis would be very different.

Frankly, at this point in my life I'm less concerned about being productive (in an overworked society) and more concerned with enjoying family, friends, the world around me, and my own fine self. I suppose if I do decide to try the Cymbalta it will be with the hope that I get the full range of benefits without the problematic side-effects (but I think the odds of that are small). Otherwise, I may just stick to my strategy of arranging my world to suit me, rather than chemically altering myself to suit it.

Mark


> "I'm taking it for low-level GAD/dysthymia that was mostly in remission, but also as a buffer for when I try to quit smoking again, and because I'm anticipating a particularly stressful winter."
>
> I am no doctor, but I have felt and seen what these drugs can do. Sometimes beneficial. Sometimes not. The nots are usually unpleasant. If you had low-level GAD/dysthymia that was in remission I can see no reason to try a powerful drug. Quitting smoking is a bitch. I know. Once again, no need for a powerful drug. Lastly, anticipating stress is no reason either. My opinion is that they should only be used as a last resort. Just my opinion and I hope you don't take offense to what I am saying. However, it sounds to me like your situation requires not much more than a very close look at your nutrition/exercise regimen. I may get castigated by some of the AD aficionados on board here, but that is just how I feel. I think going off is not only prudent, but necessary.
>
>
> > Hey folks,
> >
> > I just started Cymbalta last week. Tues-Thurs 15 mg in the morning. Fri-Sun 30 mg split between morning and afternoon.
> >
> > Since I started I've felt completely wired, agitated and stressed. Playing into that is the fact that I'm working on a project right now, but I still attribute it to the med. My temperature feels like it's been bouncing up and down a bit, but I've been sweating almost non-stop.
> >
> > I'm really freaking out. Someone with experience with Cymbalta (or SSRIs/Effexor) please tell me: are these normal start-up side effects?
> >
> > I wasn't feeling that bad before I went on. I'm taking it for low-level GAD/dysthymia that was mostly in remission, but also as a buffer for when I try to quit smoking again, and because I'm anticipating a particularly stressful winter. Given how I feel right now, though, I'm really thinking about discontinuing. Does anyone have any advice?
> >
> > cache-monkey
>
>

 

Re: freaking out on Cymbalta » yznhymer

Posted by verne on September 27, 2004, at 10:43:05

In reply to Re: freaking out on Cymbalta » mcp, posted by yznhymer on September 27, 2004, at 10:19:30

Hi Mark,

I find cymbalta less agitating than most AD's. There's more a quiet stimulation with a greater ability to focus. The first few days it felt like my brain was finally getting what it needed. And it was so clean feeling.

At first, insomnia was all I noticed and it is prefaced with "initial" in the side effect list. Later I noticed severe sexual side effects, slight urinary retention, and some sweating.

Now I'm going longer between 30mg doses (36hrs instead of 24) and I already notice a difference. I feel great this morning. I think the key for me will be a lower dose. If I take it in the morning, I've noticed it is wearing off by evening so that may be the solution to the insomnia.

As an anti-depressant I give cymbalta high marks. It may even work on my anxiety if I can abstain from caffeine. I used to take acid in large quantities and always felt euphoric (haven't done any in over 25 years though), and, I kid you not, the first few days on cymbalta I experienced that same euphoria to a milder degree - without getting manic. (is there such a thing as "mild euphoria"? - oxymoron alert)

I plan to take just 15-20mgs per day in the morning when I get a new Rx.

Verne

 

Re: freaking out on Cymbalta » cache-monkey

Posted by Sad Panda on September 27, 2004, at 10:56:00

In reply to freaking out on Cymbalta, posted by cache-monkey on September 26, 2004, at 23:53:35

> Hey folks,
>
> I just started Cymbalta last week. Tues-Thurs 15 mg in the morning. Fri-Sun 30 mg split between morning and afternoon.
>
> Since I started I've felt completely wired, agitated and stressed. Playing into that is the fact that I'm working on a project right now, but I still attribute it to the med. My temperature feels like it's been bouncing up and down a bit, but I've been sweating almost non-stop.
>
> I'm really freaking out. Someone with experience with Cymbalta (or SSRIs/Effexor) please tell me: are these normal start-up side effects?
>
> I wasn't feeling that bad before I went on. I'm taking it for low-level GAD/dysthymia that was mostly in remission, but also as a buffer for when I try to quit smoking again, and because I'm anticipating a particularly stressful winter. Given how I feel right now, though, I'm really thinking about discontinuing. Does anyone have any advice?
>
> cache-monkey
>
>

Hi Cache-monkey,

Hot/Cold/Night sweats is a side effect of things that raise serotonin levels because it's serotonin receptors that control body temperature. The worst part of serotonin syndrome is hyperthermia causing fataly high temperatures.

Have you tried any other AD's? I would not take Cymbalta or Effexor for "low-level GAD/dysthymia".

Cheers,
Paul.

 

Re: freaking out on Cymbalta » verne

Posted by boomarang on September 27, 2004, at 11:01:28

In reply to Re: freaking out on Cymbalta » cache-monkey, posted by verne on September 27, 2004, at 10:16:07

seems i've read a few posts here from folks who have noticed how caffeine effects are exaserbated (sp?) by cymbalta. wonder if any of the people that are feeling extremely wired on cymbalta are also drinking coffee? i know i've cut way back on the coffee and it helps.

 

Re: freaking out on Cymbalta--yznhymer

Posted by mcp on September 27, 2004, at 13:30:20

In reply to Re: freaking out on Cymbalta » mcp, posted by yznhymer on September 27, 2004, at 10:19:30

Once again, I think it is only a last resort type of thing. Have you really taken a close look at your nutrition? I mean real close. Have you been having vigorous exercise on a regular basis?Have you been in therapy? If not to any of the above, then I would address these before entering a brain altering chemical.

My view is biased. These freakin ADs have completely wrecked my brain and I will never take one again. I do, however, recognize that some people need them. It has to be a last resort though. If all the aformentioned steps are addressed in a serious way and you are still having issues then a drug may be warranted, but only when you can honestly tell yourself that you have exhausted every other option. Just my opinion.

> Hi guys...
>
> I'm sort of wrestling with this issue myself. Hope you don't mind if I ruminate out loud here a bit.
>
> My pdoc appt is at noon, and we're gonna discuss trying Cymbalta and who knows what else. I've not gone through a new drug trial in years and my last ADs had relatively benign side-effects(moclobemide; wellbutrin), so its with some trepidation that I read the posts here. Some have found cymbalta to be very "clean" in that regard and others have found it very uncomfortable. In any event, drug trials are not fun and are not risk free.
>
> Frankly, when I read some of the posts, the cure sounds worse than the disease. That is not to minimize the effects of my depression... I'm short on energy, motivation, and the ability to enjoy many things. I have little tolerance for stress, I avoid unfamiliar social situations (though I seem to function OK once I'm in them), and my anxiety and irritability ratchet up very fast. My appetite is out of control, and I have aches and pains all over.
>
> Under these circumstances, do I really want to add a brain chemical to my system that may help with energy and motivation but that cranks up the anxiety even more, does nothing for social anxiety, and turns me into an even fatter sexual dysfuctional? Add to that potential sleep disturbances and other physiological weirdness, and I'm not so sure about the cost/benefits. Of course, if I were back in a suicidal black hole (and that hasn't happened in almost 10 years), my analysis would be very different.
>
> Frankly, at this point in my life I'm less concerned about being productive (in an overworked society) and more concerned with enjoying family, friends, the world around me, and my own fine self. I suppose if I do decide to try the Cymbalta it will be with the hope that I get the full range of benefits without the problematic side-effects (but I think the odds of that are small). Otherwise, I may just stick to my strategy of arranging my world to suit me, rather than chemically altering myself to suit it.
>
> Mark
>
>
> > "I'm taking it for low-level GAD/dysthymia that was mostly in remission, but also as a buffer for when I try to quit smoking again, and because I'm anticipating a particularly stressful winter."
> >
> > I am no doctor, but I have felt and seen what these drugs can do. Sometimes beneficial. Sometimes not. The nots are usually unpleasant. If you had low-level GAD/dysthymia that was in remission I can see no reason to try a powerful drug. Quitting smoking is a bitch. I know. Once again, no need for a powerful drug. Lastly, anticipating stress is no reason either. My opinion is that they should only be used as a last resort. Just my opinion and I hope you don't take offense to what I am saying. However, it sounds to me like your situation requires not much more than a very close look at your nutrition/exercise regimen. I may get castigated by some of the AD aficionados on board here, but that is just how I feel. I think going off is not only prudent, but necessary.
> >
> >
> > > Hey folks,
> > >
> > > I just started Cymbalta last week. Tues-Thurs 15 mg in the morning. Fri-Sun 30 mg split between morning and afternoon.
> > >
> > > Since I started I've felt completely wired, agitated and stressed. Playing into that is the fact that I'm working on a project right now, but I still attribute it to the med. My temperature feels like it's been bouncing up and down a bit, but I've been sweating almost non-stop.
> > >
> > > I'm really freaking out. Someone with experience with Cymbalta (or SSRIs/Effexor) please tell me: are these normal start-up side effects?
> > >
> > > I wasn't feeling that bad before I went on. I'm taking it for low-level GAD/dysthymia that was mostly in remission, but also as a buffer for when I try to quit smoking again, and because I'm anticipating a particularly stressful winter. Given how I feel right now, though, I'm really thinking about discontinuing. Does anyone have any advice?
> > >
> > > cache-monkey
> >
> >
>
>

 

Re: freaking out on Cymbalta » cache-monkey

Posted by jrbecker on September 27, 2004, at 14:58:15

In reply to freaking out on Cymbalta, posted by cache-monkey on September 26, 2004, at 23:53:35

hi there,

first question, have you ever been on effexor and if so, was your start-up effects similar to this?

I'm a longtime veteran of effexor and have been on cymbalta for over a month. I am very med-sensitive, especially in terms of the agitation side effect.

The good news is that I have noticed very little agitation on cymbalta when comparing it to effexor. But for someone just starting it, you will notice quite a bit of start-up effects. Stick with it, most [if not all] will dissipate in the coming weeks. I would highly recommend getting the 20mg pills and stay at 20mg per day for another week or so. Then, when you feel up to it, try 30mg daily. And then go up conservatively. By the way, DO NOT split pills. Cymbalta is enteric-coated, which helps bypass metabolism in the stomach. This helps provide a smoother release of the drug throughout the day. If you are splitting pills, the drug is not remaining at more consistent levels, and so this will definitely add to your side effect issues.

> Hey folks,
>
> I just started Cymbalta last week. Tues-Thurs 15 mg in the morning. Fri-Sun 30 mg split between morning and afternoon.
>
> Since I started I've felt completely wired, agitated and stressed. Playing into that is the fact that I'm working on a project right now, but I still attribute it to the med. My temperature feels like it's been bouncing up and down a bit, but I've been sweating almost non-stop.
>
> I'm really freaking out. Someone with experience with Cymbalta (or SSRIs/Effexor) please tell me: are these normal start-up side effects?
>
> I wasn't feeling that bad before I went on. I'm taking it for low-level GAD/dysthymia that was mostly in remission, but also as a buffer for when I try to quit smoking again, and because I'm anticipating a particularly stressful winter. Given how I feel right now, though, I'm really thinking about discontinuing. Does anyone have any advice?
>
> cache-monkey

 

Re: freaking out on Cymbalta » verne

Posted by cache-monkey on September 27, 2004, at 16:08:33

In reply to Re: freaking out on Cymbalta » cache-monkey, posted by verne on September 27, 2004, at 10:16:07

<< Do they make 15mgs capsules? >>

Nope. I've been dividing the pellets of the 30 mg into two doses. (I bought some gelcaps to put them in so they wouldn't get stuck in my teeth or anything like that.)

<< I want to add one more thing about cymbalta. I'm discovering that I can't get away with very much coffee (caffeine). I've been trying to quit so I guess this is my opportunity. >>

I've always been kind of caffeine sensitive, so I haven't had a lick of it since starting Cymbalta. I'm wondering if maybe my CYP-1A2 enzymes are a little slow. They're what metabolize caffeine, and, along with 2D6, Cymbalta. I'm pretty sure I'm 2D6 deficient; combine that with 1A2 slowness and maybe that explains part of this...

cache-monkey

 

Re: freaking out on Cymbalta » jrbecker

Posted by cache-monkey on September 27, 2004, at 16:25:58

In reply to Re: freaking out on Cymbalta » cache-monkey, posted by jrbecker on September 27, 2004, at 14:58:15

Hello,

<< first question, have you ever been on effexor and if so, was your start-up effects similar to this? >>

I haven't been on effexor, but at some point I was on Celexa along with Wellbutrin. No start up s/e's from Wellbutrin to speak of. Maybe some agitation on Celexa, but I was pretty messed up at the time so it's hard to sort out.

I'm feeling better today. Definitely more "up" than I'm accustomed to and still sweating. I wish that would stop!

<< I'm a longtime veteran of effexor and have been on cymbalta for over a month. I am very med-sensitive, especially in terms of the agitation side effect.
||
The good news is that I have noticed very little agitation on cymbalta when comparing it to effexor. But for someone just starting it, you will notice quite a bit of start-up effects. Stick with it, most [if not all] will dissipate in the coming weeks. I would highly recommend getting the 20mg pills and stay at 20mg per day for another week or so. Then, when you feel up to it, try 30mg daily. >>

Hmm. I'm going to give this another day or so, and then consider dropping down to 20mg/day. Thanks for the input.


<< By the way, DO NOT split pills. Cymbalta is enteric-coated, which helps bypass metabolism in the stomach. This helps provide a smoother release of the drug throughout the day. If you are splitting pills, the drug is not remaining at more consistent levels, and so this will definitely add to your side effect issues. >>

I think what I'm doing is actually ok. The capsule itself is just gelatin (verified by someone at Lilly), and just dissolves in the stomach. It's the pellets that are enteric coated to get them through the stomach to the intestines.

So, the pellets definitely shouldn't be crushed or split. What I'm doing is seperating the pellets into two equal portions and putting them into gelcaps to swallow. (The new gelcap isn't strictly necessary, but it makes sure they get down smoothly.) This was approved by both my pdoc and the pharmacist I talked to, as well as _very_ tacitly by the doctor I talked to at Lilly.

I'm pretty sure that this isn't going to speed up the absorption since the pellets are being delivered intact.

The rationale behind doing this was that it would even out the drug over the course of the day. This is especially beneficial because I smoke: Cymbalta is partially metabolized by CYP-1A2, which is induced by smoking. (Of course I think I might be a little slow in CYP-1A2, as well as in 2D6, the other enzyme responsible for metabolizing Cymbalta. So who knows if its accomplishing anything.)

Thanks again for your input,
cache-monkey

 

Re: freaking out on Cymbalta (long/introspective) » Sad Panda

Posted by cache-monkey on September 27, 2004, at 17:32:42

In reply to Re: freaking out on Cymbalta » cache-monkey, posted by Sad Panda on September 27, 2004, at 10:56:00

<< Hi Cache-monkey, >>

Hey there,

<< Hot/Cold/Night sweats is a side effect of things that raise serotonin levels because it's serotonin receptors that control body temperature. The worst part of serotonin syndrome is hyperthermia causing fataly high temperatures. >>

Hmm. I'm sweating pretty much non-stop, though. Especially my feet. Is this something that will subside as my body gets used to the drug?

<< Have you tried any other AD's? I would not take Cymbalta or Effexor for "low-level GAD/dysthymia". >>

So, low-level GAD/dysthymia has pretty much been a constant in my life. If that were it, I think I could probably handle it, maybe with a little BuSpar. But I've had two episodes of full-fledged depression, and a couple of other long dysthymic periods. All of them in my adult life were precipitated by a combination of an attempt to quit smoking and some other "normal" but significant life stress.

The first depressive episode I used Wellbutrin at first, which helped with my energy levels, but which made me more obsessional (a characteristic of my depressive/dysthymic side).

Adding Celexa worked, and worked well, but possibly triggered hypomania and had a lot of sexual dysfunction and weight gain. So I went off of the meds, probably too quickly. After that depression came descending again. A large part of this was definitely environmental: maladaptive habits, no therapy, many of my closest friends moving, a break up. But what really knocked me over the edge into the pit was quitting smoking.

I started Serzone, which made me feel worse from day one. Parts of me started to feel better after a while, but most of me stayed worse. I've also been in therapy, which has helped tremendously.

After tapering Serzone, starting up BuSpar, oh, and of course, starting smoking again, I was back to the "low-level GAD/dysthymia", which hangs around in the background and sometimes jumps up to get me.

The thing is that before starting Cymbalta, I feel like I was a couple of cigarettes or a big life event shy of falling back into something deeper again. Quitting smoking is a high priority for me right now. And I have a very stressful year ahead of me. I think being on an AD could really help me get through this.

Now, I hope that I don't have to be on an AD the rest of my life. I genuinely believe that having a period of stablized/eleveted brain chemistry can help me relearn how to think about stuff in more adaptive ways, plus get me through the post-smoking trough. (As far as the relearning how to think, I have in the back of my mind the knock-out mice experiments.)

That's probably stuff that I could do in the long run without an AD, but I feel like I don't have the wherewithal to go through all the lows. (I'm a grad student going on the job market this year.) But at the same time, I'm not sure I have the wherewithal to go through all the anxiety and agitation I'm going through right now. Plus the constant sweating is none too fun.

Blargh. After all that I'm still not sure what to do. I guess I'll give it until the end of the week and then make a decision.

Peace,
cache-monkey

 

Re: freaking out on Cymbalta (long/introspective) » cache-monkey

Posted by Sad Panda on September 28, 2004, at 9:09:48

In reply to Re: freaking out on Cymbalta (long/introspective) » Sad Panda, posted by cache-monkey on September 27, 2004, at 17:32:42

> Hmm. I'm sweating pretty much non-stop, though. Especially my feet. Is this something that will subside as my body gets used to the drug?
>
>

For some yes, others, no. (YMMW)

> So, low-level GAD/dysthymia has pretty much been a constant in my life. If that were it, I think I could probably handle it, maybe with a little BuSpar. But I've had two episodes of full-fledged depression, and a couple of other long dysthymic periods. All of them in my adult life were precipitated by a combination of an attempt to quit smoking and some other "normal" but significant life stress.
>
> The first depressive episode I used Wellbutrin at first, which helped with my energy levels, but which made me more obsessional (a characteristic of my depressive/dysthymic side).
>
>

Wellbutrin is supposed to have some affinity for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which is why it is supposed to help stop smoking. Another drug to consider for this is the old TCA Nortriptyline.


> Adding Celexa worked, and worked well, but possibly triggered hypomania and had a lot of sexual dysfunction and weight gain. So I went off of the meds, probably too quickly. After that depression came descending again. A large part of this was definitely environmental: maladaptive habits, no therapy, many of my closest friends moving, a break up. But what really knocked me over the edge into the pit was quitting smoking.
>
>

How long did you have hypomania for?


> I started Serzone, which made me feel worse from day one. Parts of me started to feel better after a while, but most of me stayed worse. I've also been in therapy, which has helped tremendously.
>
> After tapering Serzone, starting up BuSpar, oh, and of course, starting smoking again, I was back to the "low-level GAD/dysthymia", which hangs around in the background and sometimes jumps up to get me.
>
>

Serzone doesn't seem to help many people. A fairly wierd drug.

> The thing is that before starting Cymbalta, I feel like I was a couple of cigarettes or a big life event shy of falling back into something deeper again. Quitting smoking is a high priority for me right now. And I have a very stressful year ahead of me. I think being on an AD could really help me get through this.
>
> Now, I hope that I don't have to be on an AD the rest of my life. I genuinely believe that having a period of stablized/eleveted brain chemistry can help me relearn how to think about stuff in more adaptive ways, plus get me through the post-smoking trough. (As far as the relearning how to think, I have in the back of my mind the knock-out mice experiments.)
>
> That's probably stuff that I could do in the long run without an AD, but I feel like I don't have the wherewithal to go through all the lows. (I'm a grad student going on the job market this year.) But at the same time, I'm not sure I have the wherewithal to go through all the anxiety and agitation I'm going through right now. Plus the constant sweating is none too fun.
>
> Blargh. After all that I'm still not sure what to do. I guess I'll give it until the end of the week and then make a decision.
>
> Peace,
> cache-monkey
>
>

Cymbalta is not something that I would try any time soon, too many proven drugs to try first.

Cheers,
Paul.


 

I'm over freaking out about Cymbalta... » cache-monkey

Posted by Racer on September 28, 2004, at 11:41:47

In reply to freaking out on Cymbalta, posted by cache-monkey on September 26, 2004, at 23:53:35

I've been taking it for a few weeks, and the initial side effects almost made me stop taking it entirely within the first two weeks. (Really, within the first week, I was ready to throw in the towel.)

Most everything has passed, though. Still hasn't worked for my depression, but most of the GI stuff has stopped -- provided I take the pills AFTER I've eaten rather than just before eating, as I usually do -- I'm sleeping fine again, although with a few vivid dreams, the sweating has pretty much gotten under control, and it's settled into a pretty steady state vs a vis anxiety. That took about two and a half to three weeks.

I hope that helps.

 

Re: I'm over freaking out about Cymbalta... » Racer

Posted by cache-monkey on September 28, 2004, at 14:45:59

In reply to I'm over freaking out about Cymbalta... » cache-monkey, posted by Racer on September 28, 2004, at 11:41:47

<< Most everything has passed, though. Still hasn't worked for my depression, but most of the GI stuff has stopped -- provided I take the pills AFTER I've eaten rather than just before eating, as I usually do -- I'm sleeping fine again, although with a few vivid dreams, the sweating has pretty much gotten under control, and it's settled into a pretty steady state vs a vis anxiety. That took about two and a half to three weeks.
||
I hope that helps. >>

Thanks! That does help to know.

I am wondering, though, what do you mean by "steady state" for anxiety. Do you feel that your anxiety levels are above or below what you recall experiencing before going on the drug? Was anxiety part of your diagnosis/reason for going on Cymbalta?

Please let me know when you have the chance.

Thanks again,
cache-monkey

 

Re: I'm over freaking out about Cymbalta... » cache-monkey

Posted by Racer on September 28, 2004, at 15:50:24

In reply to Re: I'm over freaking out about Cymbalta... » Racer, posted by cache-monkey on September 28, 2004, at 14:45:59

The first week or so, the effects of the drug changed over the course of the day. Once it hit steady state in my bloodstream, though, everything smoothed out. It didn't agitate me any more than I already was, but there's a long story behind all this. I started taking this during a major crisis, after a year of unsuccessful treatment by not-so-helpful "mental health professionals" -- county doctor, who didn't exactly treat me with respect. I was so wound up at that point, I think I was close to adrenaline poisoning! The Cymbalta sedated me a lot at first, without decreasing the anxiety. Not especially helpful for me, since I was getting even more wound up about being so sedated!

And yes, anxiety is part of my dx. I actually take another drug for that, propranalol (Inderol), which is a beta blocker. *That* one, by the way, is a real wonder drug for me.

I hope that helps.


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