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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by utopizen on October 14, 2004, at 20:17:58
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by jboud24 on October 14, 2004, at 18:53:16
> Thanks in advance,
> Justin
>
> currently unhappy at zoloft 100mgsJustin, I'm not a doc, but have used Zoloft before.
100mg is, according to my psychopharmacologist, "an incredibly low dose." It's a starting dose. It's nothing to feel like it's a dose to evaluate whether to continue on it or not. Some try 50mg-100mg mostly because they might be sensitive to meds.
You should call your doc immediately if you aren't noticing any progress. He/she can up your dose, call in your pharmacy for a higher dose, and maybe even add something to your cocktail now or down the road. Just don't wait until the next appt. to let your doc know you don't feel any progress has been made. That's not going to help you in any way.
The optimal dose-- not high dose-- just the one that many find helpful- is 200mg. In fact, Lexapro 10mg was compared by its maker to Zoloft 200mg. And Lexapro 10mg is just a small starting dose.
You should up your dose to 200mg, and wait a month, before adding or substituting the Zoloft. Otherwise, you could be missing out on a lost opportunity.
Hang in there. Whatever you do, DON'T WAIT until appointments to let docs knows you don't feel better- leave messages each week letting them know you continue to feel little/no progress. They sometimes use phones, and have been known to return calls at times. If I waited until each appointment to tell my doc my antidepressant wasn't working, I'd never have any hope at getting treated.
Posted by jboud24 on October 15, 2004, at 11:55:21
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » jboud24, posted by utopizen on October 14, 2004, at 20:17:58
I'm on the verge of seeing a new pdoc, but I wont see him until the 28th and I've never seen him yet before. In other words I dont have another doc right now.
In regard to the Zoloft though, I have been up to 300mgs with nothing but extra side effects and virtually complete anorgasmia. I've been on Zoloft for about 2 1/2 months now.
Thanks for the advice though, and I wish I did have a doc I could go to right now or call, but I just dont, and I won't have the money to see a new one until the end of the month.
Thanks,
Justin
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 15, 2004, at 12:50:44
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by jboud24 on October 15, 2004, at 11:55:21
That is one of the worst parts of facing mental health issues...getting in to see your Psy. doc when you don't have an appointment. Mine will return call if it is something serious, but getting an appointment is next to impossible. The psy doc I ever saw was booked four months in advance! Dang, think of all the money they are making off of us! As long as I have been dealing with my issues and finding out a lot more about others...jeez I could just puruse Dr. Bob's website, write out a script, my signature is illegable anyway...and bam..$150 minimum......seems like a great way to make a living and all the great perks from the pharm. reps......If I could just go back 20 years and change my major!
e
Posted by hope4best on October 16, 2004, at 10:16:01
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » jboud24, posted by utopizen on October 14, 2004, at 20:17:58
I've been taking Cymbalta 30 mg for about 2 weeks. At first felt awesome, yesterday and today kind of dragging. I want to increase to 60 mg. If I do should I take 30 in the am and 30 in the pm, or 2 30's at the same time?
Posted by earthgirl on October 16, 2004, at 11:13:19
In reply to How long should I wait to increase Cymbalta dose?, posted by hope4best on October 16, 2004, at 10:16:01
Dear Hope4Best,
30mgs of Cymbalta for 2 weeks sounds very conservative. The PI reads "40mg for one week, and 60mg thereafter." The PI states that you can take it all at once, or split it up, depending on your reaction. Personally, the Cymalta has a mild energizing effect on me, so I am taking 60mg all at once in the morning.
(I tried taking 1/2 in the AM and 1/2 in the PM, but I seemed to have trouble getting to sleep. So, I take it all in AM)
It's only Day 5 for me, but so far so good!
Earthgirl
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 16, 2004, at 11:27:01
In reply to Re: How long should I wait to increase Cymbalta dose? » hope4best, posted by earthgirl on October 16, 2004, at 11:13:19
I am also on day five. I was given one week of 30mg samples, then two weeks at 60mg. So far so good! No side effects at all...I can remember what Paxil and Zoloft did to me when I tried them, down the toilet they went....I was crawling out of skin, a nervous wreck. This is a blessing. I have high hopes for all of us!
Posted by earthgirl on October 16, 2004, at 11:39:09
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by jboud24 on October 14, 2004, at 18:53:16
Hi jboud24,
This is in response to your post "Questions for the Cymbalta peeps."
I was on Prozac (a pure SSRI) for 10 years, and I just spent 30 weaning off of it so I could have a somewhat clean start on Cymbalta
I am on Day 5 of Cymbalta; so, I will compare Day 5 Cymbalta with Day 5 Prozac (which I remember well!).
1. On Day 5 of Prozac I felt jittery, nervous, dry mouth, talkative, and I was clenching my teeth. Day 5 on Cymbalta I feel pleasantly and mildly energized, mentally focused, and very calm. I am having trouble going and staying asleep at night, and I also had this early on with Prozac-so they are the same that way.
2. I am not having trouble with daytime sleepiness on Cymbalta so far, and I did not have trouble with that on Prozac either.
3. Normally (without drugs:-), I have TERRIBLE anxiety/social anxiety. After about 3-4 months on Prozac I felt less social anxiety, but I still experienced a general anxiety. After just 5 days on Cymbalta, my social anxiety and overall anxiety feels non-existant!!
Okay, I'm comparing something I was on for 10 years, versus something I have only been on for 5 days... Obviously, I'm VERY hopeful about Cymbalta, but I also know it is early and anything could happen along the way.
This is just my experience so far. For what it is worth.
How is Zoloft treating you?
EG
Posted by earthgirl on October 16, 2004, at 11:44:43
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by golfgirl74 on October 14, 2004, at 8:42:09
Golfgirl74,
I am with you all the way on the Cymbalta!
It is Day 5 for me and my anxiety has greatly diminished. I'm having a little trouble going to sleep and staying asleep, how is that going for you?Earthgirl
Posted by earthgirl on October 16, 2004, at 11:56:26
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by utopizen on October 12, 2004, at 22:36:19
Utopizen,
Your experience and personal knowledge of meds is amazing!
How is your current cocktail treating you, and how long have you been on it?
Also, if it isn't too much trouble, would you be willing to share with us your med "story" or history?
Earthgirl
Posted by earthgirl on October 16, 2004, at 12:06:21
In reply to Re: Cymbalta, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 12, 2004, at 14:37:46
Invisiblemanpa,
Anxiety and social anxiety competely suck, don't they? I was trying to come up with a more sophisicated comment, but was at a loss... :-)
I am Day 5 Cymbalta and my anxiety and social anxiety are practically non-existant! Normally, those feelings are insidious and relenting for me.
So far, Cymbalta has worked like magic. But it is only the top of the first inning in the Cymbalta ballgame for me, so, I'll get back to you in the 7th inning stretch.
Earthgirl
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 16, 2004, at 16:28:38
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » invisiblemanpa, posted by earthgirl on October 16, 2004, at 12:06:21
Earthgirl,
Yes "Suck" just abouts explains it to a T. And most people have no empathy or understanding unless they have been there. I think it is still to early for me to tell. I plan on trying to back off on the Klonopin and then try going to church etc. without taking it....then we shall see.......the true test for me is being put in a closed room with a group of people, especially if I have to get up and speak..when I am able to do that without any Benzo's then I will swear by Cymbalta......
e
Posted by hope4best on October 16, 2004, at 17:45:11
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » golfgirl74, posted by earthgirl on October 16, 2004, at 11:44:43
Hi, thanks for the dosing advice, I'm gonna increase to 60 tomorrow morning. I too have had trouble staying asleep...I wake up in the middle of the night and I feel wide awake, can't get back to sleep. Also, has anyone been experiencing sexual side effects with Cymbalta? Do they go away?
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 16, 2004, at 18:10:27
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » earthgirl, posted by hope4best on October 16, 2004, at 17:45:11
That's a good question! Because they sure did on Effexor ...it all went away, dreams, ability, desire.....
e
Posted by Rayray on October 16, 2004, at 21:49:11
In reply to How long should I wait to increase Cymbalta dose?, posted by hope4best on October 16, 2004, at 10:16:01
My pdoc recommended twice a day dosing but said I could go with once a day if I wanted. I switched from 30 to 60 after one week with no ill effects. As a matter of fact, the few side effects I felt in week 1 were largely gone in week 2.
Good luck,
Ray
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 17, 2004, at 2:44:41
In reply to Re: How long should I wait to increase Cymbalta dose? » hope4best, posted by Rayray on October 16, 2004, at 21:49:11
Ray,
Did you have any insomnia when switching to Cymbalta. I have switched from Effexor and the insomnia started about 2 plus weeks ago.....I am on day 6 of Cymbalta, but the insomnia sucks. I went for years battling insomnia a few years back it stopped when I tried my first AD, though that was the only benefit from it. I hope when the Cymbalta kicks in I get back into a normal sleep cycle.
Ed
Posted by Rayray on October 17, 2004, at 11:59:41
In reply to Re: How long should I wait to increase Cymbalta dose?, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 17, 2004, at 2:44:41
Hi Ed,
My sleep has been a little lighter on some nights, but nothing too disruptive. I have to add though, that for years I've been taking .5 mg. Xanax before bedtime.This came about years ago (after I stopped drinking! Alcohol puts you to sleep; it just doesn't keep you asleep. ) when I found that as I would fall off to sleep that I would suddenly "startle" awake and then really have problems sleeping.
I don't know why this is, but the Xanax gets me over that hump. If anyone has any insight into this, I'd love to hear it.
Take care,
Ray
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 17, 2004, at 12:09:26
In reply to Re: How long should I wait to increase Cymbalta dose? » invisiblemanpa, posted by Rayray on October 17, 2004, at 11:59:41
Ray,
How true, when I was self medicating myself (binge drinking), that was my goal, to fall asleep...and I did...and I did wake up after a few hours and toss and turn all night. Waking up with a hangover and exhaustion.At least I was able to stop that a few years ago. I learned that drinking only makes lifes problems go away for a wee short period and mixing it with meds..can really cause serious consequences. I ended up in the ER twice, by friends that did not know I was on meds. Anyway.. My Psy doc added Temezepam for sleep a few months ago. It worked in the beginning. Now, like last night I fall asleep, then 2:30....I was up for good. So I got up and read and feel exhausted. Not a good day to judge how the Cymbalta is workng at day 6. On days like this I can't help but to power nap for about an hour. I know it has something to do with coming off the effexor and switching to cymbalta. Although the Effexor made my depression much worse, I usually was sleeping thru most of the night. Hopefully in a few weeks, the brain chemistry will adjust and I can enjoy a good nights rest! Plus hopefully the benefits of Cymbalta!
Ed
Posted by Rayray on October 17, 2004, at 12:29:52
In reply to Re: How long should I wait to increase Cymbalta dose?, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 17, 2004, at 12:09:26
Hey Ed -- I did some powernapping, too, in my first week or two. I'm starting on week 4 of Cymbalta and can say that the sleepiness during the day has largely cleared up and has been limited mostly to some brief periods of yawning and wishing I could take a nap. I hope the same is true for you.
Ray
> Ray,
> How true, when I was self medicating myself (binge drinking), that was my goal, to fall asleep...and I did...and I did wake up after a few hours and toss and turn all night. Waking up with a hangover and exhaustion.At least I was able to stop that a few years ago. I learned that drinking only makes lifes problems go away for a wee short period and mixing it with meds..can really cause serious consequences. I ended up in the ER twice, by friends that did not know I was on meds. Anyway.. My Psy doc added Temezepam for sleep a few months ago. It worked in the beginning. Now, like last night I fall asleep, then 2:30....I was up for good. So I got up and read and feel exhausted. Not a good day to judge how the Cymbalta is workng at day 6. On days like this I can't help but to power nap for about an hour. I know it has something to do with coming off the effexor and switching to cymbalta. Although the Effexor made my depression much worse, I usually was sleeping thru most of the night. Hopefully in a few weeks, the brain chemistry will adjust and I can enjoy a good nights rest! Plus hopefully the benefits of Cymbalta!
> Ed
Posted by remar on October 21, 2004, at 3:50:11
In reply to Re: How long should I wait to increase Cymbalta dose? » hope4best, posted by earthgirl on October 16, 2004, at 11:13:19
have any of you had problems with blood pressure while taking cymbalta? i take effexor and i'm having this problem. i'm weaning myself off of it so i can try cymbalta. also, is anyone having sexual side effects with cymbalta?
Posted by yznhymer on October 21, 2004, at 7:30:20
In reply to Re: side effects, posted by remar on October 21, 2004, at 3:50:11
Posted by hope4best on October 21, 2004, at 18:59:35
In reply to 3 days into Cymbalta = dead below the waist (nm) » remar, posted by yznhymer on October 21, 2004, at 7:30:20
Been on Cymbalta about 2 1/2 weeks & definitely experiencing sexual side effects. I'm hoping they will go away once my body gets used to the cymbalta. I hope I hope I hope
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 22, 2004, at 4:59:17
In reply to Re: 3 days into Cymbalta = dead below the waist, posted by hope4best on October 21, 2004, at 18:59:35
Hey Hope,
Now that doesn't make me excited! I still have high hopes for Cymbalta. I know for me with all of the other side effects from Effexor, that was one of the worst.(I am still afraid of long term liver side effects) Viagra barely help. Once the Effexor was out of my system, things improved and are still functioning.......so I guess I will have to wait and see. I am starting to really believe in the fewer the meds the better....all of these med. cocktails we keep hearing about.just can't be right.....another reason why I am planning on dumping the Remeron shortly and then just be on the Cymbalta, Klonopin as needed and Temezapam as needed for sleep.......have you heard about the new Testerone Patch for women, they supposedly have had great success for it. Women can' take the testerone pills or gell but I guess this patch is working wonders.......geez wish they had it out for my exwife! Maybe for the next one! Give the Cymbalta time and your body time to adjust. Good luck to us all!
Ed
Posted by remar on October 23, 2004, at 2:37:50
In reply to Re: 3 days into Cymbalta = dead below the waist, posted by hope4best on October 21, 2004, at 18:59:35
i had the same problem with paxil, but not with effexor. i'm quitting the effexor because it's raising my blood pressure and making the panic attacks worse. i hope that the sexual side effects do go away for you. how is everything else going since you started taking it?
Posted by hope4best on October 23, 2004, at 7:31:45
In reply to Re: 3 days into Cymbalta = dead below the waist, posted by remar on October 23, 2004, at 2:37:50
Hi, So far I like the Cymbalta. I've been feeling pretty happy and positive. For the first couple of days it was cutting my appetite, which was great--especially after being on Remeron. That's one side effect I hoped would stay around for a while! I just increased to 60mg a few days ago, and other than the sexual side effects I'm really happy with it. Are you on it? How is it going for you?
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 23, 2004, at 8:59:24
In reply to Re: 3 days into Cymbalta = dead below the waist, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 22, 2004, at 4:59:17
Day 11, so that would be about 4th day on 60 mg. I still have not had any serious side effects. I feel though an increase in apathy, general depression, lack of energy etc. and kinda achey all over, like the flu..who knows maybe I have the flu..since I of course can't get a shot. I just feel like climbing back into bed though I will probably force myself to exercise, then climb back into bed. Still waiting for any benefit to kick in. ???
E
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