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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ShellyM on November 29, 2005, at 5:13:51
I'm hoping I can get some insight into your experiences with Cymbalta. My Doctor put me on it a few days ago for panic and anxiety disorder (I can't take Benzos due to a long history of prescription pill abuse which I used to self-medicate against the panic attacks).
After trying Imimpramine (horrible side effects), Paxil (pooped out after a year), Lexapro (didn't do anything), I am really hoping Cymbalta works. I read some posts here (very helpful) and got a bit freaked out about the side effects so broke up a 30 mg capsule into three doses to start. My Doctor tells me Cymbalta takes a while to kick in and to give it a few weeks and to stick out the first couple weeks of side effects (insomnia, racing thoughts, etc.).
I would love to hear some from anyone out there on if they had any success with Cymbalta for their anxiety and any other advice on getting through the first few weeks of side effects (Dr is slowly going to get me up to 60MG?)
Much thanks.
Shelly
Posted by antigua on November 29, 2005, at 8:10:06
In reply to Cymbalta and Anxiety, posted by ShellyM on November 29, 2005, at 5:13:51
My pdoc has me on klonopin too, to keep the anxiety down. I tried Xanax XR but that didn't work.
antigua
Posted by Racer on November 29, 2005, at 12:58:18
In reply to Cymbalta and Anxiety, posted by ShellyM on November 29, 2005, at 5:13:51
All I can really offer is some advice on getting through the first week or so, with the GI problems it can cause: Eat before you take the pill.
When I first started taking it, I sat down at the breakfast table, took the pill, and then picked up my fork and ate my egg. And had diarrhea. Once I learned to eat the egg first, then swallow the pills, that went away right away.
Since then, the GI stuff has all gone away, whether or not I eat before taking the pill. And it only lasted a couple of weeks, anyway.
Good luck. I think it's a pretty durn good drug.
Posted by overtheedge on November 29, 2005, at 13:25:22
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and Anxiety, posted by Racer on November 29, 2005, at 12:58:18
well i quess i am diffrent, or maybe it was all the meds i was am on, but after day 4 on cymbalta, which btw i loved there were none of the side effects the others gave me or anxiety, but by day 4 i could not get off the couch, i mean i could not lift a foot and with 5 kids u need to move, this is how bad it was the baby had a fever and she was outside with no coat shoes in 40 degrees weather. and i didn't care....so i was ablt to have one of the kids get me the phone and i called the doc and he stopped it.....now not to scare you i actually loved that drug, and after day 3 felt pretty good, but now i am THIN so the dr thinks because of my weight that might of had something to do with it.......good luck, he also did mention maybe we should have tried opening them and dumping half out.....to late i threw them out already.
Posted by ShellyM on November 29, 2005, at 19:06:50
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and Anxiety, posted by overtheedge on November 29, 2005, at 13:25:22
Oh wow, well that sounds like no anxiety to the extreme :-) But you are right- not good if we have to function! I'm on Day 3 and read a bunch of posts about breaking up the 30mg capsule into a couple doses for the first few days. Sounds like that was good advice. It's way too soon for me to tell but I am hopeful this med will work for me.
Thanks for your response.
Shelly
> well i quess i am diffrent, or maybe it was all the meds i was am on, but after day 4 on cymbalta, which btw i loved there were none of the side effects the others gave me or anxiety, but by day 4 i could not get off the couch, i mean i could not lift a foot and with 5 kids u need to move, this is how bad it was the baby had a fever and she was outside with no coat shoes in 40 degrees weather. and i didn't care....so i was ablt to have one of the kids get me the phone and i called the doc and he stopped it.....now not to scare you i actually loved that drug, and after day 3 felt pretty good, but now i am THIN so the dr thinks because of my weight that might of had something to do with it.......good luck, he also did mention maybe we should have tried opening them and dumping half out.....to late i threw them out already.
Posted by ShellyM on November 29, 2005, at 19:09:40
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and Anxiety, posted by Racer on November 29, 2005, at 12:58:18
So that's the trick- I read some people who said they had a lot of constipation on Cymbalta and I have been having the exact opposite. I'll try eating before I pop the pill.
Thanks for your positive feedback. So far, so good. I have had some disrupted sleep- waking up in the middle of the night for a few hours, but all in all, I've had worse side effects so this is bearable. If it knocks out this anxiety, then I'll be good to go.
Shelly
> All I can really offer is some advice on getting through the first week or so, with the GI problems it can cause: Eat before you take the pill.
>
> When I first started taking it, I sat down at the breakfast table, took the pill, and then picked up my fork and ate my egg. And had diarrhea. Once I learned to eat the egg first, then swallow the pills, that went away right away.
>
> Since then, the GI stuff has all gone away, whether or not I eat before taking the pill. And it only lasted a couple of weeks, anyway.
>
> Good luck. I think it's a pretty durn good drug.
Posted by Phillipa on November 29, 2005, at 23:51:49
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and Anxiety, posted by ShellyM on November 29, 2005, at 19:09:40
Honestly I had no side effects from cymbalta. Started for a month on 30mg and then upped to 60mg. When off it after another month and was taking klonopin and choloral hydrate at the same time. Now am only taking valium and a small dose of luvox until my first appointment thanks to SLS with new pdoc. Heck after 8 years what's a few more weeks? And dealing with flare of chronic lyme's disease at the same time and elevated ANA. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by overtheedge on November 30, 2005, at 5:15:57
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and Anxiety, posted by Phillipa on November 29, 2005, at 23:51:49
I see you have an elevated ANA family history of lupus? just curious?
Posted by neuroman on November 30, 2005, at 13:47:26
In reply to Cymbalta and Anxiety, posted by ShellyM on November 29, 2005, at 5:13:51
Hi,
Just popped my first 30mg cymbalta today. Wishing both of us luck. :-)
Paul
Posted by jrbecker on November 30, 2005, at 13:50:56
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and Anxiety, posted by ShellyM on November 29, 2005, at 19:09:40
just my input... cymbalta is the most effective for psychic anxiety out of all the SSRIs/SNRIs for me. As you know though, it takes 4-8 weeks to gain full momentum. Also, as you're finding out, it's quite potent. Some of these effects will wear off. However, many also find that a lower dose is just as effective. I would keep with your strategy of starting low and going slow, and maybe titrating up every 3 weeks if needed. This may require patience of course, but at the same time, it will avoid having to step the dosage back down later on.
Posted by ShellyM on November 30, 2005, at 18:26:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and Anxiety, posted by jrbecker on November 30, 2005, at 13:50:56
That is great news. I'm on Day 4 and I woke up this morning with a bit quieter head- not the usual speed of racing thoughts as usual. And that's at 10mg, so am looking forward to the benefit of going up to 15mg. I'm going to do 3 more days of splitting up a 30mg (into 10mg doses), then move up to 15mg. It would be great if I get the full benefit at 30mg.
Thanks for the feedback. I really appreciate it.
Shelly
> just my input... cymbalta is the most effective for psychic anxiety out of all the SSRIs/SNRIs for me. As you know though, it takes 4-8 weeks to gain full momentum. Also, as you're finding out, it's quite potent. Some of these effects will wear off. However, many also find that a lower dose is just as effective. I would keep with your strategy of starting low and going slow, and maybe titrating up every 3 weeks if needed. This may require patience of course, but at the same time, it will avoid having to step the dosage back down later on.
Posted by ShellyM on November 30, 2005, at 18:31:19
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and Anxiety » ShellyM, posted by neuroman on November 30, 2005, at 13:47:26
Hi there,
Good luck- so far so good for me.
What has worked for me is splitting the 30mg capsule into three doses. Not easy considering that there are a lot of these little pellets in there, but after reading a lot of posts, I wanted to acclimate my body to the med slowly so will work my way up to 30mg over a couple of weeks. I've had a few minor side effects (slightly disrupted sleep and some stomach-aches) but nothing major.
The good news is that I am noticing an improvement in my anxiety :-)
Shelly
> Hi,
>
> Just popped my first 30mg cymbalta today. Wishing both of us luck. :-)
>
> Paul
Posted by Phillipa on November 30, 2005, at 20:06:05
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and Anxiety...attention phillipa, posted by overtheedge on November 30, 2005, at 5:15:57
No I've been tested for lupus and it's always negative. My sister has lupus though. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Bob on December 1, 2005, at 1:46:50
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and Anxiety, posted by ShellyM on November 30, 2005, at 18:31:19
> Hi there,
>
> Good luck- so far so good for me.
>
> What has worked for me is splitting the 30mg capsule into three doses. Not easy considering that there are a lot of these little pellets in there, but after reading a lot of posts, I wanted to acclimate my body to the med slowly so will work my way up to 30mg over a couple of weeks. I've had a few minor side effects (slightly disrupted sleep and some stomach-aches) but nothing major.
>
> The good news is that I am noticing an improvement in my anxiety :-)
>
> ShellyHow do you split the doses? Do you have a scale for weighing the powder?
Posted by Bob on December 1, 2005, at 1:48:37
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and Anxiety, posted by Phillipa on November 29, 2005, at 23:51:49
> Honestly I had no side effects from cymbalta. Started for a month on 30mg and then upped to 60mg. When off it after another month and was taking klonopin and choloral hydrate at the same time. Now am only taking valium and a small dose of luvox until my first appointment thanks to SLS with new pdoc. Heck after 8 years what's a few more weeks? And dealing with flare of chronic lyme's disease at the same time and elevated ANA. Fondly, Phillipa
Geez! Some of you folks go on and off this stuff like its water. All that switching of ADs and benzos at the same time is impressive.
Posted by ShellyM on December 1, 2005, at 8:11:23
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and Anxiety » ShellyM, posted by Bob on December 1, 2005, at 1:46:50
Unfortunately there are not dosages lower than 30mg (that I know of) for Cymbalta and there is no easy way to split those capsules. What was recommended was:
1. open the 30mg capsule- be careful, there are a lot of these little "pellets" so you'll need a plate
2. split up the pellets the best you can into two or three doses
3. wet your finger and take a doseThis seems to be really working for me, but if you aren't having any nasty side effects (insomnia, too much sleep, too little sleep, stomach issues) on 30mg and don't feel the need to slowly work your way up, then you probably won't want to go to all this effort.
I have found, for me, that it works better if I work myself up to the recommended dose slowly versus diving right in. Seems to be working - my anxiety is definitely improving and the side effects are not nearly as bad as I had feared.
Next week I'll go to 15mg for a week then up to 30mg.
Shelly
> > Hi there,
> >
> > Good luck- so far so good for me.
> >
> > What has worked for me is splitting the 30mg capsule into three doses. Not easy considering that there are a lot of these little pellets in there, but after reading a lot of posts, I wanted to acclimate my body to the med slowly so will work my way up to 30mg over a couple of weeks. I've had a few minor side effects (slightly disrupted sleep and some stomach-aches) but nothing major.
> >
> > The good news is that I am noticing an improvement in my anxiety :-)
> >
> > Shelly
>
> How do you split the doses? Do you have a scale for weighing the powder?
>
>
Posted by ShellyM on December 1, 2005, at 8:13:18
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and AnxietyBob, posted by ShellyM on December 1, 2005, at 8:11:23
By the way, I just "eyeball" the pellet split.
Shelly
> Unfortunately there are not dosages lower than 30mg (that I know of) for Cymbalta and there is no easy way to split those capsules. What was recommended was:
>
> 1. open the 30mg capsule- be careful, there are a lot of these little "pellets" so you'll need a plate
> 2. split up the pellets the best you can into two or three doses
> 3. wet your finger and take a dose
>
> This seems to be really working for me, but if you aren't having any nasty side effects (insomnia, too much sleep, too little sleep, stomach issues) on 30mg and don't feel the need to slowly work your way up, then you probably won't want to go to all this effort.
>
> I have found, for me, that it works better if I work myself up to the recommended dose slowly versus diving right in. Seems to be working - my anxiety is definitely improving and the side effects are not nearly as bad as I had feared.
>
> Next week I'll go to 15mg for a week then up to 30mg.
>
> Shelly
>
> > > Hi there,
> > >
> > > Good luck- so far so good for me.
> > >
> > > What has worked for me is splitting the 30mg capsule into three doses. Not easy considering that there are a lot of these little pellets in there, but after reading a lot of posts, I wanted to acclimate my body to the med slowly so will work my way up to 30mg over a couple of weeks. I've had a few minor side effects (slightly disrupted sleep and some stomach-aches) but nothing major.
> > >
> > > The good news is that I am noticing an improvement in my anxiety :-)
> > >
> > > Shelly
> >
> > How do you split the doses? Do you have a scale for weighing the powder?
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by neuroman on December 1, 2005, at 13:13:19
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and Anxiety, posted by ShellyM on November 30, 2005, at 18:31:19
Hi,
> What has worked for me is splitting the 30mg capsule into three doses. Not easy considering that there are a lot of these little pellets in there, but after reading a lot of posts, I wanted to acclimate my body to the med slowly so will work my way up to 30mg over a couple of weeks. I've had a few minor side effects (slightly disrupted sleep and some stomach-aches) but nothing major.
You're probably smarter than me. It's always wise to go slow. I figure my brain is so "depleted" that i might as well just jump right in. I suffer from some chronic pain issues as well as depression and anxiety. I'm getting some pain relief with the first dose. That's got to be the norepinephrine boost. I do feel more fatigued and i did have some trouble sleeping but i'm hoping those effects will pass with time. The serotonin boost reminds me a little of when i took paxil a few years ago. By the way, i'm pretty sure they make it in 20mg caps. My doc only had 30mg sample packs so thats why i'm taking them.
> The good news is that I am noticing an improvement in my anxiety :-)Excellent. Keep me posted :-)
Paul
Posted by ShellyM on December 1, 2005, at 21:06:32
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and Anxiety » ShellyM, posted by neuroman on December 1, 2005, at 13:13:19
Hi Paul
Sounds like we are having the same Cymbalta side effects- it is always odd to me how I can feel tired yet have difficulty sleeping at the same time- odd! I do expect those side effects to go away as I have a lot of hope for me + Cymbalta
:-)Yea, this reminds me a bit like Paxil too. I was on Paxil for about 3 years. The first couple of years it worked great on my anxiety and depression but pooped out (and I put on 30 pounds!). Within a few months of going off of it I lost all the weight so hope Cymbalta isn't one to add weight, though with the neoeph. I would think not.
I hope your doing well on it.
Shelly
> Hi,
>
> > What has worked for me is splitting the 30mg capsule into three doses. Not easy considering that there are a lot of these little pellets in there, but after reading a lot of posts, I wanted to acclimate my body to the med slowly so will work my way up to 30mg over a couple of weeks. I've had a few minor side effects (slightly disrupted sleep and some stomach-aches) but nothing major.
>
> You're probably smarter than me. It's always wise to go slow. I figure my brain is so "depleted" that i might as well just jump right in. I suffer from some chronic pain issues as well as depression and anxiety. I'm getting some pain relief with the first dose. That's got to be the norepinephrine boost. I do feel more fatigued and i did have some trouble sleeping but i'm hoping those effects will pass with time. The serotonin boost reminds me a little of when i took paxil a few years ago. By the way, i'm pretty sure they make it in 20mg caps. My doc only had 30mg sample packs so thats why i'm taking them.
>
> > The good news is that I am noticing an improvement in my anxiety :-)
>
> Excellent. Keep me posted :-)
>
> Paul
Posted by neuroman on December 2, 2005, at 20:28:52
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and AnxietyPaul, posted by ShellyM on December 1, 2005, at 21:06:32
Hi Shelly,
> it is always odd to me how I can feel tired yet have difficulty sleeping at the same time- odd!>
Odd indeed! I guess it's more fatigue than true sleppiness. At least that's what it feels like to me. Although I have been yawning quite a bit :-o
> Yea, this reminds me a bit like Paxil too. I was on Paxil for about 3 years. The first couple of years it worked great on my anxiety and depression but pooped out (and I put on 30 pounds!).
I was on Paxil for about a year. It definitely helped with anxiety. But it made my chronic insomnia worse and of course torpedoed my sex drive. Actually, instead of Cymbalta, i discussed with my doc possibly taking wellbutrin + paxil. This way i could adjust the serotonin seperately from the norepinephrine. But i thought i might as well give the cymbalta a try. I may add wellbutrin to it at some point.
> Within a few months of going off of it I lost all the weight so hope Cymbalta isn't one to add weight, though with the neoeph. I would think not.
Cymbalta should be pretty weight neutral.
> I hope your doing well on it.
Thanks. Same to you. I guess it's too early to tell. I'm a little cranky from not sleeping but overall the side effects have been pretty mild.
Keep the faith :-)
Paul
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