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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by theo on August 28, 2004, at 11:01:49
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by SLS on August 27, 2004, at 15:14:27
How's today? I know it's early to give a more in depth comparison, but can you compare the startup of Cymbalta to Prozac, Paxil, Effexor, etc. or is it a completely different feeling?
Posted by SLS on August 28, 2004, at 11:24:40
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » SLS, posted by theo on August 28, 2004, at 11:01:49
> How's today? I know it's early to give a more in depth comparison, but can you compare the startup of Cymbalta to Prozac, Paxil, Effexor, etc. or is it a completely different feeling?
Hi Theo.So far, this thing is very clean. Gosh, if this stuff works, it would be incredible.
Today is starting out pretty good so far. I have noticed that food tastes better. That is always a good sign. There are a couple of other things going on that I am happy to see. My finger-tap test is improving and the tips of my fingers are sweaty. Also, I am not feeling cold all of the time. These things have been consistent markers for me in the past that something good is happening. I must add the caveat, however, that I am still in that 2-3 week period after discontinuing imipramine when I often do see a rebound improvement. It confounds any interpretation of these positive phenomena.
- Scott
Posted by owensmar on August 28, 2004, at 16:16:52
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » theo, posted by SLS on August 28, 2004, at 11:24:40
>
>
> Hi Theo.
>
> So far, this thing is very clean. Gosh, if this stuff works, it would be incredible.
>
> Today is starting out pretty good so far. I have noticed that food tastes better. That is always a good sign. There are a couple of other things going on that I am happy to see. My finger-tap test is improving and the tips of my fingers are sweaty. Also, I am not feeling cold all of the time. These things have been consistent markers for me in the past that something good is happening. I must add the caveat, however, that I am still in that 2-3 week period after discontinuing imipramine when I often do see a rebound improvement. It confounds any interpretation of these positive phenomena.
>
>
> - Scott
>
>
Scott,I am wondering how you did on imipramine and the reason for d/cing it. Did it just not work very well or were the side effects bad?
I was on imipramine a long time ago and did well. If Cymbalta doesn't work for me I was thinking of trying imipramine again but I can't remember what side effects I had then (1986-87).
I am hoping so much that Cymbalta works for you.
Marsha
Posted by Nohope on August 28, 2004, at 18:51:18
In reply to Re: Starting soon... » jparsell82`, posted by SLS on August 28, 2004, at 9:58:19
> There is a giant difference between the two drugs if one works and the other one doesn't. Please don't exclude either one based upon your experience with the first of the two. Scientists haven't determined all of the properties of each individual drug to be able to conclude such things as interchangeability. The placement of one atom can make all the difference in the world. One must account for not just what these drugs do, but precisely where in the brain they do them. Just like in real estate, it's "location, location, location".
If you like, do a search for 'milnacipran' and 'structure', then 'parnate' and 'structure'. They are very similar in structure, but feel totally different in effect. No doubt you are absolutely right when you say it's not just what these drugs do but where they do it.
Nohope
Posted by SLS on August 29, 2004, at 7:03:20
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » SLS, posted by owensmar on August 28, 2004, at 16:16:52
Hi.
> I am wondering how you did on imipramine and the reason for d/cing it. Did it just not work very well or were the side effects bad?
Combined with Lamictal, I was only getting about a 15% response. I was taking 300mg. Physical side effects became tolerable over time, but it did cause some mild-moderate impairments of memory and cognition that I wasn't happy about.
> I was on imipramine a long time ago and did well. If Cymbalta doesn't work for me I was thinking of trying imipramine again but I can't remember what side effects I had then (1986-87).
Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, sweating, orthostatic hypotension, urinary retention, tachycardia, itching, weight gain, and a few others that are on the tip of my tongue. Of course, it is unlikely that you will get all of them.
> I am hoping so much that Cymbalta works for you.
Thanks. :-) Me too...
- Scott
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 29, 2004, at 22:39:33
In reply to scott. wanna make some money?, posted by Lest on August 27, 2004, at 23:53:22
> sell me 5 60 mg pills so i can take them til i see my dr. next week :P
Please do not request medication directly from others here:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#illegal
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Lest on August 29, 2004, at 23:09:55
In reply to Re: requesting medication from others » Lest, posted by Dr. Bob on August 29, 2004, at 22:39:33
j/k :]
Posted by theo on August 30, 2004, at 7:09:25
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » owensmar, posted by SLS on August 29, 2004, at 7:03:20
How's Cymbalta treating you?
Also, I posted below a question on increasing and decreasing Lamictal dose after you go above 100mg. You mentioned before you jump aroung between 150-300mg and was wondering in what dosing increments are best when going back and forth, 50mg, 100mg?
Posted by SLS on August 30, 2004, at 8:17:02
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » SLS, posted by theo on August 30, 2004, at 7:09:25
> How's Cymbalta treating you?
>
> Also, I posted below a question on increasing and decreasing Lamictal dose after you go above 100mg. You mentioned before you jump aroung between 150-300mg and was wondering in what dosing increments are best when going back and forth, 50mg, 100mg?Hi Theo.
Everything remains the same. I am not experiencing any real improvement, but no side effects. The sleepiness seems to be dissipating.
I saw your post below and responded to it. I think it makes sense to move in 50mg increments. I also think that to really put Lamictal to the test, you should continue to increase the dosage as long as you are tolerating side effects. Many people need more than 200mg to get the full antidepressant effect.
- Scott
Posted by jrbecker on August 30, 2004, at 10:59:27
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » theo, posted by SLS on August 30, 2004, at 8:17:02
here's my first report...
taking 30mg once daily in the morning. only side effects are some mild somnolence about 3-6 hours after dosing. Some nights, I have experienced a little sleep disruption and initial insomnia on some nights. But I've been able to still make it to the gym, so I can't say that there's been any decrease in my overall enegry level. To my relief, I have not experienced any increase in anxiety or agitation. As Scott mentioned, the drug is rather "clean."
So far, I must admit that this is a welcomed improvement over my prior regimen of Effexor 37.5mg.
I plan to stick with 30mg for a couple more weeks.
I haven't ruled out upping to 40mg (20mg BID) or even decreasing to 20mg. As you might guess, I'm fairly med sensitive.
JB
Posted by mxrider on August 30, 2004, at 13:00:57
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » theo, posted by SLS on August 21, 2004, at 12:03:34
Hello Scott and JB,
I have a quick question for either or both of you. I have not responded well to SSRI's as of yet. I experience pronounced agitation, irritability, and insomnia. The exception being a low dose of Paxil CR (12.5) day for 2 years. I also take Klonopin 1mg/day b.i.d. for depression and SP. I think I may have soft BP but no dx yet. My question is you have reported no anxiety or other side effects with duoloxetine. How have you reacted to SSRI's in the past? Did you experience anxiety or agitation to those meds? Any input would be helpful.
Chris
Posted by SLS on August 30, 2004, at 14:41:34
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - day 7, posted by jrbecker on August 30, 2004, at 10:59:27
> here's my first report...
I hope it's the first of many good ones...
:-)
Good luck with Cymbalta!
- Scott
Posted by Lest on August 30, 2004, at 15:38:12
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by SLS on August 23, 2004, at 17:00:49
what seems to be the majority of people experience with this drug from what youve read?
Posted by theo on August 30, 2004, at 16:31:28
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » theo, posted by SLS on August 30, 2004, at 8:17:02
I have another question posted below under "Lamictal increase-decrease" and wanted your input if you get a chance.
Thanks,
Theo
Posted by jrbecker on August 30, 2004, at 16:40:18
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report for SLS JB, posted by mxrider on August 30, 2004, at 13:00:57
> Hello Scott and JB,
>
> I have a quick question for either or both of you. I have not responded well to SSRI's as of yet. I experience pronounced agitation, irritability, and insomnia. The exception being a low dose of Paxil CR (12.5) day for 2 years. I also take Klonopin 1mg/day b.i.d. for depression and SP. I think I may have soft BP but no dx yet. My question is you have reported no anxiety or other side effects with duoloxetine. How have you reacted to SSRI's in the past? Did you experience anxiety or agitation to those meds? Any input would be helpful.
>
> Chrisyes, that's typically been my response to SSRIs as well. And yes, I have a dx that falls in line with atypical depression and soft BP II symptoms too.
I did experience some of the same side effects while on Effexor, but to a lesser degree than those experienced with most of the SSRIs. Actually, I'm quite certain that my anxiety is much better on Effexor than with SSRIs. Agitation is less, but not considerably. Insomnia was not a problem on effexor since I kept it so low (i took it at night and it actually helped me doze off), however, I can imagine that for many, effexor might be worse than SSRIs for some people.
My current approach is to always keep the dosage low and to augment with exercise - my best weapon for counteracting these side effects.
As for Cymbalta thus far, I'm happy to report that I'm having LESS of these issues (agitation, anxiety) than I did on Effexor.
Besides induced apathy, agitation has always been my biggest complaint about antidepressants. The side effect itself might come from a variety of causes (e.g., 1) 5HT2A agonism, 2) decrease in prefronal dopamine activity, 3) P450 liver metabolism).
see:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040608/msgs/354870.html
klonopin did help my agitation, and my anxiety to a lesser extent, but in the end I found it was too emotionally-blunting.have you tried effexor before? If so, what was your reaction?
Posted by mxrider on August 30, 2004, at 17:22:32
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report for SLS JB » mxrider, posted by jrbecker on August 30, 2004, at 16:40:18
Hi JB,
I haven't given Effexor a trial yet, I assumed it would cause similar SE's as it acts like a SSRI at the low dosages to my understanding. As for the aggitation thing, I couldn't eat enough Klonopin to make it go away, not fun! I am currently in my first week on a Wellbutrin trial on my Pdoc's advise, (it seems contraindicated when you consider my strong social anxiety, but hey, what the heck, at least I can drop it easily). Anyway, thanks for the reply, I hope the duloxetine does the trick for you!
Chris
Posted by owensmar on August 30, 2004, at 19:12:42
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - day 7, posted by jrbecker on August 30, 2004, at 10:59:27
> here's my first report...
>
> taking 30mg once daily in the morning. only side effects are some mild somnolence about 3-6 hours after dosing.If somnolence seems to be a problem (for you & SLS) why is everyone taking it in the am? Would it be better to take it at night?
> So far, I must admit that this is a welcomed improvement over my prior regimen of Effexor 37.5mg.
>
> I plan to stick with 30mg for a couple more weeks.
>
> I haven't ruled out upping to 40mg (20mg BID) or even decreasing to 20mg. As you might guess, I'm fairly med sensitive.
>
Thanks for your report - I'm another Effexor 37.5 mg/day person (also med sensitive) and expect to try Cymbalta soon.Good luck...
Marsha
>
Posted by Lest on August 31, 2004, at 0:37:32
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » SLS, posted by theo on August 30, 2004, at 16:31:28
death..
jk... i took one 60 mg. and umm 3 beers , ill let u know how i feel tomorrow :D And yes i am insane
Posted by jessie77 on August 31, 2004, at 6:57:09
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - day 1, posted by Lest on August 31, 2004, at 0:37:32
Hi,
I have been trying to follow the threads on Cymbalta; sorry if this question has already been posted. I am starting Cymbalta today as a last ditch effort for severe depression and anxiety. Im still on adderrall and slowly coming off topamax, which I think has really made me depression a lot worse. A LOT worse.I gained 20 pounds on paxil which made me flip
out considering I have a history of eating disorders. I know they are saying that Cymbalta is "weight neutral" but I feel like Ive heard that before with Lexapro, which made me gain 6 pounds in like 30 seconds.I know it hasnt been around long, but how have you guys on Cymbalta been doing in regard to weight and appetite? Gaining weight seriously increases my depression. (not like anyone gets excited about it:)
Thanks,
Jess
Posted by SLS on August 31, 2004, at 7:50:04
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » owensmar, posted by SLS on August 29, 2004, at 7:03:20
8/31/2004
Day 12 (6 days at 30mg; 6 days at 60mg)
60mg (30mg b.i.d.)
I wish I could say that I was feeling an improvement. I'm not. Of course, it is still relatively early in the trial.
Mild sleepiness remains as a side effect. No other side effects have emerged. Weight gain and sexual side effects don't seem to be issues at this time.
- Scott
Posted by theo on August 31, 2004, at 9:42:33
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by SLS on August 31, 2004, at 7:50:04
Do you feel at all that Cymbata will be good for anxiety?
Can you roughly compare how you are currently feeling on Cymbalta to any other SSRI's you have taken in the past?
Posted by nmk on August 31, 2004, at 10:17:45
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by SLS on August 31, 2004, at 7:50:04
> 8/31/2004
>
> Day 12 (6 days at 30mg; 6 days at 60mg)
>
> 60mg (30mg b.i.d.)
>
> I wish I could say that I was feeling an improvement. I'm not. Of course, it is still relatively early in the trial.
>
> Mild sleepiness remains as a side effect. No other side effects have emerged. Weight gain and sexual side effects don't seem to be issues at this time.
>
>
> - ScottHi Scott,
Thanks for the updates. I am on day 4 30mg and can't stand it. I have not noticed any improvement and feel very dizzy and more anxious on it. Are you having any of these symptoms? Also, have you ever tried Effexor? I am finding the s/e's to be almost identical and was wondering if you thought the same?
Thanks again for keeping us all in the loop, I do appreciate it.
Nicole
Posted by pseudonym on August 31, 2004, at 11:45:21
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by SLS on August 31, 2004, at 7:50:04
Scott,
So I understand, you were taking imipramine, lamictal and a benzo, and have swapped the imipramine with Cymbalta, correct?
Posted by SLS on August 31, 2004, at 12:00:07
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » SLS, posted by nmk on August 31, 2004, at 10:17:45
Hi Nicole.
> I am on day 4 30mg and can't stand it.
:-(
Gosh, that is such a short period of time. I know how frustrating and infuriating side effects can be, especially if you've had them before with other drugs. Sometimes it is best to take things one day at a time. Despite how significant the side effects are, at the end of today, can you commit to taking Cymbalta for just one more day? Ask yourself the same question at the end of tomorrow. I have had to do this before.
> I have not noticed any improvement
Of course, not. You can't expect to see any until you are on 60mg for 2-3 weeks. I have to remind myself of this.
> and feel very dizzy and more anxious on it. Are you having any of these symptoms?
No. But neither did I have those effects with Effexor either, although it did make me feel "spacy".
With Effexor, how long did these side effects last for? If they were temporary, I would look forward to them being temporary again with Cymbalta.
* Just because the startup side effects of two drugs are similar doesn't mean the the outcome will be the same! Cymbalta could very well work where Effexor failed.
Did you respond at all to Effexor?
I wish you the best.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on August 31, 2004, at 12:03:36
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by pseudonym on August 31, 2004, at 11:45:21
Hi Pseudonym.
> So I understand, you were taking imipramine, lamictal and a benzo, and have swapped the imipramine with Cymbalta, correct?
I had been taking:imipramine 300mg
Lamictal 150mg
Namenda 20mg
Abilify 10mgNo benzo.
I discontinued imipramine for one week before starting Cymbalta.
- Scott
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