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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by SLS on August 31, 2004, at 12:11:22
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » SLS, posted by theo on August 31, 2004, at 9:42:33
Hi Theo.
> Do you feel at all that Cymbata will be good for anxiety?
So far, two people have reported a reduction in their anxiety after only one day. This is nice to hear, but only time will tell. Be aware that several SSRIs can produce anxiety as a startup side effect that eventually disappears and yields to a reduction in anxiety and depression.
> Can you roughly compare how you are currently feeling on Cymbalta to any other SSRI's you have taken in the past?
So far, I find it to be cleaner than the SSRIs or Effexor. I can detect no effects on cognition. No fogginess or spaciness. No anxiety. No sexual side effects. These are things that have occurred with me with these drugs in the past.
I hope this helps. I know you want all of the answers right away. I'm afraid there are no guarantees that Cymbalta will act similarly or differently from other drugs based upon the drug category it is loosely placed in or the side effects that appear early in treatment. I think we are all in this discovery stage together.
- Scott
Posted by pseudonym on August 31, 2004, at 12:27:29
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - day 7, posted by jrbecker on August 30, 2004, at 10:59:27
I'm going to ask for Cymbalta this week as well. Please keep the group aprised of your status jr.
Posted by hope4best on August 31, 2004, at 20:16:36
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » nmk, posted by SLS on August 31, 2004, at 12:00:07
Hi, just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to share your experience with Cymbalta--and for all the positive support you give to others. My doctor is refusing to give me a rx for Cymbalta--I'm bummed but will try tomorrow to find a new doctor who will be willing to let me try it. Thanks again, and wishing you all the best.
Posted by theo on September 1, 2004, at 7:05:18
In reply to Thanks SLS, posted by hope4best on August 31, 2004, at 20:16:36
Posted by hope4best on September 1, 2004, at 8:18:22
In reply to Why is your doctor refusing Cymbalta? (nm) » hope4best, posted by theo on September 1, 2004, at 7:05:18
Believe it or not, I feel like he is refusing to write me an Rx for it simply because it was my idea to go on it. When he finally returned my calls (after 3 days) he was like, "you think you can go online and learn all about a medication and then tell me what to prescribe...it doesn't work that way." I reminded him that I have already tried a lot of medications--Lexapro, Zoloft, Paxil, Remeron, Serzone, Wellbutrin, Prozac...he said, "That's not really that many medications..." I don't understand him, I was so sad when he said he wouldn't prescribe it for me--Cymbalta sounds like it might work for me and I feel hopeful about it. Now I am making phonecalls trying to find a new dr, but u know how it can be, the doctor isn't taking new patients at this time...etc.
Posted by Denise1904 on September 1, 2004, at 11:25:13
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » theo, posted by SLS on August 31, 2004, at 12:11:22
Hi Scott,
How long are you going to stay on 60mg, do you intend going up to the max dose of 80mg and if so for how long?
Denise
Posted by ravenstorm on September 1, 2004, at 12:34:58
In reply to Re: Why is your doctor refusing Cymbalta? » theo, posted by hope4best on September 1, 2004, at 8:18:22
Hope4best: I hope you find another doctor, that is just sooo ridiculous. And for him to make light of how many drug trials you have had is just mean spirited.
For everybody starting or in the middle of yet another trial (Thats me too) just try to remember that expecting results in two to three weeks is often way too optimistic. PLEASE don't stop a drug trial at six weeks. A lot of people don't respond until eight, ten or twelve weeks. The only drug I responded to in three weeks was paxil. My last drug trial I got anti'anxiety in four weeks and AD effect (well, what there was of it) in ten weeks(only partial response so on I go). I just wonder how many people don't find the drug that works because they stop at the recommended four to six weeks. I just think for some people that isn't enough time.
I know it sucks to invest so much time, but it might be worth a big pay off in the end.
Posted by owensmar on September 1, 2004, at 15:03:00
In reply to Re: Why is your doctor refusing Cymbalta? » theo, posted by hope4best on September 1, 2004, at 8:18:22
I've seen this advice posted elsewhere on this board. If you don't have other problems and other meds to have to balance, maybe you could try asking for a trial of Cymbalta from a GP while you look for another pdoc. Most GP's I've been to are less likely to get their feathers ruffled by patient suggestions. Not as much ego, perhaps?
I've also discovered that if there is something in particular you want the doctor to recognize, you can't go at it directly. You have to work it so that they think they thought of it themselves.
For example, if you think you have fibromyalgia, don't go in and say "I think I have fibromyalgia." Go in and describe the symptoms you are having and let the doc come up with the dx.
Good luck
Marsha
Posted by SLS on September 1, 2004, at 20:03:20
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report -To Scott (SLS), posted by Denise1904 on September 1, 2004, at 11:25:13
Hi Denise.
> How long are you going to stay on 60mg,Probably for three weeks if there is no improvement.
> do you intend going up to the max dose of 80mg and if so for how long?
I think my doctor and I are looking at 120mg as a maximum. Many of the studies used this as one of the dosages tested. It probably makes sense to go to 80mg (40mg b.i.d.) for three weeks before going to 120mg. I guess it will depend upon the degree of antidepressant response and my tolerance of side effects.
- Scott
Posted by Lest on September 2, 2004, at 0:02:46
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report -To Scott (SLS) » Denise1904, posted by SLS on September 1, 2004, at 20:03:20
im havin trouble breathing on it, but thats just me, i reacted the same to zoloft, ill let ya know how it goes. peace
Posted by SLS on September 2, 2004, at 8:05:40
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by SLS on August 31, 2004, at 7:50:04
9/2/2004
Day 14 (6 days at 30mg; 8 days at 60mg)
60mg (30mg b.i.d.)
I felt some signs of improvement in my depression yesterday. It was slight, but perceptible. I'm not so sure about today. It's still early, though. It is so hard to be patient.
The sleepineness that I had been experiencing was not evident yesterday. No other side effects have emerged.
- Scott
Posted by KaraS on September 2, 2004, at 8:47:23
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report -To Scott (SLS), posted by Lest on September 2, 2004, at 0:02:46
> im havin trouble breathing on it, but thats just me, i reacted the same to zoloft, ill let ya know how it goes. peace
That's the way I reacted to Wellbutrin. I've never heard anyone else say that about a medication. It's an awful feeling, isn't it?
Posted by jessie77 on September 2, 2004, at 9:49:55
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by SLS on September 2, 2004, at 8:05:40
> 9/2/2004
>
> Day 14 (6 days at 30mg; 8 days at 60mg)
>
> 60mg (30mg b.i.d.)
>
> I felt some signs of improvement in my depression yesterday. It was slight, but perceptible. I'm not so sure about today. It's still early, though. It is so hard to be patient.
>
> The sleepineness that I had been experiencing was not evident yesterday. No other side effects have emerged.
>
>
> - ScottI have been on Cymbalta for 3 days. The sleepiness is killing me. I feel like I am talking to people and my eyes are literally closing.
Posted by Denise1904 on September 2, 2004, at 12:13:11
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report -To Scott (SLS) » Denise1904, posted by SLS on September 1, 2004, at 20:03:20
Hi Scott,
I think if I were you I'd wanna just go straight to 120mg and work my way down, the wait is so torturous but you're doing the right thing and I hope it works for you and if it does I'd like to understand why as I know you've already tried many others.
How did you cope coming off all drugs, that must have been hell? What were the last drugs you were taking?
Wastn't sure whether or not to tell you this but I rang Prof A Young at the Newcastle on Tyne university where they were doing the trials on RU486, he told me that although the drug seemed to help with the psychotic symptoms and mood problems when taken, after about a week the mood deteriorated again although the psychotic symptoms stayed away. That made me feel pretty bad as I was hoping they'd found a replacement for ECT for depression.
Do you have any psychotic symptoms?
Denise
Posted by jrbecker on September 2, 2004, at 12:26:28
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - day 7, posted by jrbecker on August 30, 2004, at 10:59:27
here's my 2nd report...
still taking 30mg in the morning. as far as side effects, some slight sleepiness throughout the early part of the day and some very mild sleep disruption a few nights. As for the daytime sleepiness, I'd guess that it's gotten about 50% better since I started, so this is hopefully good news for most of you.
I have noticed a gradual improvement of my affect anxiety, and motivation in this last week and a half -- nothing phenomenal but definitely significant.
Dare I up it 40mg? I think the deicision will rest on whether the 20mg tablets will be available to me anytime soon. My main concern in doing this would be any increase in apathy that might go along with it. But so far, I've felt more motivated than compared with my old dose of effexor, so maybe an increase might help rather than hinder my inner drive.
Developing....
> 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 Lest on September 2, 2004, at 13:17:12
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report -To Scott (SLS) » Lest, posted by KaraS on September 2, 2004, at 8:47:23
terrible feeling! people dont realize how blessed we are to be able to breath until youre struggling to get air to your lungs. whats worse is, my dr. believes its anxiety doing it and not zoloft, effexor, or cymbalta. Im sure he wont believe me this time either.
Posted by KaraS on September 2, 2004, at 16:34:27
In reply to kara, posted by Lest on September 2, 2004, at 13:17:12
> terrible feeling! people dont realize how blessed we are to be able to breath until youre struggling to get air to your lungs. whats worse is, my dr. believes its anxiety doing it and not zoloft, effexor, or cymbalta. Im sure he wont believe me this time either.
How frustrating for you! Have you taken any meds that you didn't react that way to? (and if so, does your doctor know that?)
Posted by michael on September 2, 2004, at 16:55:14
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by SLS on September 2, 2004, at 8:05:40
> 9/2/2004
>
> Day 14 (6 days at 30mg; 8 days at 60mg)
>
> 60mg (30mg b.i.d.)
>
> I felt some signs of improvement in my depression yesterday. It was slight, but perceptible. I'm not so sure about today. It's still early, though. It is so hard to be patient.
>
> The sleepineness that I had been experiencing was not evident yesterday. No other side effects have emerged.
>
>
> - ScottHi Scott -
I don't come by here too often these days (at least for the moment...) but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you with this one!
Hope you got the e-mail I sent a day or two ago... don't know how relevant it'll be, but figured it couldn't hurt to at least pass the info along...
Good Luck!!! Talk to you later,
michael
Posted by 4WD on September 2, 2004, at 18:26:17
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by jessie77 on September 2, 2004, at 9:49:55
> > 9/2/2004
> >
> > Day 14 (6 days at 30mg; 8 days at 60mg)
> >
> > 60mg (30mg b.i.d.)
> >
> > I felt some signs of improvement in my depression yesterday. It was slight, but perceptible. I'm not so sure about today. It's still early, though. It is so hard to be patient.
> >
> > The sleepineness that I had been experiencing was not evident yesterday. No other side effects have emerged.
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
> I have been on Cymbalta for 3 days. The sleepiness is killing me. I feel like I am talking to people and my eyes are literally
closing.
Are you guys taking Cymbalta in the morning or at night?Marsha
Posted by 4WD on September 2, 2004, at 18:44:09
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by jessie77 on September 2, 2004, at 9:49:55
> > 9/2/2004
> >
> > Day 14 (6 days at 30mg; 8 days at 60mg)
> >
> > 60mg (30mg b.i.d.)
> >
> > I felt some signs of improvement in my depression yesterday. It was slight, but perceptible. I'm not so sure about today. It's still early, though. It is so hard to be patient.
> >
> > The sleepineness that I had been experiencing was not evident yesterday. No other side effects have emerged.
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
> I have been on Cymbalta for 3 days. The sleepiness is killing me. I feel like I am talking to people and my eyes are literally closing.If you're taking it in the morning and experiencing sleepiness afterward, why not take it at night? I just got my Cymbalta RX and not sure when to take it. Is there some reason for taking it in the morning? My script just says one per day.
Marsha
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