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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by Lest on September 2, 2004, at 20:02:37
In reply to Re: kara » Lest, posted by KaraS on September 2, 2004, at 16:34:27
paxil is the only thing im on, wellbutrin gave me sharp heart pains, effexor and zoloft gave me breathing problems, abilify gave me akathesia (restless leg syndrome), geodon made me feel like a zombie (only took it once, went out but had to have my mom pick me up, she said i was slurring my words and i felt like i was goin to die, risperdal made me eat too much and i didnt like the mind state it put me in, cymbalta was my last hope, i took 60 mg but ive had breathing probs for 4 days, im gonna get me breathing back, then try 30 mg to make sure its this drug doing it. Then ill probably try lamictal , if you know anything about this drug let me know, im scared to take something thats so strong it treats epileptic seizures. Im at the end of the road basically.
Posted by KaraS on September 2, 2004, at 23:08:29
In reply to Re: kara, posted by Lest on September 2, 2004, at 20:02:37
> paxil is the only thing im on, wellbutrin gave me sharp heart pains, effexor and zoloft gave me breathing problems, abilify gave me akathesia (restless leg syndrome), geodon made me feel like a zombie (only took it once, went out but had to have my mom pick me up, she said i was slurring my words and i felt like i was goin to die, risperdal made me eat too much and i didnt like the mind state it put me in, cymbalta was my last hope, i took 60 mg but ive had breathing probs for 4 days, im gonna get me breathing back, then try 30 mg to make sure its this drug doing it. Then ill probably try lamictal , if you know anything about this drug let me know, im scared to take something thats so strong it treats epileptic seizures. Im at the end of the road basically.
You definitely sound very drug sensitive. Do you still have problems when you're at lower levels of these meds than other people take? Maybe you should be building up very slowly on things rather than jumping in full force. Other people on this board who are very med sensitive are taking far less than the normal drug levels of various medications.
I don't know anything about Lamictal but plenty of the people on this board do. If you don't get any answers on this thread, I'd post another one with Lamictal in the title.
It does sound like you've tried a lot of things but I think there are still other things to try. There are some good tricyclics (i.e. Nortriptyline, Imipramine) and MAOIS (Parnate, Nardil, Marplan) that people here have had good luck with. The word is that the dietary restrictions are not that bad and many people have had good responses to the MAOIs when nothing else worked for them. I'm not sure what you're looking for in terms of which neurotransmitters you want to target so I'll just throw out a few other things. Have you tried Mirapex, Amisulpride, or even SAM-e or St. John's Wort? (the latter is very effective for some people with minimal side effects). The selegiline patch may be out early next year so that could be a wonderful new option. Don't give up hope yet. You have far too many things left to try.
Again, others on this board know a lot more about these things than I do so I'm sure they could give you more information and other suggestions. I just wanted to let you know that you still have plenty of options.
-K
Posted by flipsactown on September 3, 2004, at 0:33:45
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by SLS on September 2, 2004, at 8:05:40
Hang tough my friend! Patience is a virtue and in your case, a must!
When I switched over to Lexapro from Nardil, I was without an AD for 3 weeks and it took another 6 weeks for Lex to kick in. I knew I had to give the Lex a fair trial before I even thought of quitting. Fortunately, I was able to summon my every ounce of determination to persevere, and in 45 days, I was depression free. It is 3 months later, and I am still unipolar depression free.
I know I am not telling you anything that you don't already know, as I consider you a walking encyclopedia when it comes to AD's.
Hopefully, this AD will be the one that works for you. We are all behind you.
FST
> 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 theo on September 4, 2004, at 7:19:11
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » SLS, posted by flipsactown on September 3, 2004, at 0:33:45
Hey Scott, any improvements? I think I've asked you this before, but from the time you've been on Cymbalta, can you compare the "feeling" to another med you've tried?
Even after a couple of weeks on meds, either I feel something totally different or feel something similar, comparable to other AD's.
Does it feel like the onset of Effexor, Prozac, Paxil, Lexapro, etc?
Posted by SLS on September 4, 2004, at 8:05:21
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by SLS on September 2, 2004, at 8:05:40
9/4/2004
Day 16 (6 days at 30mg; 10 days at 60mg)
60mg (30mg b.i.d.)
I can't say that I feel any improvement, but I don't feel worse either. That's positive. On Wednesday, I definitely felt an improvement in depression that is not part of the normal course of my illness. I attribute it to Cymbalta. Unfortunately, most of that has disappeared. If there is anything positive going on, it is difficult to discern, but I believe I still have reason to be optimistic.
Regarding side effects, there is still some mild sleepiness, but it is gradually disappearing. I have noticed a bit of hesitency in urination and perhaps some restricted flow.
Cymbalta still feels very clean. I can't say that it is similar to any of the other drugs mentioned along this thread because I hardly know that I am taking it. Most of the others made themselves known by producing some kind of perceptible cognitive effect. This is producing none. Maybe I'm not taking enough.
- Scott
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