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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by 4WD on September 6, 2004, at 17:06:55
In reply to cymbalta side effects, posted by jessie77 on September 6, 2004, at 15:59:55
> ive been on cymbalta a little over a week. not to be gross, but I am seriously constipated. has this happened to anyone else?
I've been on it for 4 days now. No problems. It was a slight problem in the first couple of weeks on Effexor, though.
Marsha
Posted by KaraS on September 6, 2004, at 18:01:42
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » KaraS, posted by SLS on September 6, 2004, at 7:28:31
> Thanks Kara.
>
> > Maybe you've already had the kind of testing done that he refers to in his post, but if not, it might be something to add to your toolbox.
>
> I can't believe you went out of your way to do this for me. I'm not used to the kind of support that I have been receiving here over the last few weeks. I really, really, really do appreciate it.
>
> Thanks.
>
>
> - Scott
You're welcome.BTW, I just checked out your web site and I'm still recovering from the shock. You're the last person in the world I would have thought would be into body building. First off, because you seem so cerebral but mostly because you've commented more than once on how much you hate exercise.
I couldn't help but wonder if you were depressed when you created the site. You certainly couldn't tell if you were. And, if you were, I can only imagine what you'd be capable of if you weren't depressed!
Kara
Posted by boomarang on September 6, 2004, at 18:04:19
In reply to Re: Note about wellbutrin and Soc Anx, posted by mxrider on September 6, 2004, at 15:18:59
i am so curious to hear how the amen clinic works out for you. try to keep us posted if possible.
Posted by mxrider on September 6, 2004, at 18:19:58
In reply to Re: Note about wellbutrin and Soc Anx » mxrider, posted by boomarang on September 6, 2004, at 18:04:19
> i am so curious to hear how the amen clinic works out for you. try to keep us posted if possible.
I will certainly post my experience with the Amen clinic in a couple of weeks. Hopefully I will learn something there. I will start a new thread so as not to intrude on the Cymbalta discussion.
Posted by Iansf on September 7, 2004, at 0:43:35
In reply to Note about wellbutrin and Soc Anx » mxrider, posted by mattw84 on September 6, 2004, at 14:08:56
I've been taking Wellbutrin, 450mg/d, for a long time. I find it moderately helpful for depression but absolutely useless in regard to social phobia. I have a friend who takes it for generalized anxiety disorder, with fair success, but I've never encountered anyone with social phobia who was helped by it. My one doctor even prescribed it for me at 600mg/d - still no help for social phobia. I wish.
>
> I know everyone here seems to think that wellbutrin is useless in SP.... Just thought I would share this.
>
> ***********************************************************************
> Bupropion-SR in treatment of social phobia.
> by
> Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
> Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA.
> Emmanuel NP, Brawman-Mintzer O, Morton WA, Book SW, Johnson MR, Lorberbaum JP, Ballenger JC, Lydiard RB.
> Depress Anxiety. 2000;12(2):111-3.
>
> ABSTRACT
>
> A 12-week, open label flexible dosing study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of bupropion-SR in the treatment of generalized social phobia. The primary outcome measures include the Clinical Global Impression of Improvement (CGI-I) and the Brief Social Phobia Rating Scale (BSPS). A total of 18 subjects were enrolled. Five of the ten subjects who completed all 12 weeks were considered as responders. Response to treatment was defined as a CGI-I score of 1 or 2, ("much improved" or "very much improved," respectively) and a > 50% decrease in BSPS score. The final doses for the completers ranged between 200 and 400 mg/day (mean 366 +/- 68 mg/day). The medication was generally well tolerated. Findings from this open-label trial suggest that bupropion-SR may be useful in treating generalized social phobia.
>
>
> ***********************************************************************
Posted by SLS on September 7, 2004, at 8:10:56
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » SLS, posted by KaraS on September 6, 2004, at 18:01:42
Hi Kara.
> BTW, I just checked out your web site and I'm still recovering from the shock. You're the last person in the world I would have thought would be into body building. First off, because you seem so cerebral but mostly because you've commented more than once on how much you hate exercise.
I don't hate exercise. I am just too depleted of energy to do it. I actually enjoyed my workouts. I keep telling myself that I would profit from getting back into the gym, but I have a tough time convincing myself to walk a block to go to the mailbox. Unlike the many accounts of the benefits of exercise on depression, I received none. Pooh.
The website I put together uses only the simplest of HTML coding. It looks more impressive than it really is. And yes, I was depressed when I did it. I was motivated for some reason. I think it was because it was novel and provided a distraction. I wish something else would capture enough of my interest to draw me through the depression to invest time in. Right now, I have no motivation at all. I guess I'm burned-out from pushing so hard just to survive over the last few years.
- Scott
Posted by theo on September 7, 2004, at 8:13:52
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » KaraS, posted by SLS on September 7, 2004, at 8:10:56
Did you mention you might be discontinuing Cymbalta?
Posted by SLS on September 7, 2004, at 8:32:03
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » SLS, posted by pseudonym on September 6, 2004, at 13:20:36
Hi Pseudonym.
> As for your current situation, I believe Abilify + Cymbalta would not be a bad route to pursue.
I have been taking Abilify 10mg for about a year now. It helps a little, I guess. When I first began taking it, I noticed an improvement in motivation and sociability. I'm not sure it is doing that much anymore, but I continue to take it to help keep me from entering severely suicidal states. I didn't find any additional benefit from going to 20mg.
> It seems clear from your approach that you are targeting DA and NA neurotransmitters.
That's what I have had success with in the past, but I wouldn't discount the importance that modulating serotonergic neurotransmission might have. I do wish that nomifensine and amineptine were still around.
> Serotonergic drugs don't seem to help you much, correct?
SSRIs have not been much help.
> Given that you were most helped by Parnate and desipramine, it would seem likely that the selegiline patch, when released, by Watson in combination with Mylan pharmaceuticals, would be the best treatment on the surface. Why? It mediates the release of both NA and DA.
Hmm. I guess I should move it closer to the top of my list. I didn't have too much interest in it initially because I failed a course of oral selegiline. However, I only went up to 30mg. Thanks.
> I can't determine what Lamictal and Namenda are doing for you or what lead you to take them. I recollect your explanation for Lamictal had to with "interest" and "physical energy". I would think that Abilify would be enough to do that. Your thoughts?
I have tried to discontinue or lower the dosage of Lamictal several times over the last year without success. It does help enough to continue with it, but it only seems to help when I am taking TCAs at the same time. Since beginning Namenda, I have been able to reduce my dosage of Lamictal to 150mg; low enough so that it doesn't impair my memory and cognition as much as it did at 300mg. Both drugs inhibit glutamatergic neurotransmission: Lamictal through glutamate release inhibition and Namenda through glutamate receptor (NMDA subtype) blockade. Because these anti-glutamatergic drugs have had some positive effect, I have my eye on riluzole (Rilutek), another release inhibitor now being used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), sometimes referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Riluzole was recently reported by the NIMH to demonstrate antidepressant effects in a clinical trial to treat bipolar depression.
> My two cents
A worthwhile investment to be sure!
Thanks again. I'll definitely place the patch higher on my list.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on September 7, 2004, at 8:38:11
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » SLS, posted by theo on September 7, 2004, at 8:13:52
> Did you mention you might be discontinuing Cymbalta?
No, Theo. Despite my disappointment, I will continue to take Cymbalta and give it a full trial. It makes sense to continue with it for another 4-6 weeks. I'll spend 1-2 more weeks at 60mg, and then petition my doctor to go up to 80-120mg. At the moment, I still have hopes that it will work. (Of course, this outlook is very changeable).
- Scott
Posted by SLS on September 7, 2004, at 8:50:27
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by SLS on September 6, 2004, at 8:50:42
9/7/2004
Day 19
6 days at 30mg
12 days at 60mg60mg (30mg b.i.d.)
I have recovered from the plummet into a more severe depression that I experienced two days ago. One of my doctors at the NIMH described such an event as a "reset" of the brain that he believed occurred from time to time during the period of recovery. I hope that's what it was. I am still not experiencing the unequivicol antidepressant response I did at this time last week, but I can't help but to retain hope. Right now, there are still a few signs that it might be doing something positive.
No side effects. Although my sex-drive is still very low from depression, it has not been lowered further by Cymbalta in the same way it was from Zoloft. I have no problems achieving orgasm.
I still think Cymbalta will be a great drug for many people. I would not discourage anyone from trying it at this point.
- Scott
Posted by Paul_d_234 on September 7, 2004, at 8:55:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by SLS on September 7, 2004, at 8:50:27
Scott,
Any thoughts on its effect on weight gain / weight loss.
Zoloft works great for me for depression/anxiety but the weight gain is very high for me.
Posted by SLS on September 7, 2004, at 9:07:58
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report, posted by Paul_d_234 on September 7, 2004, at 8:55:53
> Scott,
>
> Any thoughts on its effect on weight gain / weight loss.
>
> Zoloft works great for me for depression/anxiety but the weight gain is very high for me.Hi Paul.
I have not noticed any tendency towards weight gain over these last few weeks. I am not that prone to it with SSRIs, so I don't think I am a reliable subject to indicate whether or not Cymbalta will demonstrate this as a side effect.
- Scott
Posted by iris2 on September 7, 2004, at 9:13:35
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » KaraS, posted by SLS on September 7, 2004, at 8:10:56
Scott,
You are just interesting and I admire you so much. If you don't mind my asking are you employed currently or working?
irene
Posted by iris2 on September 7, 2004, at 9:17:51
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » theo, posted by SLS on September 7, 2004, at 8:38:11
I am going to start this as soon as I recieve it. I have not seen much information about people taking it on the board. I was going to post how I am doing on it but I do not want to make the assumption that anyone is interested if no one is. I would appreciate a post back if there is an interest.
My perceptions are not so keen so if I do post it will be a more general nature.
irene
Posted by SLS on September 7, 2004, at 9:27:54
In reply to Re: Cymbalta (duloxetine) - report » SLS, posted by iris2 on September 7, 2004, at 9:13:35
Hi Irene.
I am so very glad you came back to post after your block.
> You are just interesting and I admire you so much.
:-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)
The feeling is mutual.
> If you don't mind my asking are you employed currently or working?No.
I haven't worked since April 15, 1990 (damn). I really do hate having to be part of the public burden. Maybe that will change soon.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on September 7, 2004, at 9:34:20
In reply to Milnacipran » SLS, posted by iris2 on September 7, 2004, at 9:17:51
> I am going to start this as soon as I recieve it. I have not seen much information about people taking it on the board. I was going to post how I am doing on it but I do not want to make the assumption that anyone is interested if no one is. I would appreciate a post back if there is an interest.
>
> My perceptions are not so keen so if I do post it will be a more general nature.
>
> irene
Of course I will be interested in following your progress, if not from a continued selfish pursuit of effective treatments for myself, then certainly from a personal interest in your finding an effective treatment of your own.Posting a journal here is always appreciated and represents invaluable information to help others make treatment decisions and to further the understanding of these illnesses in general.
Why have you chosen to proceed with milnacipran now that Cymbalta is available?
- Scott
Posted by Racer on September 7, 2004, at 12:41:32
In reply to Re: Milnacipran » iris2, posted by SLS on September 7, 2004, at 9:34:20
I can't find any info on it, might it be an alternative for some of me who don't seem to be making friends with Cymbalta?
Thanks.
Posted by snapper on September 7, 2004, at 13:09:04
In reply to Re: what is Milnacipran?, posted by Racer on September 7, 2004, at 12:41:32
> I can't find any info on it, might it be an alternative for some of me who don't seem to be making friends with Cymbalta?
>
> Thanks.Hi Racer, Milnacipran is also a "dual re-uptake inhibitor", I believe it is a French AD. I believe that it is clinical trials here in the US to help treat fibromyalgia. It has been in europe for quite some time but I don't know much about its efficacy and also don't know much about the possibility of it being approved here anytime soon.Most likely not any time soon, now that Cymbalta has been released. If you want to read about it, just type in the name "Ixel" in your search engine and you should be able to find plenty of info on it! Good Luck
Snapper
Posted by SLS on September 7, 2004, at 13:09:05
In reply to Re: what is Milnacipran?, posted by Racer on September 7, 2004, at 12:41:32
> I can't find any info on it, might it be an alternative for some of me who don't seem to be making friends with Cymbalta?
>
> Thanks.
You'll make friends, don't worry. Some relationships take a while to build. How much Cymbalta are you taking right now, and what is it that you don't like about it?Milnacipran is a French SNRI drug that has been around for quite a few years. I have never spoken to anyone who has worked with it, so I don't have an impression as to its efficacy or side effect profile.
- Scott
Posted by 4WD on September 7, 2004, at 14:14:46
In reply to Milnacipran » SLS, posted by iris2 on September 7, 2004, at 9:17:51
> I am going to start this as soon as I recieve it. I have not seen much information about people taking it on the board. I was going to post how I am doing on it but I do not want to make the assumption that anyone is interested if no one is. I would appreciate a post back if there is an interest.
>
> My perceptions are not so keen so if I do post it will be a more general nature.
>
> irene
Irene,I would be very interested to hear how your trial of milnaciprin goes. I hope you do post a journal - it sounds like a good option.
Marsha
Posted by nmk on September 7, 2004, at 14:19:55
In reply to Re: Milnacipran » iris2, posted by 4WD on September 7, 2004, at 14:14:46
test
Posted by nmk on September 7, 2004, at 14:27:17
In reply to Re: Milnacipran, posted by nmk on September 7, 2004, at 14:19:55
Sorry about the earlier test message. My registration must have expired and I couldn't post for awhile.
Anyway, I wanted to let you know that I think I am the first person on this board to discontinue Cymbalta. It had only been a week at 30 mg but I couldn't tolerate the side effects anymore. There was an evident increase in anxiety, dizziness, and I had difficulty sleeping. When I was on Effexor a few years back, I experienced the exact s/e's, which did not go away after a two month trial. So, my pdoc and I thought it would be best to discontinue since side effects typically don't go away with me. Also, I didn't want to suffer through two months of side effects and then be confronted with a potential horrible withdrawal.
I know many of you are doing well on Cymbalta and I wish you continued success. It just wasn't meant to be for me and Cymbalta.
Nicole:(
Posted by SLS on September 7, 2004, at 14:39:06
In reply to Re: Milnacipran, posted by nmk on September 7, 2004, at 14:27:17
Hi Nicole.
> I know many of you are doing well on Cymbalta and I wish you continued success. It just wasn't meant to be for me and Cymbalta.What options are you considering?
- Scott
Posted by nmk on September 7, 2004, at 15:38:32
In reply to Re: Milnacipran, posted by SLS on September 7, 2004, at 14:39:06
>>
> What options are you considering?
>
>
> - ScottHi Scott,
My doc has three options he wants me to consider: 1) a TCA (clomiprimine to be exact) 2) Parnate and 3)Lupron injections to shut down my ovaries and add back estrogen.
#3 is due to the fact that I feel fine during the first half of my cycle but worsen premenstrually.
I don't know what to do. I have tried practically every ssri, snri, and four mood stabilizers. I get anxious, agitated, irritable and depressed for half of the month and am convinced that even though my hormones drive this, there is a bipolar component to this whole mess. I have tried Lamictal, Trileptal, Zyprexa, and Depakote to no avail.
I really don't know what to do next.
Do you think I should play it safe and try a tca or move on to something like Parnate. Lupron scares the life out of me.Thanks,
Nicole
Posted by Racer on September 7, 2004, at 15:44:08
In reply to Re: what is Milnacipran?, posted by SLS on September 7, 2004, at 13:09:05
I'm at 60, since last Thursday. Today I'm jumping out of my skin again, but still can't seem to *do* anything much. That's still an improvement over the weekend, though: I spent most of it either asleep or just immobilized on the sofa. No real energy -- beyond the agitation -- no motivation, no ability to follow through, and for most of the weekend I just didn't feel as if living was worth it.
Again, this is still adjustment phase, which I know, but unless things start to show signs of turning around very soon -- like less restlessness and jitteriness, and less sedation and amotivation -- I'm not all that hopeful about it. The combination of being keyed up and feeling so paralysed is not a good one for me -- it tends to be the thing that leads to much increased suicidal impulses. (Which is going on right now, by the way.)
The good news is that I've got some support from a couple of someones here who keeps reminding me that I really have been through hell for an extended visit, so everything is still pretty distorted. One of them keeps reminding me that it might still turn around, and encouraging me to keep trying. So far, I have. More out of inertia, I think, but the end result is the same. I'm giving it a chance, and next week I see Dr NoName again and can discuss it with him. So far, I've been able to say, "it's only a week more, surely I can manage it that long?" Part of the problem is that I get such tunnel vision, you know? It seems as if this moment is all that's ever existed, so if it's horrible, then it's always going to be horrible. The most insidious part of the disease process, I guess.
Thanks for your support, Scott. Hope you had a good weekend -- without any bull sharks ;-)
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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