![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 39. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by blnch on October 29, 2004, at 4:12:09
Hi Everyone,
I'm yet another who has been tried on many, many antidepressants AND combos. Always been, if anything, TOO compliant. As I've gotten older (?), seems it's gotten even harder to tolerate these meds - primarily due to nausea, constipation, sometimes GERD, too. Am SO sick of being sick on theses meds! (already have to take Prevacid or Prilosec to make a dent.)
So, am going to a new pdoc this Wed, Nov. 3rd. One of VERY few options I have left is Cymbalta. Here are my questions on side-effects in order of their importance to me:
1) Nausea? How bad; time frame. Anybody never have it go away (yet)?
2) Constipation?
3) Insomnia - how bad? How long? What are you taking to augment for sleep? I cannot tolerate Trazadone/ Deseryl. I develop dependency with Ambien/ never works longer than 4 hours. Remeron - I eat myself to sleep - huge weight gain. Ditto Doxepin and other TCAs or can't tolerate.I am NOT concerned about ANY other side-effects besides the above with Cymbalta.
One more thing - how long before some brightening of mood? I DO need the N for drive.
TIA.
blnch
Posted by dazed on October 29, 2004, at 8:42:57
In reply to Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s, posted by blnch on October 29, 2004, at 4:12:09
nausea-lasted only a few days with me. (started 30mg for one week, then 60 next weeks.)
constipation-OMG-awful. backed me up so bad i thought i was going to die. After 2 weeks, i finally regulated to going once a week, but very hard stools. I may have to stop altogether, because that is with the aide of mega amounts of stool softeners and metamucil.
sleep-slept great day one and 2, thereafter same ole two or three hours of sleep, then awake rest of evening.
mood-good mood, nothing magical. I was on celexa before, so i was already doing fine in that department, no rise in mood by switching to cymbalta. I'm switching back to celexa, which I think is better for my mood and constipation.
Posted by Racer on October 29, 2004, at 8:47:15
In reply to Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s, posted by blnch on October 29, 2004, at 4:12:09
>
> So, am going to a new pdoc this Wed, Nov. 3rd.Good for you! It took me months to agree to change doctors, but once I did, a lot of my symptoms improved -- JUST from getting away from Dr EyeCandy. It's amazing how therapeutic it can be to know that you've done something for yourself, even before the meds kick in.
>
> 1) Nausea? How bad; time frame. Anybody never have it go away (yet)?I've been on Cymbalta since late August, and haven't had any problems with nausea. The only times I've had nausea while on it is if I overeat -- which is probably related to a comorbid eating disorder. My appetite hasn't increased, and may have decreased, although see again: comorbid eating disorder. (Technically, "eating disorder not otherwise specified." Anorexia without amenorrhea.)
> 2) Constipation?
This one is a bit more complicated: at first, I would take the Cymbalta with my vitamins at breakfast, right before eating. That produced diarrhea, so the doctor recommended taking it AFTER eating. That produced a certain amount of constipation, but not bad. Taking the capsules after eating my morning egg, before eating my toast, though, left my digestion pretty much normal. In the last few weeks, I can safely say that I'm as regular as I could wish, and haven't had any diarrhea at all. In this regard, Cymbalta is the least problematic AD I've ever taken.
> 3) Insomnia - how bad? How long? What are you taking to augment for sleep?
A bit of insomnia, but not initial insomnia. Mostly, after the first week when my sleeping was totally weird with lots of quirky insomnia, I just wake up a few times in the night. And I can get back to sleep again after about fifteen to thirty minutes. At 90mgs, though, I was waking more, and staying awake longer. At 60mgs, I was sleeping pretty well.
I haven't needed to augment it for sleep at all.
>
> I am NOT concerned about ANY other side-effects besides the above with Cymbalta.
>
> One more thing - how long before some brightening of mood? I DO need the N for drive.
>
Therein lies the rub, for me: no real AD effects for me. Other good effects, but not AD. (Starting today, I will be augmenting it with Wellbutrin.) The other good effects started within the first two to three weeks. Some of the good effects started the first week -- feeling kinda calmer and almost cloudlike. That cloud thing passed, although the calming part didn't.Overall, it seems to be pretty benign in terms of side effects for me, except for some headaches, and is definitely worth trying. If it helps a bit, but not enough, try augmenting it, rather than switching. At least, that's one person's advice, based in part on the advice of that one person's doctor.
And again, congratulations on taking steps FOR YOU. I hope it works out well.
Posted by Sad Panda on October 29, 2004, at 9:20:53
In reply to Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s, posted by blnch on October 29, 2004, at 4:12:09
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I'm yet another who has been tried on many, many antidepressants AND combos. Always been, if anything, TOO compliant. As I've gotten older (?), seems it's gotten even harder to tolerate these meds - primarily due to nausea, constipation, sometimes GERD, too. Am SO sick of being sick on theses meds! (already have to take Prevacid or Prilosec to make a dent.)
>
> So, am going to a new pdoc this Wed, Nov. 3rd. One of VERY few options I have left is Cymbalta. Here are my questions on side-effects in order of their importance to me:
>
> 1) Nausea? How bad; time frame. Anybody never have it go away (yet)?
> 2) Constipation?
> 3) Insomnia - how bad? How long? What are you taking to augment for sleep? I cannot tolerate Trazadone/ Deseryl. I develop dependency with Ambien/ never works longer than 4 hours. Remeron - I eat myself to sleep - huge weight gain. Ditto Doxepin and other TCAs or can't tolerate.
>
> I am NOT concerned about ANY other side-effects besides the above with Cymbalta.
>
> One more thing - how long before some brightening of mood? I DO need the N for drive.
>
> TIA.
>
> blnch
>
>Hi,
Did you use Remeron with an SSRI or was it monothearpy? I would consider taking it for one month to give you time to get use to Cymbalta's side effects, I found it especially good for treating Effexor induced nausea & it's a great sedative.
Cheers,
Paul.
Posted by blnch on October 29, 2004, at 17:20:28
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s, posted by dazed on October 29, 2004, at 8:42:57
First off, thanx everso to all who have thusfar replied re: my Cymbalta questions. I VERY much appreciate your most thorough responses!!!
Racer, you have given me some hope re: the constipation issue. I have an eating disorder history that sounds, perhaps, not unlike your's.
Paul, I have taken Remeron most often in conjunction WITH an SSRI. For me, most often with Prozac. (I am currently taking 10 - 15 mg tops Prozac - I am one for whom we have determined time & again - LESS than "norm" dose of 20 mg Prozac is better.) I agree with all you say re: the benefits of Remeron - it IS a tremendous AD - but I cannot endure one more night of (quite literally) eating myslf to sleep on it - I do this at doses from a small chip all the way up to 60 mg, but at 45-60, I lose the sleep help + become angry. Also, a new side-effect has cropped up with any Remeron at all - numbness/ burning pins & needles in one hand, which awakens me thruout the night; sometimes lasts 3-4 hours after arising. (This seems to also happen now if I try any Neurontin for sleep.)
I feel increasingly trapped by these side-effects. They ARE extreme!
Add-on question: how do folks feel about VERY low dose Seroquel for sleep? Has anyone experienced GI problems (nausea, constipation, etc.) with Seroquel?
Posted by ravenstorm on October 29, 2004, at 17:51:00
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s, posted by blnch on October 29, 2004, at 17:20:28
I feel for you. I can't even take prozac because of the severe heart burn/stomach distress it causes. I keep asking the doctors: so if you are mentally ill, but have a bad stomach, you are just screwed????? Good luck finding something, I'm not having much luck at the moment!
Posted by blnch on October 29, 2004, at 18:03:46
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s, posted by ravenstorm on October 29, 2004, at 17:51:00
Thanx ravenstorm...this is exactly what I believe - we're screwed! It's gotten way old! Plus, the fact that an AD patch has been in works since a yr before Prozac came out (thereby bypassing the gut) - and is STILL not available - just burns me down!
It's truly bizarre and QUITE cruel, since it's widely known that MANY folks with Major Depression (as I) have 1 of 3 things: gut aches, headaches, or back aches.
"Do No Harm" seems to be lost on the scientists and drug companies. Why should they care when they are raking in billons from those who CAN tolerate their meds.
Posted by Racer on October 29, 2004, at 21:05:44
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s, posted by blnch on October 29, 2004, at 18:03:46
Posted by Sad Panda on October 30, 2004, at 0:36:33
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s, posted by blnch on October 29, 2004, at 17:20:28
> First off, thanx everso to all who have thusfar replied re: my Cymbalta questions. I VERY much appreciate your most thorough responses!!!
>
> Racer, you have given me some hope re: the constipation issue. I have an eating disorder history that sounds, perhaps, not unlike your's.
>
> Paul, I have taken Remeron most often in conjunction WITH an SSRI. For me, most often with Prozac. (I am currently taking 10 - 15 mg tops Prozac - I am one for whom we have determined time & again - LESS than "norm" dose of 20 mg Prozac is better.) I agree with all you say re: the benefits of Remeron - it IS a tremendous AD - but I cannot endure one more night of (quite literally) eating myslf to sleep on it - I do this at doses from a small chip all the way up to 60 mg, but at 45-60, I lose the sleep help + become angry. Also, a new side-effect has cropped up with any Remeron at all - numbness/ burning pins & needles in one hand, which awakens me thruout the night; sometimes lasts 3-4 hours after arising. (This seems to also happen now if I try any Neurontin for sleep.)
>
> I feel increasingly trapped by these side-effects. They ARE extreme!
>
> Add-on question: how do folks feel about VERY low dose Seroquel for sleep? Has anyone experienced GI problems (nausea, constipation, etc.) with Seroquel?
>
>
>Low dose Seroquel pretty much functions as an antihistamine. It wouldn't have any effect on your digestive system & it won't help with the other side effects either, but it's worth a try.
How did you find Doxepin compared to Remeron? Have you considered other TCA's besides Doxepin? Amitriptyline & Nortriptyline are both worth trying too, I have taken Nortriptyline in large doses & for me it has no side effects.
Cheers,
Paul.
Posted by CrazyCO on October 30, 2004, at 7:57:49
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s, posted by Sad Panda on October 30, 2004, at 0:36:33
I take seroquel 25mg for sleep and it works very well, and I haven't experienced any stomach problems as you were asking about, it's worth giving it a try because it really works well for me. Good Luck.
Posted by blnch on October 30, 2004, at 12:37:28
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s, posted by CrazyCO on October 30, 2004, at 7:57:49
Paul, I found Remeron to be better than Doxepin for sleep. Doxepin was my stand alone full remission AD many years ago, but I can no longer tolerate it gut-wise/ other SEs. I just tried Pamelor/ Nortrip. for sleep and had the bad GERD response it's somewhat known for. Thanx for the suggestion and the details on Seroquel.
CrazyCO, thanx for your take on Seroquel. I'm about down to choosing Cymbalta + Seroquel, as Prozac alone is NOT giving me full remission. Did the Seroquel give you food cravings that were hard or impossible to resist?
I see there are more Cymbalta users here. Please, I need more opinions on Cymbalta re: **nausea, *constipation, and insomnia.
blnch/ Sarah
Posted by banga on October 30, 2004, at 16:38:48
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s, posted by blnch on October 30, 2004, at 12:37:28
I have been on Cymbalta for 5 days now...currently at 40mgs. I have no problems with insomnia; I do notice some constipation but nothing compared to what I had with Effexor. In terms of nausea, I seemed to have some yesterday, but it seems to have been something else. No benefits yet....
Posted by shiz on October 30, 2004, at 16:42:55
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s, posted by banga on October 30, 2004, at 16:38:48
where you ever on zoloft and if so how did that work,if not what else have you been on that you can compare it too
Posted by blnch on October 30, 2004, at 18:07:11
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s, posted by shiz on October 30, 2004, at 16:42:55
Zoloft was one of the very worst in terms of all around SEs (granted, hard to choose!) It also took longest, by far, to work for me. I had extreme bruxism, worst insomnia of any, and never did feel "quite right" on it. Tried it a second time to find: exactly the same thing/s.
The SEs I'm more concerned re: Cymbalta are the starred ones: **nausea & *constipation.
As in my first message: I've been on almost ALL ADs, ALL classes...meaning ALL newer generation (and combos of); most all TCAs (too anticholinergic); Parnate (that experience completely scared me off - oral - MAOIs. (I would joyfully attempt an MAOI patch - if we ever see it.)
Thanx for these further replies!
Posted by blnch on October 30, 2004, at 18:15:03
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s, posted by banga on October 30, 2004, at 16:38:48
I do want to report that I found someone here advising crystallized ginger for nausea. I got some yesterday and it does provide some relief. I think less is more. YMMV.
Posted by ed_uk on October 30, 2004, at 18:25:05
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s, posted by blnch on October 30, 2004, at 18:15:03
Hello.......
The most effective and well tolerated antidepressant for me has been lofepramine (Gamanil). It is one of the most popular TCAs in the UK. Nausea is very rare with lofepramine and its anticholinergic side effects are milder than any of the other TCAs. It is not on the market in the US (do you live there?) but your pharmacy may be able to import it if your doctor was willing to prescribe it.
Ed
Posted by blnch on October 30, 2004, at 18:32:29
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s, posted by ed_uk on October 30, 2004, at 18:25:05
Thank you. I am not aware that this med is available in the US - yes, I am across the pond from you. I will look into it.
Posted by ed_uk on October 30, 2004, at 19:20:19
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s » ed_uk, posted by blnch on October 30, 2004, at 18:32:29
Lofepramine is an old drug (I think it was first tested as an antidepressant in about 1975 if I remember correctly). Its always been quite popular in the UK, especially before the SSRIs were introduced. I imagine you could get hold of it fairly easily, it's available in lots of other places as well as the UK.
Ed
Posted by CrazyCO on October 30, 2004, at 21:40:08
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s, posted by blnch on October 30, 2004, at 12:37:28
I take cymbalta currently 120mg and I have had slight nausea about 30 minutes or so after I take it. But it is more like butterflies than actual nauea and it passes very quickly.
Posted by CrazyCO on October 30, 2004, at 21:41:40
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s, posted by blnch on October 30, 2004, at 12:37:28
Seroquel has not given many any food craving thus far, and I hope it stays that way, I've only been taking it for about 2 weeks now for sleep.
Posted by ravenstorm on October 31, 2004, at 10:41:51
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s » blnch, posted by CrazyCO on October 30, 2004, at 21:41:40
blnch--what happened to you when you tried parnate?
For those who posted about gamanil:what are the usual side effects?
Posted by blnch on October 31, 2004, at 12:41:22
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s » blnch, posted by CrazyCO on October 30, 2004, at 21:41:40
Thanx, CrazyCO, for your comments on both Cymbalta re: "nausea"(butterflies) and on Seroquel re: (no) food cravings - so far - for you. MUCH appreciated - gives me some hope and, boy, do I need it!
Posted by blnch on October 31, 2004, at 12:58:49
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s, posted by ravenstorm on October 31, 2004, at 10:41:51
ravenstorm: I went into the Parnate "experience" quite determinedly. As per my usual, I tried the lowest dose. Within 5 days, I was driving, not caring if I had a wreck. (This was markedly different from the wishful thinking/ slight urge to have a head-on wreck that I fairly often have with plain ole suicidal ideation. Fortunately for all, I have LOTS of impulse control.)
Other Parnate pleasantries included the usual nausea - even worse than my before #1 worst, Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin seems to be an odd AD: many do so well on it, but for those of us who don't, we do REALLY badly on it - we just despise it! Anxiety on Parnate was like Wellbutrin x 3. I am one who can hande ALOT of caffeine, but Parnate was like someone had poured 3 pots of coffee down my throat. This was last February, and it's still that vividly horrible in my memory.
Posted by happy lady on November 1, 2004, at 12:52:35
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s, posted by blnch on October 31, 2004, at 12:41:22
Hi there Sarah,
I have been taking cymbalta at 30 mgs for 38 days. I have noticed a great increase in mood and anxiety. however, I am experiecing some GI effects. I have nausea off and on. I have needed to up my protonix as I have an increase in GERD symptons. I will see my doctor tomorrow with the hope of maintaining cymbalta. Since I have been on cymbalta for 38 days I doubt the nausea will diminish. I also take 40 mgs of of paxil. Sometimes the combining of theses meds cause to much serontin to be dumped into the stomach producing nausea. Maybe my doctor will lower the paxil. The best to all of you. Keep trying.
Happylady
Posted by blnch on November 1, 2004, at 15:04:08
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Side-effects/Nausea, etc. ?s, posted by happy lady on November 1, 2004, at 12:52:35
Thank You! Sounds like we have much in common, unfortunately...lol.
I absolutely agree with you that serotonin is the culprit re: nausea. For me, any serotonin whatsoever is like dropping a bomb down my esophagus/ GI tract. Like you, the nausea side-effect does NOT go away (at least, not for far too many years, now.)
FYI: I just lowered my Prevacid from 2 of the stonger ones to 1 a day. My GP had OKed my taking twice what is recommended because, as you may well know, these proton pump meds often do NOT work for the promoted 24 hrs. However, I finally solved yet another BIG medical mystery: it was the AM Prevacid dose that was actually making my nausea (not GERD) worse, taken along with Prozac or (fill in the blank of the other meds I've tried). Wish I had figured this out before two more years were gone from my life! Of course - dare I say it? - one would think that's the job of the "learned" GP or pdoc.
If I do end up using Cymbalta, I will be using it as a stand-alone med (dropping the Prozac.) Maybe, then, one Prevacid a day will hold me(?)
It IS distressing to hear you have increased GERD with Cymbalta, but I REALLY appreciate the heads up. AND, that also ties in with someone's speculation here that Cymbalta is like a "cleaned up" Nortrip.(Pamelor). Hmmm.
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.