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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by 3librasgirl on November 9, 2004, at 18:53:03
In reply to just starting cymbalta, posted by curious2know on November 6, 2004, at 9:36:28
Hello again! Today is the end of day 5 for me, and already I am feeling happier. My chief complaint is that if I take the Cymbalta at 10am (when I get back from Conditioning and Learning) then I feel like a am on amphetamines come 1 or 2pm. I have been experiencing the kind of ANS arousal that usually accompanies a startle reaction, except it lasts for HOURS. My boyfriend told me I was acting "totally cracked out" and I agree! I have never been a fan of benzo's, especially xanax (which I refuse to take anymore) so the only way I have been able to be any sort of normal for these past few days is by taking Klonopin. I know a lot of you on this board take Klonopin too, and I am happy with the results that it has been giving me, but I am reluctant to take anything that is either physically or psychologically addictive... especially something that has such severe physical reprocussions when you decide to stop taking it. I am going to give Cymbalta another week and a half, and if I am not able to function without Klonopin then I am going to stop taking it and return to the Wellbutrin and get back into therapy (which is WAY too expensive for me on my college-student-living-on-scholarship budget) Good luck to everyone and keep posting, all of your insight is helpful to us all! Hope you all had a good weekend :)
*Suzanne*
Posted by happy lady on November 9, 2004, at 22:56:37
In reply to Re: Cymbalta » happy lady, posted by hope4best on November 1, 2004, at 19:42:17
Hi Hope4best,
I am taking 30mgs of cymbalta because I take 40 mgs of paxil. We are augmenting the paxil with a lower dosage of cymbalta. I feel great except for my GERD/ stomach nausea. The only other side effects I feel is a little sleepiness. I feel calm and well.
Good luck to you and the best always.
Happylady
Posted by sunshine211 on November 10, 2004, at 1:21:16
In reply to Re: just starting cymbalta, posted by 3librasgirl on November 9, 2004, at 18:53:03
I too did not want to take Klonopin nor did I know what to do when I found out that it could be so addictive. But I think it really depends on the person and the dosage. Against the Rx, I have stopped taking it, started, and taken portions of the it at various times. Reason being is that I take it at night mostly, and I if I do not get about 8 hours of sleep I will be SUPER foggy the next day.
How many college students can actually get 8 hours of a sleep every night and go to class the next day. So there are some nights that I just don't take it.Bottom line is that I have never really noticed any crazy side effects, after a day or two I might have very MILD anxiety. Other than that I have been good. Also, taking it long term is okay if needed if you are physically healthy. your body is more than able to function properly and digest (metabolize) the drug. If you are worried get a liver enzyme check every few months.
Have a nice weekend too!!!
P.S. Check with your school health center, they might have low cost or no cost therapy sessions with a psychologist that is over seen by a psychiatrist.
Posted by remar on November 10, 2004, at 2:14:59
In reply to Re: just starting cymbalta, posted by 3librasgirl on November 9, 2004, at 18:53:03
hi 3librasgirl, what dose are you taking, is it 30 or 60 mgs? the best of luck to you. remar
Posted by hope4best on November 10, 2004, at 4:52:30
In reply to Re: just starting cymbalta, posted by 3librasgirl on November 9, 2004, at 18:53:03
Hi, just wanted to mention that I was also "cracked out" during my first 2 weeks on Cymbalta! I felt great but also was not my normal self. You can search for my previous posts to see how I felt. Anyway that goes away (it did for me at least) after a couple weeks in your system. So far I love Cymbalta. Good luck!
Posted by partlycloudy on November 11, 2004, at 5:41:22
In reply to Re: just starting cymbalta » 3librasgirl, posted by hope4best on November 10, 2004, at 4:52:30
I'm switching from Effexor to Cymbalta and I'm encouraged by your posts that it will help. Freaking out about tapering from Effexor, but trying not to anticipate a rough ride.
pc
Posted by Wildflower on November 11, 2004, at 10:20:32
In reply to Cymbalta, posted by earthgirl on October 11, 2004, at 13:53:31
Urinary hesitation is listed on the drug information sheet. Have any of you experienced this? If so, did it go away after a while?
I had problems with this on Lexapro and I seem to be experiencing the same thing on Cymbalta.
Posted by hope4best on November 11, 2004, at 16:53:55
In reply to Cymbalta - urinary hesitation?, posted by Wildflower on November 11, 2004, at 10:20:32
Hi, during my first couple of weeks on Cymbalta I did experience some urinary hesitation. Also I would suddenly feel a strong urge to urinate, and then when I'd go there would hardly be anything! I found myself going to the bathroom much more frequently for the first couple weeks, I think mainly to avoid that sudden urge to go at an inopportune time. I am now in my 6th week and all urinary-related problems appear to have stopped. :)
A little tip I heard a while ago...if you are having trouble (hesitancy) urinating say the multiplication tables to yourself. Many people find this helpful in allowing yourself to release it.
Posted by hope4best on November 11, 2004, at 16:54:51
In reply to Re: just starting cymbalta, posted by partlycloudy on November 11, 2004, at 5:41:22
Best of luck to you! Keep me posted on your progress.
Posted by Hopeful79 on November 11, 2004, at 18:17:19
In reply to Cymbalta - urinary hesitation?, posted by Wildflower on November 11, 2004, at 10:20:32
I would definitely suggest that you go to your primary care physician who may refer to a urologist. I have trouble to even before Cymbalta and my dr referred me to urology.
Posted by Hopeful79 on November 11, 2004, at 18:30:54
In reply to Re: Cymbalta - urinary hesitation? » Wildflower, posted by hope4best on November 11, 2004, at 16:53:55
Better yet drink plenty of cranberry juice or take cranberry capsules. This can prevent infection and help you to urinate better, at least in theory anyway. If you experience any nausea at all try crystallized ginger.
Posted by Wildflower on November 12, 2004, at 13:05:13
In reply to Re: Cymbalta - urinary hesitation?, posted by Hopeful79 on November 11, 2004, at 18:17:19
Thanks. I know that there's nothing wrong with me. This has happened to me before on other ADs. It stopped when I stopped taking the meds. It's just really annoying getting up a few times during the night for no reason. I just hope it gets better. I'm getting really tired of changing ADs.
Posted by boomarang on November 12, 2004, at 13:45:23
In reply to Cymbalta - urinary hesitation?, posted by Wildflower on November 11, 2004, at 10:20:32
yes i've had issues with urinary hesitancy on cymbalta. I'm at nine weeks now and at 60mg and that is one side effect that has not gone away. It has lessened somewhat tho. I am usually up one time, sometimes not at all to go to the bathroom at nite. With Cymbalta i'm up twice. The last few nites only once tho so hopefully that is tapering.
the urge to go is strong but very little comes out at times. there are periods during the day when it seems the opposite. Tidal wave. Perhaps that is when the cymbalta is at its lowest in my bloodstream.
sara
Posted by Hopeful79 on November 12, 2004, at 14:09:57
In reply to Re: Cymbalta - urinary hesitation?, posted by Wildflower on November 12, 2004, at 13:05:13
I know exactly what you mean, it gets tiring changing AD's and all we want is to feel good and have continual symptomatic relief. My first SSRI was Paxil and it pooped out on me in 6 months. Since then Dr realized that it sometimes takes two AD's together to get the job done. I'm currently on Luvox which stopped working but now Im on the Cymbalta in addition and my Dr said he wants to allow the Cymbalta levels to build before starting to slowly remove Luvox. I really do hope that side effect goes away and you're welcome. Take it easy.
Posted by curious2know on November 13, 2004, at 18:02:11
In reply to Re: Cymbalta - urinary hesitation? » Wildflower, posted by Hopeful79 on November 12, 2004, at 14:09:57
Hey everyone,
I've finished my first week of Cymbalta and now i'm moving up to 60mg. I'm hoping it will still work as well as it has, maybe even better. We'll see. As far as side effects go, i've gotten dry mouth, a little bit of nausea, and I wake up a few times during the night and feel wide awake and a little spacey. I'm sleeping slightly better now tho, and feeling pretty good. The klonopin at .5mg also helps well calming me and letting me sleep easier. And I too am a little worried about addiction bc the med works so well for me. But that hasnt been a problem yet, so anyways, I'll let everyone know how the 60mg works for me.Thanks for your posts everyone! Take care!!
Posted by Hopeful79 on November 13, 2004, at 22:44:05
In reply to Re: Cymbalta -starting 2nd week, posted by curious2know on November 13, 2004, at 18:02:11
Curios2know,
It will get better, I've experinced the dry mouth and nausea too. I've been on Cymbalta for a total of 21 days now and its helping. I took 30mg for 12 days then increased to 60mg. I get spacey too but it'll be okay allow your body to adjust. I begin to feel periods of being so relaxed which is awesome, I haven't felt relaxed for a while up to now. As far as nausea try crystallized ginger, it really helps. It's a bit tangy though, you want some water behind it. It's found in some grocery stores and health food stores. Make sure there's no sulpur dioxide though that may make you cough.
Posted by theo on November 14, 2004, at 11:13:21
In reply to Re: Cymbalta - urinary hesitation?, posted by Wildflower on November 12, 2004, at 13:05:13
The fact that Cymbalta is approved for Urinary Incontinence besides depression explains this effect.
I think it was the primary reason for Cymbalta's release and depression is secondary.
Posted by phillipa on November 15, 2004, at 16:09:34
In reply to Re: Cymbalta - urinary hesitation?, posted by theo on November 14, 2004, at 11:13:21
Have been following all cymbalta webs, and not to change the subject but just talked to my pharmacist, and he has not gotten good results from people on it. He also says nothing is known about longterm side effects. Myself,I have been on 30mg for a month, and now 60mg for three weeks and seem to be getting more antisocial and spacey the longer I take it. Please people respond because I am going to wean myself off it. Need reasons not to. Thanks!
Posted by banga on November 15, 2004, at 23:55:51
In reply to Re: Cymbalta - urinary hesitation?, posted by phillipa on November 15, 2004, at 16:09:34
I have been on Cymbalta now for 3 weeks, I am not sure yet if there is change. Since I'm on other meds, and weaned off Lexapro, not sure what to attribute changes to (withdrawal, drug interaction? Cymbalta had quite a good list of drug interactions). In fact, I think some anxiety was probably due to getting off Lexapro. Over the weekend I was still highly anxious and depressed, suddenly yesterday started feeling better, now feel no depression, but feel very very wired and agitated. Clearly I will need to rethink the current formula, what meds to keep, lower or get rid of, but for me the change is good--at least I have crawled out of bed. So I am still hopeful; since I responded well in the past to clomipramine--another serotonin/norepinephrine-enhancing drug--maybe this will work.
Although some here said that they responded to cymbalta quickly, at least one person said it took longer for them when compared to response to other ADs, but when it worked it worked great...but of course I can't advise how long is long enough when you're suffering. Are there other meds in the picture for you?
Posted by phillipa on November 16, 2004, at 16:52:59
In reply to Re: Cymbalta - updates-phillipa, posted by banga on November 15, 2004, at 23:55:51
Thanks for responding banga.I am currently on l.75mg of klonopin at night and l0cc's of chloral hydrate split up during the night because I can't sleep through. I have been on paxil the most in the past, but have been put on numerous other SSRI's that I couldn't tolerate. I don't do well on medicine, and in the last year it seems my chemistry has changed from panic all the time to apathy. Phillipa
Posted by hope4best on November 16, 2004, at 20:02:01
In reply to Re: Cymbalta - updates-phillipa, posted by phillipa on November 16, 2004, at 16:52:59
Hi, I have been called "hard to treat" and have been on many different medications. I have been on Cymbalta for about 6 weeks now. I am doing very well on it. The spaciness went away for me after a couple weeks. I think it takes a while to get adjusted to it and let it start working, so I would say hang in there if you can. Ironically my pharmacist said mine was the first prescription he filled for Cymbalta. Remember, it has only been around since the last week of August, so I don't know how many people he is referring to when he says that people aren't doing well on it, therefore I would take that statement with a grain of salt. Everyone reacts differently, and if 1 or 2 of the people he has filled prescriptions for said it didn't work for them, that doesn't mean it won't work for you. Also, who knows how long they were on it, their dosage, their diagnosis, and so many other factors that could effect their reaction to it. Good luck!
Posted by curious2know on November 16, 2004, at 22:07:05
In reply to Re: Cymbalta - updates-phillipa » phillipa, posted by hope4best on November 16, 2004, at 20:02:01
Thanks for your response to my post Hopeful79. The nausea has gone away and i'm up to 60mg. I dont feel great right now, kinda spacey and at times very alert. I may go back to 30mg, but i will give this dosage a few more days if i can tolerate it. I was feeling pretty good on the 30mg. I too have been "hard to treat" with meds, im pretty sick of tryin new ones over and over again. i feel like i could be a pharmacist by now. i might have a cortisol imbalence and from what i understand there isnt much out there to treat that exact problem. well i'll just keep trying and praying, my best to you all.
Posted by phillipa on November 17, 2004, at 16:59:02
In reply to Re: Cymbalta - urinary hesitation?, posted by theo on November 14, 2004, at 11:13:21
Hey curious 2know, it sounds like you respond kinda like I do, and I'm thinking real hard of going back to 30mgs to see what that feels like cause I forgot! my pharmacist also introduced me to an MD who is a retired anesthesiologist from California who claims that magnets can do more for depression than meds. She was there for some alternative fair at the health club. Has anyone heard of this? It sounds kinda far out to me. meanwhile still robot like and spacey. Phillipa
Posted by remar on November 20, 2004, at 11:24:58
In reply to Re: Cymbalta -, posted by curious2know on November 16, 2004, at 22:07:05
i still have'nt heard to much about how cymbalta is or isn't helping with anxiety. is anyone getting any weird side effects from this med,it happens when i'm trying to go to sleep, i feel like i can't lay still and i feel kind of crawly on the inside, that's the only way i can describe it. i also have pain on the side of my leg mainly at night. i had these same problems with effexor and they quit when i went off of it. now i'm trying cymbalta and the same things are happening. does the anxiety go away after a few days? i hope so or will have to quit this drug.
Posted by invisiblemanpa on November 20, 2004, at 12:06:23
In reply to Re: Cymbalta -anxiety, posted by remar on November 20, 2004, at 11:24:58
I have been on Cymbalta for about 6 weeks, with really zero side effects. But I am not sure if it is providing any benefit for me, as my depression really starting to come back in week four and I had to add Remeron back in..now I feel about ok...anxiety wise...like any other AD, I don't feel that it has helped at all. As I have posted many times, the only thing that can control my anxiety is a benzo........
e
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