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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by EliseWildGeese on October 26, 2004, at 10:41:46
I started Cymbalta just a few days after it became available to the public and am wildly pleased with its results. It took me about three or so weeks to become accustomed to it such that my sleep patterns and sex drive returned to normal, but even the interference caused in those first weeks was very mild compared to other SSRIs I've tried.
The primary effect I'm personally experiencing is a great sense of grounded calm. I don't think I ever really appreciated how pervasive the sense of fear, dread and despondency was in my life, and it feels wonderful to not feel choked by anxiousness. I know it's only been a couple days shy of two months, but I'm ready to proclaim that, for me, Cymbalta is about as close to a magic bullet as I ever reasonably expect to come.
At this point my depression is primary manifesting as a lack of engagement in life, but even that's lessened, and I've even begun experiencing small periods of excitement about things, and finding that even when I'm not feeling engaged and connected, it just seems easier to do things, like clean my kitchen and put of shoes for a walk around the neighborhood.
I'm hopeful my slow improvement keeps sinking deeper into my skin, but even if this is as good as it hets, the $112 a month out of pocket for my 60mg/day of Cymbalta is, for me, the best investment in myself I could possibly make at this point.
Anyway, I just wanted to share my experience so far.
Appreciatively,
Elise
Posted by banga on October 26, 2004, at 11:53:01
In reply to Cymbalta Day 54, posted by EliseWildGeese on October 26, 2004, at 10:41:46
That is so great to hear! Anyone who has gone the journey with depression and meds can appreciate the joy it must be to get relief...I am starting Cymbalta today, I also have SA so I'm hoping it helps in this regard too. curious, had you tried Lexapro before? Would you say the sexual side effects are less? How long did it take to get a positive effect from the Cymbalta?
Posted by EliseWildGeese on October 26, 2004, at 14:17:42
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Day 54-Elise, posted by banga on October 26, 2004, at 11:53:01
> That is so great to hear! Anyone who has gone the journey with depression and meds can appreciate the joy it must be to get relief...I am starting Cymbalta today, I also have SA so I'm hoping it helps in this regard too. curious, had you tried Lexapro before? Would you say the sexual side effects are less? How long did it take to get a positive effect from the Cymbalta?
Actually, it turns out that Lexapro (10mg) was what I tried prior to Cymbalta, just on the off hand chance it might work where Paxil, etc. failed. On Lexapro I had profound sexual side effects (orgasm is tough for me, if it even happens, and on Lexapro virtually impossible -- plus it all but quashed what little desire I had for sex in the first place). Also, Lexapro happened to give me a lot of GI grief, most especially constipation.
I started experiencing the postive effects of Cymbalta within the first two weeks, with each week being better than the last, all the way out to now, almost eight weeks later. Obviously, that's pretty exciting for me. Still, it's been a gradual improvement, so if you happen to be like me, I'd say keep a weekly set of notes about how you feel and see if the unfolding weeks find your entries making note of increasingly positive results or not. Frankly, I was a little nervous trying Cymblata, fearing it would make me crazy drowsy as most anti-depressants seem too (except for Wellbutrin, which tended to make me a little more ansy). Happily, I've had a great time on Cymbalta so far <crossing fingers hoping it continues>.
Best of luck and be patient those first couple of weeks.
-e
Posted by jujube on October 26, 2004, at 16:49:57
In reply to Cymbalta Day 54, posted by EliseWildGeese on October 26, 2004, at 10:41:46
Congratulations to you! It must be a wonderful feeling. It is so nice to hear people having success with their medication. I hope all continues to go well, and even get better for you.
Tamara
> I started Cymbalta just a few days after it became available to the public and am wildly pleased with its results. It took me about three or so weeks to become accustomed to it such that my sleep patterns and sex drive returned to normal, but even the interference caused in those first weeks was very mild compared to other SSRIs I've tried.
>
> The primary effect I'm personally experiencing is a great sense of grounded calm. I don't think I ever really appreciated how pervasive the sense of fear, dread and despondency was in my life, and it feels wonderful to not feel choked by anxiousness. I know it's only been a couple days shy of two months, but I'm ready to proclaim that, for me, Cymbalta is about as close to a magic bullet as I ever reasonably expect to come.
>
> At this point my depression is primary manifesting as a lack of engagement in life, but even that's lessened, and I've even begun experiencing small periods of excitement about things, and finding that even when I'm not feeling engaged and connected, it just seems easier to do things, like clean my kitchen and put of shoes for a walk around the neighborhood.
>
> I'm hopeful my slow improvement keeps sinking deeper into my skin, but even if this is as good as it hets, the $112 a month out of pocket for my 60mg/day of Cymbalta is, for me, the best investment in myself I could possibly make at this point.
>
> Anyway, I just wanted to share my experience so far.
>
> Appreciatively,
>
> Elise
Posted by shiz on October 26, 2004, at 17:04:26
In reply to Cymbalta Day 54, posted by EliseWildGeese on October 26, 2004, at 10:41:46
i was wondering if i could ask you some questions, i am feeling all sorts of fear even of medicine i was just wondering were you scared when you first tried it? also did your doctor give you 60mgs? i have had mine for a week but still have not taken it? i have this feeling like i am also losing touch with reality primarily because i am worrying all the time, i cant even drive anywhere by myself and i am only 25 years old i want to feel normal again or at least have emotions besides weirdness. i remember when i use to get happy about stuff or excited
Posted by ravenstorm on October 27, 2004, at 11:55:01
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Day 54, posted by shiz on October 26, 2004, at 17:04:26
how severe was your anxiety? I tried augmenting my 15mg remeron with 200mg WB and went nearly insane with anxiety. Did you get severe anxiety with WB? I am now down to 100mg and still having the anxiety although not so bad that I want to die.
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