View Full Version : Duloxetine / Cymbalta diary 2012
Hello All,
Haven't posted much, I'm about to start on yet another AD and wanted to write a diary of my experience for my own use. There isn't too much information on this forum about this drug, so I thought it might be helpful for others to share it here.
I have had GAD, Social anxiety and at times depression on and off (mostly on) since a teenager. I'm used to dealing with it and I just seem to be able to keep going despite the nasty symptoms. However, I'd rather not. I am having psychotherapy which is helping with various aspects but the mood stability and swings into anxiety persist which make life miserable and very difficult for me to maintain healthy relationships.
Like most people I have my reservations about any AD medication, they give with one had (sometimes) and take away with another with side effects (most of the times).
Background
I've been depressed and anxious since I can remember, although I didn't know what it was then. I just knew something was wrong.
I had my first major episode in University, I become so unwell I had to take a year out, I didn't want to leave the house and it wasn't pretty. I finally went to see a doctor under pressure from my parents. I was lucky to have a very understanding doctor who specialised in depression. It was amazing to finally meet someone that understood and could reassure me of what was happening and that I could get something help.
He decided that SNRI's (Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) were the best solution for GAD/social anxiety and prescribed me Dutonin. I don't recall the exact side effects, I did have some, but I remember thinking that I had terible side effects from anxiety so as a trade off I could cope with a few side effects.
The effect of this drug was miraculous. I experienced what it felt like to be carefree for the first time in my adult life, perhaps in my whole life. A cloud was lifted and had a sense of confidence and was happy. I stopped worrying all the time, I stopped feeling paranoid of other people. I felt at peace with the world.
Sadly after about 6 months or so of use, my doctor asked to see me and explained that this medication was being withdrawn from the UK market. I was quite devastated. I've since found out that Dutonin had been the cause of numerous liver failures, so the manufacturers withdrew it for health reasons.
As an alternative I was put on Effexor (another SNRI) but I had really awful side effects on this, an no sex drive and other sexual dysfunction which effects men, not good for a young man at university.
I was then put on several SSRI's finally ending up with seroxat. I had a hateful time on all SSRI's and eventually came off them and said I would never go back on them again.
8 years or so on, struggling off and on with anxiety, disruptive relationships and depression I sought out a psychotherapist who was able to accurately diagnose the disorders I have been suffering from. Which is a sort of mild avoidant personality disorder, anxiety, social phobia and depression being the side effects rather than the problem itself. There is no real cure for these kinds of disorders, although with therapy you can reduce them and learn to cope. I won't go into these, as that's a whole new thing. Again it was great to finally get to the bottom of what the issues were and take responsibility of my own recovery/management of them.
My therapist still recommended I should look at medication for anxiety if I could find one which worked. And I have come around to accept that I may well have to live with these kinds of emotional disorders all my life and its worth giving medication another chance. Rather than constantly going in and out of anxious and depressive episodes wrecking havoc on my work and social life.
Recent medication
I was prescribed citalopram mid 2010 which I took for a year. It did help although it was a rough time adjusting to them. I never really had that feeling that I was really relieved from the underlying symptoms. And I never slept, sometimes days on end, was tired/energy-less, plagued by brain zaps/jitters, putting on weight and generally feeling the side effects outweighed the benefits. I came off them just before Christmas, although thankfully no real discontinuation symptoms.
I had a really bad episode of depression over Christmas, was bursting into tears all the time, didn't leave the house much and didn't really speak to anyone for weeks on end. I'm often not sleeping, sometimes literally staying away for 24 hours. I often feel sick due to anxiety.
I decided I would see if there was something else, as I'm hardly well without medication anyway.
Duloxetine SNRI
Given I had such a positive time on Dutonin, I started doing some reasearch into SNRI's, as mentioned I have tried Effexor before and didn't get on to well with it and I was quite happy to find Duloxetine which various websites suggest has the least side effects of all of the SNRI's/SSRI's.
I have of course found various experiences on the negative side on this and other forums, but you can never really tell how you'll respond until you try them.
So I am going to give them ago.
If you want to find out more about this drug, click link below.
http://www.cymbalta.com/Pages/learnaboutcymbalta.aspx
Dosage
Box is branded 'Yentreve' - duloxetine and I'm to take 40mg a day. Not sure what level others have been on?
One (20mg) capsule to be taken twice a day.
I have read some people prefer taking evening or morning, but this is suggesting one in the morning and evening, which is a pain if I sleep in (which I do alot).
Side effects
Its generally thought that this drug has the least of the side effects of all the AD's.
The blurb that came with the packet says.
VERY COMMON (affects more than 1 in 10).
*Feeling sick (nausea), dry mouth, constipation and tiredness. To be honest, I get these most of the time anyway.
There are some common symptoms and some very uncommon ones, but you can read those here from manufacturers website.
http://pi.lilly.com/us/cymbalta-pi.pdf
I really hope I don't get many side effects, I might get lucky, I've literally tried almost all others, so this is my last shot. Fingers crossed it goes well.
Websites that might be helpful:
http://www.cymbalta.com/Pages/cymbaltaandgeneralanxiety.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duloxetine
http://www.patient.co.uk/medicine/Duloxetine.htm
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100005102.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a604030.html
Hi
I have been on Duloxetine(cymbalta) for a month now, after having little or no success with SSRIs.I have to say they really work for me!After just one week my anxiety and panic was under control and the dark hole from the associated depression has gone.
I do hope you find they help you,and I watch with interest to see how you get on.
Loreen x
Thanks Lareen.
Does't sound like you have much in the way of side effects?
Have you tried to drink alcohol at all?
One of the really tough things for me is that in my business I have to socialise to get contacts and its a real drinking culture. I can obviously limit my intake but giving up altogether always comes up against a lot of resistance.
With previous drugs where drinking was not adviced, I was always OK, hopefully these too.
Im considering waiting till the weekend as I have meetings all week, so weekend start migh tbe better idea.
Thanks again.
The only side effect I have is a dry mouth,which is no big deal after some horrible side effects with other meds.
I haven't tried drinking on them,partly because it may reduce the benefit of the drug,but also because I don't really drink anyway so giving up is no problem.
You need to do what is right for you,but I would advise you to go easy on the drink,and you may find people will respect your decision without it being a problem.
Loreen x
Yes, I don't intend to go crazy, but my work place is a bit of a boys club and any excuse to go drinking beer and most of them will. But I'm sure I'll cope.
Have you noticed any impact on your sex drive, that is the other things I find really hard to live with (don't feel you have to answer that if you'd rather not).
hi NCP...i thought id read some of your other posts since your input on my thread was v helpful :)
umm i looked on askapatient.com about this AD because i was curious and interested in finding out more on what sounds like a good med...and i can see nothing but BAD feedback and warnings...did you have a look?
Sometimes people only give feedback when a medication has no impact on their condition,or makes it worse. I can only speak for myself, but duloxetine is helping me to live "normally" for the first time in over a year.Every one responds differently to meds and the only way to find out if they are for you is to try them.Escitalopram has almost everyone saying how good it is,yet when I tried it I sank into a scary depression I have never experienced before.
As for the question about sex-I am finding no problems there.Infact,things are better,but that may be due to my better state of mind!
Loreen x
Day one Saturday 21st
I started this morning, apart from feeling a little bit of nausea at certain points, I've barely noticed it.
I had a meal for dinner but not much else all day, didn't make me feel sick and ate the same amount as usual. I took my second pill with dinner, so had my first full dose.
By midnight I felt quite anxious, less in my thoughts but in my body. That tight tension and anxious feeling across my chest, down my arms and in my stomach and a sense of jarred nervous and a bit jittery. And a bit apprehensive in general but also about the drug and last minute fears about side effects etc. And slightly sad/upset.
Had a strange nights sleep, tossed and turned a lot. My mind didn't switch off, when I did fall asleep I had lots of dreams, odd ones about work and things, I found I was fairly conscious and was sort of interacting with them, which was tiring in itself. I woke up at 5am not feeling very refreshed. But managed to go back to sleep till 10am. Bit queasy still and took my second days dose with breakfast.
No other symptoms to note.
I am keeping my fingers crossed duloxetine works well for you.
Try and keep busy and try not to think about possible side effects.
Good luck :)
Loreen x
Day four
Sleeping hass been a bit strange, I feel as though I'm not really sleeping, as I'm sort of semi conscious and my mind is racing with all kinds of utter nonsense. And I'm really restless, I've moved around so much I think I'm actually benefiting from exercise.
However, thankfully I'm not waking up feeling too exhausted and able to go about my daily business.
I'm actually experiencing very little in the way of side effects at the moment. My apetite is less and I am feeling slightly queasy at certain points. And as expected a slight dry mouth although on the positive side, its making me drink more water, which I should anyway. Nothing I can't cope with.
And I've had a couple of moments of sudden anxiety but I feel quite up-beat. Which is strange because I had as many fears as I had hope for it to work, so I can't really see it being a placebo effect. But they do say in some people SNRI's can work very quickly.
Regardless of the drug or not, I feel good and nothing bad to report so far.
NCP
Day seven - end of first week
Happy to report, I've been sleeping well last couple of days, waking up at 4 - 5am both days but getting back to sleep. I am tired during the day, but I was before I started, so no change.
Dry mouth has stopped. Feel a little queasy and different times of the day and not as hungry, but can still eat once i get started. Although I had all of these things when I was anxious!
So at the moment, no noticeable side effects beyond what I normally deal with.
Too early to have any impact on depression or anxiety but I feel quite good. :yesyes:
Pleased you have no side effects.You may start to feel an improvement over the next few days(I did).
I am on 60mg Duloxetine/cymbalta which I take once a day .
Keep us posted and good luck!
Loreen x
Thanks Loreen.
Today (day 8) I have been quite tired despite over 8 hours sleep, I spent most of the day lazing around in bed or on the sofa. And I've had a bit of a tender / sour stomach. Its been bloated most of the day and quite stiff.
I'm going for dinner tonight, so I'm going to try a glass of wine with dinner and see how I get on.
All still going fairly swimmingly so far I'm happy to report.
Feeling pretty calm in general, although a bit nervous now i'm going out but not as much as normal.
Have a good weekend one and all.
Day 11.
Been sleeping ok, but could not get to sleep last night. Very busy mind and quite anxious. I think I got about 2 hours sleep in the end. My nerves feel jarred and jangly today. I have a rather unpleasant angsty feeling across my chest and in my stomach. Along with big black rings under my eyes.
I've got a big business meeting in an hour and I feel like hiding under the bed. Even when I am anxious normally I can cope with business, so I don't think its that - that caused the blip, feels chemical.
Apart from that, still no real side effects to speak of, but also no real sense of it kicking in yet either - still early days.
Wish I could have a big strong coffee but that'll probably make me more anxious.
TWO WEEKS
Will be two weeks tomorrow. The above blip was just a day, I was fine by the evening.
I feel ok at the moment, no real sense of being uplifted but quite calm and stable.
Summary of mild side effects
*Bit of a dry mouth / dehydrated, drinking plenty of water helps
*Some disrupted sleep, odd dreams
*Feel quite tired in the morning but fine once I get out of the house
*Have spent a few whole days in bed, could quite easily do nothing, but have to force yourself up.
*Get a bit tired late afternoon
*craving fatty food
*Have been putting on a little bit of weight (linked to giving into the above no doubt)
*bleeding gums??
My gums have been bleeding alot when I floss at night, I don't think its gum desease I'm pretty good with looking after them. Will mention it to doctors when i go for follow up at end of the month. I've googled and there seems to be quite a few links.
Happy to report I'm getting on very well with this drug at the moment.
Good news NCP.I am so pleased for you :)
Loreen x
Week three
I'm feeling really tired all the time. I'm actually sleeping pretty well, I managed to get to sleep quite quickly, I often wake up in the night or very early (4-6am) but I get back to sleep. And I just want to sleep all day.
Yesterday I slept till mid day, went to my parents for lunch, got back at 3pm and slept till 5pm.
Today I woke up at 5am then slept through till 11am, I'm now up, I have meetings all afternoon but fighting the urge to cancel them all and sleep.
Its not unpleasant tiredness, its actually very pleasant, but being self employed, I have the ability to spend the day in bed if I want to, I just can't because I'll not earn any money.
My motivation which is normally very high is fairly low.
Hopefully this passes.
lisa010265
13-02-12, 19:48
Hi
It was heartwarming to read your posts - I'm on day two of Duloxetine, and have been worrying about side-effects (being naturally anxious, my mind automatically assumed I'd get everything listed on the information sheet!)
I was on Seroxat for 10+ years, with no real improvement (but i guess constant repeat prescriptions with no discussion with GP might have been the cause of this). Six months ago, I changed my GP and she prescribed me with Citalopram - starting at 20mg, moving on to 30mg - only downside was weight gain (10 lbs in six months) and I just felt they weren't really doing alot for me. I asked her to prescribe me Venaflaxine but apparently only psychiatrists prescribe this now as there are concerns over it.
She decided to put me on Duloxetine, and here I am, day two.
I suffer from GAD and social phobia (and have had mild depression, but this was due to the constant anxiety).
I'm really really hoping the this drug might just make me feel human again. I don't want alot in life, just to be able to go about day-to-day things without the churning stomach, muzzy head and feeling that I might pass out if I drive, or don't walk close to a wall etc.
Basically, I would love to just do something normal without getting in to a state about something that others just do without thinking.
Sorry, I've gone on too much, but if anyone can empathise with what I've said, it would be lovely to hear from you.
Lisa
Hi Lisa
Welcome to Duloxetine!
As you will have seen from my posts,this medication has done wonders for me.I can totally understand your symptoms as I too suffer from the same fears and worries.
Driving is now much better for me.I don't have that dreadful heart banging,and light headed feeling which used to come from nowhere.
My anxiety and irrational thoughts are much more in control and I feel like I can cope,instead of being an emotional reck at the thought of doing every day social things.
I keep my fingers crossed you too have a positive result.If you want to ask me anything, feel free to do so!:)
Loreen x
LilyPad1991
15-02-12, 22:23
What a fantastic post!
I have suffered with GAD and some really horrible depression over the past 2 and a half years. I've had two major episodes with a wonderful period of normality between them but as we speak here I am again in my black hole of rubbish-ness.
First time around I was given citalopram which was an absolute miracle worker. I was on a dose of 30/40mg all through my 'stable' period and when I relapsed the doctor tried me on fluoxetine which was horrendous so back onto citalopram. Now I'm on 40mg once a day of propranolol and 40mg of citalopram. Tried 50mg of citalopram but that made me worse too.
Anyway, currently I'm reasonably stable. I mean, I'm not myself but I'm not in absolute pieces. My main symptoms of anxiety are dizziness, insomnia, lethargy and depersonalisation. I had my first psychiatrist appointment yesterday which in many ways made me feel worse, talking about anxiety triggers etc. Still, it's always nice to talk to someone who understand what you're goog through.
The thing is, the psychiatrist suggested citalopram is no longer right for me, as the dose should be having more of an effect. She suggested this SNRI Cymbalta. But I'm so scared of changing and potentially disrupting myself again with side effects, especially after the awful experience with fluoxetine.
Any advice? Please? I really don't know what to do.
Thank you :)
Ps - sorry to hijack the thread but you folk are knowledgeable about this SNRI.
Hi Lilypad
I understand your worries over changing meds.However,if they are no longer effective for you it really would be a good idea to take the advice to try duloxetine.
I too couldn't take fluoxetine-it made me very sick and dizzy, and as a busy Mum I had to stop taking it.
I swapped straight over from a ssri(sertraline) to a snri(duloxetine) with no problems.I had a dry mouth and was a bit tired for a few weeks,but it was a small price to pay for the enormous relief I felt to feel better!
You are lucky to be offered Duloxetine, as it isn't prescribed often here due to the cost. For this reason I would say give it a go!
Of course meds work differently for everyone and it really is trial and error to find the right one for you.
Keep us posted as to how you get on.
Good luck:)
Loreen x
LilyPad1991
16-02-12, 11:30
Hello Loreen,
Thanks for your reply :)
Can I ask about you changing from the SSRI to the SNRI... Did you do a straight swap from one day to the next or did you gradually come off the SSRI before starting the SNRI? The psychiatrist said both are possible but recommended coming off citalopram gradually before starting the Cymbalta.
Thank you! :)
Hello Lilypad
I did go straight from the ssri to snri. I was in a real mess emotionally and didn't want to risk getting any worse,so my doctor advised me to go straight on to the 60mg Duloxetine.
I think you need to listen to your pyschiatrist and do it how she recomends,but it really didn't affect me going straight over with no tapering.
Hope this helps,and feel free to ask me anything else:)
Loreen x
LilyPad1991
16-02-12, 14:24
Thank you so much, you've been brilliant. The psychiatrist appointment really shook me up because I like to stick my head in the sand and just hope things will get better. I try my hardest to ignore it, which in many ways works... But hopefully this medication change will help.
Thanks again :)
Lilypad I know what you mean about trying to ignore your symtoms.I was unwell for many months before I finally accepted I needed some help.
I wanted it to go away,and I thought I was being weak to give in to this horrible illness.
I now know that by ignoring the warning signs,I made my condition much worse,and therefore much more difficult to treat.
My advice to anyone suffering from anxiety/depression is to be brave and go and seek help before it gets too bad.
Loreen x
i've been on duloxetine since the 1st of December. i don't feel my anxiety or depression has improved *sigh* any opinions on how much longer i should try this?
i've been on duloxetine since the 1st of December. i don't feel my anxiety or depression has improved *sigh* any opinions on how much longer i should try this?
Sorry to hear that. They say it takes 4-12 weeks for the meds to fully start working. What dose are you on?? My opinion would be to try something else.
Hi Sophia
Duloxetine is supposed to work quickly(for me it was only 2 weeks) so I would go back to your doctor and say there has been no improvement.
You need to be on 60mg to feel the full benefit so check this is the dose you have been prescribed.
I am really sorry these meds aren't working for you,but keep on trying different ones.I tried 5 before I landed lucky with Duloxetine!
Good luck:)
Loreen x
Thank you for replying :)
I'm on 60mg.
Yeah I think it's time to try something new! so annoying
X
Thank you for replying :)
I'm on 60mg.
Yeah I think it's time to try something new! so annoying
X
I think you have given it a good shot. Did your GP prescribe these meds?
LilyPad1991
18-02-12, 17:08
Hi Sophia
Duloxetine is supposed to work quickly(for me it was only 2 weeks) so I would go back to your doctor and say there has been no improvement.
You need to be on 60mg to feel the full benefit so check this is the dose you have been prescribed.
I am really sorry these meds aren't working for you,but keep on trying different ones.I tried 5 before I landed lucky with Duloxetine!
Good luck:)
Loreen x
That's interesting, that Duloxetine is meant to work quickly. I'm slowly decreasing my citalopram now and in some ways I'm quite excited about trying this different drug. Fingers crossed and I hope you all find something that suits you!
Lizzie x
NCP
How are you getting on?
Loreen x
Just to throw it into the mix I talked to my pyschiatrist about this drug and he said its very good for anxiety although around 1/3 of people have to stop due to side effects.
---------- Post added at 21:53 ---------- Previous post was at 21:53 ----------
Thank you for replying :)
I'm on 60mg.
Yeah I think it's time to try something new! so annoying
X
Considered pregabalin?
LilyPad1991
26-02-12, 14:27
Dan1234,
My psychiatrist recommended Cymbalta over other SNRIs, fewer side effects apparently! My GP also said that no one he's prescribed this too has ever had prolonged unpleasant side effects... It's funny how experiences and professional opinions differ so dramatically. Personally, I'm going to start Cymbalta tomorrow and start to decrease the citalopram slowly too. I'm quite excited, more than nervous, which I think is a positive!
Lilypad
Good luck with starting Duloxetine :)
I had a dry mouth and was a bit sleepy for a couple of weeks, but these side effects were so mild, it is hardly worth mentioning!!!
What I do know is that Duloxetine has helped me to feel " normal " again.
Yes, I have the odd bad day,but I can go to work,and look after my family without the constant panic and low mood I used to have.
I hope you have the same good results!
Loreen x
Week 6
I finished the first month on 40mg, and although the physical feelings of anxiety in my chest and stomach had reduced a bit. I was not really feeling much else. If anything, a little more depressed and hopeless than usual.
So at the end of month review my doctor and I decided to increase the dose to 60mg. Now I take one tablet a day, rather than two doses.
At the moment, I take that when I wake up. Had a few days in bed, with lots and lots of sleep. But generally its been fairly similar to before, not that much in the way of side effects which is great.
At the moment, I'm not feeling that much in the way of positive effects either.
I'm still quite withdrawn, I don't leave the house much or socialise. I'm still worrrying and having a racing mind when I go to sleep.
Its only been 9 days of the new dose, so I'll give it some more time.
Dan1234,
My psychiatrist recommended Cymbalta over other SNRIs, fewer side effects apparently! My GP also said that no one he's prescribed this too has ever had prolonged unpleasant side effects... It's funny how experiences and professional opinions differ so dramatically. Personally, I'm going to start Cymbalta tomorrow and start to decrease the citalopram slowly too. I'm quite excited, more than nervous, which I think is a positive!
Hope it all goes well... My psychiatrist did say if he was a NHS p doc, he would get in trouble for not trying duloxetine or venlafaxine before due to the fact pregabalin is a lot more expensive. Prozac made me feel suicidal, maybe thats why he decided against an anti depressant ?
LilyPad1991
01-03-12, 13:54
My second day of decreased citalopram alongside my new duloxetine dose. safe to say, I'm terrified and really just want to stay on citalopram now I've had time to think about it. I'm so scared of side effects, particularly what if the panic attacks come back... I was doing ok on citalopram! I know it's only the second day but I'm sure I can just think myself into believing all sorts of side effects are manifesting. I feel so pathetic! What do I do??
How is it going lillypad1991
(sorry I know this isn't my diary but just thought I'd update)
So I've been thinking that duloxetune has been good for my anxiety?
I haven't had a panic attack in weeks, still alot of derealization though.
I just feel very depressed still. I need to feel happy and confident as well as less anxious to achieve progress. Seeing the doctor next week for a medication review. Maybe I just need something else to help the depression.
So I wouldnt say duloxetine is bad just maybe not right for me?
LilyPad1991
05-03-12, 16:58
Hello dan1234...
I'm ok thanks. It's day six and I'm a bit anxious on and off. A bit spaced out with the whole depersonalisation thing, nauseous and head achey too. But to be honest I don't think I'll really know how the duloxetine is until I'm fully off citalopram.
The side effects so far are rather vague. By that I mean they're only quite mild, just a bit of an annoyance. The increased anxiety is probably just down to me worrying about potential side effects. Anyway as I said, it's only the sixth day so it's still early days. And it hasn't made anything dramatically worse yet, touch wood. To be honest I had a similarly mild experience when I first went on citalopram and that was a brilliant drug for me.
Fingers crossed! How're you Dan?
Lizzie x
Hiya, I feel the pregabalin has made a real positive impact. :) The anxiety is still there, but it is better.
I'm hoping to take duloxetine alongside pregabalin. How is it going?
I have started on 20mg duloxetine to add alongside the pregabalin.
LilyPad1991
25-03-12, 15:33
Duloxetine is amazing for me. Tip top toppity tip! I decreased my citalopram by 10mg weekly and I'm now citalopram free. I've been on duloxetine for 4 and a half weeks, started on the most common dose of 60mg. I'm still on propranolol (40mg daily). I'm hoping to come off that soon so then it'll just be the Cymbalta! I did have a few side effects I think... But they were so mild I can't actually remember what they were!! Bit of a headache?? Slightly more depersonalised or about two or three days but then all clear!!! Hope Cymbalta goes well for you Dan! Have you considered asking your doctor if you'd be better off going straight on to the 60mg dose??
Duloxetine is amazing for me. Tip top toppity tip! I decreased my citalopram by 10mg weekly and I'm now citalopram free. I've been on duloxetine for 4 and a half weeks, started on the most common dose of 60mg. I'm still on propranolol (40mg daily). I'm hoping to come off that soon so then it'll just be the Cymbalta! I did have a few side effects I think... But they were so mild I can't actually remember what they were!! Bit of a headache?? Slightly more depersonalised or about two or three days but then all clear!!! Hope Cymbalta goes well for you Dan! Have you considered asking your doctor if you'd be better off going straight on to the 60mg dose??
Hi,
Great news, well done :bighug1:
I am also on a high dose of pregabalin, and given my age we decided to build up slowly. If you don't mind me asking do you suffer from GAD or depression?
I will email my pdoc after a week, with the intention of doubling my dose from 20mg to 40mg. Maybe go to 60mg/d after a week or so. I am hoping this medication helps me, citalopram did very little......
x
Thanks
Dan
Fantastic news Lilypad!
I am so pleased the duloxetine is working for you :)
Loreen x
Did you guys have any side effects when starting duloxetine?
Dan
Hi Dan
No side effects really. A bit tired for a few weeks and a dry mouth, but nothing to upset me.
Compared to the horrible side effects of other ADs I tried, this one is great.
Hope it works for you, and you have the same experience as me.
Loreen x
Hi Dan
No side effects really. A bit tired for a few weeks and a dry mouth, but nothing to upset me.
Compared to the horrible side effects of other ADs I tried, this one is great.
Hope it works for you, and you have the same experience as me.
Loreen x
Did you guys all start on 60mg? I started on friday on 20mg daily and feel comfortable to double it to 40mg/d. Don't want to rush though..
HI Dan
I started straight onto 60mg ,with no problems.
I think it is what most people start on, to get a quick response with little in the way of side effects.
Loreen x
I am on 60mg/d now and my anxiety has gone through the roof. Hoping it will come down soon.
It will even out Dan - try and keep busy (easier said than done) - hope it won't be for too long.
Laura
LilyPad1991
04-04-12, 16:47
Hi,
Great news, well done :bighug1:
I am also on a high dose of pregabalin, and given my age we decided to build up slowly. If you don't mind me asking do you suffer from GAD or depression?
I will email my pdoc after a week, with the intention of doubling my dose from 20mg to 40mg. Maybe go to 60mg/d after a week or so. I am hoping this medication helps me, citalopram did very little......
x
Thanks
Dan
Heyyy :)
I have been diagnosed with both Depression and GAD. I find the GAD more distressing but then that's probably the nature of the beast, the depression just knocks me for six but the anxiety, when at its worst, literally rules my life.
Still not sure why you weren't started on 60mg of cymbalta, I'm 20, have been on antidepressants of various types since I was 18. How is the 60mg for you now anyway?
Lizzie x
MrRedShirt
04-04-12, 17:19
Hello Lilypad, new user here :)
I've started Duloxetine 30mg on Monday and I have to say if I'd started on 60 I would be climbing the walls and on the ceiling by now! I had a rough night last night and today I feel like I've been hit by a truck.
Did you have any adverse start-up effects?
Having said that I'm now suspecting I may have withdrawn from Mirtazapine a little too quickly in my haste to get going on the Dulox, so I may be feeling some discontinuation symptoms from that.
I'm still quite hopeful Duloxetine will come good for me eventually though.
Hi NCP, Lilypad and Mr Redshirt
I started out on 30mg duloxetine and after a week was put up to 60mg but the side effects of the 60 were too bad. I was getting tremendous head rushes as if I'd taken an E or some speed. Really freaky. I kept on with the 30mg for another 2 weeks and for the last week have been taking 30mg twice a day with few side effects. It's really working well on my depression and my anxiety too i think but that's always more of a problem for me. The only side effect is increased appetite for sugary fatty foods. I'm having to be strict with my diet now so I don't put on anymore weight (have gained 7lbs in a month!). So far I'm very pleased with the medication though as my depressiona and anxiety were disabling.
MrRedShirt
15-04-12, 17:45
Hi NCP, Lilypad and Mr Redshirt
I started out on 30mg duloxetine and after a week was put up to 60mg but the side effects of the 60 were too bad. I was getting tremendous head rushes as if I'd taken an E or some speed. Really freaky. I kept on with the 30mg for another 2 weeks and for the last week have been taking 30mg twice a day with few side effects. It's really working well on my depression and my anxiety too i think but that's always more of a problem for me. The only side effect is increased appetite for sugary fatty foods. I'm having to be strict with my diet now so I don't put on anymore weight (have gained 7lbs in a month!). So far I'm very pleased with the medication though as my depressiona and anxiety were disabling.
Hi Poppy,
Those mad rushes were what I originally had when I started on 30mg. I've been on that for 2 weeks now and don't get the mad rushes, but still get a bit jittery. I know that 60mg is the target dose and am wondering how I should move up to this.. maybe taking 30mg twice a day would be the way to go.
Interesting you mention an increased appetite, as I've found the opposite (athough that may be due to a bit of nausea and the comparison to the bottomless pit I became on the mirtazapine).
Really glad to hear it's working for your mood though :) How long would you say it took before you noticed any positive benefit?
Hi Mr Redshirt,
So you had the rushes too - crazy aren't they?! I'm very relieved I don't have those anymore. I still get a bit jittery but I'm a lot better. I noticed a bit of a lift in my mood after the first week - only slight but it was there. And there has been another lift over this past week. How are you getting on?
MrRedShirt
15-04-12, 18:22
Hi Mr Redshirt,
So you had the rushes too - crazy aren't they?! I'm very relieved I don't have those anymore. I still get a bit jittery but I'm a lot better. I noticed a bit of a lift in my mood after the first week - only slight but it was there. And there has been another lift over this past week. How are you getting on?
Still jittery here.. and quite tired in the afternoon I'm finding. Insomnia still an issue, which I have some zopiclone for.
No real lift in mood or anxiety, although perhaps he odd glimpse here and there. I'm remaining positive though!
I suffer from insomnia too, but I did long before the meds so i can't blame them. Good you're keeping positive - hopefully you'll see some real improvement soon. :) I really wish they negated my appetite - no such luck lol!
HELLO.
I don't have time today to read through all the posts, but glad to see its lively.
Its my diary and here is the present one.
What is good?
Not sure, but then that probably means its working, I don't have MAJOR anxiety. But I'm still abit paranoid.
Sleeping is sometimes great and sometimes awful.
So on the whole its OK.
But I feel, well, NEEDY, like there is a whole in me.
I have been drinking really heavily. And I started smoking again.
BAD.
Worse, because i read this drug can on its own damage your liver and so drinking as well is kiler. Even though I know that I crave drinking and smoking all the time.
I haven't posted because my business is about to go under.
I run a business where I deal with serious people and they have no idea that this is my real life. I put on a front of coolness and strength.
I have been out with clients tonight so I'm a bit tipsy, hence the ramblind nature of this post.
Good points I am not very, very anxiosu and paranoid.
Bad points, i feel a bit low, I can't be bothered to clean my flat. I sleep ALOT during the day. I feel very unsociable.
I spend alot of time on my own.
Sexually I feel low, my sexual life is, well, me and me if that makes sense.
Its all working but I dont have enough desire or confidence to meet anyone new.
As always when you are on a drug, you wish you could come off them because of the down sides.
But I fear that if I come off, anxiety wil come back badly.
So for now, I stay where i am.
60mg.
And hopefully with all the drinking I have not given long term damage.
Hope you are all well, over weekened I will read all the posts.
Much love.
NCP
---------- Post added at 01:36 ---------- Previous post was at 01:34 ----------
Oh, also, some days I sleep for a whole day. And I always feel tired.
That is all. x
SO its officially 6 months.
Lots to like about this drug, I'm not panicked any more, I'm not overwhelmed with anxirety any more. I cannot deny it has had lots of positive impacts.
YOu can probably guess there are BUT's cominging.
I sleep all the time, often during the day, I feel tired ALL the time, I am really putting on weight. I have always been skinny but I am now obese, clinically not subjectively.
Sex drive is low and sensitivity is not there.
I'd love to come off this, but not sure going back to being anxious is better?
So life is crap on these but can't tell if it was more or less crap before?
sophiebolton
27-11-12, 11:10
Hi, i started taking 40mg Duloxetine yesterday for GAD and for Fibromyalgia/M.E........unfortunately i think i picked the wong time to start taking them as i have a severe cold and its really aggrivating my symptoms, yesterday i had the strangest panic in the night i woke up and felt like my head was rushing round the room, but at the same time felt detached, its like the worries are still there but as if they are being locked away which is strange but itleast it works i guess, apart from that ive felt nauseous all the time and like im walking on the moon and slight head tingles, thing is though i sometimes get these things just through having fibromyalgia so like i said think being ill isnt helping the situation, anyway im gonna give it a month and see how it goes, would be interesting to hear from others who have cfs and gad :)
I am coming off these now, all in all they were pretty helpful.
I had few side effects, but I grew to get used to them in the end and I just accepted them. Alot better than any other drug I have ever taken so they clearly suited my body.
The only real downsides for me where, low sex drive and being tired all the time. I worked from home for the past year so it was alright really. Sometimes I would not be able to sleep, I have evens stayed up all night, several times, but then if I suddenly got tired int he day, i could have a nap, so I was lucky really.
I'll start a new thread about coming off them.
If you are starting on these or any drug, the advice I can offer is to not start to panick or search forums for side effects. In fact, try to avoid even calling them that.
Just accept that the drugs are going to change the way you function for a time and you may experience some feelings, some good and some bad. Most of the time, if you just accept them, they're not all that bad. Getting stressed out about them makes them worse.
Of course, if you get very bad effects for a prelonged period you should speak to your doctor.
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