Ah, so sorry. I started taking Cymbalta years ago for clinical depression. I actually was feeling much better so with MD, I slowly weaned off it. No problems. However a good month or so after the last dose I began to realize my wreck of a spine - both lumbar and cervical spine - were really bothering me. (I have had 3 surgeries -2 lumbar and 1 neck for discs and spinal stenosis, etc. I can’t tolerate Gabapentin. Tried various things but eventually went back on the Cymbalta and it does help me. So I still take it.
@wisco50 Thanks for the reply. All the information out there helps. After I got down to Cymbalta 20mg and then weaned off completely in about a week, I’ve gone into a rather deep depression that I can’t attribute to anything but the cessation of Cymbalta. After a week on Wellbutrin 150 I may be feeling just the tiniest improvement. I’ve always carried a mild depression but this one was worse. The only negative I have experienced with Wellbutrin is I sleep from about 11pm to 10am! Then when I get up I have to hold the walls for a bit to keep upright. This should be temporary. BTW, I didn’t suffer the difficult weaning process with Cymbalta that a lot of people experience, except I immediately started having a LOT more pain when I got to 20mg so went to 30mg for awhile. But my weight kept ballooning and that motivated me to get off completely and try to control my pain in other ways. I dropped my Lyrica at the same time. Sure enough, my weight started dropping after I quit. I have a Spinal Cord Stimulator and turned it off too. But couldn’t take the pain that returned so turned on the SCS in a day. It doesn’t cure all my pain but definitely offers a good layer of pain reduction. I just have to figure out a med that can accompany this and bring my tailbone and left lower back pain into a manageable level. I started back on Lyrica last night but in a lower dose. Hope all this is not TMI.
@wisco50 Thanks for the reply. All the information out there helps. After I got down to Cymbalta 20mg and then weaned off completely in about a week, I’ve gone into a rather deep depression that I can’t attribute to anything but the cessation of Cymbalta. After a week on Wellbutrin 150 I may be feeling just the tiniest improvement. I’ve always carried a mild depression but this one was worse. The only negative I have experienced with Wellbutrin is I sleep from about 11pm to 10am! Then when I get up I have to hold the walls for a bit to keep upright. This should be temporary. BTW, I didn’t suffer the difficult weaning process with Cymbalta that a lot of people experience, except I immediately started having a LOT more pain when I got to 20mg so went to 30mg for awhile. But my weight kept ballooning and that motivated me to get off completely and try to control my pain in other ways. I dropped my Lyrica at the same time. Sure enough, my weight started dropping after I quit. I have a Spinal Cord Stimulator and turned it off too. But couldn’t take the pain that returned so turned on the SCS in a day. It doesn’t cure all my pain but definitely offers a good layer of pain reduction. I just have to figure out a med that can accompany this and bring my tailbone and left lower back pain into a manageable level. I started back on Lyrica last night but in a lower dose. Hope all this is not TMI.
Hi,
Whatever works for us is something only we and our MDs will know and sometimes it is a path filled with some rocks?!
I have SCS also. Placed before Covid. Worked well until my sciatica pain became overwhelming. I had my second lumbar surgery last March and once I recovered I was able to turn it off. Hooray! Honestly, my neck could use one but we won’t be doing that!
I have SFN, when I first started Cymbalta 60mg, it was like the magic bullet. Then within a year , I needed to add Lyrica. I was told by neurologist that if you take more than 60 mg of Cymbalta, then it is a depression dose.
Hi,
Whatever works for us is something only we and our MDs will know and sometimes it is a path filled with some rocks?!
I have SCS also. Placed before Covid. Worked well until my sciatica pain became overwhelming. I had my second lumbar surgery last March and once I recovered I was able to turn it off. Hooray! Honestly, my neck could use one but we won’t be doing that!
I’m so happy for you that your surgery worked! My friend is in hospital in post op recovery for lumbar surgery. I’d really not heard much about good results from back surgery so that is good to know. I have had two ortho surgeons in two different states tell me that I am not a candidate for back surgery. One even said I would never be a candidate. I didn’t really question them as to why. My dx is multilevel arthritis of the spine.
I’m so happy for you that your surgery worked! My friend is in hospital in post op recovery for lumbar surgery. I’d really not heard much about good results from back surgery so that is good to know. I have had two ortho surgeons in two different states tell me that I am not a candidate for back surgery. One even said I would never be a candidate. I didn’t really question them as to why. My dx is multilevel arthritis of the spine.
Took Cymbalta for 7 years 50 mg had bad side effects but did help pain.
Tired of rx and their side effects so got off , pain returned.
Don’t really know what is worse pain or horrible side effects.
I’m so happy for you that your surgery worked! My friend is in hospital in post op recovery for lumbar surgery. I’d really not heard much about good results from back surgery so that is good to know. I have had two ortho surgeons in two different states tell me that I am not a candidate for back surgery. One even said I would never be a candidate. I didn’t really question them as to why. My dx is multilevel arthritis of the spine.
Yeah, except joint replacements which can't be done on your back sadly (maybe someday?) There is no surgery for osteo. Except remove excess bone that is impinging nerves. I've had an osteotomy but that was my 3rd back surgery of 4. First two when I 23yo. One when I was 24 - woke with raging CRPS in my foot, 4th when I was 37. I definitely believe there is no such thing as one back surgery.
I had a knee replaced when I was 53. I'm now 69 and its a bit loose and hurts and I'm trying an unloader brace on the other knee as it is bone on bone. I also have "terrible" (drs word) arthritis in my neck with 3 slipped disks. I will also not have neck surgery unless I lose the use of my arm. I have very weakened hands and getting worse.
My best. Constant pain totally sucks the life out of you.
Yeah, except joint replacements which can't be done on your back sadly (maybe someday?) There is no surgery for osteo. Except remove excess bone that is impinging nerves. I've had an osteotomy but that was my 3rd back surgery of 4. First two when I 23yo. One when I was 24 - woke with raging CRPS in my foot, 4th when I was 37. I definitely believe there is no such thing as one back surgery.
I had a knee replaced when I was 53. I'm now 69 and its a bit loose and hurts and I'm trying an unloader brace on the other knee as it is bone on bone. I also have "terrible" (drs word) arthritis in my neck with 3 slipped disks. I will also not have neck surgery unless I lose the use of my arm. I have very weakened hands and getting worse.
My best. Constant pain totally sucks the life out of you.
You have been through a lot. I will say though that unless your doctor says no, don’t disregard neck surgery. At least, 2 of my daughters have had that and both are very glad they did. But they were in their 50’s and there are just so many “cures” we can take as we get older, I know. Hope you are doing well.
I have SFN, when I first started Cymbalta 60mg, it was like the magic bullet. Then within a year , I needed to add Lyrica. I was told by neurologist that if you take more than 60 mg of Cymbalta, then it is a depression dose.
“Everybody is different “ is an axiom that is totally true when it comes to peoples’ reactions to medication of any kind. When I first developed chronic pain, almost 15 years ago, the Doctor who diagnosed it, carefully and systematically went through every treatment known to possibly be helpful. When we got to Cymbalta, she titrated the dose very carefully, starting with the smallest and working up to 60 mg a day; that took 2 months. All I can say for my experience with Cymbalta is that it gave me a headache every day, but never helped my pain. I took it because I had a friend who had experienced the “magic bullet“ effect. He said it got rid of every pain he had in his body. That sounded very appealing, But that’s not what happened with me.
I was also tried on Lyrica. Just when I got up to the maximum dose of 150 mg twice a day ( I think), I got terrible pains in my joints and was advised to get off that medication entirely. What did work for me, among other things, was taking Neurontin, the brand name for gabapentin. I had to alternate the dose between 600 a day and 700 a day in doses of 200 mg three times a day, with an extra 100 mg added in every other night.
I arrived at that schedule because I had no side effects at 600 mg a day but if I tried to take 700 mg a day, never mind the recommended 300 mg three times a day, my feet seemed so numb, swollen by edema, that I couldn’t feel the sidewalk under my feet. So on my own, I experimented with taking 600 mg one day in divided doses, and 700 mg the next, by adding an extra 100 mg to the nighttime dose, and it worked! And I’ve been on it ever since.
I tried the generic as soon as it came out but had a horrifying experience. I had asked the pharmacist how long it would take me to know if the generic was as effective as the brand name, and he said five days . After the fifth day, I felt like I was back in hell, meaning, I had no therapeutic benefit at all, and felt like I did before I ever tried anything. As soon as I went back on the brand name, the therapeutic effect returned. It may be that the fillers that that company was using affected how it was dispensed in my body, but I couldn’t take the chance of trying every generic out there, as more began to make the medication, especially since you can never be certain what generic the pharmacy has purchased in any given month and you could be switched around. I couldn’t take that chance. I settled on purchasing the brand name, Neurontin, and paying the up charge for it.
I'm 55. I am a diabetic since 2017 and diabetic neuropathy started with my feet (tingling, numb, painful nerve strikes, etc..) in 2018 which nerve damages eventually spread into my calves and thighs plus waist. Until this day(2024), I have been dealing with incurable, un-manageable, uncontrollable diabetes II and painful lower body peripheral neuropathy (PN).
After all the doctors, neurologist, emergency rooms, hospitals, etc.. , plus prescribed medications (pre-gabapentin/gabapentin, Juniva, Metformin, Duloxetine, etc.. I completely regret to spend thousands and thousands of dollars (Out of Pocket and/or Insurance)…
After 5+ years with such conditions, you 'do not' want the neuropathy (PN-nerve damage) to quickly spread and affect your entire feet, calves, thighs, waist and hands as it is an extremely terrible feeling along with very poor and discouraged state of mind which will produce anxiety, stress, nervousness, pain during daily activities, etc.. And not to mention, impotent for the last 5 years and specialized doctor(s) want 20K to make you believe that they can help with it. I declined!
To say the least, some advise for these serious mental and health complications and conditions were experienced as "NO CURE" ! The final solution mentioned was to amputate feet, legs, and hands. I could not live with myself with such decision. I will continue to endure and suffer which I have accepted to convince mind it is a part of the remaining style way of my life.
To help with PN conditions, I adopted a 4 year dog (German Shepherd) to help encourage, smile, etc. and walk couple of miles at least 3-4 times a week which helps body, muscles, and seldomly nerves. She is amazing! I am seriously grateful with the decision with adopting a great friend to remain confident moving forward.
My advice is to eat healthy, "exercise', adopt a pet for motivation, happiness, encouragement, inspiration, activity, etc.. Most importantly, you may consider definitely "Save your Money"… and enjoy the rest of your life regardless!
Connect
Connect
Like
Helpful
Hug
We each have to do what works best for us as individuals.
As to side effects - as a retired RN I just want to say any drug can have side effects. Just look up aspirin and Tylenol, yikes! 😳
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@wisco50 Thanks for the reply. All the information out there helps. After I got down to Cymbalta 20mg and then weaned off completely in about a week, I’ve gone into a rather deep depression that I can’t attribute to anything but the cessation of Cymbalta. After a week on Wellbutrin 150 I may be feeling just the tiniest improvement. I’ve always carried a mild depression but this one was worse. The only negative I have experienced with Wellbutrin is I sleep from about 11pm to 10am! Then when I get up I have to hold the walls for a bit to keep upright. This should be temporary. BTW, I didn’t suffer the difficult weaning process with Cymbalta that a lot of people experience, except I immediately started having a LOT more pain when I got to 20mg so went to 30mg for awhile. But my weight kept ballooning and that motivated me to get off completely and try to control my pain in other ways. I dropped my Lyrica at the same time. Sure enough, my weight started dropping after I quit. I have a Spinal Cord Stimulator and turned it off too. But couldn’t take the pain that returned so turned on the SCS in a day. It doesn’t cure all my pain but definitely offers a good layer of pain reduction. I just have to figure out a med that can accompany this and bring my tailbone and left lower back pain into a manageable level. I started back on Lyrica last night but in a lower dose. Hope all this is not TMI.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsHi,
Whatever works for us is something only we and our MDs will know and sometimes it is a path filled with some rocks?!
I have SCS also. Placed before Covid. Worked well until my sciatica pain became overwhelming. I had my second lumbar surgery last March and once I recovered I was able to turn it off. Hooray! Honestly, my neck could use one but we won’t be doing that!
I have SFN, when I first started Cymbalta 60mg, it was like the magic bullet. Then within a year , I needed to add Lyrica. I was told by neurologist that if you take more than 60 mg of Cymbalta, then it is a depression dose.
I’m so happy for you that your surgery worked! My friend is in hospital in post op recovery for lumbar surgery. I’d really not heard much about good results from back surgery so that is good to know. I have had two ortho surgeons in two different states tell me that I am not a candidate for back surgery. One even said I would never be a candidate. I didn’t really question them as to why. My dx is multilevel arthritis of the spine.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsTook Cymbalta for 7 years 50 mg had bad side effects but did help pain.
Tired of rx and their side effects so got off , pain returned.
Don’t really know what is worse pain or horrible side effects.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsYeah, except joint replacements which can't be done on your back sadly (maybe someday?) There is no surgery for osteo. Except remove excess bone that is impinging nerves. I've had an osteotomy but that was my 3rd back surgery of 4. First two when I 23yo. One when I was 24 - woke with raging CRPS in my foot, 4th when I was 37. I definitely believe there is no such thing as one back surgery.
I had a knee replaced when I was 53. I'm now 69 and its a bit loose and hurts and I'm trying an unloader brace on the other knee as it is bone on bone. I also have "terrible" (drs word) arthritis in my neck with 3 slipped disks. I will also not have neck surgery unless I lose the use of my arm. I have very weakened hands and getting worse.
My best. Constant pain totally sucks the life out of you.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionYou have been through a lot. I will say though that unless your doctor says no, don’t disregard neck surgery. At least, 2 of my daughters have had that and both are very glad they did. But they were in their 50’s and there are just so many “cures” we can take as we get older, I know. Hope you are doing well.
“Everybody is different “ is an axiom that is totally true when it comes to peoples’ reactions to medication of any kind. When I first developed chronic pain, almost 15 years ago, the Doctor who diagnosed it, carefully and systematically went through every treatment known to possibly be helpful. When we got to Cymbalta, she titrated the dose very carefully, starting with the smallest and working up to 60 mg a day; that took 2 months. All I can say for my experience with Cymbalta is that it gave me a headache every day, but never helped my pain. I took it because I had a friend who had experienced the “magic bullet“ effect. He said it got rid of every pain he had in his body. That sounded very appealing, But that’s not what happened with me.
I was also tried on Lyrica. Just when I got up to the maximum dose of 150 mg twice a day ( I think), I got terrible pains in my joints and was advised to get off that medication entirely. What did work for me, among other things, was taking Neurontin, the brand name for gabapentin. I had to alternate the dose between 600 a day and 700 a day in doses of 200 mg three times a day, with an extra 100 mg added in every other night.
I arrived at that schedule because I had no side effects at 600 mg a day but if I tried to take 700 mg a day, never mind the recommended 300 mg three times a day, my feet seemed so numb, swollen by edema, that I couldn’t feel the sidewalk under my feet. So on my own, I experimented with taking 600 mg one day in divided doses, and 700 mg the next, by adding an extra 100 mg to the nighttime dose, and it worked! And I’ve been on it ever since.
I tried the generic as soon as it came out but had a horrifying experience. I had asked the pharmacist how long it would take me to know if the generic was as effective as the brand name, and he said five days . After the fifth day, I felt like I was back in hell, meaning, I had no therapeutic benefit at all, and felt like I did before I ever tried anything. As soon as I went back on the brand name, the therapeutic effect returned. It may be that the fillers that that company was using affected how it was dispensed in my body, but I couldn’t take the chance of trying every generic out there, as more began to make the medication, especially since you can never be certain what generic the pharmacy has purchased in any given month and you could be switched around. I couldn’t take that chance. I settled on purchasing the brand name, Neurontin, and paying the up charge for it.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI'm 55. I am a diabetic since 2017 and diabetic neuropathy started with my feet (tingling, numb, painful nerve strikes, etc..) in 2018 which nerve damages eventually spread into my calves and thighs plus waist. Until this day(2024), I have been dealing with incurable, un-manageable, uncontrollable diabetes II and painful lower body peripheral neuropathy (PN).
After all the doctors, neurologist, emergency rooms, hospitals, etc.. , plus prescribed medications (pre-gabapentin/gabapentin, Juniva, Metformin, Duloxetine, etc.. I completely regret to spend thousands and thousands of dollars (Out of Pocket and/or Insurance)…
After 5+ years with such conditions, you 'do not' want the neuropathy (PN-nerve damage) to quickly spread and affect your entire feet, calves, thighs, waist and hands as it is an extremely terrible feeling along with very poor and discouraged state of mind which will produce anxiety, stress, nervousness, pain during daily activities, etc.. And not to mention, impotent for the last 5 years and specialized doctor(s) want 20K to make you believe that they can help with it. I declined!
To say the least, some advise for these serious mental and health complications and conditions were experienced as "NO CURE" ! The final solution mentioned was to amputate feet, legs, and hands. I could not live with myself with such decision. I will continue to endure and suffer which I have accepted to convince mind it is a part of the remaining style way of my life.
To help with PN conditions, I adopted a 4 year dog (German Shepherd) to help encourage, smile, etc. and walk couple of miles at least 3-4 times a week which helps body, muscles, and seldomly nerves. She is amazing! I am seriously grateful with the decision with adopting a great friend to remain confident moving forward.
My advice is to eat healthy, "exercise', adopt a pet for motivation, happiness, encouragement, inspiration, activity, etc.. Most importantly, you may consider definitely "Save your Money"… and enjoy the rest of your life regardless!
My prayers are with all of you …
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction