experiences with duloxetine (Cymbalta) for PN?

I have severe mainly sensory axonal polyneuropathy for the past two years caused by oxaliplatin chemo they started me on pregabalin up to maximum dosage 250mg side effects awful dryness also bad taste in mouth swollen lower legs weight gain no improvement in legs and hands. Then duloxetine l started on 20mg I'm on 100mg now appointment with neurologist last week l was OK up to 60mg but l felt unwell on 100mg l started losing my balance again pins and needles much the same l have to taper dosage down to 60mg over the next month also take amitriptyline at night. I will carry on medication for another 6 month's if no improvement l will stop medication and see what happens just live with it.
If you have painfull feet I've purchased about 4 recommended trainers all no good l just bought the new skechers slip ons about £100 really comfortable pins and needles much better. If you want to know which type reply to message.
Good luck Kenneth

I almost was going to try it but did not, because my Neurology NP cautioned me about side effects. I have central sensitization, meaning my central nervous system is very reactive to new stimuli. It is also very challenging to wean off of if you decide to stop taking it.

But everyone is different and more or less risk-averse, so if your pain is very severe it may be worth trying. I have chronic pain, so it’s come up several times for chronic pain, neuropathy, central sensitization, etc. The response seems very individual—there are some reports here that it helped, and others who hated it.

I know that’s not so helpful, and probably the conflicting information may be why you posted the question… But I figured I’d at least share what my Neurology NP said. She’s prescribed it to her patients but specifically didn’t recommend it for me because of my sensitivity to medications.

I take LDN (low dose naltrexone), did PT, and use topical creams and k-tape.

I have been on 60mg of Cymbalta for six months and it has helped with the PN and fibromyalgia pain. It isn’t totally gone, but it is some better. Give it a try. No side effects for me.

@clcln1812
I was prescribed Cymbalta/duloxetine for small fiber neuropathy/nerve pain, osteoarthritis, and depression. They started me low and then gradually increased the dose. I do recall it starting to work after several weeks to a month and helped relieve some of my symptoms with limited side effects. I took it at night because it can make you tired. I took it for a couple years and then weaned myself off of it to see how I felt without it. It was a bit difficult to come off of even while gradually tapering. You will want to research all side effects and how long to take it (if any issues with long term prescription). I am currently taking Wellbutrin/bupropion for depression (due to chronic pain) and 100 mg Gabapentin at night for nerve pain. I think I will want to stop taking Gabapentin, too, due to side effects (makes me dizzy even on the very low dose and I already have balance issues). I do take alpha Lipoic acid and Acetyl l carnitine for small fiber nerve pain and it helps some. I also use lidocaine pain patches (Salonpas brand) for spine pain.

@cln1812
I responded and included your name but my autocorrect changed your name to @clcln1812. 🙂

@dlydailyhope
Is there a reason you are not using Cymbalta now if it seemed to help when you were on it? Did you have side effects?

@cln1812
It worked in the beginning but after a while on it, I didn’t notice it helping with my pain as much and only made me tired which I have been struggling with extreme fatigue and balance/dizziness. I don’t want to take anything if I am not feeling the benefit anymore. I may try it again in the future but wanted to come off Cymbalta to see how I felt off it. I don’t feel any worse being off the medication. I have read some have had side effects and didn’t like being on Cymbalta.

I started on a low dose of cymbalta - sorry, but I don't remember the amount - but I couldn't handle it. I had diarrhea and a severe headache, and I don't normally get headaches. So after the 4th day, I stopped. I'm still taking alpha-lipoic acid. My next appointment with the neurologist in coming up the first week in June.

I had a brain stem stroke three years ago, and was prescribed both gabapentin and cymbalta for the post-stroke burning pain in my legs and bottom of my feet. I've been up and down on gabapentin through the years, hating the sleepiness side effect. I'm currently on just 600 per day--I just don't know if it helps. I was prescribed cymbalta at the get-go, and said no. I was just afraid of an anti-depressant I think. But, after studying the medication and its long history as a treatment for nerve pain, I've been on it for well over a year at 60 mg/day. Within three days, I felt like it made a big difference, with no side effects except minor constipation. I still have continuous nerve pain, but the severity has been reduced. Maybe it's just because I can tolerate it better--but, I'll take it.

This drug landed me in the ICU after just 2 days of taking same. I AM, however, highly allergic to opiates and most drugs for some reason, do I am totally screwed in trying to find something that might help me with the continued, and worsening body inflammation and my arms becoming more useless!! Can't believe that the Chinese have not come up with something- especially touting the benefits of acupuncture!!! Semper Fi.