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.