experiences with duloxetine (Cymbalta) for PN?

I started feeling a lessening of pain in about a week. However, the lack of the interest in Life far overshadowed the loss of pain. No bueno! Anhedonia they call it or there abouts. I think how one responds to brain chemicals makes all the difference.

I recommend reading the scholarly articles on Duloxetine. I am happy that some of you are having some relief from CIPN. My wife was prescribed Cymbalta after completing 10 cycles of Folfox, Proton Treatment, and a lower anterior resection for stage 3b rectal cancer.
Unfortunately, this medication did not work well with her chemistry. The reaction after three days of low dose were: fainting, inability to swallow, hallucinations, no balance, body dysmorphia and addiction.
Following three days of Cymbalta, it took 20 days of tapering to get her off of the medication. Use caution, read up and best of luck.

I just got this medication after going to the ER. The doctor wanted me to at least try this drug as I am highly allergic to opiates and drugs in general. I will keep everyone updated on my hopeful results. Semper Fi.

Cymbalta was the only thing that helped me. I was on 2700 mg of Gabapentin per day. I no longer take the Gabapentin, but I’m still taking the Cymbalta for almost 12 years now.

Good evening @cln1812, I want to acknowledge your effort in introducing your experience with Cymbalta and Gabapentin. And hello to your and Connect friends and neighbors who have added their experiences to this post section..

My first-ever neurologist came into my life in 2013. He survived having me as a patient until 2019. The first two medications were Gabapentin and Cymbalta to help with discomfort & injury after a tragic fall down the side of a mountain. I struggled with both medications. However, we (my doctor and I) attempted to alter dosages and other options to avoid nausea, discomfort, and brain dysfunction while reducing pain. Eleven years later, I start my day with 120 mg of Cymbalta. I have also discovered that the appropriate way to introduce medical cannabis is to work on finding the best time and dosage for maintaining pain control. There have been many more attempts in trying to find the most appropriate dosage for the best pain reduction cannabis available. Gabapentin worked moderately well until the brain fog and threatening side effects outweighed the benefits, and I turned to the marijuana selection.

Just for the record, it has now been 11 years since the "mountain fall," and I am now relying upon self-applied topicals and as-needed medicinal options.

May you all find the best solution for you, and may your quality of life register as pretty darn high.
Chris

I am on Cymbalta and Gabapentin for post-stroke nerve pain in my legs. I feel the Cymbalta helps, but would like to get off Gabapentin as I think it doesn't do anything after three years. How did you get off 2700 mg of Gabapentin per day, if you wouldn't mind sharing?

You would definitely need to taper it slowly and probably talk with your doctor. Most people I know had difficulty getting off it and that was after less than a year, but it must be different for everyone.

Hi..do you prefer Cymbalta over Gabbapentin for the pain relief?? I am on the maximum dosage of that and Oxcarbazoprine.. 6 times a day!
The brain fog is horrible but I need it for the pain!

So, I was taking 9 pills, 3 pills 3 times a day. I got off of Gabapentin by eliminating one additional pill every 2 weeks. I suffered no ill effects whatsoever during or after that process. Good luck!

Hi,
We don't all read all the posts...so I will repeat myself.
I have had this nasty PN since 2016. I tried this, that and the other. At first it seemed that Gabapentin helped, but in 5 weeks I had an allergic reaction. My mouth closed, or should I say my jaw locked. I could only sip through a straw. Ditch that! The only thing that has helped me is CBD and at night THC. I had to try for weeks to regulate it so I am not a goofy high senior, but I found some level of relief with that product. I know all states do not allow, and you must obtain a Medical Card ($200 bucks), but it is worth it. Sadly my disease is increasing in anger, so the relief is not as much. It is something, and as we know, this is a nasty disease. Best to all of you!!