Has anyone ever been on Duloxetine (Cymbalta) for nerve pain?

Posted by dougs72 @dougs72, Jun 22 7:24am

Has anyone ever been on Duloxetine (Cymbalta) for nerve pain? I've had 2 doctors push this on me. I know that the side effects can be terrible and getting off of it difficult as it requires titration. One time I remember taking one pill, and not liking the way it made me feel, so not taking any more, and still feeling the "weirdness" from it 2-3 days later. and that was only 30 mg Please pass along any experience or advice from this medication?

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@celia16

I talked to my therapist (talk therapist) about starting this med yesterday. My neurologist prescribed it. I felt my therapist explained how it works, why and how stopping it down the road works. I told him about all the things I have read and he addressed them specifically. I’m so glad I did that. I feel much more comfortable about it now and will start taking it when I’m ready, which should be soon. I’ve had some improvement in some symptoms and not in others, so I hate to mask those before my next doctor appointment.

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Please read online reviews about the complexity of stopping this medication without a very detailed tapering down schedule. Withdrawal can be horrific.

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For me, this was an absolutely evil drug. Withdrawal can be horrific unless you have a very detailed tapering down schedule.

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I’ve been on Cymbalta for about 10 years for chronic depression. I also have severe osteoarthritis, but I can’t take any pain killers because of stomach bleeding. I’m afraid to go off Cymbalta because I don’t know if my pain would be worse. However, it doesn’t cause any other problems for me so my doctor and I agree that I should continue on it rather than change my anti depression medicine as elderly people do have serious effects from some anti depression prescriptions. I am 88 years old.

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i take 120 mg. of Cymbalta a day. for depression and pain. to me it works better for the depression. i don't really know if it helps with the pain. i've got different types and levels of pain. so i guess it all depends on the person.

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I currently take 60 mg of Cymbalta for severe pain, on x 8 yrs. I too am afraid to DC due to fact would make pain worse?. Unsure if it helps.

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It helps with Arthritis pain, but it’s not meant for nerve pain. Gabapentin is, but my last bout of neuropathy was so out of control NOTHING helped, meds made it worse. Try CBD/THC (Delta 9) if you can, the combo will help you relax enough to rest. I only use it to help me rest and relax, a few nights a week, when it’s real bad.
SUNMED makes Great CBD products and Delta 9 (THCA) is available in most smoke/vape shops. Ask for gummies, DON’T take more than 10mg to start if you don’t know how THC affects you. Try an Indica strain if possible.
It’s the only time I get a break, because you typically don’t care about anything on THC. CBD will help w/ inflammation and nausea, if THC is too strong. The combo is the magic.
I’ve lived the cleanest life and unfortunately, it didn’t pay off. Tried THC first time at 47, by mistake. It’s turned into a safe, healthier option, especially since meds don’t work on me or they make me sick.

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I was preparing to start Cymbalta, but have placed it on pause. I discussed it with my neurologist yesterday and he said such a small dose wouldn’t affect pain. I was starting with a small dose, since I am med sensitive. A greater dose might, but since my burning pain has reduced, I’m going to wait it out. I had some improvement in my right hand with sensitivity, so am very encouraged. He ordered more blood tests and hopefully, things will continue to improve as my Vitamin B12 levels are restored. My sleep is better too.

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Just started duloxetine for peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathy was manageable a few months ago but got worse so I started slowly with gabapentin. Gabapentin was sucking the life out of me and didn’t do much until my second dose of the day, at which time I became a zombie. Trying duloxetine in its place. The gabapentin also enhanced the depression I’ve been feeling since I’ve had to miss so much because I just don’t feel well. Good or bad idea to switch?

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@celia16

Oh man. I just got passed 2 years of chronic constipation. I cannot tolerate it. I thought Cymbalta caused diarrhea. I can deal with that better than constipation. I’m so confused…. Hard decisions.

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My chronic constipation was so awful! I agree-I would rather have diarrhea! After my recent colonoscopy, the gastro told me to start Metamucil daily. I can say it has helped dramatically! It’s still not as easy as for most, but most of the discomfort has stopped. Hope it helps you! I know it’s miserable!

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@carolinlv

My chronic constipation was so awful! I agree-I would rather have diarrhea! After my recent colonoscopy, the gastro told me to start Metamucil daily. I can say it has helped dramatically! It’s still not as easy as for most, but most of the discomfort has stopped. Hope it helps you! I know it’s miserable!

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Any results on colonoscopy? My second one is scheduled for August.

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