experiences with duloxetine (Cymbalta) for PN?
I have idiopathic peripheral neuropathy. I have tried gababpentin & oxycarbazapine without success. My doctor recently prescribed me duloxetine (Cymbalta) 30 mg. Anyone have success with this? If so, how long did it take to notice results?
What was your experience on duloxetine?
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That’s a good question. I feel my body is better in some ways, but not in others, but my symptoms are intermittent….so it’s difficult to gauge. I’ve read a lot and even read that loading up on the doses, as I’m doing with sublingual, not injection, can cause a sudden worsening of symptoms, which I did have within 3 days of starting the mega doses. Neurologist told me it would take months, if not years to restore.
I started sleeping with my arms on pillows. Don’t know if that has brought me relief from arm and hand tingling or the B12. ?
So, I’m not positive what I’m dealing with. …………Even wonder if I have TIND. (Type 1 diabetic with recent substantial lowering of blood sugar level with new pump/cgm.)
Of course, I read here and see all kinds of potential explanations. Several, I will ask my neurologist about.
I’m seeing my primary later this week to confirm my nutrition and muscles are on track.
For now, I’m following Neurologist and PC. If I take something that mask symptoms, is that helpful? Idk. I guess I’ll monitor any burning this week.
Thanks for your input about Cymbalta. It’s quite helpful.
That's so hard when the symptoms and causes and treatment can all get blurred together. Wow, I didn't realize it could take months to recover from B12 deficiency-related neuropathy. It sounds like you're taking B12 (since I recall that being sublingual?) but just a head's up that excess amounts of B6 can cause neuropathy--I learned that the hard way when trying to supplement my way out of neuropathy (spoiler alert, it didn't work because I don't have a deficiency).
It sounds like a good plan to follow w/ your neurologist and PCP. If the Cymbalta or another medication improves your quality of life, I do think it's worth considering. But if you have concerns about the Cymbalta, you could consider trying gabapentin or Lyrica first, something a little easier to taper down from if need be.
PT might also help give you some strategies for the pain. My PT was able to assess my neuropathy and we did find that some of my burning pain (actually, it was the worst of the burning) was related to disc compression in my spine, which was easily addressed by learning about positional changes and stretches. If only everything were that easy. I've had burning pain in my arms that was referred by disc compression in my neck. I still have neuropathy but getting rid of some of the burning pain still helped a lot. It might be worth looking int.
Wishing you the best of luck.
I’m requesting PT and Gabapentin caused me blurry vision. Insurance says I must try Cymbalta generic, before they pay for Lyrica. Oh, I’m fighting them for my insulin too. ……man, the fun never stops. Lol
Yikes! Sadly, I believe it since Cymbalta has a generic and Lyrica does not. ::eye roll:: But since it’s a newer medication, my doctor said it tends to have fewer or milder side effects. So frustrating.
At least, I’ve almost always come away with something helpful from PT, when I have thoughtful ones. So I hope that helps!
Me too! It really helps me. My best physiotherapist was in a car accident and out for a while. Hope she’s recovered. Nice person and so gifted.
I must get on top of things. I feel so good otherwise. So much to do, life to live and I see the need to help others…..many worse than me.
Hi--I'm among the fortunate who have little pain from my idiopathic PN. Foot numbness, tingling, foot drop, and an awkward gait are the symptom that hit me suddenly about four years ago. My question: Has anyone else had no effect at all from Gabapentin or Duloxetine? I'm on the latter right now -- I was told it's an anti-depressant that helps with PN -- and I'm thinking about dropping it. I also take a nightly Ambien to sleep and I use a CPAP machine as well. My morning drowsiness sticks with me into the afternoon and I feel more disorganized than usual for a good part of the day. Any thought?
just use lower dose I take both medicine in evening or night. I sleep pretty well.
Hi, I also take Duloxetine after Two years ago trying Gap and Lyerica. They were no help, only gained 25 pounds. I lost the weight after a year and my Neuroligist placed me on Duloxetine(30mg) inj Aug of this year...COULD'NT BE HAPPIER. I requested to up the dose to 60 mg. My joints fell much bettewr and the Knumbness is less. I take 10 mg of Anmien for sleep as well.
Good Luck!
It's good to hear about your success with Celexa. We're all on a hunt for whatever works!
Not Celexa...... Cymbalta