When things just don't get better

@susieqintx I've been living with major depression, anxiety and PTSD for more than 20 years, being treated for it starting in 2003 with medication and therapy. I wish I didn't have to look at taking antidepressants the rest of my life, but I think that's the way it will be. Recently I cut back my therapy to every other week. I've been taking the same antidepressant since 2006, and a few years ago, I started a second one when I was feeling more depressed. A few months ago, I was prescribed Cymbalta for neuropathy pain, and it helped with that, but it also greatly increased my productivity. I've been doing things that I'd put off for years, plus I'm cleaning my 1952 8N Ford tractor, prepping it to paint. Along the way I've been replacing wiring and filters and gaskets, etc.

Have you taken the same medication for long? Have you tried adding a second one to enhance the one you're taking? That helped me a lot. I've heard others say that antidepressants sometimes lose their effectiveness, and they have to switch to another one.

Because I live in the country, and the closest town is relatively small, therapists stay for a year and move on to greener pastures. So I've seen a bunch of them, which means I have to start all over every time.

I haven't been very good about my involvement here in Connect lately, but if you mention my name preceded by @ - @jimhd, I'll look forward to hearing more from you..
Jim

@dianrib I stopped all of your email notifications. That is what you wanted, right? Let me know if I did this incorrectly or if you need anything else.

@jimhd Jim. How long did it take for Cymbalta to start reducing your neuropathy pain? I just started it about 3 weeks ago and am curious to know how it has worked for others. Thanks!

@bustrbrwn22 I haven't noticed any improvement in my neuropathy pain. Unfortunately, I stepped up my morphine dose from 15mg tid to 30mg bid at the same time, and had my spinal cord stimulator adjusted at the same time, as well. I have a personal policy of making only one change at a time, but I messed up this time. I think that the stimulator adjustment had the most effect on my pain, but I also know that morphine is an important part of my pain management.

I ran out of Cymbalta Saturday, and I'm waiting for a refill. Fortunately, withdrawal from it isn't causing any serious problems.

The pain in my feet and ankles is generally tolerable. As I sit here in my recliner, it's around 7 or 8. That's my new normal, I guess. A lot of people have much worse.

Have you been able to observe any effect from Cymbalta yet? I had always thought it was just an antidepressant, but I've learned that it's approved by the FDA for fibromyalgia and neuropathy, among others.

Jim

@jimhd @busterbrown Hi friends I just rejoined the group ,took some time off. I had Cymbalta for my fibro and I don,;t know if it would have helped me or not . The first dose I took gave me hallucinations . I remember putting a bag of groceries in the car . But when I unpacked I couldn't find them so I went of that drug real quick. Scared me cause I knew I put them in the car and I had another person said he saw me do it . So what happened to them I don't know .

@jimhd thanks for getting back to me. Only on 3-4th week so we’ll see
I’ve seen posting here that Cymbalta helped so I’m trying because the pain is getting worse and my dr won’t increase hydrocodone.

Very True how keeping positive is so important especially now! It's not easy even for the strongest of people! Just quickly, which is hard for me, I have rediscovered a "Magic Bullet" for me at this moment!
I have had a "message technique" done to me first by my father 70 years ago. Then the Angel who did my body work for 20 years! Quite by accident I looked up a therapy called The Trager Approach! Developed by Dr. Milton Trager in the '40's.
It has helped my symptoms of Lyme/Fibromyalgia ! It's also helped my mental state!
Furthermore, it involves the losing of the joint and muscles!
I just had my fourth session with wonderful Angel and feel the best I have felt in years.
Please go online and Google Trager Approach for your area. There are many practionaires around the country! Mine charges $100 for a 90-minute session!
It's very well worth it!
Sundance(RB)

Hi @lioness,

I'm sorry to hear that you had such a frightening experience with Cymbalta. It is important to remember that not all people react the same to medications. Sometimes the dosage size can be a problem as well.

I'm wondering what your doctor had to say about this.

@hopeful33250 Thanks yes it was scary thought I I was out of my mind. Most of the time I,m not to bad with pain but when there is a weather change like its was raining earlier I hurt more but now I,m fine . Still having trouble with computer sometimes it will let me answer and then somedays I cant answer .

I have been on Cymbalta a long time ago. Let's say several year ago, I was on it. Well, at first, I felt wonderful! I even told my doctor I hadn't felt better in years. Then, the longer I was on it, I was having suicidal thoughts. I quit taking it myself--no tapering, just cold turkey. I told my doctor about it and she said she didn't blame me for quitting cold turkey! I would love to have the feeling I had in the beginning of taking it! I haven't had it since!