Fibromyalgia Pain + Cymbalta

Hello @longtallblonde and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You will notice that I have updated the title of your post to bring in members who have experience with Cymbalta and/or Gabapentin as well as Fibromyalgia pain.

To start, I am curious if you consulted your doctor about removing both medications due to your concerns around weight?

I did consult my rheumatologist, yes

I have been taking 30 to 60 mg Cymbalta for a number of years to help with pain. Recently the pain has gotten worse and my doctor has increased the dose to 90 mg (3 tablets) a day.

I have used up to 90 mg during an inflammatory flare, but found a higher dose doesn't always translate to more relief.
I KNOW it is counterintuitive when you hurt and are soooo tired, but my best pain relief comes from getting up and moving for at least 5 minutes every hour, no matter how I feel. It is truly agonizing at first, but gets a little better every few days.
Sue

I was told 60 mg was the most they give for fibromyalgia ? Interesting

I take 300 mg 2-3 times a day! I’ve gained about 5 lbs but holding now

300 mg of Cymbalta or gabapentin ??

My doctor has had me up to 120mg before. I just couldn’t tolerate it because it was making me anxious at that level.

I took Gabapentin for back pain and had very serious weight gain. I am just now getting back to a reasonable weight after a year of hard work and diet. Losing weight at 74 is hard. My doctor now wants to put me on Cymbalta but I am terrified of weight gain again.

I found that Cymbalta (duloxetine) works well for me, but only when combined with a stretching and walking regimen. I have been using it for almost 3 years and maintained my weight. But I find if I revert to my "couch potato" self, the pain and aches come roaring back, so it isn't helpful by itself. Since you have spent a year getting weight off, you probably already have a good exercise program, so if you continue, maybe you'll be okay.
Sue