What was your experience with duloxetine (US Brand Name; Cymbalta)?

Hi @luv2hike, I thought I'd check in with you. How did the virtual therapist appointment go? How are things today?

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Thank you so much for checking in with me. It makes me feel good that a perfect stranger cares enough to do that.

My 1st virtual appointment went really well, better than I expected as It's hard to start with someone new. We made what she called a "safety plan " together so if I feel so much despair that I think I need to drive to a hospital, ( Which I almost did a few weeks ago) that I have a plan and resources. I hate talking about this as it's so scary when you have thoughts like this. I spoke with my husband about it as he is the only one who knows about my depression and anxiety and has been an amazing , support for me over the years. He gave me a big hug and said " no one should have to live with this", as I was as low as I can remember in a long time and uncontrollably crying.

The therapist and I talked about things to do to make me feel better on a regular basis, which for me is lots of physical activity outdoors, if possible. Hiking, walking, SUP/summer, snowshoe/winter and yoga ,always. Breathing through anxiety, which I learned when I first began practicing yoga .

She also wrote a note to my Dr. requesting I see a female psychiatrist to review my meds. I had a very uncomfortable experience with a male that I saw for quite awhile and I stopped seeing him as I was worried about his mannerisms and behavior. I liked the idea of just an assessment of my meds.

I have a hard copy that I keep in my purse of the plan, just in case.

Today we had our 2nd appointment , we talked about self- worth and self-esteem and she is sending me resources to speak to a "guidance counselor for adults" that a co-worker used and thought was very beneficial. As, I have esteem issues about what I currently due and what I feel I am capable of doing and needing to feel more worthwhile in this area. We also talked about having something "just for me" outside of exercising, work, helping my mom ( My siblings all live out of state) and hanging out with family. Possibly volunteering, ( which I did a lot of when our kids were younger at school, sports and church) or furthering my education: whether it be a program or some classes online or in person. This person also does some testing to help you figure out what you are or may be good at.

Sorry I am so verbose, but I think it helps me to go over it. I am feeling better than last week today. I have an appointment next week with my temporary therapist as well. I fell more in control knowing I have her to help me. Had some off the charts anxiety over the weekend due to an ongoing negative situation with my husband's family involving him and our entire family.
But our adult kids were with us as were many other positive people. I made it! 🙂

Thank You for your concern! I really appreciate it!

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I have been taking duloxetine 20mg a day now for neuropathic/ muscular upper back pain that I have had for 4 years and it really seems to be helping. I have tried gabapentin and Prozac on the past as well as cbd and the duloxetine has helped the most. I wish I had tried it sooner. Side effects have been insomnia and constipation which I hope will eventually go away. Hope this helps.

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You did not mention if you are also taking hydrocodone but that class of drug can cause constipation.

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Hello @crlwks269 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm so glad that you joined this discussion about Duloxetine. It is so good to find something that works, isn't it?

Side effects are very common with most meds. I suppose we all need to weigh the side effects versus the positive impact that they have on our feeling of health and discomfort.

I look forward to getting to know you better. As this is your first post on Connect, would be comfortable sharing a bit more about your neuropathic/ muscular upper back pain?

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Teresa,
Hi, I will try to make my story as brief as I can.
I am 67 years old and until 4 years ago I was active running, biking , hiking, cross country skiing etc. I was healthy and happy.
In June of 2018 I had an electrocardiogram done and experienced some burning in my rib cage where the technician was pressing with the probe.
Two days later while lifting a table I got electrical shocks all through my thoracic region. This went on for three days and I was afraid to move, if I used my arm I would set off a shock. I went to the emergency room and they could not find a cause. I had an MRI of my spine but it was fine. My upper back thoracic region was very painful when I walked or used my arm, I could not rotate my trunk. I developed chest wall pain.
My Dr. tried prednisone but it didn’t help. I then took gabapentine for a while but it really wasn’t helping. I tried CBD tincture and lotion but it didn’t help. Tried Prozac , that helped a little.I saw numerous specialist , did massage, acupuncture etc nothing helped.
I was unable to run, swim, hike cook etc
This has been going on for 4 years, has interfered with my and my husbands retirement dreams. He has been a saint.
Recently a friend of mine who has neck pain told me she just started taking duloxetine after trying various other things and that it was really helpful. She had no side effects.
It convinced me to give it a try. It is helping, I’m not 100% but feel a lot better pain wise. I started swimming and will try biking once it warms up. I live in Maine.
First time in 4 years that I am hopeful that things will get better.
I am also starting a meditation class through the Benson Henry institute in Boston at the end of the month.
Hope this info helps.
Carol

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Hello @crlwks269

It is good to hear from you. It sounds as if the past four years has been difficult for you. The discomfort you are feeling has certainly changed your lifestyle. I have to commend you, though, on searching for answers and trying new meds, therapies, etc. to find some help. It can be easy to give up when you don't experience relief right away. Persisting as you have done is the key.

I'm glad that the Duloxetine has helped, to some extent, with the discomfort. I am glad that you have been able to increased your activity level and are now hopeful again. The meditation class sounds like a great idea!

I would like to hear from you periodically with updates. Would you be willing to reach out to others who have unexplained chronic pain?

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Thanks for the positivity!
I would be happy to help others if I can.

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That is just great! I'm going to tag @rwinney who is the mentor for the chronic pain discussion group. I'm sure she would be happy to get to know you and have you as a resource for others she comes in contact with who have chronic pain.

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