I’m starting Duloxetine for spinal stenosis pain, anyone have success?

The Duloxetene is generic for Cymbalta. It is a medication for depression. It is always prescribed with Tramadol and or Gabapentin. I stopped taki mg it years ago. It stunt’s your emotions. You have no ceelin n a, happy or sad. You know you are supposed to be showing some emotion but you can’t. I didn’t like it and neither did my doc. So I stopped it and I will never take it again. Look up the side effects and then make a decision for what is best for you. I wish you much success to being pain free. I’m still searching to be pain free. Been looking since 2005. I have not been successful. Well, I was on OxyContin for 2urs and they is when I felt my best. But, I became dependent on it so they took me off. Took me 3 weeks for it to wear off. On the 4th week I felt the freedom and my brain was no longer foggy. Good luck. I’m still looking. 🫤

I've been taking Duloxetine for my depression, along with Nortriptyline for several years now, along with Gabapentin for my feet. Am I happy with their results, not a chance, I live in a constant state of 7 on the pain scale. Is it better than nothing, I'd like to think so.

Is the pain so bad that you have to take these drugs? I am 73 years old and have had spinal stenosis for 5 years. Have had injections that helped and later did not. Just had a Minuteman device inserted between my L4 and L5 vertabrae. 1/2 hour
surgery done by a pain doctor. It has taken away 40% of the pain. I had pain in my left leg(nerve was getting pinched). The device has taken away this pain. Now have back pain on my right side. I feel good when I haven't walked much or done any
strenuous work. I've never considered any of these pain killers. Too much risk on addition and more damage to your body.
If I have pain that I can't handle, I take two Ibuprofen. You can even take 3. I would not mess with these hard drugs. Can't believe your Primary Care doctor gives you a RX for these.

@joepyzyk I took ibuprofen for many years until one day my spine doctor prescribed Tylenol arthritis and it made me feel much better plus physical therapy at home.

@lizzietish56 thanks. Two of my doctors put me on it as a "booster" for other meds. I read some but clearly not enough. I think it's time to stop taking it .. and clearly I'll need to wean myself off and the docs will object.

I am NOT pain free tho' on a strong pain medication. My back seems to be disintegrating. On top of that, long COVID and other issues. The pain meds help my back if I do nothing. Movement or standing or walking even a short amount brings it all back plus some.

@lizzietish56 Sorry you had such a bad experience . So far I’m doing well on both meds.
We all respond differently to medications and it also depends a lot on your individual medical conditions as well. Hope you’re doing okay today. Thanks for your reply .

So i don't have the same condition, but I take duoloxetine for my fibromyalgia pain and its honestly been a life changer. Do I still have pain, yes, but my quality of life has benefited the most from cymbalta and Im at the max dose (120 mg)

@medicalunicorn I am happy to hear that. Of all the medical studies I’ve read, it has helped very well for neuropathic pain , lumbar stenosis pain as well as anxiety and depression. That it also works well in addition to Gabapentin. 60mg daily apparently is the recommended daily dose. Studies also indicated that higher doses were no more beneficial than the 60mg
We all respond differently. So follow your doctors recommendation and be proactive with your care. Bless you. 😊

Please be careful what kind of medication you take.
Be your own advocate and critical.
I am 69 and have 4 replacements and 2 back surgeries with a sepsis between. ( just my main surgeries)
I am just telling you that because I know what pain is….sadly.
I only took “ hammer” pain killer after my surgeries , living with arthritis for me means only taking Ibuprofen or Tylenol pm for the night if there is no other chance.
What I mean with this is, I’d rather have a surgery at one point than live my live with hard drugs.
But that just me and everyone feels different.
I am always looking for other alternatives, I am doing water aerobic and chair Yoga, work in my back yard and love to quilt and paint.
It’s a relaxing time and it helps sometimes that I don’t focus on my pain so much.
In the moment I am working together with my Natur path doctor and try out food possibilities that could help.
So no grains, no sugar and for 2 more weeks no lactose.
I feel better after 2 weeks already….
It is not easy no but worth to try, lots of water, no sugar replacements, lots of fruits and greens 🥬.
I know this is a long post, as my story.
Good luck and please keep us updated.
PS. Progressive Muscle Relaxation by Jacobsen is a fantastic Meditation to get some relief as well.

@marietter Agreed and Thank You. Prayers and awesome news.
-Elizabeth