Do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT ever let your health care provider talk you into this type of treatment. If must take it, if your doctor insists, ask for weekly or biweekly appointments for monitoring. Cymbalta, like all other antidepressants, are seductive--they have you living with a highly false sense of well being and as time goes on, it turns in misery. I was prescribed this for my fibromyalgia and never again will I consent to taking this kind of garbage!! My weight hit near 200 lbs on five different occasions, I'm praying that my family and best friends will forgive me for all the wrong things I've said and done to them this year. Wait, there's more--add reckless spending and credit card use to the list--something I wouldn't have dreamed of doing!! If this post helps just one person out, then I know that the eight-nine months I have lost to this medication will not be in vain.
Hi, Emily, and welcome! Boy, you sure had a bad reaction to Cymbalta, didn't you! It is strange how people react to different medications. Many people have good success with this drug and others totally hate it just like you do. But, you will find what will work for you.
You haven't ruined your life. You have had a speed bump on your journey. You have come over it and are heading on in the right direction for you. I'm glad you came to the realization that this med was not for you. If you read back posts, you will see other medications that people have had problems with. Unfortunately, this goes with the fibro territory. It's a trial and error situation to find the right medication.
Be sure to read Fibro 101...the first thread on the forum. There are links to good information about fibro and you will learn a lot that might help you get control of your pain. Don't hesitate to ask questions, either. We are here to help you.
I'm so glad you found us and joined in. I hope to hear more from you soon!
Sherrine
Forum Moderator/ Fibromyalgia
***********************
Fibromyalgia, Crohn's Disease, Ostomy, Diabetes, Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease, Osteoporosis
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
God does not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
My mom had the same side effect - reckless spending. At first, they told her is was all in her head, a medicine couldn't possibly make you spend money. A little research showed that her so-called "experts" were wrong. She had a horrible time withdrawing from the drug.
She will be paying off this debt for the rest of her life and she has nothing to show for it. She is on disability and can't work so she relied on her credit card to assist her when unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, came up. She always paid off the balance as soon as she could. During her Cymbalta period, the credit card company so helpfully raised her limit to help her dig herself in deeper.
The really scary part is that her new "expert" tried to get her to go back on Cymbalta. When she reminded him about the reckless spending, he said that since she was now aware of it, she could control it. She lives in a small town so her ability to find new "experts" is very limited.
I try to warn people about this problem because it sneaks up on you and may not be noticed by those around you until it's too late.
I'm really sorry this happened to you. My mom actually called the manufacturer of Cymbalta and told her that they should pay her debt since their drug did this to her and they never warned her it could happen. It didn't do any good but she felt better for a while!
She will be paying off this debt for the rest of her life and she has nothing to show for it. She is on disability and can't work so she relied on her credit card to assist her when unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, came up. She always paid off the balance as soon as she could. During her Cymbalta period, the credit card company so helpfully raised her limit to help her dig herself in deeper.
The really scary part is that her new "expert" tried to get her to go back on Cymbalta. When she reminded him about the reckless spending, he said that since she was now aware of it, she could control it. She lives in a small town so her ability to find new "experts" is very limited.
I try to warn people about this problem because it sneaks up on you and may not be noticed by those around you until it's too late.
I'm really sorry this happened to you. My mom actually called the manufacturer of Cymbalta and told her that they should pay her debt since their drug did this to her and they never warned her it could happen. It didn't do any good but she felt better for a while!
I had bad side effects with Cymbalta too. I started out feeling better, then went into a deep depression. Going off it was very difficult....I ended up on a psych floor.
I hope there are those who benefit from it, as it is widely prescribed. If you are feeling better, that's great....continue to take it. It just wasn't a drug for me.
DX fibromyalgia 2007, osteoarthritis, obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD, depression, anxiety, sleep apnea, hysterectomy.
fluoxetine (prozac), abilify, trazodone, lorazepam, prilosec, nabumetone, hydrocodone, c-pap machine.
I hope there are those who benefit from it, as it is widely prescribed. If you are feeling better, that's great....continue to take it. It just wasn't a drug for me.
DX fibromyalgia 2007, osteoarthritis, obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD, depression, anxiety, sleep apnea, hysterectomy.
fluoxetine (prozac), abilify, trazodone, lorazepam, prilosec, nabumetone, hydrocodone, c-pap machine.
Wow! I'm sorry you had to go through all of this! I've been on Cymbalta for a few months and I've been doing very well.
Corinne44,
Cymbalta has helped many people. My concern with it is the "reckless behavior". It sneaks up on you and can be so dangerous if you aren't aware of it. My advice is to alert some close friends and family to the possible side affects of reckless spending, sex, and/or gambling. This way, they can warn you before it becomes a problem.
Cymbalta has helped many people. My concern with it is the "reckless behavior". It sneaks up on you and can be so dangerous if you aren't aware of it. My advice is to alert some close friends and family to the possible side affects of reckless spending, sex, and/or gambling. This way, they can warn you before it becomes a problem.
I have anxiety problems and depression. For a while, I was taking the Cymbalta because I had heard that it might help with the fibro. Because of my anxiety problems, I was already taking Xanax. Well, when I went off the Xanax, the Cymbalta made my anxiety a whole lot worse and it didn't even help me with the depression, so I had my doctor take me off of it.
'Cause when push comes to shove
'Cause when push comes to shove
you taste what you're made of.
You might bend til you break
'cause it's all you can take.
On your knees you look up
decide you've had enough.
You get mad.
You get strong.
Wipe your hands
shake it off.
Then you stand.
-"Stand" by Rascal Flatts
my gp and pain doctor both suggested that i tried cymbalta, but i didn't care for the long list of side effects. they both are very good and didn't push it on me. i was a bit tempted as my fibro is terrible-dealing with agonizing 24/7 pain, but am not going on it now for sure.
Wow, I am shocked at the horrible way it affected you. I am on Cymbalta for about 6 or so months now. I really didn't have any issues except the nausea!!! Although, I do remember haveing a hard time paying my bills at first. But that only lasted maybe a month or so. For me the benefits out weigh the bad. I had extreme anxiety and some depression. I am feeling so much better now. I'm currently taking 60mg.
I hope no one else has the bad affect on it as you did.
take care, Laura
Cervical spine surgery 2004, C-section 1986, Cholecystectomy 1999, Thoracic and Lumbar injury 2000. Anxiety/depression 2008. Fibromyalgia 2009, Thyroidectomy 2008. Degenerative disc disease. IBS. Asthma, Rheumitoid Arthritis, Sacroillitis, Scolylosis, disc bulge in L5/S1.possible ankylosing spondylitis. Meds: Lisinophil, xoponex, symbocort, pulmocort, troponal, vitamin 2000 D, Vitamin B complex, Hydrocodone, Tylonal Arthritis, Cymbalta.prednisone and Lyrica
Emily
So sorry you experienced this... I tried this Med.. and one pill made me suicidal , mind you I am one of those that Can not take any type of anit depressants. None... they all affect me badly..
I am sorry you are going through this though... thanks for the poll.. be interesting to see how many it really helps.. I wish we could do the same with Lyrica...
Best of luck to you .. Take care.
Spirit ~
So sorry you experienced this... I tried this Med.. and one pill made me suicidal , mind you I am one of those that Can not take any type of anit depressants. None... they all affect me badly..
I am sorry you are going through this though... thanks for the poll.. be interesting to see how many it really helps.. I wish we could do the same with Lyrica...
Best of luck to you .. Take care.
Spirit ~
I have been taking 60mg Cymbalta for three months and have noticed that my anxiety is getting worse. Last night I was going for a drive with my boyfriend and had to turn around and go home because I was on the verge of a panic attack. I've been having anxiety all day today... was not up for leaving the house, and had to stay home from work. I can feel it easing up but it's unusual for it to last so long and be so pronounced. I left a message for my doc's case worker to discuss at my next appt.
Thanks to all for your support and understanding. The sharing of your stories plus the great encouragement I received is overwhelming and I realize that I'm not alone. For now, just taking one day at a time and committing to picking up the pieces, making payment plans for my reckless spending--what did I purchase--don't even remember!! To all of you struggling with fibromyalgia, depression, and nasty side effects of either medication and/or withdrawal symptoms--hang in there! Thanks again for your support, will keep you updated, and hope for you to continue sharing your struggles.
I am really sorry for all the troubles that so many of you have had with cymbalta. I have been successfully taking it for several years with no issues. I do understand that all meds do not work for all people. I have had zero luck on the malic acid/magnesium regimen that so many here swear by. There are so many paradoxes with this illness- our symptoms and challenges are so similar, while our solutions can be so differently tolerated. I hope we all find and follow the protocal that makes the most sense for us, and live life to the fullest.
Peace!
"A butterfly is most vulnerable immediately after its' metamorphosis."
"A butterfly is most vulnerable immediately after its' metamorphosis."
Dx FM- 2003
Rx Meds- Ultram, Flexeril, Toprol, Cymbalta, Buspar, Ambien
OTC meds [PRN]- Aleve, Benadryl, Claritin, B Complex, Vitamin D, Omega 3, Multi Vitamin
My 14 year old daughter was put on cymbalta for "depression" but after she was diagnosed w/ FM they raised it to 60mg 1 x daily. Besides becoming more depressed she started having coordination problems. For months she was afraid to ride a bike & I only realized the problem when she started tripping over nothing all the time. She compaired it to wearing roller blades all the time & had to be careful like that when she walked. Coming off it was bad, but she's off now, the coordination is improving slowly. The thing about drugs like this is that they change your cell structure. It's very serious. She is now on something natural.
.
Post Edited (doseofvanilla) : 5/6/2011 2:34:20 AM (GMT-6)
Cymbalta? I have been on Lexapro for two years and have just weaned off. Any pain/depression/anxiety I had prior to going on his horrific drug does not begin to describe the misery of getting off. I'm lucky my hubby hasn't moved into a hotel until this passes, which can be weeks. NEVER ever again. Physicians that prescribe this poison should read the four pages of alerts that come with the drug, warning of withdrawal effects. Maybe Cymblata is different...I hope so!
Huggies
Donna
fibro, menieres disease, RLS, anxiety disorder, disc compression, scoliosis, spinal stenosis TMJ Meds: Lexapro and valium
I have also been on Lexapro , I think if your not truely depressed it affects us differently , I to was not having a care in the world ,was to happy , spending money , drinking to much which isn't me . It is just so hard cause when the flare's come were all depressed , but might not be otherwise . My girlfriend has bypolar , and when her med's are to high , she doen't have a care in the world , she don't clean , help kids , just pretty much zone's . She has asked me to keep an eye on her , cause she don't even know it's happening , and it has in the past . I allways point it out to her . Well good luck , and TC
Crystal
Dx : Lupus , fibromyalgia , Meds : predasone 5mg morning and 5 at night , 400mg plaqunil a day , 400mg sulfazine a day , algeria , flexeril , vicodin , as needed .
Crystal
Dx : Lupus , fibromyalgia , Meds : predasone 5mg morning and 5 at night , 400mg plaqunil a day , 400mg sulfazine a day , algeria , flexeril , vicodin , as needed .
ugh! i'm weaning off cymblata right now pretty miserable, I work in the psych ward and sometimes it really scares me the types of drugs they try and give to "mask" physical pain... i hate to let some know they the over prescribing of this type of med to "dull" senses isn't a reasonable or responsible way of treating. I have knowen people to benefit and other with bad reactions, so i guess each case is different. Though i do think it is VERY important to know what your taking, what it is normally used for, any most of all why and the side effects!!
Two of my sisters who also have Fibromyalgia take Cymbalta and they love it. I was on Cymbalta for approx. 6 months & finally asked my doctor to take me off of it. By then I had gained 35 lbs. I guess it affects everyone differently. I just didn't really gain anything from using it except weight!!
Hugs,
Springfling
Never regret something that made you smile!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fibromyalgia*Osteoarthritis*Sleep Apnea*RLS*Menopause* Allergy/Sinus*Spurs on Spine
I had terrible anxiety. I had multiple anxiety attacks a day. We're talking at least 5. It was horrible. Lexapro saved my life. I mean that. I was able to come off after about a year and had no problems and have had no problems since.
Cymbalta, just flat out didnt help. I do suffer from depression and think that alot of us really do benefit from anti-depression medications. Yes, these drugs do come with side effects. Honestly, if you are not suffering from depression, I see NO reason to include these drugs. Cymbalta made me feel GOOD. Nt pain free, but it made me feel happy. I LOVED that feeling. It was something that I have not felt in a very long time. However, it just had too many side effects and did nothing for my pain. I really dont want my depression treated. Mine is really related to my condition and if I could just feel okay, my spirts would be lifted.
Just keep in mind that some people are GREATLY helped by these drugs. I do feel some of them, like Cymbalta are prescribed way too much and too loosely. It is a terrible drug to come off of. I thankfully had no problems, but my experiance is NOT the norm. It is known to be a VERY difficult drug to quit. So if you think that you may not want to take it long term, dont take it.
I was hoping it would help me, it sadly didnt. I , personally, will not take another anti-depression medication to help this condition in me. I had no horrioble side effects that some of you had, it jsut didnt help.
Cymbalta, just flat out didnt help. I do suffer from depression and think that alot of us really do benefit from anti-depression medications. Yes, these drugs do come with side effects. Honestly, if you are not suffering from depression, I see NO reason to include these drugs. Cymbalta made me feel GOOD. Nt pain free, but it made me feel happy. I LOVED that feeling. It was something that I have not felt in a very long time. However, it just had too many side effects and did nothing for my pain. I really dont want my depression treated. Mine is really related to my condition and if I could just feel okay, my spirts would be lifted.
Just keep in mind that some people are GREATLY helped by these drugs. I do feel some of them, like Cymbalta are prescribed way too much and too loosely. It is a terrible drug to come off of. I thankfully had no problems, but my experiance is NOT the norm. It is known to be a VERY difficult drug to quit. So if you think that you may not want to take it long term, dont take it.
I was hoping it would help me, it sadly didnt. I , personally, will not take another anti-depression medication to help this condition in me. I had no horrioble side effects that some of you had, it jsut didnt help.