Cymbalta - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

ljoew361 · 05-09-2005, 02:28 AM

Can anyone tell me anything about how Cymbalta is working and what side effects they may be experiencing from it. ive been on it for about 4 weeks now and wondering how many others are taking it because of how new the drug is.

sassygal · 05-10-2005, 07:11 PM

I am taking it and am on my 3rd week. Haven't really noticed any changes yet. I also have not had any side effects. The first 2 weeks, took 30 mg. once a day. This week, I began taking 60 mg. once a day.

eddie z. · 05-15-2005, 03:19 PM

Hey, ljoew361, and welcome to SR!! I've been taking Cymbalta for a number of months now and it works great! BUT, I have gained a lot of weight and that is probably due to the Cymbalta. Just so you're aware.
Love and hugs,
Eddie

Fletcher · 05-20-2005, 06:10 PM

I have been using Cymbalta for chronic pain managment for nine weeks now. Four weeks at 30 mg and the last five at 60mg. I am feeling very foggy in terms of mental focus, and my creativity has sunk through the floor. I have sexual side effects - not in terms of desire - but in terms of being much harder to achieve orgasm, even when masturbating. Hope this is not too much information, but I think it's important to know what others are experiencing. That said, I would not stop taking this, because it has taken 80% of my pain away. I have been told by another Cymbalta user that her foggy state was reduced after three months (full effect for drug). At 9 weeks, I am crossing my fingers, because I write for a living.

Feel free to email for further information. And you didn't say what your side effects were (if any).

And I have lost 17 pounds. But that may be in part due to my hiatal hernia. I would look elsewhere for the weight gain, however, because I have certainly not gained any.

Regards

eddie z. · 05-20-2005, 06:22 PM

Fletcher,
We call that "frozen willy." Or anorgasmia in women. It can be treated with BuSpar or Gingko. Talk to your doc about it.

The fogginess may or may not go away. I also have ADD supposedly, so I have to take Wellbutrin and Strattera in addition to the Cymbalta and they seem to keep me de-fogged. LOL.

I saw my psychiatrist Wednesday and we agreed that the Cymbalta is causing my weight gain. But everyone is different and some folks do LOSE weight. I just think weight gain is more common than the manufacturer wants people to think, so it's important to be aware of the possibility.

Best wishes, love, and hugs,
Eddie

polarbear · 05-23-2005, 01:41 PM

I have been taking 30 mgs of cymbalta and 30 mgs of restoril for a week.In this week i've slept 20 outta 24 hours.My brain is foggy having alot of trouble concentrating on anything besides sleeping.I don't get to see the psych till the 13th so i'm trying to figure out what to do to stay awake.Haven't noticed weight gain yet but i'm hungry alot so i'm sure it's coming lol.

eddie z. · 05-23-2005, 03:50 PM

Welcome to SR, polarbear!

I'd probably sleep 25 out of 24 hours if I were started out on those doses, especially at the same time! 30mg of Restoril is a fair amount. Talk to your pharmacist or your doctor's office about whether you really need that much, or if you even need the Restoril at all. Often, the Cymbalta by itself will solve the trouble sleeping you may have been experiencing before. And Restoril is, in my opinion, a lousy choice for anyone with addiction issues which may or may not apply to you. And, seriously, watch out for the weight gain. I have "outgrown" all my good clothes!

Love and hugs,
Eddie

polarbear · 05-23-2005, 08:08 PM

Eddie,
Thanks for the advice.I some how managed to keep myself up today.I walked from one end of town the next.Played outside with my four yr old daughter alot.I'm going to find out if I can just take the cymbalta.I hate feeling like a zombie that's why i'm always non complient as far as meds go.Anyway hopefully this will be the pill that finally i can stick with.Wish me luck.

Polarbear

eddie z. · 05-23-2005, 08:37 PM

Polarbear,
You're most welcome. And I am keeping you in my thoughts with best wishes!
Love and hugs,
Eddie

polarbear · 05-24-2005, 07:23 AM

Eddie,
Well,took the cymbalta by itself.I've been up all night almost.I'm wondering if it's something i should take earlier in the day.I guess welcome to my crazy world.
Polarbear
P.S. Everyone please,pray for our troops my boyfriend is in Iraq.

eddie z. · 05-24-2005, 08:05 AM

Yes, the time you take the Cymbalta can make a huge difference! I take mine in the morning myself. Also the Restoril comes in 7.5mg and 15mg strengths. Talk to your doctor's office again, though, before you make any changes, OK?
Love and hugs,
Eddie

Cherokee_Gal · 05-27-2005, 10:22 AM

Hi there ,
Cherokee_Gal here. Im new to this message board. I have been sober since 5/25/05. Have been involved in 12 step since 1987, have battled(obviously) with addiction for many, many years. Back in the day my drug of choice was heroin. I have battled in recent years with prescription pain medication. Was diagnosed a few years back with depression. Have been on zoloft, lexapro, prozac and wellbutrin xl. I took way to many ultram on tuesday and my hubby came home and found me slumped in my computer chair from having a seizure. The paramedics had to come and i spent 7 hours in the ER. Ive never had a seizure before and boy did it screw me up. I suffer from addiction, alcoholism, severe depression, chronic pain and all that entails. I guess im just one big mess. I have made an appointment to start therapy next week. Something i have never done for myself. I have been in many detoxes, recovery programs and even the county and states finest. But never really pursued recovery for ME. My doctor has put me on Cymbalta. 30mg the first week, and 60 mg thereafter. From what he told me this has a very low incidence of sexual side effects. I just came off prozac, 40mg a day, and boy it worked for the depression but the side effects are tremendous. Sexual dysfunction and severe headaches. I am hearing good things about cymbalta. Checked out some info on the web. So anyways, just wanted to let myself be known and would appreciate any feedback you have to offer.
Thanks,
Cherokee_Gal

eddie z. · 05-27-2005, 11:52 AM

Welcome to SR,
Cherokee Gal,
and
Congratulations
on Two Days!!
Love and hugs,
Eddie

Are you going to a meeting tonight? Might be a good idea. This forum is great, but nothing can replace the kind of support you get from live face-to-face meetings! Keep in touch and let us know how you're doing and if you have any questions, OK?

polarbear · 05-28-2005, 10:09 AM

Well, the dr. took me off cymbalta because of headaches now i feel like crap. I don't think my life could get much worse right now.At least I hope it don't.Is it possible for a bipolar person to go years without an episode?This seems to be my case.When i'm worried or things are going bad is when all my chaos starts.Sorry i'm rambling but i'm in a dark place right now not sure what to do.
Polarbear
P.S. I didn't take the cymbalta today and I'm shaking,tired,and extremely moody.

eddie z. · 05-28-2005, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by polarbear

Is it possible for a bipolar person to go years without an episode?

What is possible is that you are misdiagnosed. I was diagnosed with and treated for bipolar for years and it was just wrong. Often if we are using chemicals other than those prescribed, we can appear bipolar when we are really not. It takes being clean for a while to get an accurate diagnosis.

((((polarbear)))),
Tell me again how long you were on Cymbalta. And you were told to just stop abruptly? You're probably having some withdrawal symptoms in addition to depression which is now left untreated. Call your doctor's office and tell them how you are feeling. There should be someone on call who can help you until you can be seen again, OK?

You're in my thoughts and prayers!
Love and hugs,
Eddie

worriedsick · 06-03-2005, 08:58 AM

Hi I am on cymbalta 90 mg. and I haven't had any side effects, I just feel so irritable all
the time. And I lost 23 lbs. when I first started it. I am also on strattera,klonopin,and trazodone. I have tried so many meds. Either I have severe side effects or they do nothing, I am having a hard time lately with my moods. Anyway I hope it works for you, I haven't had any panic attacks since I have been on it, which is a good thing.

Good Luck,
worriedsick

eddie z. · 06-03-2005, 11:12 AM

Welcome to SR,
worriedsick!!

It took me years to find the right combination of meds. And now I may have to get off the Cymbalta myself. LOL. Have patience and let us know how you're doing, OK?

Love and hugs,
Eddie

debz · 09-29-2008, 04:39 AM

Hi Cherokee. Cymbalta is a great help. Just never try to go off Cold Turkey. I`ve been weaning myself off now for weeks. I`m probably on about 10mg now I know when I have`nt taken it. WOW! DIZZY

Debz

eddie z. · 09-29-2008, 08:20 AM

Hey, debz!! WELCOME to SR!! I don't think that anyone else on this thread is still participating around here, though. I ended up having to be weaned off the Cymbalta also, because of the weight gain. It's a shame Lilly doesn't make anything less than a 20mg capsule. That makes it hard to taper down slowly. It is sustained-release, though, so one could go to every other day dosing before stopping completely. Doing that helps reduce the withdrawal effects. Hope this helps!!

Love and hugs,
Eddie

**nandm** · 09-29-2008, 01:35 PM

Debz thanks for pulling up this old thread. Welcome to our mental health forum and SR! I am on cymbalta and have been for several years. I am actually on 120mg a day. I have not had trouble with weight gain that I can attribute to it. I sure can tell though when I miss a dose. I wind up feeling like my feet don't touch the ground soon enough, I get dizzy, my head feels light, I feel weak, my coordination gets out of wack, it is really a strange and uncomfortable feeling. Needless to say I do not look forward to the day I may have to stop taking it.

***Freedom1990*** · 09-29-2008, 01:39 PM

I've been on Cymbalta now for about a year, 90 mg. I have had no noticeable side effects, and it's been great for my depression, along with active participation in AA and seeing a therapist

05-09-2005, 02:28 AM	#1 (permalink)
ljoew361 Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Pryor OK Posts: 2	Cymbalta Can anyone tell me anything about how Cymbalta is working and what side effects they may be experiencing from it. ive been on it for about 4 weeks now and wondering how many others are taking it because of how new the drug is.

05-15-2005, 03:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
eddie z. No expectations! Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,613	Hey, ljoew361, and welcome to SR!! I've been taking Cymbalta for a number of months now and it works great! BUT, I have gained a lot of weight and that is probably due to the Cymbalta. Just so you're aware. Love and hugs, Eddie __________________

05-20-2005, 06:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
eddie z. No expectations! Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,613	Fletcher, We call that "frozen willy." Or anorgasmia in women. It can be treated with BuSpar or Gingko. Talk to your doc about it. The fogginess may or may not go away. I also have ADD supposedly, so I have to take Wellbutrin and Strattera in addition to the Cymbalta and they seem to keep me de-fogged. LOL. I saw my psychiatrist Wednesday and we agreed that the Cymbalta is causing my weight gain. But everyone is different and some folks do LOSE weight. I just think weight gain is more common than the manufacturer wants people to think, so it's important to be aware of the possibility. Best wishes, love, and hugs, Eddie __________________

05-23-2005, 01:41 PM	#6 (permalink)
polarbear Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Princeton,IN Posts: 7	cymbalta and restoril I have been taking 30 mgs of cymbalta and 30 mgs of restoril for a week.In this week i've slept 20 outta 24 hours.My brain is foggy having alot of trouble concentrating on anything besides sleeping.I don't get to see the psych till the 13th so i'm trying to figure out what to do to stay awake.Haven't noticed weight gain yet but i'm hungry alot so i'm sure it's coming lol.

05-23-2005, 03:50 PM	#7 (permalink)
eddie z. No expectations! Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,613	Welcome to SR, polarbear! I'd probably sleep 25 out of 24 hours if I were started out on those doses, especially at the same time! 30mg of Restoril is a fair amount. Talk to your pharmacist or your doctor's office about whether you really need that much, or if you even need the Restoril at all. Often, the Cymbalta by itself will solve the trouble sleeping you may have been experiencing before. And Restoril is, in my opinion, a lousy choice for anyone with addiction issues which may or may not apply to you. And, seriously, watch out for the weight gain. I have "outgrown" all my good clothes! Love and hugs, Eddie __________________

05-10-2005, 07:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
sassygal Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Youngsville, LA Posts: 26	I am taking it and am on my 3rd week. Haven't really noticed any changes yet. I also have not had any side effects. The first 2 weeks, took 30 mg. once a day. This week, I began taking 60 mg. once a day.

05-20-2005, 06:10 PM	#4 (permalink)
Fletcher Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 1	I have been using Cymbalta for chronic pain managment for nine weeks now. Four weeks at 30 mg and the last five at 60mg. I am feeling very foggy in terms of mental focus, and my creativity has sunk through the floor. I have sexual side effects - not in terms of desire - but in terms of being much harder to achieve orgasm, even when masturbating. Hope this is not too much information, but I think it's important to know what others are experiencing. That said, I would not stop taking this, because it has taken 80% of my pain away. I have been told by another Cymbalta user that her foggy state was reduced after three months (full effect for drug). At 9 weeks, I am crossing my fingers, because I write for a living. Feel free to email for further information. And you didn't say what your side effects were (if any). And I have lost 17 pounds. But that may be in part due to my hiatal hernia. I would look elsewhere for the weight gain, however, because I have certainly not gained any. Regards

05-23-2005, 08:08 PM	#8 (permalink)
polarbear Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Princeton,IN Posts: 7	cymbalta Eddie, Thanks for the advice.I some how managed to keep myself up today.I walked from one end of town the next.Played outside with my four yr old daughter alot.I'm going to find out if I can just take the cymbalta.I hate feeling like a zombie that's why i'm always non complient as far as meds go.Anyway hopefully this will be the pill that finally i can stick with.Wish me luck. Polarbear

05-23-2005, 08:37 PM	#9 (permalink)
eddie z. No expectations! Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,613	Polarbear, You're most welcome. And I am keeping you in my thoughts with best wishes! Love and hugs, Eddie __________________

05-24-2005, 07:23 AM	#10 (permalink)
polarbear Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Princeton,IN Posts: 7	cymbalta by itself Eddie, Well,took the cymbalta by itself.I've been up all night almost.I'm wondering if it's something i should take earlier in the day.I guess welcome to my crazy world. Polarbear P.S. Everyone please,pray for our troops my boyfriend is in Iraq.

05-24-2005, 08:05 AM	#11 (permalink)
eddie z. No expectations! Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,613	Yes, the time you take the Cymbalta can make a huge difference! I take mine in the morning myself. Also the Restoril comes in 7.5mg and 15mg strengths. Talk to your doctor's office again, though, before you make any changes, OK? Love and hugs, Eddie __________________

05-27-2005, 10:22 AM	#12 (permalink)
Cherokee_Gal Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Upland, CA Posts: 1	Addiction, Depression and recovery. Hi there , Cherokee_Gal here. Im new to this message board. I have been sober since 5/25/05. Have been involved in 12 step since 1987, have battled(obviously) with addiction for many, many years. Back in the day my drug of choice was heroin. I have battled in recent years with prescription pain medication. Was diagnosed a few years back with depression. Have been on zoloft, lexapro, prozac and wellbutrin xl. I took way to many ultram on tuesday and my hubby came home and found me slumped in my computer chair from having a seizure. The paramedics had to come and i spent 7 hours in the ER. Ive never had a seizure before and boy did it screw me up. I suffer from addiction, alcoholism, severe depression, chronic pain and all that entails. I guess im just one big mess. I have made an appointment to start therapy next week. Something i have never done for myself. I have been in many detoxes, recovery programs and even the county and states finest. But never really pursued recovery for ME. My doctor has put me on Cymbalta. 30mg the first week, and 60 mg thereafter. From what he told me this has a very low incidence of sexual side effects. I just came off prozac, 40mg a day, and boy it worked for the depression but the side effects are tremendous. Sexual dysfunction and severe headaches. I am hearing good things about cymbalta. Checked out some info on the web. So anyways, just wanted to let myself be known and would appreciate any feedback you have to offer. Thanks, Cherokee_Gal

05-27-2005, 11:52 AM	#13 (permalink)
eddie z. No expectations! Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,613	Welcome to SR, Cherokee Gal, and Congratulations on Two Days!! Love and hugs, Eddie Are you going to a meeting tonight? Might be a good idea. This forum is great, but nothing can replace the kind of support you get from live face-to-face meetings! Keep in touch and let us know how you're doing and if you have any questions, OK? __________________

05-28-2005, 10:09 AM	#14 (permalink)
polarbear Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Princeton,IN Posts: 7	giving up Well, the dr. took me off cymbalta because of headaches now i feel like crap. I don't think my life could get much worse right now.At least I hope it don't.Is it possible for a bipolar person to go years without an episode?This seems to be my case.When i'm worried or things are going bad is when all my chaos starts.Sorry i'm rambling but i'm in a dark place right now not sure what to do. Polarbear P.S. I didn't take the cymbalta today and I'm shaking,tired,and extremely moody.

06-03-2005, 08:58 AM	#16 (permalink)
worriedsick worriedsick Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Ennis, Texas Posts: 9	Hi I am on cymbalta 90 mg. and I haven't had any side effects, I just feel so irritable all the time. And I lost 23 lbs. when I first started it. I am also on strattera,klonopin,and trazodone. I have tried so many meds. Either I have severe side effects or they do nothing, I am having a hard time lately with my moods. Anyway I hope it works for you, I haven't had any panic attacks since I have been on it, which is a good thing. Good Luck, worriedsick

06-03-2005, 11:12 AM	#17 (permalink)
eddie z. No expectations! Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,613	Welcome to SR, worriedsick!! It took me years to find the right combination of meds. And now I may have to get off the Cymbalta myself. LOL. Have patience and let us know how you're doing, OK? Love and hugs, Eddie __________________

09-29-2008, 04:39 AM	#18 (permalink)
debz Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: salem, ohio Posts: 1	Hi Cherokee. Cymbalta is a great help. Just never try to go off Cold Turkey. I`ve been weaning myself off now for weeks. I`m probably on about 10mg now I know when I have`nt taken it. WOW! DIZZY Debz

09-29-2008, 08:20 AM	#19 (permalink)
eddie z. No expectations! Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,613	Hey, debz!! WELCOME to SR!! I don't think that anyone else on this thread is still participating around here, though. I ended up having to be weaned off the Cymbalta also, because of the weight gain. It's a shame Lilly doesn't make anything less than a 20mg capsule. That makes it hard to taper down slowly. It is sustained-release, though, so one could go to every other day dosing before stopping completely. Doing that helps reduce the withdrawal effects. Hope this helps!! Love and hugs, Eddie __________________

09-29-2008, 01:35 PM	#20 (permalink)
nandm Life the gift of recovery! Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Home is where the heart is Posts: 5,310	Debz thanks for pulling up this old thread. Welcome to our mental health forum and SR! I am on cymbalta and have been for several years. I am actually on 120mg a day. I have not had trouble with weight gain that I can attribute to it. I sure can tell though when I miss a dose. I wind up feeling like my feet don't touch the ground soon enough, I get dizzy, my head feels light, I feel weak, my coordination gets out of wack, it is really a strange and uncomfortable feeling. Needless to say I do not look forward to the day I may have to stop taking it. __________________ NOTE: All Big Book quotes are from the First Edition of the Big Book WHY DOGS LIVES ARE SO MUCH SHORTER THAN HUMANS: People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice. Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long

09-29-2008, 01:39 PM	#21 (permalink)
*Freedom1990* College Student Extraordinaire Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 4,931	I've been on Cymbalta now for about a year, 90 mg. I have had no noticeable side effects, and it's been great for my depression, along with active participation in AA and seeing a therapist __________________ DeVon & the Zoo Crew

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