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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Minnie-Haha on January 28, 2005, at 11:15:25
Over the last few weeks I have posted a few comments on my experience with Cymbalta in response to other threads. I am now coming up on 6 weeks at 60mg, so I thought I'd share my experience. FWIW: I am a middle-aged woman, possibly perimenopausal. My DXs are mild BP2 and mild OCD. I also have chronic neck, back and shoulder pain from old injuries. Before starting on the Cymbalta I had 15 months of anxiety (new for me), depression, insomnia and nausea. I lost weight and felt chilly all the time (also new, as I tend toward craving carbs and feeling hot). In addition to the Cymbalta, I am also taking Trileptal (150mg am/pm) and (very infrequently now) Ambien or small doses of Ativan or Klonopin to help me sleep.
On Cymbalta, my mood continues to improve slowly but surely. I do not feel like crying all the time and my family and friends report that I seem much more animated. Side effects have mostly decreased: a little constipation, fidgeting, sweating, thirst, the occasional headache. Insomnia was a problem at first, but then I switched to taking the Cymbalta in the late afternoon/early evening and that seems to have helped.
Effects that cause me some concern at this point are 1) slightly higher blood pressure/pulse and 2) a little weight gain.
My PCP, pdoc and I have agreed to keep an eye on the BP. If it continues to go high more often than is acceptable (sometimes it is OK), we might decrease the dose. In the meantime, I work out at Curves 3 times a week and I adjust my pace so my heart rate stays in the fat-burning range (and doesn't go into the higher range, which it keeps trying to do).
Concerning the weight gain, I attribute that to the fact the the Cymbalta has done such a good job on my anxiety that I don't feel nauseated anymore. I hope that by continuing to stay active and watch my portions, I won't gain a significant amount of weight... and maybe even lose some, if my mood and activity level continues to improve. (I suspect that if nausea and loss of appetite had not been a part of my illness before I started the Cymbalta, an increase in appetite and weight gain would not be affecting me now.)
As for activity, except for getting myself to exercise 3-5 times per week, I have mostly wanted to sit around the house and read, use my computer or watch TV, so I am a little worried about amotivation. My pdoc gave me a RX for 75mg Wellbutrin, which I can fill if this persists. I also have a follow-up with an endocrinologist in a few weeks (I have a couple of small but inactive thyroid nodules) and I may talk to him about Cytomel instead.
Finally, the Cymbalta has helped a lot with my chronic pain, though I have had a little break-through in the past week or two. Also, little break-throughs of anxiety, but more normal, not lingering or panicky... or keeping me up all night!
That is all. I will try to keep you all posted on my progress...
Minnie
Posted by partlycloudy on January 28, 2005, at 11:33:52
In reply to My 6-week rpt on Cymbalta (long), posted by Minnie-Haha on January 28, 2005, at 11:15:25
Thanks for sharing! I am also unmotivated on this med, but haven't pushed myself back to the Curves I belong to. I'm also perimenopausal. Um, you're certain you're not me, right?
I was on Wellbutrin (150mg) while I took Effexor. It really made me jumpy and agitated but gave me the energy to get to the gym.
I came back down to 60mg from 90mg of the Cymbalta, and I guess I will wait a bit to see if I can get my act in gear without adding another med. I know we are all different, but it is exhausting having to try so many different combinations and strengths just to be able to feel a little more normal.partlycloudy
Posted by Minnie-Haha on January 28, 2005, at 12:20:51
In reply to Re: My 6-week rpt on Cymbalta (long) » Minnie-Haha, posted by partlycloudy on January 28, 2005, at 11:33:52
> Thanks for sharing! I am also unmotivated on this med, but haven't pushed myself back to the Curves I belong to. I'm also perimenopausal. Um, you're certain you're not me, right?
> I was on Wellbutrin (150mg) while I took Effexor. It really made me jumpy and agitated but gave me the energy to get to the gym.Sister, there's a league of us perimenopausal women out there, trying to sort out what the h*** is happening to our bodies and minds!
I think the Wellbutrin would be a problem for me if I weren't on a mood stabilizer (Trileptal). Have you ever tried augmenting with Cytomel or another thyroid med? I'm thinking about that, too.
BTW: I saw your recent posts on the Books board. I just posted some of my favorites over there and I'd love to here about some of yours, too.
Posted by partlycloudy on January 28, 2005, at 12:44:36
In reply to Re: My 6-week rpt on Cymbalta (long) » partlycloudy, posted by Minnie-Haha on January 28, 2005, at 12:20:51
My p-doc doesn't want to put me on a mood stabilizer - I had once tried Zyprexa and it felt like an alien had taken over my body! My thyroid has gotten a clean bill of health and I take a birth control pill for my perimenopausal symptoms. Now I just feel fat, bloated, and tender. What joys...
I will check out the books board - thanks!
Posted by Minnie-Haha on January 28, 2005, at 13:16:05
In reply to Re: My 6-week rpt on Cymbalta (long) » Minnie-Haha, posted by partlycloudy on January 28, 2005, at 12:44:36
The mood stabilizers I've been on are Depakote (worked OK at first, but made me gain 30 pounds), Lamictal (I liked it the short time I was on it, but I got a rash), and Trileptal. I think Zyprexa is actually considered an antipsychotic, isn't it? My PCP gave me some of the 7.5mg samples to help me sleep last year (I was waking in the middle of the night with terrible anxiety). I cut one in half and went out like a light -- completely cut out all the chatter in my brain -- but I felt like a zombie the next day. Not for me... plus I'm afraid of the potential for tardive dyskinesia.
Posted by Racer on January 28, 2005, at 16:11:39
In reply to Re: My 6-week rpt on Cymbalta (long) » Minnie-Haha, posted by partlycloudy on January 28, 2005, at 11:33:52
Have you thought about giving Provigil a try for the amotivation? It's the only thing that lets me even approach living right now -- although that's partly from changing from morning Cymbalta to evening Cymbalta. I think I'm changing back, because right now I'm hardly sleeping at night, but manage a nice long nap most every day...
Provigil has given me a good ride, and if you haven't tried it, it might be worth it. It is at least worth discussing with your pdoc. (Dr CattleProd actually encouraged me to stay on it, and told me that he took it himself when his son was born to help get him through work after being up all night.)
Hope that helps. I, also, left you a bit of a message over at books... And will be glad to join your new book group, as long as I can find someone to car pool with...
(Of course, I think we'd be leaving the group, driving home, possibly having time to go potty before turning around to drive back to the next group, wouldn't we?)
Posted by partlycloudy on January 28, 2005, at 16:43:55
In reply to Re: My 6-week rpt on Cymbalta (long) » partlycloudy, posted by Racer on January 28, 2005, at 16:11:39
I am planning to ask the p-doc about Provigil when I see her next. You have given me quite a list to ponder on the Books board - I am so glad I can read (at the moment).
thanks, Racer!
Posted by todayisagiftxx on January 30, 2005, at 16:47:39
In reply to Re: My 6-week rpt on Cymbalta (long) » Minnie-Haha, posted by partlycloudy on January 28, 2005, at 12:44:36
I've been on Cymbalta for 3 weeks at 30mg and it seems to have improved my mood quite a bit and that with the combination of the adderall xr I was put on seems to be helping with some appetite suppression as well. Its not helping with any anxiety relieving however
Posted by sissy67 on February 17, 2005, at 15:54:28
In reply to My 6-week rpt on Cymbalta (long), posted by Minnie-Haha on January 28, 2005, at 11:15:25
I was just prescribed Cymbalta (at my request because nothing else has worked and I have tried them all). I will be continuing my Trileptal, Synthroid, and possibly Ambien.
I have read your post(s) and just want to ask what (if anything) else I should expect from this new med.
I am mainly concerned with weight gain (as I am already overweight) and sexual dysfunction (the only med that doesn't have this side effect for me is Welbutrin which is what I continue to go back to it but is just does not work).
Do you know anything about taking Cymbalta with BuSpar?
Posted by Minnie-Haha on February 18, 2005, at 11:29:05
In reply to Re: My 6-week rpt on Cymbalta (long), posted by sissy67 on February 17, 2005, at 15:54:28
I will start first by answering your last question: Sorry, I don't know anything about taking Cymbalta with Buspar.
As for Cymbalta side effects, the first 2-3 weeks I suffered a slew of mild to moderate SEs, including: tense/restless muscles, constipation, dry mouth, headaches, trouble falling asleep, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure and pulse, an increase in appetite, and amotivation. HOWEVER, it has very effectively treated my anxiety and depression, and the side effects are now all mild except for the blood pressure, pulse and appetite.
I HAVE gained 5 pounds since I started Cymbalta 2 months ago. I go to Curves 3 times a week, but my appetite is really up, and my faster heart-rate keeps pushing me out of the "fat-burning" range when I work out, but I don't know if my experience is typical. There have been 4-5 others here who have reported weight gain and/or blood pressure increases, but others who have maintained or lost weight, and who have NOT had BP problems.
I talked with my pdoc yesterday, and we are going to try lowering my dose from 60mg to 40mg to see if that helps. If not, then I am going to add 75mg of Bupropion (a very low dose of the generic Wellbutrin). If that doesn't work, we might try 25mcg of the thyroid med Cytomel, though that would push my monthly drug costs to near $100. (In addition to Cymbalta, I'm also on Trileptal for BP2, and Zocor for high cholesterol.)
As for sexual dysfunction, I had zero interest in L*O*V*E before I started on the Cymbalta, but now that I'm feeling better I find myself flirting with my husband more. I am having trouble reaching orgasm, but I'm enjoying sex nonetheless. Maybe if I end up on the Bupropion that will make things even better.
Good luck on your decision. I've had such good results on Cymbalta that I'm not ready to give up on it yet. Wish me luck!
Posted by lois on February 19, 2005, at 19:23:44
In reply to Re: My 6-week rpt on Cymbalta (long) » sissy67, posted by Minnie-Haha on February 18, 2005, at 11:29:05
Hi,
I am just starting Cymbalta and am wondering if your *motivation* returned on it. We are thinking I might need Wellbutrin with it too, if I need motivation. Would you let me know of your progress, especially if you combine it with Wellbutrin? Thanks.
Posted by Minnie-Haha on February 20, 2005, at 17:49:33
In reply to Re: My 6-week rpt on Cymbalta (long) » Minnie-Haha, posted by lois on February 19, 2005, at 19:23:44
> I am just starting Cymbalta and am wondering if your *motivation* returned on it. We are thinking I might need Wellbutrin with it too, if I need motivation.
I've had a little problem with motivation, though it seems to be slowly getting better. If it persists, I will augment with 75mg of Bupropion (low-dose, generic Wellbutrin).
Posted by sissy67 on February 21, 2005, at 19:06:28
In reply to Re: My 6-week rpt on Cymbalta (long) » sissy67, posted by Minnie-Haha on February 18, 2005, at 11:29:05
Thanks so much for taking time out to respond to my worries! Today was my first day on the Cymbalta...I will update in a few days.
Ugh...the weight gain thing is definitely discouraging! I can't seem to find time to get to the gym since I travel a great distance to-from work, work long hours, taking care of kids, etc. -- seriously, I am not making excuses, I really can't find the time.
Good luck with your journey and let me know how the Wellbutrin helps if you decide to take it.
Thanks again!
This is the end of the thread.
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