[TheDunce]

I was prescribed Duloxetine for depression and chronic pain, but it caused GI problems even when I took it with food.

Does anyone know of a good alternative that doesn't have these side effects? (I don't want to be a zombie either ).

What have you got against Zombies? Huh?
They are people too

[TheDunce]

Originally Posted by 2ISAB

What have you got against Zombies? Huh?
They are people too

Thank you for making me laugh!

[Carmina]

I had the same problems with Venlafaxine which is related (both are SNRIs). GI problems are not uncommon with these. Many anti depressants, particularly those that have an effect on serotonin levels can have GI effects because the gut also uses Serotonin. However in my experience I didn't get as severe an effect with SSRIs like Citalopram and none at all with Mirtazipine (although it can increase appetite which isn't always desirable either).

[qwerty68]

I don't know any other antidepressant/pain med but all psych meds are random. You really won't know how you tolerate something until you try it and each one, even closely related meds, can have a totally different side-effect profile that you experience.

[CamW]

Originally Posted by TheDunce

Does anyone know of a good alternative that doesn't have these side effects? (I don't want to be a zombie either ).

The upset stomach caused by duloxetine (Cymbalta™) is a start-up side effect that resolves in a week or so (in most people). Getting to that point can be a pain (sorry for the bad pun).

The kind of foods that you take to decrease stomach upset with duloxetine are important. They should be bland, like bananas, crackers, pasta (mild or no sauce), broiled chicken, etc. Avoid spicy foods, rich and creamy foods, and foods high in sugars.

Some people have used proton pump inhibitor like pantoprazole (Pantoloc™ or Protonix™), but the results that I've noticed are mixed. Ask your doctor if he'd be willing to prescribe a week or two of it if the bland foods don't work.

I hope that this is of some help.

- Cam