Cymbalta--what to expect?

steelmagnolia65 · Dec 21, 2022, 11:44 AM

My psychiatrist is going to try adding a small dose of Cymbalta (20mg) to my medication......Just for information, I already take 2mg clonazepam, 150mg Trazodone, 20mg Lexapro, and 1.25mg risperdone.

I know that taking an SSRI and a SNRI is not generally recommended, but doc says she will start with this low dose, and be cautious.

I've tried most of the SSRIs, but have only ever tried 1 SNRI (Effexor), which didn't do much for me,

She was unclear as to when I should take it.....Just said take it once a day, at whatever time works best for me.

Any thoughts on when the best time is to take it--morning, or evening?

If anyone has tried it, or is still taking it, please share your experience if you feel comfortable doing so......

Thanks so much....!!

cool09 · Dec 21, 2022, 02:25 PM

Used to take 150 mg Cymbalta. I thought that 2 anti-depressants is a no-no. Cymbalta gave me sexual side effects and didn't do anything to my ansiety. I've also taken all of the SSRIs and MAOs. Paxil worked for me for a few years.

Skeezyks · Dec 21, 2022, 02:46 PM

I was on Cymbalta quite a few years ago now, (first the name brand and then the generic when it became available.) I had tried several different antidepressants prior to that. Cymbalta was, for me, the best AD I ever took. That's not to say it was a miracle drug. But it did more for me than any of the other AD's I tried.

I was on the maximum recommended dosage. And the one negative thing I do recall about it was that, after I had been on it for a while (can't remember how long), I began to notice some "jerkiness" in my hand movements such as when I would be moving my computer mouse around. When the time came that I decided to go off of it, though, I was able to taper off with no problem and the jerkiness in my hand movements went away as well. Good luck with it!

steelmagnolia65 · Dec 21, 2022, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cool09

I thought that 2 anti-depressants is a no-no..

In general, yes, that's the case......But I've been on 2 before with no ill effects--there were no bad sides, but they just didn't work..

In this case, I guess my doc wants something, or some combination, to work for me......She said we will proceed with caution.
.

steelmagnolia65 · Dec 21, 2022, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skeezyks

I was on Cymbalta quite a few years ago now, (first the name brand and then the generic when it became available.) I had tried several different antidepressants prior to that. Cymbalta was, for me, the best AD I ever took. That's not to say it was a miracle drug. But it did more for me than any of the other AD's I tried.

I was on the maximum recommended dosage. And the one negative thing I do recall about it was that, after I had been on it for a while (can't remember how long), I began to notice some "jerkiness" in my hand movements such as when I would be moving my computer mouse around. When the time came that I decided to go off of it, though, I was able to taper off with no problem and the jerkiness in my hand movements went away as well. Good luck with it!

Thanks, @Skeezyks, for sharing your experience......I always get nervous when starting a new med.....

Travelinglady · Dec 21, 2022, 05:49 PM

Actually I take it for fibromyalgia--and I also take Trazodone and Wellbutrin, as I have bipolar. With all the meds, I don't know what causes what!

steelmagnolia65 · Dec 22, 2022, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travelinglady

Actually I take it for fibromyalgia--and I also take Trazodone and Wellbutrin, as I have bipolar. With all the meds, I don't know what causes what!

@Travelinglady Yes, I have read that Cymbalta is used for fibromyalgia.......I also take Trazodone for sleep.......I have also tried Wellbutrin, but the Wellbutrin increased my anxiety so much I had to discontinue.

I have taken my first dose of Cymbalta this morning.......I feel slightly more anxious and jittery.........I guess I will see how I sleep tonight....My sleep is so important to me.

Deejay14 · Dec 22, 2022, 11:11 AM

I am on Cymb. 60 mg. For the first week I had some light nausea which went away. It has worked well for me

steelmagnolia65 · Dec 22, 2022, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deejay14

I am on Cymb. 60 mg. For the first week I had some light nausea which went away. It has worked well for me

Thank you so much, @Deejay14, for sharing.....This morning was my first dose, and I'm having some increased anxiety, but that's about it so far.

RockyRoad007 · Dec 22, 2022, 09:39 PM

Your best bet is to educate yourself on serotonin syndrome just so you know what to be aware of.
At the same time, don't automatically jump to serotonin syndrome when symptoms or side effects may just be your body getting accustomed to the new med.

185329 · Dec 23, 2022, 01:24 AM

My psych doc told me the same thing about my Lexapro regimen. He said I can take it any time of the day. But I try to take it as close to the morning as possible. I usually sleep into the afternoon, so I cannot always take it in the morning. I wish I could try different meds. But my past stubbornness has really taken a toll on me. Now everyone has completely given up on me and is in the "it's too late" mindset concerning myself and my recovery.

steelmagnolia65 · Dec 23, 2022, 09:28 PM

This is day 2 of taking the Cymbalta.......I woke up once last night, and it took me an hour to go back to sleep.......I guess we'll see how it goes tonight...!!

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Cymbalta--what to expect?

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