I have had back surgery, and then in a bad car accident that totally messed my back and neck up. I have tried many of the medications I hear everyone talking about for over a year now. My PM dr.just told me that, now my cronic pain has turned into Fibomyalgia along with DDD, nerve damage, Artharitis and much more. I was on Cymbalta 60 mgs. a day, so he gave me a weeks sample of 30mgs of Cymbalta and started me on Savella Titration Pack. I was wondering if anyone else started Savella, while being weened off Cymbalta? Thanks for taking the time to talk to me :)
Has anyone Been on Cymbalta weening AND started the Savella?
- Posted:
- 7 weeks ago by southerngal
- Topics:
- cymbalta, pain, fibromyalgia, surgery, savella
Details:
Responses (2)
I have been on cymbalta and many other pills like that for back pain and nerve damage from 6 back surgeries but stopped taking it because it was a waste of money as it did not do anything for me. My wife though started the Savella and had a bad allergic reaction to her where her face to the top of her breasts turned bright red and burning bad. I would be carefull taking it as they give these pills out because they are not narcotics and I know they may help some people I think it is just a money scam for the pharmasutical companies. Some reason Dr are scared to give you the pills that actually help aqnd keep wasting my time and money on these anti depressants they pass on that are worthless.
I don't know how much help I can be but I am actually wanting to wean from Savella to Cymbalta. On another forum I belong to, many of the members have done low doses of both to wean off one and add another. However, there is potential for serious consequences when using both, so I am actually getting ready to go to see my pharmacist about this and I will let you know what I find out.
Thanks Princess, I would Appreciate it. I was also wondering why your switch?
The pharmacist suggested weaning off Savella by going down to 50mg/day(I'm currently on 100mg/day) for a week then take 50mg of savella every other day for a week. Then stop savella and start back on Cymbalta(he said do 30mg/day for a week then up to the 60mg/day I was on before). So, I'm sure you would need to do wean off Cymbalta the same way before starting your trial pack of Savella. YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST BEFORE MAKING ANY MED CHANGES-everyone is different so what works for some, may not work for you.
The reason I am switching back to Cymbalta is there are way too many bad reactions to the Savella and no benefits. I have been on it for a little over 2 months. There was a couple weeks on it when I felt decent (not great but somewhat better) and the side effects were minimal. But then, for no reason (did not change dosage, etc.) the pain came back full force and so did the side effects. And, they keep getting worse. I've had a headache every day for a month (had 4 migraines this month, and I might get a migraine every couple years), my pulse starts racing for no reason and will continue racing for up to 15 mins before it goes back to normal. The hot flashes are back and worse than when I first started Savella. I'm on a constant emotional rollercoaster-mainly crying, but sometimes angry. I am not the type to cry unless something MAJOR is going on, but I've cried almost everyday this past month for absolutely no reason. My heart rate has been higher the whole time I've been on Savella (which is a side effect), but, like I said, it races even more during an 'episode'. The first few times that happened I was freaking out, so it took longer for my rate to go back down. Now, fortunately, I don't freak out and it only takes about 15 mins for it to return to my new normal heart rate. However, these 'episodes' usually happen 6-10 times a day. And the hot flashes-OMG!! I went through forced menopause when I had my hysterectomy so I thought I knew what hot flashes were. Yeah right!!!! The hot flashes I get cuz of Savella make my shirts so wet that I have to change several times a day and they usually last 30 mins each time.
HOWEVER-the other forum I am on, some members have had success on Savella and have had very few side effects. I would say that with all the people I know you were taking it or who are currently taking it, it's working for about 30% of the people. Most people quit taking it fairly early due to the side effects. I didn't want to quit too soon, that's why I have stuck it out as long as I have, but I can't do it anymore.
A couple of tips for you if you do try it: 1) pay close attention to any side effects you do have when you use it and do not hesitate to call your doc with questions. 2) do not start taking any other meds that you've never tried during the first couple months of taking Savella-this way you'll know for certain what is causing any problems you may have. 3) if you are going to continue on Savella, you may have to get it authorized by your insurance, which can take 2-3 weeks. I suggest going ahead with getting the authorization process started even if you're not sure, that way by the time the trial pack runs out, you can get it refilled if you want to. Oh, also be aware that other anti-depressant type meds (even supplements) can be harmful when taken with Savella. So can Ultram.
Hope this helps you. If you need anymore advice, let me know and hopefully I can help you. Good luck. If you're getting the free trial pack, I'd say go for it, at least try it, maybe you will have luck with it. Sorry for the LONG reply lol.
Thank you aew :)