Should I increase my dosage of Cymbalta?

Dear Dibijo1,

With few exceptions, I thought I was reading a question I would have written!

Like you, I was introduced to Cymbalta in a psych hospital. I landed in there due to suicidal ideations, clinical depression, mood disorder (whatever that is), and possible bipolar. Upon my release, my psychiatrist continued me on Cymbalta therapy, which gradually increased to 30mg three times per day (i.e., 90mg/day). While I had severe hip pain, I never experienced relief from it with Cymbalta.

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You mention having quit Xanax, due to abuse. Well, kudos to you! You should be very proud of yourself for doing this, and please continue to pride yourself in your ability to keep away from it. I spent two weeks in a rehab center for 30+ year alcohol abuse, and met many folks there who were trying to quit Xanax. I know this is no easy task. I bring this up because I remain sober, and continue to pride myself with my sobriety, as I am suggesting you do as well, with respect to your prior Xanax abuse.

Regarding your lethargy/fatigue - you might want to consider being tested for anemia, and also to evaluate your diet, in terms of getting proper nutrition.

Of course, pain sucks big time no matter how you slice it, pardon my French. I find one of the really unpleasant (and probably most unknown or ignored) facets of it is its subjection to the suspicion, sarcasm, or disdain of non-sufferers. What a wonderful way to really bring someone who is already feeling depressed from chronic pain even further down into the depths of despair, thank-you very much!

Back to the Cymbalta. Everyone reacts differently. I ultimately decided to drop back to 60mg/day earlier this year. I've always claimed that I really don't notice any therapeutic benefit from taking Cymbalta, but when I've stopped taking it or reduced the amount below 60mg/day, my partner states that he notices I become quite sad, or cry easily over the most ridiculous things (often things that aren't even sad, but cute or something!).

Follow how others respond to your question - the opinion of the masses are probably more helpful than the opinion of the individual!

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Please hang in there and start celebrating the fact that you knocked off the Xanax!!! Way to go!!!

Regards,

Duckworthy

OMG when I read your post here, I thought I had written it.I too was prescribed Cymbalta by a Psych as an outpatient at a Psych Hospital. I went to him to seek help to get off Oxycontin
He prescribed it for depression but also for pain from CFS, but he did NOT say it would help for the pain I have in my leg caused by permanent damage to nerves in my spine, and other pinched nerves. For that he suggested cortizone shots. I declined.

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He started me at60mgs, but I was soooo sick I quit it in 3days. 4mons later my own Dr. talked me into try again but at 30mg. It appears to be working,for the all over bone and muscular pain from the CFS, I have to take it only at bedtime or I am falling asleep, but now find that in the morning I can move, get up without pain. But as for the depression, I too have the same complaints of more lethargy, no energy, no drive, no nothing, hard to remember what just to feel happy felt like. no I don't have suicidal thoughts but do think I could care less if I died, does that make any sense. It's like I feel froze, unable to think to function. So if it's working I hate to think how I would be feeling without them !

I went back to Dr. and now she has up dose to 30 one day and 60 next etc. for next 2months. and has insisted that I get out of house daily to get sunshine and a short walk.
Not as easy as it sounds when you don't even want to get dressed, and the pain in my leg makes walking miserable.
I do believe that so much of the depression is a result of living and dealing daily with pain, and yes while the Oxy does take care of that, it is also a major cause for depression.
Have you ever had Subutex or Suboxone recommended to you? I suggest you do some reading here on Drugs.com. I wish I had heard of it before the Oxy ! It works but without the complications. Pls check it out, take care and God Bless