My daughter has been on 30 mgs of Cymbalta for just under 2 weeks. We are having good results but she is still having panic attacks and has to take Xanax with regards to school. Is this normal? Should her dose be upped? We are new to this (panic disorderand depression). And had tried zoloft and Prozac with no success! So I am not sure how long we are supposed to wait to see results!
How long until the full effects of Cymbalta kick in?
Question posted by shadow10 on 15 May 2011
Last updated on 13 January 2018
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6 Answers
Bryanac2
9 Jan 2018
Please do your research on the withdrawal process of this drug, I wish I would have never taken this drug.
Antonia1975
8 July 2017
I have been on duloxetine for a month and a half. I started with 20mg and now I'm taking 120mg for 10 days. No side effects except feeling a bit tired. But my mood is very low, and I'm still not able to go to work. I'm so frustrated why it's not making me feel more motivated so that at least I can go back to work. I feel so hopeless. I'm a mother of two children and have been dealing with depression and anxiety for 7 years.
drakesteelwill
13 Jan 2018
I'm so sorry to hear that you have had anxiety and depression for 7 years. I've seen a lot of people here recommending Xanax and other benzodiazepines. In the long run these are dangerous drugs and lead to troubles without eliminating the pain of depression / anxiety. I have read so many anecdotes from so many people. It appears that there is no single solution that works for everybody. I will tell you this: I was having exactly the troubles you describe several months ago. My physician had suggested repeatedly that I get into an exercise routine. One day I went out and walked fast for 50 minutes, and almost immediately after that I began feeling sooo much better. If you are able to exercise, take a brisk walk for 45 minutes every day, you'll notice a difference. I've experienced this myself. Unfortunately, I've not been able to exercise for the last couple of weeks because of the flu, but as soon as I'm good to go, I'll be walking the 45 minutes I've described above. I hope you're doing better.
Inactive
16 May 2011
I feel it took me 2 weeks to kick in but I agree with Mary too to up the dose a little I was on 60 to start then was upped to 90mg, and I am feeling grewat. I don't take xanax, but I take klonopin. Everything helps. Cymbalta is a wonderful drug.
auntniknik
16 May 2011
My husband has been on Cymbalta for 4 months now. He also takes Xanax. The first few weeks he almost drove me crazy! I made sure he took his Xanax regularly as prescribed for him. We have found that taking it at the same time every day helps. Schedules have helped with this condition for us. I think it creates a sense of security. It was a month before I really saw results in him. Mornings work better for him. He started off taking it at bedtime, but he couldn't wake up until noon the next day. One weekend he was a nervous wreck and he finally told me he forgot to order his meds on time and hadn't taken his Cymbalta for 2 days. I immediately called our PCP and he gave him enough until his got here. This was the perfect time for him to start taking them in the mornings. Just make sure she doesn't drink orange juice before or after taking them. Pull up Cymbalta and it will tell you what you shouldn't drink at the same time and how long, etc.
We are slowing getting there. I sincerely hope your daughter is better soon. School is hard enough without dealing with this!
Inactive
15 May 2011
Hello shadow10. I also suggest as Laurie said that maybe her dose be increased to 60mg. I was cymbalta for some time and only stopped it last month in as much as I had developed a allergic reaction to it. I also know the other three drugs though I was never on prozac, but was on zoloft (same family of drugs) along with xanax. What I find strange if I can use that word/term is that her anxiety level is still high. I also have anxiety, and along with that came panic attacks fortunately, the past few years I've have had less and less panic attacks. Still do, but nothing compared to what I used to have to go through. I would have thought that the xanax, which is developed for panic-disorders.general anxiety, along with depression. xanax is a bendzodiazepine, and works very quickly when taken. Usually, you can feel it work within an hour after taking it. She must be taking the xanax at least several times a day.
I know that in regards to xanax and panic attacks, the numbers are good. People are happy with the results. I think that the cymbalta is working, and to increase it to 60mg would not be a negative, I thing its the xanax. Her dose and how long she has been on it, are factors. But, I am a patient, I only speak from most times what I know through and how various meds have worked and not worked to help me. Its that simple really. The medications on the market, to help people, as myself, and so many others, here, from this site, are numerous. Hopefully, you will get results and your daughter, will begin to feel much better. And don't be discouraged, because its trial and error. Its been that way for me and I am certain many of my friends here. The right combination of medication and dose will be found. best of wishes shadow10, and I apologize for going on so long. :-0)
shadow10
15 May 2011
Thank you for your answer! Her pdoc does not want her on Xanax regularly as it makes her tired and it's addicting. He did mention we may need to up the Cymbalta to 60 mg. We see him in a week and a half and I will mention to him that she us still having attacks. They are less frequent! But still happen.
Inactive
15 May 2011
Good answer my friend!
Inactive
16 May 2011
Thanks Mary. Hows the hand these days any better? We've a pot of coffee going so feel free to sit a spell, and theres doughnuts (assorted) ha! be well, time for my morning walk to the mailbox, I take a few of the dogs, nows a good time before the steam /sauna of a day hits us.
Inactive
16 May 2011
Oh, yum! A donut sounds so good! But my restricted diet does not allow donuts unless I make them. No milk or corn syrup etc... I even have to use "Silk" brand creamer from soy. It's so good!!! French vanilla. Yes!!!
Inactive
16 May 2011
Hi Mary, a bit late but still on my coffee. ha, thats no fun, meaning your diet. Well, if you have no choice in the matter, then like you said, make your own. Seriously though, I am pretty darn lucky that I am able to eat, no food allergies and so on. But, I have gained weight, its the remeron, and before that, the seroquel and so on. But, I've seen it over the years, when I was hopspitalized, people on the wards (psych) have healthy appetities. (typo). it happens, type away and forget how to spell. Well, chatted away as you know that I can, and now feeding time for the dogs. Seems we've some storms coming in from your area, should reach us later to-night, early tomorrow morning.see you later Mary, have a good one.
LaurieShay
15 May 2011
Hey shadow,
It can take upwards of a month to get the full effects of this medication. She is on a low dose and may need to be upped to 60mgs which is the theraputic dose. She may experience anxiety as a side effect of the Cymbalta so if this does not resolve in the next few weeks please consult her doctor. Further info about Cymbalta can be found at: https://www.drugs.com/cymbalta.html
Best wishes,
Laurie
shadow10
16 May 2011
Hi Laurie,
Her anxiety was much better the first week or so on Cymbalta on the 30 mgs. It has only been the past few days (3) that we seem to have more issues. No major attacks, just lots of nervousness, tiredness, and lack of concentration. Do you know if this could be due to the low dose?
LaurieShay
16 May 2011
I would suggest you talk to the prescribing doctor. She hasn't been on the Cymbalta long enough to evaluate its effectiveness yet, but if she is having increased anxiety that prevents her from functioning then the doctor needs to be notified. As I don't know the particulars of her condition, I can't really say whether she needs to increase the Cymbalta or try a different antidepressant. Unfortunately it is a trial and error sort of deal. As she has tried two serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), I can see why the doctor has chosen Cymbalta which is a serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Basically it targets two brain chemicals rather than just one. Give the doctor a call and get his/her expert opinion on this. And keep in touch.
Laurie
shadow10
16 May 2011
Hi Laurie,
I did call the doctor as my daughter was having a really bad day today. Today she said she was agitated, nervous, emotions on a roller coaster and felt lime she did not have any control. Thus weekend was not that great either but better than today. She knows she is having a rough day but does not know how to control it today. We had really good results the first week or so on Cymbalta. When I spoke with the doc, he told me to stay the course and not change any dosages or meds. He "suggested" it may be side effects that will go away and to give it more time! This makes me nervous! Does it make sense to you? Thanks for the input. This is all new to me! Shadow
LaurieShay
16 May 2011
Yes shadow, it does make sense. The side effects may subside as she continues on the Cymbalta. Trust the doctor and give it some more time. If she gets too anxious give the doctor a call again. Keep close tabs on her and try not to cause her to be more anxious then she already is. I know this is hard to know what to do, but it will work out. Keep me posted.
Laurie
shadow10
17 May 2011
Laurie,
Thank you for all the advice and input. I have never had to deal with panic disorder or depression in someone before let alone in a teenager. It has been a tough go and being a Mom, I am naturally worried, scared and frustrated! I just hope it gets better soon! That us my biggest frustration is that no one tells you how long the healing process is or how long it takes for things to improve. My daughter has missed 7 weeks of school! And that worries me as she us really bright and I do not want her to fail! Thank you for your input.
Shadow
LaurieShay
17 May 2011
Hey shadow,
I'm going to friend you then if you want you can send me a private message. I have been where your daughter is although many years ago. I'll be happy to share my experience anytime.
Laurie
LaurieShay
17 May 2011
You'll have to change your privacy settings in order to communicate in private. Click to My Settings in the upper right of the screen, then click on the Privacy settings tab and set your privacy questions to something like friends and support group members. You be able to private message me then. You can friend me to by clicking on my avatar and then clicking on add friend.
Hope this helps,
Laurie
shadow10
17 May 2011
Ok. I made the changes but I was unable to see where I could invite you as a friend. Could you please invite me? I am using my iPhone and that may make a difference.
Thanks
Shadow
shadow10
17 May 2011
Okay I added you as my friend but I do not see how I can send you a message! Could you help me out?
LaurieShay
17 May 2011
You'll need to re check your privacy settings, click on My Settings then click Privacy Settings tab then set all the questions to friend and support group status. We should be able to private message then since we are friends now.
LaurieShay
17 May 2011
You'll need to set your e-mail settings also by going to My Settings, then to the e-mail tab then check everything so you'll be notified when you get a private message.
shadow10
17 May 2011
Hi Laurie,
I checked all my settings and they look like what you said they should. Then I clicked on your avatar and when it came up, it dis not have "private message" next to it, like I had expected. Do you know what I am doing wrong? I looked it up and I am doing everything it says! HELP!
Shadow
LaurieShay
17 May 2011
Not sure what the problem is, unless it is your privacy settings. You can check those by going to My Settings and then chose the Privacy settings then set them to friends and support groups. Did I just repeat myself, I'm confused now too, lol.
shadow10
17 May 2011
I did change all my privacy settings. I have been using my iPhone instead of the pc. After we eat dinner I will try it in the pc and see if it's different! It's weird. LOL
LaurieShay
17 May 2011
Yea, it is. The only other thing I can suggest is to unfriend me and then re friend me. Maybe that will reset it.
shadow10
18 May 2011
Hi Laurie,
I unfriended you and re-friended you and I got a message telling me that you cod send me a private message but that I could not send you one because your answers and questions were private. Is that because you need to accept my request first or is that because of something else? I am confused! Lol
LaurieShay
18 May 2011
I honestly don't know what the problem is. I friended you and it won't let me ask you a private question. Something is messed up. Sorry
BTW, How is your daughter doing today?
shadow10
18 May 2011
She was much better yesterday and was able to make it to school part of the day and to her therapist appointment! She is supposed to go part of the day today too!
LaurieShay
18 May 2011
Excellent!! Glad to know she had a good day. Let's keep trying to reset those settings on the privacy and e-mail settings, don't forget to click save at the bottom after resetting and maybe we can get this thing to work so we can talk in private.
TTYS
shadow10
18 May 2011
I sent an email to drugs.com asking them what the issue could be. If I cannot resolve it that way, then I will delete my account and open a new one and I will let you know what my new user name is.
LaurieShay
18 May 2011
OK, sorry for the hassle, I look forward to talking to you though
shadow10
18 May 2011
Don't be sorry, it's not you fault! And I really enjoy talking to someone who has been through this. And friending some who actually understands! Because most people do not get it unless they have been through it! By the way, my daughter made to school for the last two hours with no panic attacks and what looked to me like no nervousness either! No Xanax needed two days in a row!!! I am so proud of her! Thanks for all the advice on sticking it out with the Cymbalta. Now I am glad we did! Still have a ways to go, but I do feel more hopeful.
LaurieShay
18 May 2011
Excellent news!! Be careful with the xanax, if she is use to taking it on a regular basis, if she stops she can have adverse response. Just to give you heads up.
TTYS
shadow10
18 May 2011
She was taking it as needed for attacks! Thanks for the warning though!
shadow10
18 May 2011
Just heard back from drugs.com and they have disabled private messaging from new users due to abuse. I can post on this string my "junk" email address and once you respond, I can send you my real one! Is that something your interested in? Let me know.
LaurieShay
18 May 2011
Dang that is rotten, lol. Sure send me your "junk" e-mail and I'll write ya that way.
shadow10
19 May 2011
Hi Laurie,
By the way, my daughter had a really good day! Made it to a partial day of school! Did lots of homework. Has been bright and cheery. The only weird thing is she keeps having laughing fits over nothing, but I guess that is good! Being able to laugh!
LaurieShay
19 May 2011
Hey Shadow,
I'm glad to hear that your daughter had a good day. If she stays too giddy might want to check with the doc. Don't want her to get manic from the meds. Don't want to alarm you, just be aware. Laughter is the best medicine though.
shadow10
19 May 2011
Thanks for the tip. I did try sending some other info to but I could not get it to work. Look for a new friend called squeaky2613. She has some good comments. She likes to yahoo alot. If you get my drift.
shadow10
19 May 2011
squeaky2613 at yahoo dot com
Related topics
cymbalta, depression, panic disorder
Further information
- Cymbalta uses and safety info
- Cymbalta prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Cymbalta (detailed)
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