Cymbalta - was just prescribed this

[Vicenzo]

Hello friends - I've been chatting here recently about the very prolonged, severe exhaustion and other symptoms I've had since getting off fentanyl patches (woke up in hospital) this past winter. My family doc recently gave me a rx for Cymbalta, but I keep hearing horror stories about it, with withdrawal symptoms very reminiscent of what I'm still going through from fentanyl! I'm being a good boy and doing the right things, but have plateaued with the fatigue not getting any better. Is there another med folks have taken that does NOT have such strong associations with horrible withdrawal symptoms and side effects? Thanks in advance.

[Vicenzo]

Thanks, friends. My wife was so alarmed by the things she read on-line that she begged me NOT to start Cymbalta. I agreed to go  back to my family doc to discuss the concerns. He told me that he prescribes this medication a LOT, and that just about all the patients are doing well. Said he doesn't think his wife "would have made it" if not for Cymbalta. This reassured me somewhat and I began taking the medication on Tuesday evening. Now 2x daily. Minor stomach soreness and today, a fairly significant headache. But I'm SO tired of my other symptoms that I'll just deal with this until (hopefully) the Cymbalta's positive effects kick in. I can hardly begin to tell you how much the support on the forum means to me - thank you!

[LALEAH]

Mammo is right. Each person reacts
Differently. Be sure to research all the
Meds available, what they are prescribed
For and side effects. Discuss your feelings
And side effects with your doctor. Be
Specific in describing your symptoms and
Do not hesitate to ask for a change. You
Will know if something works/or not. My
Own experience with 'many' meds has led
Me to Pristiq. I am finally feeling more
Normal than I have in years. There are
Small side-effects but worth putting up
With.  I researched it thoroughly before
Asking my doctor to prescribe it.  We dis-
Cussed my reasons and possible alternatives.
Good luck with your search.

[mammo]

Unfortunately we all respond differently to these types of medications, which can be frustrating.  What works well for one....may not for another.  The only way to know is to try it.  I'm sure your doctor felt it was good choice to have prescribed it for you.  If it turns out that it isn't helping you, your doctor can switch you to another very easily.  Always work closely with your doctor on any side effects you may have, they need and want to know how you're doing on the medication.  Hope this helps and take care!

[Bubulous]

I would be reluctant to say you need to change your medication.  I take zoloft and the biggest difference with zoloft and Cymbalta is Cymbalta is also prescribed to treat chronic pain.  So I don't know exactly how long you have been taking it but it seems like it would be beneficial.  If it is being prescribed as a long term therapy medicine than it likely you won't have to be worried about the withdrawal symptoms anyway.  However under the care and guidancce of a doctor you can likely come off of it some day.  The doctor will likely taper you off of it and make sure you can do it with little withdrawal symptoms.  All anti-deppressants have side effects as do many mood stabilizers.  I am on both and I don't know what I would do without them.  On the other hand if you have or will give Cymbalta a chance and it doesn't work you can be switched to another medication.   The doctors are, or should be, there for you.....good luck