cymbalta?

[lesawee]

recently, after 6 months of extreme stress at work, i have had anxiety/panic attacks, disturbingly while driving. i have had anxiety/panic issues in the past-with no meds. during my annual physical last week, i mentioned this to my doctor.  he gave me 3 weeks of samples of cymbalta and said try these and see me in 2 weeks.  everything i've read about cymbalta, is that it treats depression, and if fairly new on the drug market. i was disapointed because i figured the doctor would give me something on an as needed basis.  why would he suggest cymbalta?  will it work for anxiety/panic?

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

MOst of the antidepressants are now used for anxiety as well, but you would probably be better off asking your doctor for some lose dose
xanax that you can use as needed rather than starting on meds like this that have to be continued indefinitely.

[beeve51]

I also have  the GAD disorder, for 3 years now. Got starting on Serax, and now taking 140 a month, needless to say im AM stuck on them, and do have withdrawal when I run before my monthly refill. and have tryed numerous antidepressants with no luck, couldnt handle the side effects, and now been prescribed cymbalta 20mg to try to wean off the serax, not sure what started it all, but stress was a key factor....I am really afraid to try this one too, have tryed every natural one in the book, with no avail.. has any one taken this cmybalta and can it work for anxiey and panic attacks. Have those alot also, when driving, expecially when coming to a stop light, weird, but feel trapped.... I am now 55 yrs old female, if that matters, and do have a stressful job, any input appreciated...Thanks

[feelin crazy]

I'm on cymbalta now for 4 months at 60 mg
and I find it helps with my depression &
anxiety. I take it in combo with a tiny dose
of klonopin when needed. As far as it helping
with the physical symptoms----------NO RELIEF!!
I have tried every SSRI out there and so far
cymbalta seems to cover both depression & axiety.

[caregiver222]

Go to the PDR (Physician's desk reference) and read about the side effects of Cymbalta. What's a little increase in hepatocellular ademas and an increase in carcinomas amongst friends. A good short treatment for your symptoms without significant side effects is valium. Unfortunately, the DEA has made it difficult for physicians to prescribe valium.

[Madison2]

My boyfriend has a history of treating depression with drugs/alcohol. He's fought opiate dependency over the last year with suboxone. Although now he complains of pains in his legs, no energy - can't even get motivated out of bed sometimes, insomnia and anxiety.  He was prescribed Cymbalta for depression.  On this medication he experiences tremors, nervousness, tourettes - severe muscle spasams, confusion, nighmares, dizziness - the list goes on.  He can't even function so he turns to suboxone and suboxone clears up the symptoms that Cymbalta creates.  He's off suboxone and doesn't need it on a daily basis. I don't like him clearing up the Cymbalta side effects with another drug.  Its a vicious cycle. Where are these nasty side effects coming from - how do other people cope with it? Or, is this the wrong antidepressant for him?  What other antidepressants can you recommend?

[AJC]

Look up "Gwen Olsen" on youtube or google video.