Re: anti depressants

[Guest guest]

I experience nausea every time I try a new antidepressant. Cymbalta was no

exception, but the nausea was mild and went away after a week or two. I find

that taking my Cymbalta early in the day helps me sleep better. I have a divided

dose, but I try to take the second one not later than 7 p.m. If you have a

divided dose, you may want to talk with your doctor about this, or just

experiment as I did.

I hope the side effects wear off soon.

Barbara in Ct

>

> I have been on cymbalta a few days now and am feeling quite sick with side

effects. I guess its just a matter of getting used to it or hoping the side

effects wear off in a couple of weeks.

> I have nausea, my whole body feels like its shaking on the inside (if that

makes sense) and i have the worst insomnia. Oh, and i'm sweating

constantly....just sitting still i start to sweat..bloody awful. Did anyone else

have these side effects and did they eventually stop? Doc said he'll give me two

weeks on them and if they haven't stopped we'll try something else.

>

[Guest guest]

We have two cats bianca and nera and this morning (christmas morning) I woke to

nera kissing me!

Merry Christmas everyone

[Guest guest]

I had what is called serotonin syndrome couldn't stop shaking had blurry vision

nausea my blood pressure went BAD was taken to emergency to be given a

medication to stop it and then left by my drs (this was an interaction with

other meds I was on but the dr KNEW that I was on them I even was told go off

for 24 hrs) 14 days later I was told to try the cymbalta again and all rthe

symptoms got heaps worse this time there was no interaction just a reaction to

the cymbalta Anyway could not walk without frame did rehab and that made things

worse then 5 days after that finished I got more tremors this time (eventually )

termed dystonia (generalised) and was in hospital for a month and have been out

in a wheelchair for 12 months.

This is only MY experience a LOT of people find cymbalta very very good just be

careful with meds you dont want to end up in a wheelchair!!!!

----- Original Message -----

From: deb

, can i ask what your side effects were? I stopped taking mine for a day

and then started again...the side effects seem so much less now. I don't feel

any antidepressant benefit yet though.

[Guest guest]

I have had new symptoms in the past week, they include tremors and pain shooting

down into my big toe after the pain went away my toe is very painful.

>

> I had what is called serotonin syndrome couldn't stop shaking had blurry

vision nausea my blood pressure went BAD was taken to emergency to be given a

medication to stop it and then left by my drs (this was an interaction with

other meds I was on but the dr KNEW that I was on them I even was told go off

for 24 hrs) 14 days later I was told to try the cymbalta again and all rthe

symptoms got heaps worse this time there was no interaction just a reaction to

the cymbalta Anyway could not walk without frame did rehab and that made things

worse then 5 days after that finished I got more tremors this time (eventually )

termed dystonia (generalised) and was in hospital for a month and have been out

in a wheelchair for 12 months.

[Guest guest]

That is good news, All of us suffering with this disease needs very kind Doctors

and very well versed with fibromyalsia and Fatigue syndrome. Good Luck Lots of

gentle hugs

Debbie

>

> I saw my family dr. last week and told him I was suicidal and had been for

awhile, that my psychiatrist simply smiles at me the numerous times I've told

him, and would not give me another medication different from what I've been on

for three years. Without any hesitation, my family dr. gave me something to take

in addition to what I'm taking. My sister is in the process of helping me find a

private psychiatrist again so I can dump the one I've had since 1998 who doesn't

listen to me and never has.

>

[Guest guest]

Holy crap , thats terrible! I wonder what caused you to end up in

wheelchair? I know these drugs are strong but i've not heard of such an extreme

reaction. You poor thing. Are you still in the chair or are you on the mend? I

hope you're feeling better. Goodness... what a frightening experience for you. I

hope you're ok, or at least on the mend?

deb

>

> I had what is called serotonin syndrome couldn't stop shaking had blurry

vision nausea my blood pressure went BAD was taken to emergency to be given a

medication to stop it and then left by my drs (this was an interaction with

other meds I was on but the dr KNEW that I was on them I even was told go off

for 24 hrs) 14 days later I was told to try the cymbalta again and all rthe

symptoms got heaps worse this time there was no interaction just a reaction to

the cymbalta Anyway could not walk without frame did rehab and that made things

worse then 5 days after that finished I got more tremors this time (eventually )

termed dystonia (generalised) and was in hospital for a month and have been out

in a wheelchair for 12 months.

>

> This is only MY experience a LOT of people find cymbalta very very good just

be careful with meds you dont want to end up in a wheelchair!!!!

>

>

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: deb

> , can i ask what your side effects were? I stopped taking mine for a day

and then started again...the side effects seem so much less now. I don't feel

any antidepressant benefit yet though.

>

[Guest guest]

wow am I lucky I didn't seem to have any side affects when I started on Cymbalta

and I am on tons of other medicine. I will pray for you that you get better

soon!

Debbie

________________________________

Holy crap , thats terrible! I wonder what caused you to end up in

wheelchair? I know these drugs are strong but i've not heard of such an extreme

reaction. You poor thing. Are you still in the chair or are you on the mend? I

hope you're feeling better. Goodness... what a frightening experience for you. I

hope you're ok, or at least on the mend?

[Guest guest]

Yeah, I've been suicidal again for two weeks now due to a verbally abusive boss.

To: CFAlliance

That is good news, All of us suffering with this disease needs very kind Doctors

and very well versed with fibromyalsia and Fatigue syndrome. Good Luck Lots of

gentle hugs

Debbie

[Guest guest]

How awful for you. Serotonin syndrome, as I understand it, occurs when you have

an overdose of medications that enhance serotonin production. Your doctor

should have been more careful. This is why I always urge people who take these

drugs for depression and/or anxiety to see a psychiatrist rather than having an

internist prescribe them. No one can know all the drug interactions.

Another good precaution is to make sure your pharmacist knows all your

medications. Be sure to update them on drugs you get from other sources, i.e.,

samples, mail order, etc. Pharmacists are even more equipped than doctors to

monitor drug interactions. One can also check drug interactions online, though I

can't think of the site name right now, just know they exist.

Barbara

>

> I had what is called serotonin syndrome couldn't stop shaking had blurry

vision nausea my blood pressure went BAD was taken to emergency to be given a

medication to stop it and then left by my drs (this was an interaction with

other meds I was on but the dr KNEW that I was on them I even was told go off

for 24 hrs) 14 days later I was told to try the cymbalta again and all rthe

symptoms got heaps worse this time there was no interaction just a reaction to

the cymbalta Anyway could not walk without frame did rehab and that made things

worse then 5 days after that finished I got more tremors this time (eventually )

termed dystonia (generalised) and was in hospital for a month and have been out

in a wheelchair for 12 months.

>

> This is only MY experience a LOT of people find cymbalta very very good just

be careful with meds you dont want to end up in a wheelchair!!!!

>

>

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: deb

> , can i ask what your side effects were? I stopped taking mine for a day

and then started again...the side effects seem so much less now. I don't feel

any antidepressant benefit yet though.

>

[Guest guest]

No I am still in the wheelchair. Like I said it gave me that interaction and

then another reaction both times from 1 30mg capsule and then 6 months later

after intensive, unsuitable (if you know what I mean for CFS that is) rehab I

got dystonia which is a neurological movement disorder where I shake and fall

down hence needing the wheelchair. Not a lot is explained to me by my drs at

this time still trying desperately to seek answers from them and new oone I will

let you know when I find out more. I wrote a lot about this when I first joined

so the messages are probably there somewhere.

Thanks for your concern debbie like I said I really didn't want to panice you or

anyone I just wanted to give a warning not about cymbalta about reactions and

interactions between or with any medications!

And no I am not really on the mend at all to be honest I could be a " wheelie "

forever! This is because dystonia is a chronic irreversible condition usually. I

have been like this for 12 months I can transfer usually but thats all.

[Guest guest]

Dee I take Cymbalta and it has really helped me tremendously, I noticed a

differencce within 2 weeks. My depression is much better now, not to say I don't

get down occasionally but on the whole I am much better. Good Luck

Debbie breehl

>

> Hi, i have fibro and quite severe depression. There is a link i'm sure but

depression has been with me for many years, even before fibro. I'm wondering if

anyone has any experience with taking Lexapro or Cymbalta (for depression, not

fibro). Is there a big difference between the two, is one better than the other,

are the side effects horrendous?

> I have tried things like prozac, effexor, paxil etc....in the past but they

don't work that well. I've heard Lexapro and Cymbalta have had quite good

results though. I know some people here hate anti depressants and thats fine,

but i am at the point where i need help.

> Many thanks,

> Dee

>

[Guest guest]

Everyone is different everyone reacts differently to medications I am quite

sensitive. I do hope I get " better " and I am better than what I was a year ago

BUT in terms of the wheelchair walking etc I dont know what to think anymore I

just want an answer and to get on with my life in the best way I can and if

thats in a wheelchair then so be it!

Happy New Year!

[Guest guest]

He was a rhemy and he told me (after I told him that a previous physician had

prescribed Lexapro and endep together which caused exceptionally bad vomitting

so she did she sent me to a psychiatrist who told me I could not be on any other

anti depressent which is my case is used for pain and sleep I am not on high

enough dose for depression and with endep cannot tolerate it anyway so I went

off the lexapro and the psychiatrist told me to stay on endep for pain and sleep

and not be on anything else) after telling my rheumy that and the fact the

psychiatrist said dont mix anti depresents he told me to go off endep for 24 hrs

and then take the cymbalta. Did that but 24 hrs is NOT enough time (obviously

considering what happened) for it to go out my system and this is what happened.

Guess he thought was doing right thing. We know a lot of anti depressents work

for pain but not all drs do so its a bit hard to explain that to some of them.

Since my rhemy is a specialist in fibromyalgia and is giving out meds to all his

patients all the time AND he knew what I was on and I was the one who asked him

if it would interct you think he would be mor ecareful thing is that after he

didn't exactly try and do something about it he just left me and when I was

unable to get out the chair and walking witha frame he stuck me into rehab which

kinda messed me up a LOT and 5 days later I was into hospital again with

dystonia. Thing is that I cant change what happened I just have to deal withthe

consequences of my drs stuffing up and try and find a solution which could be

staying in wheelchair forever we dont know!!! The dystonia is most likely

permanent and I have found an email list and forum similar to this which has

given me lots of helpful information

Will let you know what happens

----- Original Message -----

From: b1write

How awful for you. Serotonin syndrome, as I understand it, occurs when you

have an overdose of medications that enhance serotonin production. Your doctor

should have been more careful. This is why I always urge people who take these

drugs for depression and/or anxiety to see a psychiatrist rather than having an

internist prescribe them. No one can know all the drug interactions.

Another good precaution is to make sure your pharmacist knows all your

medications. Be sure to update them on drugs you get from other sources, i.e.,

samples, mail order, etc. Pharmacists are even more equipped than doctors to

monitor drug interactions. One can also check drug interactions online, though I

can't think of the site name right now, just know they exist.

[Guest guest]

Gentle hugs!  Debbie Breehl

________________________________

No I am still in the wheelchair. Like I said it gave me that interaction and

then another reaction both times from 1 30mg capsule and then 6 months later

after intensive, unsuitable (if you know what I mean for CFS that is) rehab I

got dystonia which is a neurological movement disorder where I shake and fall

down hence needing the wheelchair. Not a lot is explained to me by my drs at

this time still trying desperately to seek answers from them and new oone I will

let you know when I find out more. I wrote a lot about this when I first joined

so the messages are probably there somewhere.

[Guest guest]

Thanks Barbara far from it I have depression and anxiety about my condition and

possibility of remaining this way but until I find answers about what may or may

not happen there really is nothing I can do other than live life to the fullest

(in a CFS/FM limited way if you know what I mean) I try to remain positive but

is very difficult have very few friends who understand most of them just say oh

dont worry you will get better or any improvement or aren't you better yet

without realising that its at least possible that I will remain the way I am now

forever!!! I admit that sounds negative but its not I am a realist and I dont

like pretending everything is OK when its not!!!

Will let you know how I go.

We are going away for about a fortnight between 13-30th january interstate so

that will be great. We are singing in a choral festival and going on a holiday

afterwards. Have you heard of the dish? In Parkes, NSW? There was a movie made

out of it its part of NASA a radio telescope we are going to visit it!

----- Original Message -----

From: b1write

Yes, there will always be a few people with idiosyncratic reactions that

cannot be predicted. I hope you get your answers and are someday able to walk

again.

I have a friend who has cataplexy. Though she is able to walk, she never knows

when she will suddenly fall down. It especially happens on occasions that

provoke any sort of emotions, even happy ones. For some reason, she seems not to

get hurt when she falls, which is some sort of blessing, but she cannot drive

any more, has to have someone to drive her to her work as a nurse.

[Guest guest]

I think it covers it pretty well. Do you think we need to do that?

Debbie Breehl

________________________________

Barbara -

You are correct. Serotonin syndrome involves " overdoses " of SSRIs, a

subclass of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (the lastest " thing " for big

pharma and CFS/ME/CFIDS/ Fibro/depression and others afflications) . I

became very concerned after reading 's story when my doctor insisted

I try Savella while I was taking Tramadol. Fortunately, the same did

not happen to me.

[Guest guest]

I also have friends and family that don't understand my illness. I hear all the

time if you walked more, if you exercised more, if you

quit smoking, if you went to church and so on. So I understand how you feel.

Debbie Breehl

________________________________

Thanks Barbara far from it I have depression and anxiety about my condition and

possibility of remaining this way but until I find answers about what may or may

not happen there really is nothing I can do other than live life to the fullest

(in a CFS/FM limited way if you know what I mean) I try to remain positive but

is very difficult have very few friends who understand most of them just say oh

dont worry you will get better or any improvement or aren't you better yet

without realising that its at least possible that I will remain the way I am now

forever!!!

[Guest guest]

The second part of the story which I assume I wrote is also important not only

did I have the serotonin syndrome BUT I also had 2 weeks later off the endep

which was the 2nd medication that caused the interaction I had another reaction

directly to the cymbalta. I do not know if it because my body was SO sick from

the serotonin syndrome or whether I just couldn't tolerate it but I did have

another reaction to the cymbalta by itself on top of the interaction. Now its

more complicated with the dystonia and tremors as well.

I am sure most of you understand what intensive exercise does to someone with

CFS who cannot tolerate it esp after an interaction like serotonin syndrome.

----- Original Message -----

From: kat13lady

You are correct. Serotonin syndrome involves " overdoses " of SSRIs, a

subclass of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (the lastest " thing " for big

pharma and CFS/ME/CFIDS/Fibro/depression and others afflications). I

became very concerned after reading 's story when my doctor insisted

I try Savella while I was taking Tramadol. Fortunately, the same did

not happen to me.

[Guest guest]

So much for my advice. I take it they are sure the Cymbalta and endep mixture

caused this? It is common nowadays to use two or more antidepressants for

certain patients. Though I believe psychiatrists do usually know more, I also

have had a couple of bad ones. One misdiagnosed me, put me on unneeded meds that

caused bad side effects and said I was psychotic. I had a re-eval by two other

psychiatrists who said I was NOT psychotic (I knew that) and that I did not have

the disorder the first one was trying to treat.

And all this happened even though I am a former psychotherapist who has written

extensively about medications.

I do hope things will improve for you. Fortunately my bad side effects were

not as bad nor permanent.

Barbara

>

> He was a rhemy and he told me (after I told him that a previous physician had

prescribed Lexapro and endep together which caused exceptionally bad vomitting

so she did she sent me to a psychiatrist who told me I could not be on any other

anti depressent which is my case is used for pain and sleep I am not on high

enough dose for depression and with endep cannot tolerate it anyway so I went

off the lexapro and the psychiatrist told me to stay on endep for pain and sleep

and not be on anything else) after telling my rheumy that and the fact the

psychiatrist said dont mix anti depresents he told me to go off endep for 24 hrs

and then take the cymbalta. Did that but 24 hrs is NOT enough time (obviously

considering what happened) for it to go out my system and this is what happened.

Guess he thought was doing right thing. We know a lot of anti depressents work

for pain but not all drs do so its a bit hard to explain that to some of them.

[Guest guest]

I think you are covered, . The thing is that all antidepressants do not

target serotonin. Some target dopamine and some target norephinephrine and some

acetycholene, and some more than one neurotransmitter. The trick is to know or

find out whether your doctor got it right. It's too bad we have to do this

ourselves, but even doctors make mistakes no matter how well intended and

trained they are.

Another issue is to make sure the drug you are taking is not an antidepressant

under another name. For example, Wellbutrin is also marketed under another name

(which escapes me right now) as an anti-smoking agent.

Barbara

>

>

> Barbara -

>

> You are correct. Serotonin syndrome involves " overdoses " of SSRIs, a

> subclass of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (the lastest " thing " for big

> pharma and CFS/ME/CFIDS/Fibro/depression and others afflications).

[Guest guest]

I understand what you mean and admire that you are doing the best you can with

these circumstances. I can only imagine it would be easy to be negative, but I

hear you being positive most of the time.

barbara

>

> Thanks Barbara far from it I have depression and anxiety about my condition

and possibility of remaining this way but until I find answers about what may or

may not happen there really is nothing I can do other than live life to the

fullest (in a CFS/FM limited way if you know what I mean) I try to remain

positive but is very difficult have very few friends who understand most of them

just say oh dont worry you will get better or any improvement or aren't you

better yet without realising that its at least possible that I will remain the

way I am now forever!!! I admit that sounds negative but its not I am a realist

and I dont like pretending everything is OK when its not!!!

[Guest guest]

Yes they are sure and like I said I actually had a second reaction directly

related to the cymbalta alone cause the endep was removed for 14 or more days

and so I actually had 2 reactions

----- Original Message -----

From: b1write

So much for my advice. I take it they are sure the Cymbalta and endep mixture

caused this? It is common nowadays to use two or more antidepressants for

certain patients. Though I believe psychiatrists do usually know more, I also

have had a couple of bad ones. One misdiagnosed me, put me on unneeded meds that

caused bad side effects and said I was psychotic. I had a re-eval by two other

psychiatrists who said I was NOT psychotic (I knew that) and that I did not have

the disorder the first one was trying to treat.

[Guest guest]

Thanks I am glad there are other people who understand what we live thru all the

time.

----- Original Message -----

From: Deb Gn

I also have friends and family that don't understand my illness. I hear all

the time if you walked more, if you exercised more, if you

quit smoking, if you went to church and so on. So I understand how you feel.