Duluxetine, Hobsons Choice,? Which way to turn?

[svenson]

I started suffering from tingling and pains in feet some 8 years ago, and a neuro consultant after many tests told me the cause could not be found and suggested it may be the Statins I had been on for 10 years [after a heart attack], or high blood sugar as I was pre diabetic. My GP changed different statins until recently the nerve pain in my legs and feet has got disabling and my life is just an existence.

My GP has advised me to take Duloxetine for the pain, or stop taking statins completely, which increases my chances of another heart attack, the choice was mine, and I decided to take Duluxetine, but only a few days in, the side effects are horrific, cannot sleep, headache, delusions, no appetite, cannot cope.

I am an 80 year old man, and realise this drug needs to be taken for a few weeks prior to any improvement, but I don't think I can cope with these symptoms for that long, and not having a great life expectation due to age I am looking to stop taking the Statin and the Duloxetine and take my chances.

Has anyone had similar experience, or found a solution to this problem, as I feel so alone with the constant physical and mental pain.

[b1b1b1]

I did take duloxetine. It is important to start at a low dose such as 30 mg and work up to a full dose gradually.

[cocoyellow]

I am taking the Duloxetine and Clonazapine for depression and anxiety, however they work wonderful for my neuro pain. When I was taking Duloxetine by itself I did have some of the negative effects but when Clonazapine was incorporated together they work great.

When I was taking the Duloxetine by itself and getting the side effects of not being able to sleep and cope etc, doctor gave me Trazadone and it worked. Maybe ask your doctor if you can get trazadone so at least you can get a good nite sleep

[Lin1944]

I took Duloxetine for 8 years and found them great. They had stopped working and I asked GP to put me on another antidepressant. I have been taking Mirtazapine for 10 weeks and it’s only the last week the side effects have stopped. My GP gives me Valium to help when the going gets tough but I use them sparingly as addictive. I have had numbness and pins and needles in my feet for 10 weeks and didn’t realise it was through coming off Duloxetine. So Thankyou for the info as now know the Duloxetine was keeping the pins and needles away. I am 77 so maybe it’s an age thing. Good luck