Hi, new on here and new to fibromyalgia. I was officially diagnosed last December after 3-years of constant pain with my GP having no idea what was causing the pain, I was referred to the Rheumatologist who, after blood tests, diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis. However, having further bloods, decided that although I had RA it was at a low level and the pain and swelling I was experiencing was no symmetrical so that was ruled out. I have had very raised CRP and ESR levels for over 3-years, so the Consultant thinks it might well be fibromyalgia. My Doctor has recently put me on to Duloxetine which is mainly an antidepressant, but does have some pain relieving benefit. I have now been on it for 3-weeks and due for review next week. I have been feeling some benefit e.g. not so stiff in the mornings and in a better frame of mind. Although I do have an almost constant headache with it (or could it be the fibromyalgia)?
My question is: Does anyone else take Duloxetine and have they had any long-term success with it? Would love to know.
Thanks
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Lindyloo102
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Welcome. As I replied to Issy in the previous post I didn't get on with duloxetine as I had a constant headache and other side effects which got worse the more tablets I took I also felt no reduction in pain. Others have found some success with it. Good luck with the review.x
Hi Rosewine, I had headaches also quite badly at first, but now in week 3, they are generally subsiding. I have a GP review next week so will post more when I know what next is in store for me!
Hi Lindyloo102, I have fibromyalgia,vulvadynia and Hypermobility Syndrome it 2 years to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia and vulvadynia after having my first born. I was on duloxetine for 7mnths started on small dosage then gradually went on to a higher dosage so no luck for me on duloxetine unfortunately. I’m now on Gabapentin and I don’t feel any pain but definitely dizzy and skinny hoping side affects where off soon as my body gets use to it.
Hi OuchOuch87. I had Gabapentin back last year, and after 4-months just couldn't take the dizziness any longer so came off them. Also, it felt like I was walking on sponge! Most odd sensation, but pavements seemed spongey to me and did have a bit of a tumble down some steps, so decided it wasn't for me.
I take it for my Allodynia which is a symptom of fibro where the skin aches and is sore to touch but there’s nothing to see, Duloxetine has been a god send, also Duloxetine will only work for depression if the patient has depression so I wouldn’t concern yourself with the association per se. I’m on 80mg a day xxx
Thank you for your reply. I do have depressive symptoms also. This has been a bit of a nightmare really and the constant aching and pain really does get you down and makes you feel so low, but thankfully I am finding my mood is lifting a little now.
Hi Lindyloo102. If you are positive for RA, and you have symptoms, then you have RA. Which tests did this doctor use for RA? The severity of RA is not based on the levels of just your RF or ANA. Based on what that doctor said, it would be worthy of your time to get a second opinion from another doctor who is more experienced with RA. You definitely don’t want to leave RA untreated because it will cause permanent joint damage.
RA symptoms are definitely not always symmetrical. I have a friend who is a doctor and she has RA. She had one shoulder which had to have surgery due to RA. She did not have surgery in both shoulders. Luckily it was not her right arm and she could still hold instruments.
Who high are your ESR and CRP, and what are the lab ranges? ESR and CRP are both just general inflammatory markers. Neither is specific to just any one illness, and having both positive definitely doesn’t mean you have fibromyalgia. Positive CRP is linked: cancer, RA, cardiovascular disease, schleroderma, inflammatory bowl disease, Lupus, obstructive sleep apnea, etc. ESR is even more general.
For duluxotine, could it be that you were started on too high of a dose? Starting dose should be low and sometimes people increase from there. Lower doses are what is usually used for pain. What is the dose that you are on?
Hi - Thanks for your comment. I was tested after I got the RA result for PMR, but I knew I did not have that as I don't really suffer a great deal from headaches for pain at the back of my ears and lower cranium. My RA titre from what I can remember was around 32 which the Consultant told me was quite low still, but could increase with age. He was definitely looking for a symmetrical pattern as regards the swelling in my hands and feet. My right hand is very painful and swells more than the left and I also have some nodules on my index and ring ringers. Both CRP and ESR have been in the high 80's or sometimes 90'smmol/L. I also have persistent anaemia which refuses to budge even on Ferrous Sulphate tablets.
As you can probably guess, I am at a complete loss as to what it can be, and really feel down in the dumps. However, finding the Duloxetine 30mgs helping mood slightly after 3-weeks now.
I am on Duloxetine started on 30 now on 60mg. In comparison to other medications I have taken it isn't too bad. I have chronic migraines with my Fibro and need to be on a pain relief type treatment to qualify for BOTOX injections (31) You are not allowed to be on any other form of pain relief ie codeine to qualify either!!! That was a killer...
But on the positive side I am having Bowen treatment which has helped tremendously with the dizzy spells and stiffness. Also taking cbd but not frequently as I want something left in my armoury for flare ups 😉
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