Any help please

[BoohPear]

Who can tell me anything about Duloxetine and Venlafaxine. They say i can use these for pain relief alongside Fluoxetine and Amitriptyline instead of usual codeine based pain killer. I'm confused? !!!

[BoohPear]

Thanks Ajay. I haven't got a good doctor that's the trouble. Even the Hospital Consultant wrote her a stinker asking her various questions about my treatment. I think I will carry on as i am and double up on the amitriptyline. Thanks for your help 😽

[YASMINTINA FMA UK Volunteer]

healthunlocked.com/fibromya..., hello there , I am on duloxtene, mine is used mostly for anxiety but supposed to help with pain, totally works 100percent for my anxiety but I’m on one tab a day of 60mg and I really don’t notice any difference for pain, but I’m wondering if a higher dose would be different. I would ring your surgery and ask for a call back from your doctor so he/she can have a chat. I’ve posted a link above if you would like to lock your posts, only our community can see them. Take care

[BoohPear]

Hi.Yes I was thinking the same. I think I will tell her I'm continuing on what I was prescribed before. They've worked with 9 other things for fibro,arthritis ,anxiety,depression,,how much more can you deal with, occurring psoriasis, acute asthma,and I can't remember what else!!! Have to look at me body and do a check this. Well at least I've a sense of humour Ajay. Thanks again Maz 😽

[Hidden]

Hi.

I have been on duloxetine for years now for pain, I'm on 120mg once a day. I actually asked could I try it as the research I did seemed the best . I do have other illnesses that cause pain so was on this before my diagnosis of FM but out of every single thing I've been prescribed these have worked the best for me. I take them alongside morphine and Etoroxib ( anti-inflammatories) . I do think they have worked less the longer I have been on them though.

Everyone is different in terms of what medication you have. It's all trial and error . I felt like a bit of a guinea pig at some times. Hope you find some relief xx

[BoohPear in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply flowereface but I'm getting close to considering staying on the cocktail I'm on. I can't fancy being a guinea pig again. That will send me another flare up before I get out of this one !!!! 😽x

[Hidden]

I know it's awful isn't it , having to come off one to go on another and then for it not to work for you would be awful and too much stress . It's like a vicious circle. I'm not sure how you'd feel but I went to a pain clinic and done a 9 week course after having my hip replaced. They taught us how to do mindfulness and since then I've taught myself how to meditate and have done so everyday now for 5 years. I find especially when having a flare up that it helps a lot. Even if it's just for 20 mins respite it's better than nothing. Maybe you could give it a go. Granted some days my body won't let up and it doesn't help but the relief at the time is great xx

[BoohPear in reply to Hidden]

Hi I've been in this condition for around 15 years now with the different health additions along the way. I was just worried because of the amount of meds i take and the interaction of yet more to be tried. No I really think I will stick to what I know and works reasoably. Having said that I found a firm called SBC and they sell a while range of pure gels and lotions. They do a Camphor and Menthol gel in bottle and it is pure heaven. When I've taken my meds on a bad day especially at night, run some of this on back of neck and shoulders. It is marvellous stuff. You go cold and tingly and then it sort of warms and dulls the aches. Works for me.!!!! Mind over matter again eh !! 😻

[jimbrophy in reply to Hidden]

anything that gives even i little relief take it

[Aj4273]

I was taking duloxetine for pain and amitriptyline for sleep. They were commenced by my rheumatologist and agreed upon by my GP. had to stop my usual antidepressant when starting these though.

Highly unlikely that you should be taking that number of antidepressants at any one time if I’m honest especially if they belong to the same drug group!

There is a risk that you’ll get Serotonin syndrome which can in severe cases be fatal!

Admittedly I stopped the amitriptilyne myself as I gained weight rapidly whilst taking it and my sleep pattern was no better anyway.

In regards duloxetine, I stopped this completely 8 weeks ago after slowly titrating the dose down and weaning off as instructed by my GP. It was having no positive effect on pain or depressive symptoms. I’m still suffering the horrendous side effects of Duloxetine withdrawal now. Therefore I advise that you really educate yourself regarding this drug before commencing it so that you are making a fully informed descision to do so.

Take care x

[BoohPear in reply to Aj4273]

Hi Aj. So glad you were able to send me an honest reply. I have decided i am staying on the "cocktail " I've been on for years. After all this time I don't see the sense in changing what works as well as can be expected considering the amount of different pains i need to be eased. Your reply really helped me decide and I thank you for that. Warmest wishes from 😽x

[Aj4273 in reply to BoohPear]

You are more than welcome.

That number of antidepressants isn’t right in the first place. They all work to boost serotonin in one way or another but you have named a tricyclic, two SNRI’S and one SSRI! So three out of the five antidepressant groups. Mixing the groups is a bigger no no! Unless advises by a Doctor for specific reasons. You say you don’t have much faith in your Doctor so this combination naturally worries me further.

Low dose amitriptilyne for pain alongside another antidepressant is usually classed as being okay but like I say it depends on the doses being prescribed.

Amitriptilyne is used more and more nowadays for pain, sleep problems and less and less for actual anxiety and depression.

Regarding the duloxetine there is actually something called Duloxetine Withdrawal Syndrome because the withdrawal of you have to stop them can be so bad. I actually have a post on here about withdrawing from duloxetine somewhere as it’s made me so ill. I’m gradually getting better but those first four weeks were pure hell.

Had I have known all of this prior to being given it I would have refused. Hindsight is a wonderful tool though isn’t it?! I just wouldn’t want anyone else unknowingly risking putting them selves in the position that I and many many others have found ourselves in with this drug.

Please do not just take my word for it. It does work wonderfully for some people. Do some reasearch, a little reading around Duloxetine and then make the decision that is best for you. We all (try) to manage our symptoms in our own way with both differing methods of pain/stress relief and of course different drugs. One size doesn’t fit all unfortunately. Like you I have multiple conditions including anxiety and depression to name just two alongside fibro and I know how important it is to us all to not have to induce more flares, exacerbate other conditions as we all already have enough to cope with.

Warmest wishes x

[BoohPear in reply to Aj4273]

Hi Aj4273. You certainly speak sense and I admire your honesty in replying. Gawd we've all been through it haven't we? When I finally got to see a Consultant at Hospital he asked me what my secret was as he was so sorry I had been left in persistent pain for years by a doctor who kept insisting I'd got painkillers for Arthritis so go home and take them. She said we're all getting older with Aches and pains and unless I've come to see her for anything else then go home ....as I've already said above. Can't do much with one surgery in our area. Can't drive any more,sold car and do ok with a volunteer device to take you wherever at a reduced cost. My Fibromyalgia was diagnosed as severity level so there's not much of my body that is free from pain. I have however a high pain threshold, mind over matter, and my beautiful cat who cares for me and keeps me warm. Feeling cold is what I can't tolerate so easily. Electric bill is sky high. Why can't they have decent tariffs for people who really suffer. Oh well i just wanted to thank you and end up with a good rant!!! Thanks and warmest wishes 😽x

[Angelic17 in reply to Aj4273]

Hi , I’ve been taking Prozac 60mg once a day for the last seven years and 4 zapain a day for my fibromyalgia pain , however my doctor is trying to take me off these two and give me duluxetine as I think this works out cheaper for the surgery , I don’t want to change what’s working for me can I refuse the change and stick to what I’m on ?

Thanks X

[BoohPear in reply to Angelic17]

Hi Angelic17, well I hope we can refuse because after all its our bodies that are going through he'll not theirs. Same as you but 8Zapain daily and Amitriptyline and Citrizine for allergies and so on. Stay strong and insist on not changing. Be happy to hear how you get on. Warmest wishes 😽xx

[Angelic17 in reply to BoohPear]

Thanks for your reply , with my depression and anxiety I tend to not stand up for myself enough 😢 so tomorrow I am going to be more strict and tell the gp that I’m happy with what I’m on

Thanks So Much 😊xx

[BoohPear in reply to Angelic17]

Hi Angelic17. I'm so pleased to hear that. If what we're on suits our body why should we be made to change. As far as I know, Zapain is meant to be one of the cheaper pain meds so go for it and let me know how you get on. I also have depression and anxiety but you must not let these people put you into an anxiety attack. Stay strong and remember I'm on your side. Ok. Good. 😻xx

[Angelic17 in reply to BoohPear]

Thanks ever so much x

[BoohPear in reply to Angelic17]

Hi Angelic17 . I will be thinking of you and wishing you well. 😽x

[Angelic17 in reply to BoohPear]

Hi I went to see my gp this morning and he was adamant they they want me on duluxetine and off my Prozac ( which I’ve been taking since 2011) and off zapain I told him that I didn’t want to and he was not nice 😡 he reluctantly gave me two weeks of co codamol 30/500 same as zapain but not the brand , and said I’ve got to come off it x

[BoohPear in reply to Angelic17]

Hi Angelic17. I'm sorry to hear your news and that you only have 2 weeks of the pain killer..do you have a different doctor at the surgery so that you could make an appt.to see the other doctor. I am really cross about it and hope you may be able to make better progress next time you go. Well done for being strong today 😿xx

[Angelic17 in reply to BoohPear]

I am going to see another doctor and if I get no joy there I will change doctors, he basically says that I get pain because I’m stressed 😡 so I said well I feel that people tend to think fibromyalgia is all in your head , he said who said that ? Hmm you just did , thanks for your reply xx

[BoohPear in reply to Angelic17]

Hi. Well at least there's a chance with the other doctor so we can feel positive for that. They make you laugh!!!! You only feel pain because you're stressed. You'd feel pain if you cut yourself and that's an accident not exactly stress. I say once again that you did very well today so keep it up. Maybe you could mention to them next time, say ' the doc told me I only feel pain because I'm stressed so how stressed do you think I feel with you trying to change my tablets'? Play them at their own game. They are well paid and I think should show compassion even if not at all times. Try not to worry too much let's wait for the next appmt. Loads of warm wishes for you 😽xx

[Angelic17 in reply to BoohPear]

😍xx

[Jamie1965]

I agree with ajay575 that seems like a very bad combination and does not make sense that they would put all of these together

[BoohPear in reply to Jamie1965]

Hi Jamie thank you so much for your contact. After reading Ajay's post i have confirmed my decision. I stay as I am for i manage reasonably after all these years . Again, thank you and warmest wishes from 😽x

[RayB]

I really question the value of antidepresssants in the treatment of Fibro

The strange thing is when they don't work which seems to be a very high precentage of the time the answer of the Dr's is more more and more of the antidepressants.

The value and role of SSRI's is reputed to be ineffective in a very high percentage of the population and many in the field say the only reason they do have any effect is placebo.

Intrestingly they are all flouride based drugs and flourides are known to be both neurotoxic and detremental to mental health.

Im my opinion the most important thing one can do when suffering form fibro is reduce all three forms of stress,,, mental, physical and systemic.

This means lookng at the entirity of your existance,,, your environment,, what you eat,,, everything you put into or onto your body,, rest,, hydration,, relationships,,, everything.

Just my tupence worth!

[BoohPear in reply to RayB]

Hi RayB. Thank you so much for your reply. The doctor says these have been proven to help with pain alongside my other meds. I have just replied to AJay.... and as well as yourself i have decided to stay out and continue as usual. After all these years I have learnt to tolerate it. Many thanks and warmest wishes 😽x

[RayB in reply to BoohPear]

Boohpear, I would not question the integrety or belief's of the Dr,,,, they have so much to do,, and usualy stick to the information proffered to them in the medical journals,, which usualy have an angle, the one thing I would always say is,, do your own research.

I say the more you look the more you find but you have to search !

I found the book Dirty Medcine: Martin J Walker very enlightening and you can pick it up for a few pounds used on one of the online auctions.

[BoohPear in reply to RayB]

Hi RayB. Sorry I have lost confidence in mine due to so many errors. Yes I agree they have a lot to do etc. But when it comes to the Consultant asking them why they have left me in persistent pain ,,why twice he has cancelled my appts. due to lack of referral letters,,and why send me for x rays on hands and feet when I'm already being treated for Arthritis in those areas for years. Sorry RayB it goes on and makes poor reading. Well I have to go now so I will look up that book when I have time. A friend is due to visit any time now. Have a good weekend 😽

[RayB in reply to BoohPear]

Boohpear, I don't think you will find anyone on the forum as sceptical of what is termed modern medcine as myself.

I always advise that people inform themselves as best they can from a 180 degree perspective,, instead of blindly accepting the belief of the Dr, probably read from a somehow bought and paid for "peer reviewed" bit of paper in a bought and paid for "medical journal".

The book I recomended is a good place to get your eyes opened to the corruption that goes on within hallowed walls of the medical establishemt.

Sadly today I think the "Belief's" of Dr's are far to easily accepted as facts and not dogma combined with a god complex.

Medcine has to much power and control and that has to change.

The Doctors of today are more likely to go in to Medcine not because they can get a good living out of it,, most of them seem to have little compasion or feeling for the sick,, and the system of medcine it's self is all about profit,, NHS or not companies profit from the misery and suffering of the sick.

I think it is more about the repeat sales than anything else,, but I think the tables are starting to turn as people are informing themselves.

That is my opinion and one that I have formed over a lifetime of reading and study,, many miles beyond what your told on wiki.

Best Wishes, Ray

[Jenlovesnails]

I learn more from you all then my GP. I've been on Venlifaxine 150mg twice a day for years along with Depakote for bipolar 2. There was never any mention of it, to me, of being used for pain. Just like when they put me on pregabaline twice a day for tics and twitches as a left over from Quitiapine, there was no mention if it being used for pain. I've been on Cocodemal 30/500 up to 8 a day for 8 years now. Even with all this I'm still in pain. Hope you find your solution sweets x

[BoohPear in reply to Jenlovesnails]

Hi Jenlovesnails. Oh my, you've been through it as well haven't you? ( i love nails too but have got psoriasis in mine so not much to love there!!!Yes I'm on the 30/500 and have been for years,,along with other meds for other things. One thing I am grateful for is amitriptyline because taken with the above morning and night really does help. 15 years of pain I thought I'd try anything but when you've had the horrors with some you soon learn to live with what reasonably works. Mind over matter and a big old fluffy pussy cat works for me. You take care sweetheart. 😽xx

[Jenlovesnails in reply to BoohPear]

I've never tried Amitriptyline. Never been offered. I may have to ask if that's because it won't coincide with my other meds. I love my kitty too. He's so relaxing for me

[BoohPear in reply to Jenlovesnails]

Yes they are loyal and love you and if like mine, won't leave your side if poorly and laying on bed. I just tell my boy where i want him to lay but we've had 16 years together and he reads me like a book!!! Worth talking to your doctor about the amitriptyline. He at least will tell you if it's not for you. Wishing you well 😽xx

[KBM0g3r]

Hi, I use Duloxetine and have found it really helpful. It is a drug that is very effective where there is peripheral nerve damage, which is essentially what Fibromyalgia is. I've been able to reduce or stop my other painkillers since I've been taking it.