Duloxetine : My names anna , I’m 21 and... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

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Duloxetine

Annab124 profile image
112 Replies

My names anna , I’m 21 and I have recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia after seeing a rheumatologist. It’s been a hard year dealing with these symptoms and I’ve tried to get on with it but it’s getting to a point where I’m finding it unbearable , I’ve been advised by a rheumatologist to try a 30 mg of duloxetine which is the lowest dosage . I’m really scared to take them as I don’t like taking tablets as it is an I hear so many bad side effects of antidepressants. Please can someone share their experiences with me

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Annab124
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HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly

Really lovely tablet in my opinion.

I really took to Duloxetine very well. Believe I ended up

On 30mg twice per day.

Its very good as an anxiety reliever and its

Also a neauralgial pain reliever of sorts.

I do not think 1 dose of 30mg a day is a high dose at all and its a good starting point.

You have very little to be afraid of.

Your appetite may increase a little if you feel that is the case just be careful with food choices and if you can, a little exercise.

What are your current

Symptoms if you dont mind my asking.

Im currenly in the diagnosis elimination process for getting diagnosed with this.

Thank you

Helly.

X

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to HellyLlewelly

Thanks so much! That gives me such a relief , I can’t help but read all the side effects an panic . So it all started around a year ago where I was getting panic attacks , palpitations and bad anxiety ! Then the panic attacks stopped An the palpitations but I started getting chest wall pain, doctors said costochondritis (I’m bad at spelling it ) then I started getting pain in ribs , hands arms , back literally everywhere ! The bones of my eyes even hurts , sometimes get ear pain too. My body hurts to touch in all these areas, some days are a lot worse than others xx

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to HellyLlewelly

I went to the doctors loads for months an they said they think fibromyalgia but put me on a 9 month wait list to see a rheumatologist. I didn’t want to wait that long so I paid 250 pounds to see one privately through spire , she said fibromyalgia is likely an has made these recommendations x

Hi Anna,

Can't advise on Duloxetine, I've also been prescribed it but decided not to take it. Too many other issues going on...

Pardon my off topic question, are your periods ok? Do you have premenstrual symptoms?

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to

How come you didn’t take , all find yeah thanks. Xx

in reply to Annab124

Thanks. I have been prescribed a LOT of drugs and I just couldn't cope. Rheumy didn't convince me it was Fibro and I thought I could investigate a bit more before taking it. I think I may have some autoimmune disease.

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to

What symptoms do you have may I ask xx

in reply to Annab124

Oooohh, that will take a while to answer!

Since perimenopause began in my late 30's (hence my question), I've been having a lot weird symptoms: my feet started burning at night, I had mood swings, irritability, crying fits, anxiety, poor sleep, acid reflux, bloating, pinky eye, twitching, numbness, crawling, tingling, allodynia, joint pains (including TMJ), carpal tunnel syndrome, stress incontinence... not all at once.

In 2016 I got Dengue Fever and in 2017 I got Influenza A and all the symptoms came at once and fatigue has been with me ever since. Simple daily tasks are a tremendous effort now, I'm heat intolerant and a common cold knocks me down.

Since February 2018 I also have peripheral neuropathy, feet, legs, arms and hands burning all the time.

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to

I’m so sorry to hear that :( hope you find a way to ease your pain ! You can get through it ! X

in reply to Annab124

Hope so, thank you! Let us know how you get on with Duloxetine. You will be my guinea pig 😁🤗

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to

Hahaha will let you know for sure ! I’m nervous to start taking them but I’m just going to give it a go. Cx

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to

Chinchi were you travelling when you caught the Dengue Fever?

Do you believe there is a link in your current symptoms being associated with the fight your immune system had in both 2016 and 2017?

Im interested in these links.

I have all your symptoms you lusted bar the feet burning and peripheral neuropathy issues yet I have carpel tunnel, twitching and tingling ams have had what felt like excrutiating jaw pain TMJ a few years ago (Im also a chronic migraine sufferer.)

I was found to have the Helicobacter Pleuri virus and erradication treatment for this in 2015, I was very full on and they dont retest to see if it got cured they just put me on 3 strong antibiotics all at once it was grim!

Helly.

X

in reply to HellyLlewelly

Hi Helly,

I live in Brazil and Dengue Fever is endemic around here.

I definitely think that the 2 infections have contributed to my symptoms, but I can’t say for sure that they were caused by them.

I also had H. pylori infection about 20 years ago (wow, I’m getting old). I don’t know if the meds have cleared it up but I don’t have gastric issues, besides acid reflux and bloating.

M0AL61 profile image
M0AL61ModeratorVolunteer

As with any medication, what works for one will not necessarily work for another. I can only give you my own personal experience. I'm sorry I can't remember what dose I was started on, but immediately I had horrendous sweats ….. and I mean horrendous. It was literally dripping of me, as if I had just stepped out of the shower. I also had really bad hallucinations. I thought I was floating from the ceiling and could see myself lying on the bed. My partner became so worried he rang my GP who said I was to stop them immediately. Now in fairness my GP thought I may be highly allergic to them.

I hope you get on ok with them and find them helpful x

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to M0AL61

Omg that’s scared the life out of me !! I’d completely freak out if that happened to me . When did u start feeling those effects may I ask x

M0AL61 profile image
M0AL61ModeratorVolunteer in reply to Annab124

Within a couple of days - but I do seem to have bad reactions to a lot of medication, so please don't you be worrying too much xxx

catherine19611 profile image
catherine19611 in reply to M0AL61

I have reacted to a lot of medications as well, I had duloxetine for a short while, and that was stopped immediately I started to react to it, I cant remember if that was the one I kept seeing a black dot the size of a small spider in my peripheral vision, or if that was the one that caused a large red raised rash all up both of my arms, it looked like psoriorsis (or however you spell it)and it felt like very dry skin raised up above the rest of my arm, I also reacted to gabapentin badly, the rash lasted for approximately a year after I stopped taking it and when the raised rash went away, when I had a shower you could see red marks up both of my arms where the rash had been.

No1wthayla profile image
No1wthayla in reply to M0AL61

I got the feeling of floating if I missed my dose by 15 minutes of the time I was supposed to take it. My doctor put me on Lamictal. It was actually created for those with seizure disorders but doctors found it helped with depression (1996). I was diagnosed 3 or 4 years later with Fibromyalagia. No Lamictal for me now though. Lyrica has worked the best on fibro pains, Nortriptylene helps too. I take Citalopram for depression and, really a pharmaceutical concoction of meds. A whole bunch of other health problems that have plagued me for years

wallflower_fairy profile image
wallflower_fairy

Hi Anna,

I'm sorry you're so young and have to deal with this. I'm 24 and have this too. Thankyou for asking the question as I've been prescribed it too and haven't taken it due to anxiety. Just remember, your GP wouldn't have prescribed them if they thought there was substantial risk, so just try to trust their judgement. My own GP told me that people generally were getting unpleasant side effects with a higher dose (60mg or more) so I think it's good you're on 30mg. Just ask yourself what's the worse that is likely to happen. You don't get on with them, so you come off them under GP supervision and try something else. I know some of the side effects can sound frightening, but remember that they are very rare and the pharmaceutical companies have to list them to cover themselves.

My GP also told me they might make me feel jittery to start with and I'll admit that concerned me a little as I'm already a jittery person. But if, as Helly said, it'll ultimately relieve pain and anxiety then hopefully it will be worth it. :-)

I hope you find this helpful.

Xx

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to wallflower_fairy

Thank you for replying ! I need some positivity as I worry so much about things :( are you worried to try it due to the same reasons ? I’m such a worrier but I just need to try somethjbg to help the pain xxx

wallflower_fairy profile image
wallflower_fairy in reply to Annab124

That's okay. Yeah I suppose I am. But I'm reading posts about other people's experience on the medication (under Related Posts at the bottom of the page), and people's experience of it are generally positive so that's making me feel a bit better. It seems to be consistent with what my GP said - on 60mg people seem to get unpleasant side effects but do well on 30mg. And people seem to get unpleasant side effects by suddenly coming off of them too. Xx

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to wallflower_fairy

I’m sorry you feel the same ! I’m so glad you understand, where do I find related posts xx

Lynns117 profile image
Lynns117 in reply to Annab124

When you 1st start them you may feel a little more tired or sleepy head a bit wizzie but after about a week they will start to kick in and you will be okay they will help try anything to ease the pain

wallflower_fairy profile image
wallflower_fairy in reply to Annab124

If you scroll down to the bottom of the page there is a section with the heading Related Posts above the Pinned Posts section. :-) xx

Zelda123 profile image
Zelda123

Duloxetine are absolutely fine and I have problems with loads of medications x

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to Zelda123

Thankyou ! My friend just messaged saying not to take them which made me stress more as I’ve just taken one . Did u get side effects x

Zelda123 profile image
Zelda123 in reply to Annab124

Honestly when you first take them you can feel a bit spaced out. Not too bad.. just you know you’ve taken something and it takes a few weeks for you to adjust to them. After that I got absolutely no side effects what so ever. I have intolerances to loads of things, I am struggling with bipolar meds as I’ve had awful things happen.. duloxetine 30 mg seriously I was absolutely fine. I can’t go back on them due to me needing a mood stabiliser but I thought they were great 😊

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to Zelda123

I took one a few hours ago an I feel abit weird an tired but I’m not sure if that is cause I’ve felt groggy today anyway . I hope you are okay xxx

Zelda123 profile image
Zelda123 in reply to Annab124

You can feel like that at first until you get used to them. If you were to have a serious allergy you would have had one by now xx

I’m the same taking tablets, the anti psychotics are the worst.. I looked on one and it said death as a side effect and I refused to take them.. now when I take a medication I ask if I can half it to see how it settles in my system and then increase the dose slowly

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to Zelda123

Okay thank you very much ! Your putting my mind at ease. What as if ! I would’ve felt the same as you xx

Zelda123 profile image
Zelda123 in reply to Annab124

If you start feeling anxious message me on here and il talk to you.

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to Zelda123

Thanks so much! Cx

catherine19611 profile image
catherine19611 in reply to Zelda123

when I took them I didn't get the spaced out thing at all, just really bad reactions

Zelda123 profile image
Zelda123

30 mg is the low dose.. what annoyed me was a website dedicated to people who are suffering on duloxetine .. and it really annoyed me because they really helped me and I’m intolerant to most medication.

I am an absolute nightmare to medicate. So don’t worry relax and I found eating when I took them helped. In the end I forgot I was on them as I took them everyday for 6 years lol x

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to Zelda123

Oh really ? I’m guessing it can effect people really bad too then😩but it’s nice to hear someone say good things, feel as though this is my only hope xx

Zelda123 profile image
Zelda123 in reply to Annab124

Like what someone else said what works for one may differ from the other.. but when I saw their comments they were on about 4-6 other tablets I’m thinking no wonder you feel bloody awful looking at all the other meds they were on 😩 some people just love to scare people.. and then when your scared you feel every side effect under the sun lol

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to Zelda123

Hahaha that’s very true ! I guess if I’m making myself scared I’m going to make symptoms happen lol, so do you have fibromyalgia ? C

Zelda123 profile image
Zelda123 in reply to Annab124

I’m not diagnosed but I believe I have, I’m seeing a chronic fatigue specialist next month..

let’s put it this way the nurse believes I have it..

I lay on my bed fatigued burning all over and even breathing burns.. it’s like I’m on fire.. the pain is awful.. I have to go upstairs and rest a lot .. my life is upside down..

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to Zelda123

So sorry to hear that! I hope you get a diagnosis an find something that helps you x

Zelda123 profile image
Zelda123 in reply to Annab124

Well il get one soon enough x I get that fatigued I slur my words. The pain is unreal. If I do more or try harder it’s worse I get pay back pain x

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to Zelda123

Always here if you need a chat xxx

Zelda123 profile image
Zelda123 in reply to Annab124

Thanks xx how are you getting on 😊 in two weeks time you will forget your on them lol

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to Zelda123

Just feeling tired An abit odd , not sure if the first tablet would kick in that quick ? Ahahah I hope your right xxx

Zelda123 profile image
Zelda123 in reply to Annab124

Sometimes it’s your mind that does that, but your body isn’t stupid it knows you’ve had something, if your tired just go to sleep x

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to Zelda123

Thanks again ! Your a really lovely person an I wish you the best xx I’ll keep u updated

Zelda123 profile image
Zelda123 in reply to Annab124

Message me tomorrow to tell me your still alive lol.. that’s what my mum used to message me when I took medication 🤣🤣🤣 funny aye what we go through when we have to take meds.. people don’t help telling you worse case scenario 🤔

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to Zelda123

😂🤣🤣🤣I bloody hope so! Yeah very true

Zelda123 profile image
Zelda123 in reply to Annab124

🤣🤣🤣🤣 by the time you’ve heard someone’s worse case scenario you’ve got all the symptoms 🤣🤣🤣🤣

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to Annab124

How are you finding Duloxetine?

Hope its going well.

Helly.

X

catherine19611 profile image
catherine19611 in reply to Zelda123

I get that as well, the so-called professionals are no use, telling me that I have to do more, it is ok for them, they don't get the 'pay back' for doing too much, they really don't understand this condition.

Zelda123 profile image
Zelda123 in reply to catherine19611

The doctors don’t understand fibro at all.. they dish out drugs like

Gabapentine without the bat of an eye lid and send them on their way.. that btw is one drug I will definitely not be trying.. she tried to give me 100mg of the stuff

Don_in_midlands profile image
Don_in_midlands

Hello!

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia approx 13 years ago & I have been on Duloxetine for quite a few of those years!!

I take 120mg daily - depression & anxiety have affected me a lot since having to give up work - and I take them at night (am on loads of other meds too). I find taking them at night, if I feel drowsy, they might help me sleep a little better.

I also have hypothyroidism, EDS (hyper-mobility), lymphedema, etc, etc 😆 I also take morphine (tabs and liquid), pregabalin, naproxen, thyroxine, etc and I am still able to get up and about. Yep, I’m tired, but I think anyone would be on the meds I’m on.

What I’m trying to say is that I have found Duloxetine ok, even with every other medication on top. As people have said, what works for one person might not work for another. However, if the ‘only’ side effect you experience is drowsiness, perhaps taking them at bedtime would be beneficial??

Best of luck & let us know how you get on xx

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to Don_in_midlands

Thanks very much! I’ve only taken one so far but I’m so scared I’m going to get a bad experience as I’ve read so many scary stories xx

Zelda123 profile image
Zelda123 in reply to Don_in_midlands

Bloody hell someone whose on more than one tablet whose had a decent experience lol.. I’m glad you wrote on here because it will put her mind at rest 😊

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to Don_in_midlands

Hello Don

Do you find tsking other meds at bedtime helps with drowsiness too? Im on Pregabalin and find my 2nd 75mg tab in the afternoon will zonk me off my feet! No good when I have a 4 yr old son with severe disabilities and high dependency.

Im on Fluoxetine my Duloxetine kind of hit a plateau and I needed a change.

The chroninc fatigue plus rgese tablets is a tough one.

Ive kept my second 75mg Pregabalin today to take tonight instead after reading your post.

You are on quite a concoction lady I hope your health improves and you receive some respite from the fibromyalgia.

Best Wishes

Helly.

X

Don_in_midlands profile image
Don_in_midlands in reply to HellyLlewelly

Hello Helly

Yeah. I take my 2nd 225mg pregabalin at night with my Duloxetine, and it does help me sleep - when I manage to get to sleep!!

I hope that taking the second pregabalin later has helped and thank you for your well wishes. I hope that you see some improvement in your health too xx

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to Don_in_midlands

Thanks Don

Today I have an angry pain flare up its like a javlin wedged in my sacroiliac joint, angry deep penetrating bone marrow throbbing pain....booming.

Im in bed.

Typical a Saturday comes around and Im like this.

Hope youre not too bad and managing today.

Best Wishes

Helly x

Don_in_midlands profile image
Don_in_midlands in reply to HellyLlewelly

Oh no!! I’m sorry to hear that your pelvis/s-i joint is giving you so much grief. It’s not the easiest of things to try to get comfortable either! I hope you manage to get it under control somehow... when my spine and/or pelvis flare, I tend to lie on my heat pad for a bit, but I’ve found that some people prefer heat, or some people prefer a cold compress - I suppose it just depends.

Yeah, when everyone else is out, enjoying the sunshine, you get a flare up like this.

Well I know I’m in for it tomorrow, because I’ve been helping my sister paint her kitchen 😳 I only did a corner for her, but I can feel the muscle tightness and discomfort already building up. I don’t think I’ll ever get the hang of pacing!!

Anyway, I really hope that tomorrow is a better day for you and wishing you all the best,

Donna x

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to Don_in_midlands

Thank you Donna!

Do you comtinually feel like if you have a "more full on day" that the day after is PAYBACK!

I feel like this. My pain is at an all time high this past few days its so unbearable. I had to take a lift off my alcohol ban just to get myself out of yhe excrutiatung pain I was in last night and was then only able to load my dishwasher.

Pins and needles in my fingers are also going beserk!

Im a write off!

I use heat patches (thank the lord for the £'s shops!) Ive one on the area in question at the moment hoping for some relief soon.

Hope your pain after painting isnt too bad.

Pacing is an art.

I was like a different person different mind set different aura last week when i had a few days relief in a row! I know its not me to feel like this its solely the pain doing this.

Take care

Helly.

Don_in_midlands profile image
Don_in_midlands in reply to HellyLlewelly

Hi Helly

Yeah, Sunday & today were deffo payback... I’m doing a little better now, so am planning on getting the grocery shopping tomorrow. Exciting times 🥴 lol

Ugh - I hate pins and needles in my hands-arms... my left arm is currently buzzing away & not sure if it’a from over-use, thyroid or if my shoulder’s partially ‘out’ - I’m sure I’m not the only one with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome...?!?! But I’ll lay down and cuddle my cat now & try to forget the arm 😒🥴

It is amazing how pain can make us a completely different person - like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde... but people don’t realise just what it’s like to be in these bodies and it’s hard to explain, without using hammers and pliers on them!!

Ah well, take care yourself and let’s hope tomorrow is a better day 🤞

Donna xx

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to Don_in_midlands

Hammers and pliers 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Oh Donna you are a woman after my own heart, I love how we rely on humour to get us through!

Neuralgia stuff sucks, I believe Ive had TJM too of my jaw, Im a migrainney person to so I Think all thr neuralgia problems are linked.

I dont know of your syndrome!

I have endometriosis post hysterectomy and Im kind of in a re- diagnosis, reinvestigative state.

Im in constant pelvic pain to a degree.

Anyhoooo - all of it sucks!

Its making the days particularly hard to get through.

Xx

Don_in_midlands profile image
Don_in_midlands in reply to HellyLlewelly

To be honest, if we didn’t laugh, I’m sure we’d be half-crazy by now!

Thankfully, I have never experienced endometriosis, but I’ve been told it’s very, very painful (to put it mildly!!) I have an implant so that I don’t have periods, as they were very painful, so I can only imagine the levels of pain you exist at! Plus the fact that there’s no getting comfortable with the pain, I am amazed that you’re managing to keep your sense of humour as well!

The Ehlers Danlos Syndrome is a problem with connective tissue - there’s a few varieties, but I have the ‘best’ one where only my joints and skin are affected - some people have problems with their organs & it can be life-threatening. So I am quite happy with the version where my joints dislocate and my skin is stretchy.

There is such a huge amount of very painful conditions that I would have thought there’d be a lot of research in these areas. However that doesn’t seem to be the case & we desperately need something that can give us a relatively ‘normal’ kind of life - whatever normal is 🤔

I wish there were cures for fibromyalgia, endometriosis, EDS & all of the other chronic pain conditions. I suppose until then, we just have to try to find the funny side of things & pull up our strong girl pants 🙄

Wishing you some comfort and decent sleeep xxx

Jamie1965 profile image
Jamie1965

I too was scared when I first got them in fact would not take them for the first month they address pain and depression I am on 120 per day now some people don’t get on with them but some of us do give them a try it will take a couple of weeks to settle into your system so don’t worry they are not working but if you find after a month that they not helping or you are getting side affects ask the doctor to try something else there is a lot on the market but this one is target one for fibromyalgia

LuluCops profile image
LuluCops

Anna- I’m on 60mg twice a day and I can honestly say that they have been great! I suffer with peripheral neuropathy and they help so much with that. As with ‘Don in the midlands’ I’m on a lot of other meds too, but I suffer with no other serious side effects, not that I notice anyway!

I suffer with quite a few other conditions too, but I’ve had fibro since I was around 13yrs old, I’m now 39, I can tell you I’ve had quite a few different drugs over the years to try and ease my symptoms. Now I’m on duloxetine, pregablin and morphine right now, it doesn’t always help, especially in flare as I am now but I’m able to get up and be active with my kids. I may be in pain but I’m alive! Good luck! And don’t listen to your friends, they aren’t you and they aren’t doctors!!

Chest1 profile image
Chest1

Hi, From what I’ve read I understand that fibro can also affect you brain so you can be depressed and/or anxious. Be brave, trust your doctor and swallow those pills. If you really can’t bring yourself to take them, go back to your doc and discuss your concerns. They wouldn’t prescribe them if a law suit was going to follow. Hope you feel some benefit. X

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to Chest1

Thanks very much I’m going to continue taking them an just hope for the best! I worry a lot dx

Bird88 profile image
Bird88

Hey i take thos for my bipolar its fab to be fair it helps me for my fibromyalgia too ive not had any side affects ive tried many tablets but would say so far this is a good one xx

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to Bird88

Thanks very much ! I’m glad to hear xx

Zelda123 profile image
Zelda123 in reply to Bird88

Do you take a mood stabiliser

Bird88 profile image
Bird88 in reply to Zelda123

Hey yes i do lamotrigne i also take lithium and pregabblin x

Zelda123 profile image
Zelda123 in reply to Bird88

I’ve tried quetiapine, risperidone, alapriprozole and all three of them turned out to be a disaster for me 😩 I was on duloxetine before they found out I was bipolar lol

Bird88 profile image
Bird88 in reply to Zelda123

This is a newer one to me nothing seems to help my mood lift the lithuim stopped the highs which was good lol but definitely dulxotine is working x are u on any tablets now

Zelda123 profile image
Zelda123 in reply to Bird88

Nothing they won’t give me duloxetine because I’m not on a stabiliser

Bird88 profile image
Bird88 in reply to Zelda123

Thats only a antidepressant though thats shocking

Zelda123 profile image
Zelda123 in reply to Bird88

Yep. Mental health services here are bad. They don’t even have a psychiatrist

Bird88 profile image
Bird88 in reply to Zelda123

Were quite lucky where i am i have a good doctor its ment to be every 3 monthswhen i see them more like 6 to 9 but they are always on the phone x

Lottie509 profile image
Lottie509 in reply to Bird88

Hi Duloxetine is not just an anti depressant it is also used for pain relief when other things don't help.

Bird88 profile image
Bird88 in reply to Lottie509

Hi lottie i no that but i cant understand how the gp wont give it to zelda on its own thats what i was saying 😀

Hells55 profile image
Hells55

Hi Anna

Just read your post re Duloxetine

I'm on 60mg twice a day l suffer from depression and Fibromyalgia.

I know every body is different and people will suffer from bad sides but l dont suffer any side effects if that's any help to you.

I think people who suffer from fibromyalgia and depression should take any help thats given medication and talking or writing about it

Please let me know how you get on with Duloxetine

Luv n hugs

Helen Harrison

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to Hells55

That’s great to hear ! I hope I get s good experience like you xx

Grandmumma profile image
Grandmumma

Hi I also have fibromyalgia and lupus, I take a lot of other medication to but I do take Duloxetine. I find it very good and I have had no side effects, please do give it a try.

I hope this medication will help you.

YASMINTINA profile image
YASMINTINAFMA UK Volunteer

I have found this to be my life saver I’m on 60mg one tab a day no anxiety it might help alittle with pain but I’ve decided to stay at this dose as wondering if I went higher I might feel more dozy, I take my in the evening , it was given for my anxiety due to coping with fibro/cfs other tablets didn’t help and we are all different when it comes to trying things. I cannot remember having any side effects at the time I just wanted to feel abit more like me again.

Zelda123 profile image
Zelda123

Goodmorning are you still alive 🤣❤️

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to Zelda123

Ahahhaah ahaha yes thank god lol xx

Zelda123 profile image
Zelda123 in reply to Annab124

I told you, you would be xxx 🤣🤣 look at all these people who have had good experiences with this medication x you know this evening you can take it and be less anxious xx

Dl29 profile image
Dl29

Hi,

I have recently been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia after 2 years of chronic fatigue and pain, I suffer terrible with nerve pain in hands and feet. I have tried pregabalin garbapentine and carbamazepine all of which I didn’t get on with, like you I was very anxious about taking duloxetine. I started on 30mg and now on 60mg and it is the best medication for me, the nerve pain is so much better, waiting to see the effects of going up to 60mg, feeling very optimistic I seem to have more energy after only 1 week of the higher dose. Good luck it’s worth sticking with it for a few weeks. 😌

Dannyboy54 profile image
Dannyboy54

Hi Anna,

Have you considered it may be anxiety causing your symptoms? I suggest that you have a look at the work of Dr John E Sarno, Steve Ozanich and Georgie Oldfield. There is lots of stuff on YouTube. I had similar issues to yourself and started suffering anxiety and panic attacks at the age of 64. This was totally alien to me having served in the Army for many years and considered myself a successful “Alpha” male. I eventually lost a well paid contract job as I had become unreliable.

If you have an open mind have a look at the work and experiences of the people mentioned above which doesn’t involve drugs and can cost nothing. The NHS and our GPs are overstretched so it is easy to hand out a prescription. The problem is that you will probably need another prescription to counter the effects of the first one and so it goes on with the only people who benefit being the drug companies shareholders.

I have improved massively since discovering their work, no longer using orthopaedic pillows to sleep, back support in the car, wrist braces, supplements etc.

What have you got to lose!

I wish you well.

Danny

GMTE profile image
GMTE

Hi Anna

I take Duloxetine but am currently weaning off it. I personally don't find any benefit but every case is as different as every body. We all react to medication differently. Try it out, if it doesn't work for you or you don't like how it makes you feel, speak to your GP and find another way of dealing. Unfortunately for us, it's all a guessing game and a case of trial and error. good luck to you

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to GMTE

Thankyou very much ! X

Lottie509 profile image
Lottie509

Hi, I have been taking this for a long time now and I'm now taking 60mg twice a day. The only thing I would say is if you do take them, do not run out before you've got a new supply, try to make sure you don't miss taking one and don't stop taking them for any reason unless you Doc says it's ok. The side effects if you stop taking suddenly are awful. I don't want to put you off taking them but just be careful.xxxx

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to Lottie509

Thankyou ! Did you get side effects when you started them xxx

Lottie509 profile image
Lottie509 in reply to Annab124

Not that I can remember but to be honest I have been taking them for years now and I take a lot of other tablets too so it would be hard to say which tablets caused what. I hope I haven't put you off from taking them we are all different and everyone reacts differently to these thing. With fibro it's all trial and error to find what works for you. Good luck but don't worry if they don't work, there are others. There is always someone here to talk to also, or to rant at because sometimes you just need to. Xx

artistyaniah profile image
artistyaniah in reply to Lottie509

I agree with you, having withdrawals symptoms from duloxetine are AWFUL your head gets all filled with cotton, you get dizzy even with only opening your eyes...

Trotty1 profile image
Trotty1

Hi there. I have taken Duloxateen for nearly two years now. I had occasional nausea. But they really helped me I was on 30 mcg up until yesterday as personal issues and slowing down that fibro does made me feel really low. Now on 60. I have found them better than amytriptaleen or Gabapentin both did not agree with me. Fibro brings so many issues that any reduction is a help. It is worth trying. If it is does not work for you go back and speak to doctor. Good luck

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to Trotty1

Thankyou xx

kimar profile image
kimar

Hi Anna i agree with others about Duloxetine. My rheumatologist put me on 60 mg and it has helped a lot. I dont like taking anything if i can help it too. I also tried physical therapy and it really works for my neck and back issues. Much more manageable now. You may want to think about this and talk over with your dr.

Kim

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to kimar

Thankyou xxxx

kimar profile image
kimar

You're very welcome. Be well, we're all in it together.

artistyaniah profile image
artistyaniah

My dear, I fought with my GP for 3 years till she accepted to send me to the specialist. After suffering from symptoms and no answers for more than five. The day I was sent the lowest dose of duloxetine was, one of the best days since I started my symptoms. Why? Because I have a name for my illness and an antidepressant (works on the pain) as an ally in my battle.

More than the antidepressant you need to be conscious about changing your life style, what and when you suffer from flares and start avoiding them. Also avoiding web places or following accounts that strive on pity and misery, those will be put you down and will trigger pain.

Try your medicine, see how affects you, start knowing your body.

We are here for you.

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to artistyaniah

Thanks so much! Have you found that it’s helped you then may I ask xx

artistyaniah profile image
artistyaniah

Anna I have found that multiplying my endorphines and dopamine fight and win against pain, basically because it uses a natural formulae: the busy your brain is, the less energy gives to the body to concentrate in the pain. Making what makes you happy, it sound s like a bird poo but with time you will agree with me, heals your body. I paint, I smile a lot, I am my favourite clown ever. Try to find your own machine to fabricate your own happiness and keeping producing it, even when it seems like we can. Ps. Yoga and meditation is too boring for me 🤣🤣🤣

WendyDon profile image
WendyDon

Hello Annab

Fingers crossed it works for you. Although individuals are saying a low dose, you may need that or the 20mg to start with if side effects are troublesome. I do struggle with side effects but they only became more of a problem as got older. Be gentle on yourself.

KBM0g3r profile image
KBM0g3r

Hi, I'm like you and hate taking tablets but finally had to take something because of unrelenting pain and no sleep for days. Duloxetine is primarily for peripheral nerve damage, not an anti-depressant and Fibromyalgia is now known to be a peripheral nerve damage condition. I took Duloxetine eventually and haven't looked back as I got my first proper night's sleep with much reduced pain.

I hope this helps...

rene_burk_21463 profile image
rene_burk_21463

Turn on my name is Rene. I'm 56. I have acute fibromyalgia as well. I take Duloxetine but I take it at 60 mg. I'm taking it for depression but it works for my fibromyalgia I wouldn't be afraid

Beartie16 profile image
Beartie16

Hi Anna I had undiagnosed Fibromyalgia symptoms for 8 years, once given diagnosis my consultant recommended duloxetine. I hate taking tablets, but after researching decided that I couldn't go on trying to self manage fibro pain, as it was interfering with my life, family and work. I tried duloxetine 30mg and it was the best night sleep I had had in a very long time. My symptoms reduced and I have been taking duloxetine for 4 years now and am now on 60mg per day. I still have flare ups pain and get very tired on days when I have been feeling good and done too much, but it really does help you. Give duloxetine a go, if it doesn't work for you, then don't be afraid to try other recommendations from your doctor. Good luck and best wishes Sue X😊

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to Beartie16

Thanks very much xx

Aralyn profile image
Aralyn

I have been on duloxetine 60mg for over a year, maybe two, and i did get quite drowsy when i first started taking them once my body considered, it went back to the regular amount of fatigue. I started on it for both fibro and depression as i had so much stuff going on both with my health and my life that i was just not dealing very well. My dr suggested the duloxetine because it could help with the fibro as well. I started on the 30 mg and i noticed a difference in mood right away but no difference in the fibro pain. Sp wr upped the dose to 60 mg and it still didn't do much for the fibro but it was quite effective in helping me deal with life issues and the health issues more rationally instead of just feeling sorry for myself. I mean i still feel sorry for myself, I'd someone else read experiencing what i am i would feel bad for them as well, but i am able to be objective now and still away from the awful to make decisions. Since it doesn't work on the pain we added gabapentin for the fibro. Started out low dose and increased as needed. Now at 300 mg 3 times daily i can finally not be sp barf that i can't even get out of bed much. I still can't work or over extend myself but i am slowly getting to the point where i can spend more time out of bed. I also react strangely to lots of meds (ie: tylenol 4s knock me out) but these ones seemed to work for me.

emilylouise profile image
emilylouise

dose it put weight on ????

catherine19611 profile image
catherine19611

I would not recommend Duloxetine to my worst enemy, I only took it for a about 3 months but during most of that time I had a raised rough red rash that covered the entire surface of both my upper arms, people asked me if I had got psoriorsis (or however you spell it), this took the best part of a year to go away after I stopped taking them. when it had gone, everytime I had a shower both of my arms had red marks up them where the rash had been, this stayed there for several hours. I also saw a black dot in my peripheral vision which was about the size of a spider, and this moved as I turned my head. dreadful stuff. it also did absolutely nothing for the pain, which was the whole point of having been given it

Esma4368 profile image
Esma4368

Hi Anna,

I got diagnosed with fibro 5 years ago (I'm 24 now) and I've been through the mill with loads of different types of medication. I currently take 90mg of Duloxetine a day, it used to be 60mg but the dosage had to be upped as it stopped helping me as much as it used to. I haven't experienced any major side effects, just that if I take them at night then I don't get a proper sleep and will be wide awake by 5am. Taking them in the morning seems to be better for me. I know this is an older post but I hope you have now found out whether this is the right medication for you. I'm always here to talk as I know how hard it can be when first diagnosed, especially at such a young age x

Annab124 profile image
Annab124 in reply to Esma4368

Thanks so much ! I’m getting to pain relief from the tablets at the moment :(x

merlinmac profile image
merlinmac

I take 2x60mg of Duloxetine in the morning never had a problem with them. I went on this after coming off Pregablin as it made me so sleepy. I would give it a try.

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