Duloxetine

[LynnYorm]

I have been stable on Citalopram 20mg for years but being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia I discussed an alternative with him to hopefully help with pain. I have been on Duloxetine for 7 weeks and my mental health has become unbalanced and I didn't think it was helping with my pain.

After discussion with my GP we decided I should go back to Citalopram to stabilise my mental health before trying another drug that might be better for my condition. However, after 4 days without Duloxetine my pain has increased to a level I don't remember feeling before which makes me think they really were controlling my pain.

Did I give up on Duloxetine too soon?

Let me know your thoughts and/or experience please, thanks and God bless, Lynn in York

[does-the-NHS-work]

Hi Lynn,

Well it is the million dollar question.

I was at the same stage once, Citalopram was for me a happy feeling drug, not sure it stopped the pain but I felt happy, it is a SNRI antidepressant works on the chemical serotonin, I found it helpful to know what type of antidepressant I was taking and to establish the benefits.

Duloxetine is said to have benefits for neuropathic pain, now you have weened yourself off, (no easy task) you could talk to your GP about Venlafaxine they can prescribe a slow release, primarily used for anxiety.

Have you ever had a mental health score? or assessment. It changed my life when I had my first test. (for the better)

Many people are taking drugs yet have had no tests to ascertain what is going on, it was the same for me after years of taking drugs - they finally gave me an assessment.

It only take about 30 mins, they can assess your depression and anxiety, you then can get the right drug for the right reason. It also gives you a bench mark helps you to understand where you are and what may be wrong, give you more confidence that you are in control of yourself.

Hope this is of help

[Cotswolds25121]

Hi, I too was on citralopam the highest dose for twenty years but my dr told me that at almost 62 I shouldn’t be on them anymore and she prescribed duloxetine 60mg in the morning and 30mg in the evening.I have to say I was very anxious about coming off of the citralopam as they have always worked very well for me and kept me functioning and feel’normal’ as I describe it. However I personally have found that the duloxetine work for me (atm 🤞🙏) with my anxiety and my pain. As always it may not work for everyone, I just hope they carry on working. Have a good hopefully pain free (as much as possible) day x