Duloxetine

[Hoffgrad]

I have 'moderate' CFSME/Fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed around ten years ago. I am also predisposed to familial clinical depression and have had that on and off since I was a teenager.

I've tried many SSRIs over the years but whilst they were okay, I never felt like myself. I'm usually a glass half full person.

Fast forward to my third week on 30mg of Duloxetine. For me (and of course we are all different), the start up side effects were hardly nothing compared to fluoxetine. I've had no anxiety as a side effect and the pain I have been waking up to for nearly ten years has pretty much gone, after only a few weeks. I have also noticed that inflammation has also gone. Although that could be due to taking Evening Primrose Oil which I have taken for some time and love it. With my pain, I would get fluid retention/inflammation and always felt bloated. Even my face would be puffy. I'm only a size 8... always have been.... and so this is noticeable on me.

It's been fantastic to wake up to no pain, and be able to get out of bed feeling awful.

The only side effects I have, are a little bit of afternoon nausea which usually passes after ten minutes or so. Lack of appetite. I love cooking from scratch and am a real foodie but I just don't fancy anything really. The biggest and worst side effect though is headaches and dizziness. I am someone who never gets headaches and so these are bothering me. The past week I've been waking up with awful headache that doesn't go away after hydrating and eating. Also I have had a few occasions of what I would describe as vertigo/dizziness. Out of the blue.

I'm intelligent enough to understand that there will always be start up side effects that can last until the medication has kicked in fully and it has only been just over 2 weeks. I don't want to quit yet as with fluoxetine I remember I didn't start to feel good until week 8! Goodness knows how I put up with the huge anxiety.

When it comes to headaches, I worry about things like blood clots. We just do not know what goes on inside of our bodies. I am glad though that I live in the UK, where doctors are not swayed by big Pharma and so the advice we are given is as authentic as it should be.

Of course I will contact my GP tomorrow but I'm more interested in whether any of you have had the start up headaches and whether they disappeared after some time.

It could also be the combination of duloxetine and evening. primrose oil, but the EPO are great for preventing hair loss etc., that I usually experience when I take medications.

[Melindee]

I too take Duloxitine and initially had headaches and dizziness. As I recall, my doctor dropped down to 20mg for several weeks, then gradually back to 30 mg which I have been on for 20 years. The headaches eventually went away.

It has worked so well for-me that new doctors can’t believe I have fibro. It was so bad before, I was in constant pain, stiff muscles, fatigue, and could hardly coordinate my legs to walk.

It really is the only med. that has worked so well for me. It is the only one that has let me feel almost normal. (Your mileage may vary)

Good luck Mel

[Hoffgrad in reply to Melindee]

Hi Mel

That sounds so promising and I’m really pleased about your pain results.

Have to say that I too am impressed by the results I’m having with regards to pain, even after nearly 3 weeks.

Thank you very much for your feedback

H x

[Panacotts]

Hi there Hoffgrad,

Similar to yourself a couple of years older and diagnosed for much longer. Also have widespread osteo arthritis. I tried duloxatine and suffered with long lasting headaches on 30 mg so have stopped and am currently achieving some relief with tramadol at night and paracetamol during the day. I can’t take NSAIDS due to being on anti coagulants. I still have pain but it is mostly manageable on this. I am also trying to do exercises recommended by the physio. Incidentally my grandaughter (21) takes duloxatine with good effect for the same diagnosis. She struggled to reduce from 60mg to 30mg with increased headaches and dizziness and was actually vomiting. She now takes 30mg but had to reduce very slowly. I hope this is helpful as you say we are all different, but I do hope you find some relief.

Sandra

[Hoffgrad]

Hi Sandra

Strangely, since I posted, I have had no further headaches. Most definitely if I had been taking it longer, and had ongoing headaches then I would reconsider, but I feel sure these are due to start up as I am only in my 3rd week.

Wishing you well, and thank you for your feedback. Much appreciated.

Heather

[Anna65maria]

I take Cymbalta for about 14 yrs unfortunately not working on me any more. I am desperate.l had no side affects apart from dry eyes. I too loose a lot of hair. I am 58.