Cymbalta and depression

[jodigirl750]

So I was on steroids for a year and gained massive weight. Then right around the corner I was put on Cymbalta - having trouble with arm movement, back pain, feeling blue... After nearly a year on this, more weight gain. I finally convinced my doctor to take me off of Cymbalta. We reduced my dosage to 30 mg for 2 weeks and now 2 weeks without, I feel I'm spiraling down... I don't want to be on this drug, but I'm a mess... Anyone else feel they can't go without their Cymbalta?

[Peruzzot]

I've never been on any of those meds, but I find that walks help me feel a little better as long as I don't over do it. I have a bad habit of over doing it though and pay for it later.

[RoseySawyer]

I was on Cymbalta for my nerve pain and depression when I got. out the hospital and my doctor reduced my dosage to ween me off. I felt a little bit of a mess at first but I feel better now. It takes time. I hope you feel better.

[Kenu]

I have been on Cymbalta for twenty three years and it has worked Great for me 👍. Everyone is different on how medication effects them. I tried a couple times and realized that it was helping me 😃. Good luck and hope it works out 👍🙏🐾 Ken

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Hey jodigirl750 how are you doing today? Any better?

Getting off any anti depressant is never going to be easy hun. And I Give you koddos for doing it!

Do you have people at home with you? Do you have friends you can call?

Please, please, please watch your moods, and see them for what they are ok? We all love and care about you!💕🤗

Jes🌠

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255🤗😊

[jodigirl750 in reply to Jesmcd2]

Thank you so much jesmcd2. The Cymbalta has worked wonders for me for a long time! I just thought it was another culprit in the weight gain. My doc disagreed. Finally my inflammation #'s were good and she said we could give it a try. We slowly cut back but the black cloud just crept it's way back into my life for no real reason!! I'm usually an upbeat person!! I am calling my doctor today to get back on the Cymbalta. Not worth it to try to fight everything without some help. I just thought I could do it without more pills... Life has changed with this MS monster. I just have to learn to deal with it, with all the help I can.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to jodigirl750]

I like starlight5 idea, that maybe something different might be better for you. Don' let her put you on effexor tho. 🤣😒 you will be on it for life. I also take Topamax, for "migraines" and it helps you lose wieght..😊

When were you dx'd?

J🌠

[Kenu in reply to jodigirl750]

jodigirl750, Like I said, I tried two or three different times to quit Cymbalta thinking it was not helping, but every time it showed me it was working. I know what you mean by trying to get off the medication, but sometimes we have to own up that there’s a reason for it. I have not heard of any weight gain from it🤷🏼‍♂️. Hang in there and stay positive 👍🙏🐾Ken

[jodigirl750 in reply to Kenu]

Thank you Ken!! I am positive. I tried to stop. Now I know I'm on it for a real reason , longer than I anticipated, but it is helping more than I knew!! Maybe these steroid pounds are here to stay... At least I'm walking and talking!!!

[Kenu in reply to jodigirl750]

Steroids are terrible for weight gain and hard to shed😡. They do help with problems and sometimes there’s no other way 🤷🏼‍♂️. I have never done a diet, but I have different eating habits and lots better healthy food 👍. With better choices I think the weight will slowly fade👌 Stay positive and it will get better 🙏🐾😉Ken

[MS_Indestructible in reply to jodigirl750]

for me it was cutting carbs for a while that took off the "steroid pounds" but it is hard ~terry

[jodigirl750 in reply to MS_Indestructible]

Been working on the low carb thing! I've found some great recipes and my hubby is trying to help. He is usually the cook as after I have my mandatory afternoon nap, my energy is terribly low. I must work out a way to cook ahead of time when my energy is high enough!!! Morning are my best time!

[MS_Indestructible in reply to jodigirl750]

been on Cymbalta for a couple of years now. it has a short life span [so I'm told] because I was not able to get my refill in time and went for a few days without it. Boy what a mess I ended up having a nasty break down that landed me in the emergency room. Yep this ms is very life changing in many ways. Seems like you and the hubby are doing well with dealing with it ~terry

[ShanEWils]

I definitely need my Cymbalta no matter what the side effects are. The weight gain for me was not the issue it's that if I missed my dose exactly on time I get a little cranky. The Cymbalta actually coupled with Wellbutrin works amazingly for me. Have you talked to your doctor about any other type of medication you are interested in?

[jodigirl750 in reply to ShanEWils]

We have not talked of other medications. It is my Rheumatologist that prescribed as I was first diagnosed with PMR before the brain scan showed MS a few months later. A therapist friend has referred me a few doctors which I will seek for medication options. Cymbalta was great, but if something could be better, hooray!!

[bxrmom]

jodigirl750 maybe you should go back on the Cymbalta or a different medication to help with your depression. Unfortunately, a bad side effect of the MS monster is depression and sometimes some of us need a medication to help us deal with it. I now take Cymbalta and I haven't found that it made me gain weight from it. Maybe something else has a side effect of weight gain for you? Just trying to toss ideas out there for you.

Jessie

[jodigirl750 in reply to bxrmom]

I know! I could tell my mood change immediately. I don't think I was that depressed of a person prior to the MS and the Cymbalta. But wow! There is a difference in pain management and the blues... I know depression... I just hate that word. I'm usually an upbeat person!!!

[MS_Indestructible in reply to jodigirl750]

I'm a very upbeat person but also had bad depression for most of my life as well. It is interesting to know you can be an upbeat person but also be very depressed ~terry

[jodigirl750 in reply to bxrmom]

I did contact my doc to go back on the Cymbalta!! Thanks!!

[bxrmom]

Glad you contacted your doc to go back on the Cymbalta!

[jodigirl750 in reply to bxrmom]

Thanks so much! She put Rx in I can pick up tomorrow. You guys are great!!

[Kenu in reply to jodigirl750]

Good for you 👍Hope it works out for you 🙏🐾😉 Ken

[ShanEWils]

Sorry that this is late but ampyra works amazing for me. Hopefully it works well for you too

[jodigirl750]

Why did you try Lexapro over Cymbalta? Just curious. I've had friend that could not take Cymbalta but I have had no problems with it at all. I don't know anything about Lexapro...