Coping with Duloxetine

[Fyllida]

Have just started Duloxetine 30mg after 25 years of lumbar pain, multiple surgery (each lasting just two years), absolutely useless so-called pain doctors, physio etc. Etc. Had a stimulator inserted, but that also has failed. Finally, tried Pregabalin (just one tiny dose) and became extremely ill. As a last resort, have started Duloxetine and in dread of the side effects, I doubt my body can take much more stress.

Does anyone have experience of any tips or advice to help me through this initial period? Am so supersensitive to all drugs, apart from ibuprofen and Oxycodone....neither indicated for my condition. Very many thanks to anyone who can help, as this is my last resort.

[FRreedman]

I take 6omg per night 45/60 minutes before going to bed, then there are no side effects, for me, when I wake up in the morning.

[Fyllida in reply to FRreedman]

Very many thanks for taking the trouble to reply. You totally confirm what have been thinking, especially as a dedicated insomniac!

First morning’s side effects, and it’s not too bad. Unlike one lowest dose of Lyrica last week which sent me completely nuts for four days.

So thank you for the reassurance - had been extremely wary of Cymbalta cos of above experience with Lyrica.

Fyllida

[Fyllida in reply to FRreedman]

Wow, sounds like a lot to me! Well done tolerating that dosage and best of luck for the future.

Fyllida

[FRreedman in reply to Fyllida]

I wish that was my only pain relief, unfortunately, I take much more, including opiates, which is why I have to find the best time for each and every one of them. Thank you for your wishes, and stay safe.

[Fyllida in reply to FRreedman]

Are you certain about the opiates? I was warned off Shortec after starting the Duloxetine and to taper off the Fentanyl patch.....if it works. But our probs may not be similar and contra indication in one case definitely does not apply to all. We’re all individuals!

Take care.

[paulaoleary600]

I take 90mg twice a day but not for pain mine is for depression , I take tramadol, and gabapentin 300mg 3 x daily for pain, no probs and settles me for a while , I can go out and have a life but pain is still with me .

[Fyllida in reply to paulaoleary600]

Am so sorry you need so many heavy drugs, but you do seem resigned to pain and are dealing with it. It is hard to live in this way, I wish you lots of luck.

[Scrappy88]

If you have lumbar pain an have had surgery you should be able to get painkillers. I had the same problem I have scoliosis and degenerative bone disease in my upper lumbar and a bone spur in my neck that's compressing my spinal cord and they didn't want to give me pain medicine that works so I talk with a few other doctors to get other options and one recommended buprenorphine and it has changed my life I can enjoy every day things again. I also use gabapentin for nerve pain and a muscle relaxer but talk to your doctor and see what they think is best for you he might bring up the medication and see what they think.

[AML80]

I was given Duloxetine it upset my tummy. I find my heat pad really helps with the pain.

[TheWhiteLion]

Without knowing the exact cause of your pain I can only suggest you speak with your doctors about BACCLOFEN. Initially a nerve tonic for Parkinsons and epilepsy but after sustaining a severe injury to my spine and trying a magnitude of medications including fentanyl and gabapentin none of these worked. Bacclofen worked for me within an hour and is not something I take regularly. I take 30mg does when the pain is at its worst and for the next 24 hours I'm relieved.

[Fyllida in reply to TheWhiteLion]

Many thanks. Will ask doc. Take care. Fyllida

[Mollycooper11]

I take 120mg but mine was prescribed for depression about 12 years ago. I can't remember what side effects I had but found swapping to taking it at night got rid of any issues.

[Fyllida in reply to Mollycooper11]

Many thanx, that’s very helpful. It’s strange, they’re called delayed release. When I take them at 8 at night, the issues don’t start till 3.30 following delay. And then go nuts for about 3 hours....that’s some delay! So hoping they will resolve soon or fear might give up, the side effects are so unbearable. On the other hand, it’s only been three days but my family

think they’ve got a madwoman on their hands for those three hours. 🤪