GP suggesting alternative to citalopram to reduce PMR pain??

[Lyra42]

My GP has just suggested that I consider changing from 20mg daily citalopram (that I’ve been taking for last 3.5 years to combat menopause symptoms) to Duloxerine because “it will help reduce some of PMR pain”.

I’m confused. I know she is concerned because I’m having trouble reducing from 17-20mg of Pred (see my profile for details) but it doesn’t make sense to me to “mask” the pain of my PMR niggles. If I’m reading the advice on this forum correctly, taking something to reduce pain to allow a reduction in Pred dosage is more likely to result in a build up in inflammation and an increased likelihood of flares?

Thank you

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Exactly HOW does she think it will help reduce the PMR pain? It isn't nerve pain. It sounds to me as if she has totally confused polymyalgia with fibromyalgia. Two completely different disorders with totally different underlying causes. PMR is an inflammatory disorder, hence the pred, fibro is a pain perception problem, has no inflammatory component at all. Though you can have both if you are very unlucky.

I think I have to be blunt and say I suspect your problems stem from not dealing well with stress and continuing to work. People who work do seem to need more pred to cope - and it is very easy to do a lot more than you should when you have the responsibility of a job to deal with, whatever it is.

[Seacat30]

You seem to have tried to reduce rather fast and frequently and be zigzagging your dose up and down a lot. I think that may make things more difficult for you.