Cymbalta for anxiety and depression and intrusive thoughts.

[TrippyMcGuire762]

So my doctor got me started on Cymbalta for my anxiety. Was wondering how long it takes for it to start taking effect to make things better. I'm especially hoping they will start calmimg these intrusive thoughts that keep flashing into my head. I want to get back on with my life as this anxiety has crippled me and cost me my job.

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer]

One of the most infuriating things about antidepressants is the lag time between starting one and beginning to feel better...3 or 4 weeks is a lifetime when you are feeling seriously depressed and/or anxious. Meanwhile, antibiotics start working in a day or 2. That’s a good thing, but not when comparing them with psychotropics. The silver lining is that some psych meds start working very rapidly for some people, and you may be one of them. Easy to say but take it a day at a time and don’t passively wait for the drug to kick in if at all possible. Take walks outside, get some sun, engage in a hobby. In a word, distract yourself and feeling better will sneak up on you

[TrippyMcGuire762 in reply to Catsamaze]

Thanks. I've just been dealing with this for over a month and tried buspirone already for a month with no effect. Unfortunately can't really engage in any of the hobbies I like at this time due both to covid and this situation I find myself in.

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer in reply to TrippyMcGuire762]

Understood. Covid has made everything that was hard to begin with so much harder......

[Nothingtohide in reply to Catsamaze]

Hey,I can feel you. I know the way these thoughts triggers and what they make us do. But are they more powerful than our will ?? No, our will is stronger than these thoughts. Let your will fight your with your thoughts.

You know will get out of this very soon.

[Gentlespirit]

I'm sorry to hear that it cost you your job. I've noticed some improvement with Cymbalta yet it may have to be upped a little . Do you like to draw or paint or build something? Theres adult drawing books. Adult paint by number or craft kits or your own imagination on what you would like to build. Photography? Home repairs or gardening? Alot of things are being sent by ups or Amazon or online. Cooking or baking or playing games or sledding with your kids? Or a free game online? Where one door is closed another opens. Online learning. Have you heard of Udemy or Coursera or Google courses? Or maybe consider going back to school? Or updating your Resume? I hope this will be of some help. Its hard to deal with depression and other things some people don't realize how debilitating it can be. I fake normal so well sometimes when I'm struggling that it concerns even me . Maybe journaling or playing some games? I wish you well on your journey.

[RainydaySuperstar]

I wasnt on it long enough to know if it worked or not because it didnt mix well with my other meds

[sarasmile7]

I've been on a lot of different antidepressants over the decades and sometimes a mixture of more than one. (i have "resistant depression", so it's not easy to just be put on an antiD and everything is fine) Anyway, the thing that has done wonders for me---and it was big several years ago---was to take an adjunct medicine called Abilify. I've been on it for over 5 yrs. along with my regular antidepressants (they've changed over the years) and it calmed down my emotions and helped me focus. In my opinion giving these types of medicines is not only a science, buy is very much an ART. It takes a doc with a lot of knowledge and Patience to get the right mix. Thanks for reading this. <3

[Alpaca2884 in reply to sarasmile7]

Hi. Ability was added to my Zoloft and really helped me a lot. Unfortunately I had to go off of the Ability because it gave me tremors. Have you had any side effects?

[sarasmile7 in reply to Alpaca2884]

Fortunately for me I have had no side affects from Abilify and it's really helped me so much. <3

[Hidden]

Hello! How are you doing today? Thanks for sharing :). I just wanted to jump in with my experience. Cymbalta was really powerful for me and it actually brought out a manic episode because apparently I am bipolar?( which I didn't know or have any symptoms before.) I am fine now but it was pretty intense and scary for me but I liked it because I didn't feel so sad. It even made food taste better. Be sure to monitor yourself and make sure you have support to make sure you are safe. Thanks.

[Kens2]

Hey dude, i suffer with anxiety aswell, i.now.have it under control, but from time to time.though I do feel unease. Need to remind myself about the good and happy memories i have created!! I myself didnt use any drugs as I didn't want to have to rely on them while getting myself better.

[Hidden]

When I first started cymbalta I was I ROUGH shape.

It made me feel better within first few days.

I didnt sleep well for months on it.

Now I can’t wait to get off it.

BE CAREFUL.

[anaoli1]

Your health is the biggest wealth ever. There are so many people like you in this world who are having health issues. Anxiety and depression are some sort of mind stats of temporary nature. This can be cured by doing some meditation and yoga on regular basis. And my sincere advice is to avoid medicines because having medicine for depression and anxiety can result in side effects; like a foggy head(according to the canadapharmacy.com/ website, this might be one of the side effects of such medicines).