Cymbalta for pain management? - Pain Management Message Board

tic · 01-03-2007, 10:20 AM

Hi - I'm new to the board. I have been dealing with horrible back pain for about two years now. Nothing that I've tried has helped and my PCP was sypathetic enough to put me on vicodin which seemed to be the only thing that took the edge off.

After taking vicodin for some time (don't remember how long now), my PCP decided it was time to see a pain management doc. She put me on tramadol since she didn't want me to be on narcotics. Tried the tramadol for a few days and found that it seemed to be making me anxious/agitated.

I called the PM doc to tell her this and her answer is to have me take a muscle relaxer (also been taking this and find no real relief) in am and pm along with upping my current 60mg of Cymbalta to 120 per day! I'm taking Cymbalta for anxiety and had wanted to stop taking it since I know it is very strong and has major withdrawal effects (can feel it only hours after missing a dose) but decided to stay on it after consulting with my doc previously.

Anyway, I'm scared to death to go to 120mg/day and told the PM doc's nurse. She stood her ground and said that Cymbalta helps not only with anxiety put pain also. I told her I would have to think about it. I've called my PCP in the meantime but won't be able to see her until Monday - she is on vaca.

Has anyone tried Cymbalta as a means for pain management and what has your experience been? Any other thoughts/opionions are welcome.

Thanks.

forginon · 01-03-2007, 03:09 PM

I take methadone 80mg/day and Cymbalta 60mg/day.

I was taking Celexa for depression and my PCP, who now also treats me for pain with guidance from my pain doc, recommended trying Cymbalta.

The very first day after taking Cymbalta I felt like I was on cloud 9. Much less pain. But that was it. I've now been taking Cymbalta 60mg/day for a couple of months but I can't see the benefit. So now the PCP wants to up my dose to 120mg/day. It's going through the insurance mill so far.

Depression-wise things are OK. Pain-wise, the methadone is what's working.

I had never heard that it can be hard stopping Cymbalta. Can I ask where you heard about that - your doctor? I need more info before doubling my dose.

tic · 01-03-2007, 05:30 PM

I know about the withdrawal first-hand. I have missed a dose from time to time. When I do - even if I don't remember I missed it, I KNOW I did b/c within hours I start to feel awful and that's just on 60mgs. I've been out of town and forgotten my pills and my doc has to call the pharmacy b/c I can't even miss a day without feeling terrible...

yvette777 · 01-04-2007, 07:23 AM

I actually just went to the doctor yesterday and asked for it. I have heard so much good about it here on the web. I am hoping that it will help with the nerve pain, and depression, cause I am depressed.

First dose last night and I am praying this stuff does what everyone says.

RozIA · 01-04-2007, 01:16 PM

Yall be careful on Cymbalta . It can be very dangerous. My Neuro wont prescribe it to any of his patients. I had a real bad reaction