Whic is suitable to first-timer ... Cymbalt or Neurontin? - Pain Management Message Board

Amanda06 · 12-07-2007, 02:08 PM

Hi:
My neurologist rx'ed Cymbalt 30 mg. for the first week, then increase to 60 mg. afterwards. If Cymbalt does not work on, he will rx other med. Neurontin, according to him.

I went several web-sites to research regarding Cymbalt. In my finding, this med. is mainly designed for Major Depression that I never have. Rather, I would prefer Neurontin because this med. seems more suitable to my condition that is very mild discomfort originating from pain in the upper left leg.

Also, Cymbalt is very expensive med., then I have a concern over whether I might end up this med. for rest of my life.

My pain history is;
Always upper left leg. About 10 years ago, I experienced extreme pain when working in the backyard tending flower garden which involved some heavy lifting and shavelling. There were few to several pain until this summer when I had an excruciating pain when I tried to get my left leg back to the original position in the bed. Does that sound like Fibromyagia(sp?)? For that reason, my neurologist rx'ed Cymbalt?

Any inputs and suggestions on this would be greatly appreciated.

brianpain33 · 12-07-2007, 02:19 PM

Amanda,
Cymbalta is used for pain from nerve damage, diabetic nerve pain, pain from shingles, and just plain old nerve pain. Is your neurologist sure that your pain is nerve related. If it is not then Cymbalta probably will not work.

If the Cymbalta does not help, I would suggest getting off of it as soon as possible. It was a difficult drug for me to be able to stop. I was on it for 2 months and it took me 3 weeks of tapering and cutting down to be able to stop without major withdrawals. I am not trying to scare you just giving a word of caution that if it is not helping at all to not stay on it. It is also effective for depression as well but it has many more uses especially for nerve pain.

I would suggest that you try Neurontin if the Cymbalta is not working. It is anti-convulsant that is effective in treating pain as well. I used to be on that but the effects wore off and I switched to Lyrica. You may also want to look at Ultram which is a narcotic (non-opiate) medication that is effective in treating general pain and nerve pain. I have been taking Ultram for a year and a half. It is better to try non-narcotic medications before resorting to the narcotic medications. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Can you give us some more information about any other medications you have tried. What kind of diagnostic tests has your neurologist tried and what were the outcomes. This will help all of us determine what might be your next course of action.

Brian

Amanda06 · 12-07-2007, 02:48 PM

Thanks for the quick response. I really appreciate it.

As to test, I got nerve and muscle test that performed by electrode or something similar one. I got mild shock whenever two tiny needle placed both of my legs. It took about 30 minutes. Afterwards, I went to see my neurologist who read test-result.

According to neurologist, all nerves are in good shape. He didn't mention a name for a pain I have tho'. Just handed me two boxes of Cymbalt samples, one is 30 mg. and other is 60 mg. and told me to see him in two weeks.

The reason I sought for help in Neurologist was that I got a deadliest pain in my upper leg when I unintentionally twisted left leg while I was laying down for day-nap, ... not sleep at night. Until then, I did not pay much attention to pain I've been occasinally experiencing. Only after acute pain coming from out of blue made me appt. with neurologist. I knew instantly the pain was not normal and ordinary pain most of us experiencing. It's something awfully wrong with muscle tissue or nerve in my system, that lasted for about fifteen minutes. During that time, I barely managed to go to bathroom.

In the past, I had minor tremor after minor-surgery, but tremor has been gone after taking propranolol 5 mg. for about two years. I'm also prone to get dizziness, for that my ENT rx'ed Meclizine 12.5 mg. tab. as needed. That's all I've been taking for the past years. Otherwise, I'm in good health, both physically and mentally.

Thanks again,

mcda · 12-20-2007, 11:23 PM

Hello, Amanda. I was wondering if your doctor mentioned anything about your lower lumbar spine? I have problems with my lower lumbar spine (which I often post about on the "back problems" category) and have severe pain, radiating down my left leg. It is almost just as painful (and times much more) as my lower back! I have just been prescribed Cymbalta (as well as other medications) for my condition. Please let us know how the Cymbalta works for you!

skych · 12-21-2007, 08:21 AM

Hi Amanda,

I wanted to share some information with you.

I have taken both Neurontin and I am currently on Cymbalta.

Not everyone is the same...meaning what meds work for them may not be suitable for me. I feel this is the case with everyone.

I did not care for the neurontim which was prescribed for my nerve pain about 1 1/2 years ago. (arm injury from work)

I tried many drugs before finding the things that worked for me.

It was not until I was to a breaking point emotionally that my doctor suggested the Cymbalta because it is for nerve pain and depression. I believ that it is prescribed for diabetic nerve pain. Anyway once I started to take it I began to feel better. Better a little with the pain and better a lot emotionaly.

When I got off workers comp I asked the doctor to transfer the Cymbalta prescription to my regular docotr because I did not want to go off it because I felt it was really helping me. It is a very expensive drug. I was paying about 50 a month with my prescription coverage.
The problem was my insurance changed ( i have insurance through the college I attend) Anyway the new insurance only had a discount prescription program. So the prescription went form 50 a month to 118 a month....OUCH!

I Forgot to mention that right after getting off work comp I had planned to go back to work while going to school but was in a car accident that has now led me to a neck surgery in Jan.

Anyway my pharmacist suggested I go to the company who makes this drug which is Lilly and check out their web site for assistance in getting the drug.

I did this and after filling out the information application and giving it my regular doc to fill out his part, I recieved a call saying that I had qualified. I now recieve this drug from the drug manufacturer for a year and I do not have to pay for it.
This is saving me a lot of money especially because I can't work.

I would immagine that other drug manufacturers do the same thing. It is just a matter of doing some footwork to try and receive the help.

Best of luck to you and sorry so long hope it helps....

Chrissy