YYC, I started taking Cymbalta in 2009 as Rx for Perpherial Neuropathy and Fibro at 20 mg and returned 600 mile trip back to Duke to Neurologist and he raised Rx to 30 mg since I had done well at 20. He remarked if I felt it needed increased to call and return to Duke.
Now having taken it over 2 years I can tell a difference in my mental outlook as well as my overall health status... You know, mind, body, and spirit need to be in tune!!!
Never have taken Plaquenil as had severe eye issues when traveled many miles to John Hopkins Eye Ctr. and was diagnosed with SS after 17 years of agonizing with my eyes. I was declared low-vision impaired and placed on disability. I waited 5 yrs until the FDA approved a procedure and I had both epithiliums peeled and grew new ones. I had massive abrasions and even to the crater depths in a few spots on left eye.
Truly a miracle... My vision was restored by Dr. Alan Carlson at Duke Eye Ctr to 20/20 in near and far range... wonderful retina and eye condition behind that mess over the cornea of each eye. Made the decision again after this surgery in 2000 to go with using Plaquenil.
My daughter was diagnosed last year with SS. It hit her at 39 and she had extreme joint pain and eye issues like I did. She yo-yos back and forth on 200-400 mg daily of P. She has some side effects that she really does not like but tolerates with thinking it will slow the progression since she started at a much higher involvement than I had.
YYC, Cymbalta is new to treating PN and Fibro as it was primarly used for depression patients. Plaquenil was used for years for malaria and some more knowledgeable than I can tell how long it has been Rx for Sjogren's.
Trust this post gives you one idea to ponder... and, it will truly have been worth my time!
