Well, I haven't keeled over from a massive seizure yet. I haven't lost my vision. I haven't exploded. ;D
Got a headache but that's from this nor'easter that blew in. College football helps take my mind off the pain and the fudge brownie helped too. I'm 24 hrs w/o my pain meds and 2 hours on the Cymbalta. I think this is going to be a lesson in patience. :o
I didnt know chocolate was supposed to increase serotonin levels? I just heard that? eat the brownies...wish I could eat more chocolate, but my systemic yeast is already out of control...if it wasnt, I would be in my bed with a bag of candy...yummmy!!!
gursie
Quote from: gurs on October 29, 2011, 03:22:53 PM
I didnt know chocolate was supposed to increase serotonin levels? I just heard that? eat the brownies...wish I could eat more chocolate, but my systemic yeast is already out of control...if it wasnt, I would be in my bed with a bag of candy...yummmy!!!
gursie
Oh, I don't know if it helps serotonin levels but it sure does taste dang good!! ;D. I really shouldn't for the yeast thingy too but every now and then doesn't hurt.
Sometimes you have to pay the piper for alittle enjoyment,, I have a hard time anymore with chocolate,, just makes the mucos thicker,, miss milk too,,
Chocolate is one of the few pleasures I have left. I refuse to give it up! And yes, I have dipped into the Halloween candy already. I guess I never really grew up!!!
I keep a bowl of candy on my desk and it has helped me through many long days.
I am sorry for those who can't enjoy it. I'll chalk this up as one more thing I am thankful for.
KellyG
Dear Nara, I've been on Cymbalta for about a year and a half.
I haven't filtered out any weird side effects from it yet.
Other drugs, yes, Cymbalta no.
But, time will tell.
It seems to be helping me lots.
I cannot take any of the regular RX pain meds because I itch so badly it is crazy.
or worse.
So it's Cymbalta and Aleve for me. Once you're on it, up the dosage until you don't feel more relief.
Then ease back and see when the balance point arrives
That's my method.
Keep us posted.
Chocolate has magical properties and I've only learned to appreciate them in my old age.
Hugs
Elaine
Does that cause any dryness? Usually those type of meds cause dryness.
Quote from: Carolina on October 29, 2011, 05:14:55 PM
Dear Nara, I've been on Cymbalta for about a year and a half.
I haven't filtered out any weird side effects from it yet.
Other drugs, yes, Cymbalta no.
But, time will tell.
It seems to be helping me lots.
I cannot take any of the regular RX pain meds because I itch so badly it is crazy.
or worse.
So it's Cymbalta and Aleve for me. Once you're on it, up the dosage until you don't feel more relief.
Then ease back and see when the balance point arrives
That's my method.
Keep us posted.
Chocolate has magical properties and I've only learned to appreciate the in my old age.
Hugs
Elaine
I know I've been dealing with a little sinus pressure earlier today, and maybe it's just coincidence, but about an hour after taking it, my head is POUNDING! My blood pressure is normal; had a relatively healthy dinner; but now the light from the tv is blinding (penguins v Toronto - we lost) and my head is just aching and I'm nauseous. HOWVER, a first happened. My hubby came and sat on the floor at my feet and said that if I'd come down and sit by him, he'd rub my neck. I cried...
Quote from: Still in the hunt on October 29, 2011, 04:29:43 PM
Sometimes you have to pay the piper for alittle enjoyment,, I have a hard time anymore with chocolate,, just makes the mucos thicker,, miss milk too,,
Yeah, milk is heck on mucous. I'm not a milk drinker so I'm okay there. I've been noticing the mucous issue whenever I eat brownies or hohos. I'm not stopping. Not until I absolutely have to.
I have a weird thing with the chocolate. When I get the really thick mucus in the back of my throat that doesn't want to move I just eat a little Snickers bar and I can move that mucus right along and out. The chocolate helps me clear out the mucus. Go figure. IRish
Quote from: irish on October 29, 2011, 09:40:45 PM
I have a weird thing with the chocolate. When I get the really thick mucus in the back of my throat that doesn't want to move I just eat a little Snickers bar and I can move that mucus right along and out. The chocolate helps me clear out the mucus. Go figure. IRish
REALLY????? That's weird! One of the few times I have trouble with mucous is when I get ear infections, which I'm prone to. A shot of whiskey (or two ::) ) is my only hope.
As for my Cymbalta trip, woke up at 3 wide awake, no more headache or nausea, but wide awake nonetheless. Nothing like watching Naked Archaeologist in the middle of the night. :)
I guess its Dark Chocolate that helps..check this out..explains it very well. I hate dark chocolate-yucky..love the milk chocolate.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/434221-dark-chocolate-and-serotonin/
Gursie
Quote from: jasonsmith on October 29, 2011, 05:23:36 PM
Does that cause any dryness? Usually those type of meds cause dryness.
jasonsmith, for me, Cymbalta caused such severe dry mouth that I was unable to eat. I quit using it after four or five days, I think. It seems many with SjS can tolerate it without that side effect, but for several days, all I could eat was soup (and it was still difficult) or Ensure -- so no Cymbalta for me. That severe dry mouth improved soon after I quit taking it.
Dear all,
I find it fascinating how differently we all respond to various foods and drugs.
This is why the plural of anecdote (my aunt got the hives from eating X) is NOT
data (hives are a common side effect of X).
But I do wonder how the wise 'medicine men' and 'women' of old ever figured out what herbs actually do work fairly consistently?
It must have taken centuries of passing down experiences to amass truly objective data from such small groups.
I just try to remind myself that the most dangerous thing I ever do is get in a car and drive or ride somewhere.
AND that I've had the experience of medication feeling bad the first few days and then smoothing out.
AND the experience of close to anaphylactic shock on the second or third dosage with others.
AND finally the experience of a good old stand by turning bad or just plain doing nothing after a few years.
Everything changes, we're all a bit different, and life is a series of trials and errors.
Hugs
Elaine
I'm really starting to get worried. My headache is now progressed into a full blown migraine; the ringing in my ears is deafening; my thumbs tremble uncontrollably at times; dizziness that keeps me from getting up; nausea beyond even my worst morning sickness, and I had it BAD with my first one - 24/7 for 8 months; stiff neck, and the chills like I've been out in the snow for an hour without shoes and a coat. After one pill??? Really???
Nara - this sounds much like my reaction after one Cymbalta. (sweating, shaking, awful feeling...I think I shared)
PLease call the doc as soon as you can.
HUGS
KellyG
Quote from: KellyG999 on October 30, 2011, 07:47:58 AM
Nara - this sounds much like my reaction after one Cymbalta. (sweating, shaking, awful feeling...I think I shared)
PLease call the doc as soon as you can.
HUGS
KellyG
I remember you did share this. I wasn't looking for anything but good things, even neutral things to happen. But dang!! One pill!!
Nara,
Hope this goes away soon and that you can stay on Cymbalta. I really think it's a good drug for a lot of symptoms we all have. Call your doc before you take more and take it easy. I sure hope it's a reaction to going off tramadol.
It's been 24 hours since my first dose and my headache is almost non-existence; neck pain comes and goes but not on the same pain level as it was; twitching/tremors almost gone; dizziness has let up quite a bit, don't have to crawl to the bathroom anymore; and the nausea has let up.
The rheumy on call doesn't seem to think ANY of those complaints indicate a sensitivity but that I've probably been exposed to a cold or a virus. ($@&#ing moron)
I do not take the Ultram every day. I can go days without it. Same with the Klonopin. So I don't think its withdrawal.
My mother and my brother were drug users (illicit and prescription) and I saw what it did to them. I don't go that route. Too scared. But I understand the concern.
So I get to call her back tomorrow and see where we go from here. Blah blah blahdy blah.
I def think it was a reaction or side effect....wouldnt take it again. Doctors always seem to blow it off or blame something else other than the drug THEY prescribed...not sure how long this stays in your system..hopefully, you will feel better after a few days.
Gursie
I had terrible side effects from Cymbalta. It increased my depression, increased fatique, caused me to stop driving...as a matter of fact most of my supposed Sjogrens symptoms dissapeared as soon as I went off Cymbalta. Pay attention to any changes in your health. Don't automatically think you symptoms are just Sjogrens related. Consider the drug itself.
Quote from: gurs on October 30, 2011, 02:28:21 PM
I def think it was a reaction or side effect....wouldnt take it again. Doctors always seem to blow it off or blame something else other than the drug THEY prescribed...not sure how long this stays in your system..hopefully, you will feel better after a few days.
Gursie
I'm getting there! Cymbalta has a half life of 12 1/2 hours so if I took it at 4 pm yesterday, it'll be completely out by around 7:30 am tomorrow. I'm almost willing to try this again. I really was hoping for a positive outcome.
Quote from: confused on October 30, 2011, 03:39:52 PM
Nara,
It wouldn't be not taking your other pain meds since you didn't take them daily, but I don't buy that it is a virus. I only mentioned the possibility of withdrawal as I have read of many that have been told tramadol is non-addicting and don't realize the problems it can cause. You seem to be very knowledgeable about medications.
It is amazing how a drug or food can react so differently on each person, as Carolina mentioned. I sure wish more doctors understood that one pill does not work wonders for all. It is "a series of trials and errors".
I'm glad you are feeling better.
Oh I know. My PM TOLD me it was non-addictive. I don't take very many doctors at their word when it comes to meds because 1) my mother and brother and 2) I've had some nasty rxns. Since those early, nasty rxns I've made it a point to research my meds before I ever get the script filled.
Thank you, I'm glad I'm feeling better too. I'm feeling the pain in my arms but I'll take that any day over yesterday. :)
I;m not a medical person, but I checked the side effects on Cymbalta, and nausea and headaches are common (25% and 14%). However some of these other things, I don't know. I'd give the doctor a call in the morning and see if you should continue or not.
I was unable to take Cymbalta (and many other of the SSRIs). In the case of Cymbalta I was so dizzy and lightheaded I couldn't safely walk to the bathroom or sit on the toilet or a chair without arms. Everyone is different, and I've heard some good outcomes too.
Quote from: gurs on October 30, 2011, 04:38:36 AM
I guess its Dark Chocolate that helps..check this out..explains it very well. I hate dark chocolate-yucky..love the milk chocolate.
-
The dark chocolate has less sugar. When I do indulge (rarely), I buy Lindt's 85% dark chocolate.
Quote from: gold55 on October 30, 2011, 08:47:54 AM
Nara,
Hope this goes away soon and that you can stay on Cymbalta. I really think it's a good drug for a lot of symptoms we all have. Call your doc before you take more and take it easy. I sure hope it's a reaction to going off tramadol.
No more Cymbalta. She said I'm apparently sensitive to those types and wants to try me on trazodone. I'm wary to say the least.
She knows I have BP issues and irregular heartbeat issues and a history of heart attack and strokes and blood clots with my dad. I called my cardiologist and left a detailed message for her opinion as well as my PCP's tomorrow at my appt.
<sigh>