My first day on Cymbalta

[Narablueeyes]

Well, I haven't keeled over from a massive seizure yet.  I haven't lost my vision.  I haven't exploded.   

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.   

[gurs]

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

[Narablueeyes]

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!! . I really shouldn't for the yeast thingy too but every now and then doesn't hurt. 

[Still in the hunt]

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,,

[KellyG999]

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

[Carolina]

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

[jasonsmith]

Does that cause any dryness? Usually those type of meds cause dryness.

[Narablueeyes]

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...

[Narablueeyes]

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.

[irish]

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

[Narablueeyes]

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.   

[gurs]

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

[mshistory]

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.

[Carolina]

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

[Narablueeyes]

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???