Cymbalta For Rsd/crps (Page 2)

I am in the later stages of RSD and have tried ALOT of Rx that haven't helped. Has anyone else taken cymbalta for RSD & did it help? I am taking Cymbalta now and can't tell that it is helping at all. I take 30mg now and in 7 days start taking 60mg. Is there any Rx that you have/are taking either than Cymbalta that is helping w/RSD/CRPS pain? I have already tried trileptal, neurotin, gabitril and topomax which haven't helped the neuro pain. Open for any suggestions. Thanks.

REPLY

REPORT

Notice any side effects with cymbalta? Rsd 3 yr's now & spreading. I'm desperate. Doc prescribed cymbalta 30 to start.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I did not get a good respone to Cymbalta 30 mg but I did with the 60 mg. You should know in fewer than two weeks. I found the dizziness and nausea were a bit hard initially but I am pretty used to it now.
I thought Lyrica was awful. Nortriptyline made me crazy.
The important thing to remeber is that neither cymbalta nor any other single drugs it will not get rid of all of your pain but it can help and be a bit of the solution. I think Cymbalta helped about 20% but that was 20% more than I had before.
I have had CRPS type two for two and one half years. I am also a physician.
Hang in there. I know how confusing/ frustrating it can be to try all of these meds and try to have a life.
You are in my prayers.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Hi,
I want to start out by saying that I have severe adverse affects taking lytica, gabapentin (orally or by lotion). I have taken another older type of Med and can't remember the name of it but same thing. I have had the disease since Feb 06, but not discovered until Oct 06, because doctors know so little about our disease we are kind of like ginnie pigs. Not inten
tionally what works for one may not work for the next patient.The type I have started from a break in my right inside ankle, no one even knew it was broke until all the doctors where I was at refused to see me. I am on Federal workman's comp and can go see any doctor I want. Sounds great huh! Well it sucks because most doctors have never dealt with it and it is all computer based. I was very lucky that my husband got me into the Mayo clinic where they verified I had been walking around on a broken leg and after a 3 phase bone scan which after a year is a moot point for crps but at 7 months confirmed I had crps, I also have extreme sensitivity with mine which most people don't have. Since having my disease it has spread throughout my foot up the left side of my leg encompassing my knee, up to my hip on the out side of my left leg. In 2009 it started in my right outside ankle, and has encompassed the bottom of the foot and both heels (forgot that on the other leg) and know has gradually started up my leg, it has only gon about 4 inches or so up the leg. The reason I started here before my medication so you will know what kind of condition I am in, my pain scores are usually at the lowest 7 on any given day because my feet are involved. Shoes hurt I can not wear any shoe that has a back no matter how small, I wear ace bandages around both ankies because the pressure is better then the air, blankets or anything else touching that part of my body. If I go to a water park the only thing I can do is the lazy river with my legs still wrapped and water bandages wrapped around them. I am in a two person raft, my husband or daughter is in a single person raft and my feet stick out of the water that way, they also make sure no one runs into me and that I hit no cold water. That is the only way I can go. My family surrounds me when ever I go anywhere which is rarer and rarer because of the sensitivity someone bumps into me or just brushes by me especially little children and I am in so much pain I
am crying and nauseous. I can not where jeans not since 2006, I can not wear any thing that ends near or at my knees since about just below since 2009. I also wear a brace on my left leg that is left over from when I broke my ankle, believe it or not it helps to take off some of the pressure off the bottom of my foot when I walk and it is molded around my outside ankle so it does not touch it. My daughter brought home leggings one day with the idea if I wore it under the splint I could wear sandles, I had been wearing socks, one long and two short one for each foot along with a pair of doll like shoes that had no backs,which I took off as soon as I could using them with crutches. Now I use arm crutches, mine are pink, if you want to know where to get a colorful set just email me. Now onto the good stuff. I can not tolerate lyrica, gabapentin, carbamazepine or anything that is in that mixture of medications. I either get double vision, weird side

effects, and I mean really weird side effects, rashes, ulcers in my mouth, those kinds of things. The Mayo Clinic Pain Doctor I was seeing was at the top of his game, he tried everything. When he first tried to put me on Cymbolta I fought him because I told him I was not depressed. He told me that he wasn't putting me on it for depression at that time I was taking lyrica, well with lyrics it gave me double vision really badly, so he took me off that. At the next visit the side effects for lyrica had gotten so bad it was affecting my marriage and were not improving my pain so the dr. Took me off that and put me on efforex (I think that is how it is spelled). Now that was a horrible medicine it is suppose to be like Cymbolta but it put me straight into a downward spiral, after one week I called back and told them I could not take this any longer and knew I was really messed up from that pill, they were going to trry another one when I asked to be put back on the Cymbalta because I knew it did not mess up my balances like some of the other pills will, it has actually helped in some instances I am not sure with pain but I do know when we are stressed our pain levels go up, and our disease will spread. I have had a very very rough 5 years but the disease seams to have stop spreading now. Pain still their but not spreading. One of the best pills I have found to work for me is methadone it has allowed my pain medication to be cut in 1/2. I was taking 180 hydrocodon/apap 7.5/500mg a month now I only take 90. I also take phenagren for nausea because showers are so horrendous for me,actually getting ready to go anywhere,or trying to do stuff around the house also makes me nauseous but I only get 30 a month so I use saltine crackers, ginger ale, and ginger cookies to help also. I never had headaches (really never had them) until this disease and know I get migraines, I take Topamax 200mg 2 pills 3x a day, to try and keep the migrains down and when they do hit I take Excedrin for migraines and sometimes pseudophed (excuse my spelling) living in the south gives cause for my allergies to act up at the same time I am having a migrain. If you look up symptoms of our disease you will find migraines there,like I said everyone is different. Also Topomax as a side benifit (not why I am taking it will help you loose weight). I take SOMA because I have had problems with back spasms due to injections plus it helps with the pain. They had me at one time on some really heavy duty klonopin and Xanax, the problem with both these drugs with me is I would forget things I did with my family, sometimes whole days, so I went off them cold turkey,not something you are suppose to do but I could not stand it anymore.Now I take a Valium every once in a while and I don't have the memory loss issues like before. I had a genius IQ before this disease could think up answers on a dime but on thing this disease does to you is take away words from you they will be right their and you can not grasp them! It is so hard! So discouraging at time to going from knowing you were smart to people looking at you like you are just not quite up to par. It makes me want to stay home even more. I was the brightest in my family now I can't even tell a story because I stumble trying to recall a simple word. Sorry this disease takes away a lot from us as time goes by, my husband either laughs or walks away when I try and tell him a story it gets to me. Back to meds! I also take celebrex for swelling, we can not use ice on any limb that is infected so I was given celebrex because there are times my feet and legs will swell just standing on them. I also have a prescription lotion, I think we have gone through about 6 before we found the right combination for me. The basic ingredient is ketamine, yes it is used for horses but it also helps greatly on the effected area. You want at least a 15 or 20% solution of the ketamin. If you want what I have just email me I am not sure if they are going to give you my email or not so here it is, [email protected] [1]. I think it is important that people with our suck disease try and help each other. The other thing I have tried is a spinal chord simulator, it did not work, but of course being the Ginny pig that I am, it has been a couple of years there have been changes and we are going with a different company even though the first one you tried is the best company out there. Even though I read that after the first year anyone who has extreme sensitivity to touch has failed every attempt to install one. So if you are religious pray for me, if not wish me luck!Because the first trial sure was no joy. I haven't even told you half of some of the stuff they tried that did not work. But on the pill side if you are not taking methadone get one it, Cymbolta can't hurt or doesn't seem to have any negative effects that I have seen just positive ones, andif you are prone to headaches go back on Topamax, if you are on the stronger meds like Xanax, get off them and drop back to Valium. Your life will be better for it. If you have any question just write I have been about through everything except where they put you in the ketamine coma and now there are reports saying that it is not lasting plus after you come out of the coma you hallucinate for about 4 days I believe and it is not legal in the US. My doctor at Mayo was also a research doc and said that was not the way to go.

[1] Editor's note - In order to protect privacy, we do not allow individuals to post their personal contact information on our discussion threads (except in some very rare cases).

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I'm posting this for my brave 9 yr old daughter who was just diagnosed with crps 2 weeks ago - this is in her own words except for the quotes - Hi, I'm Tori and I'm 9 years old and I have crps. I have been to 1,000 drs. (really 9). Some of the Drs. said the paid is in my head. Later we went to Denver childrens and saw Dr. Hollister. He saw and understood what I was going through so he said I have crps and put me on a pill called gabapentin (200mg - now moving to 300mg). So far it is been working with a few glitches (outbursts of extreme pain in my left ankle). I am going to therapy soon. I want to tell everybody who has this to work through this and it's going to be ok. Dad - this was heatbreaking to read and it is heatbreaking to type, but we wish all those with crps a healthy new year and the mental strength to deal with this terrible pain.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Be careful. I took Cymbalta for several months and nearly lost my mind. I now research every drug I take before I take the drug that the doctor prescribes. My life is important to me and family.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Yes,I'm hypothyroid for 10 yrs and on levoxy,then cymbalta for Fibromyalgia. My Dr is an Internist and very careful with medications.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I had c5-c6 with fusion in 2011 and was given percocet, methocarbomol and lyric. After a year of trying to reduced the doses, my new Medication RN put me on 30 gr. of Cymbalta, lyrica, percocet and the metho.
My first day was very tiring and then by the night time I was loosing all my cookies! I had no pain so go figured.
I am taking again today, will keep you posted!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I have CRPS in my leg and cymbalta has helped me. I still have electrical impulses upon touching my leg but the unbearable pain is gone. Along with my medication, I spent months on sensorial therapy, hydrotherapy and finally physical therapy. One can get better, it's a long process but so worth it.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I have had RSDS/CRPS going on 16 years and I have tried h lot's of RX's now the only thing that has ever helped me with my Chronic Severe burning pain through out my entire body has been the Oxycontin 40 mg 3x a day and the Percocet 5/325 mg and also my miracle pill I call it is the Aderall 30mg which it helps me with some pain reduction and lot's of energy to be able to do my daily tasks... I have tried all the meds you mentioned above and none of them did work and also I heard that Abilify was very good as well, there are lot's of RSDS/CRPS Groups there that can help a lot and any questions you have they will be more then happy to assist you with their experiences and comments... Good Luck to you and MGBUA Also what helps me is the "SCS" Spinal Cord Stimulator that I can not live without because I will die slowly and this is very serious and very true... Hope you can find a solution ASAP to your problem...

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Hi. I know this was asked years ago, but fr anyone else who might be searching CRPS and Cymbalta, here is my experience. I've had CRPS for over 13 years and have tried many meds and several doctors. Most doctors i have seen want to give me a spinal stimulator which involves back surgery which i am more than hesitant to undergo since it was reconstructive ankle surgery that caused me to develop CRPS in 2000. At sny rate, I was eventually put on gabapentin by my neurologist for severe migraines and the wonderful side effect was that my CRPS pain decreased some. Then she put me on Cymbalta, and I could walk again (using a cane). Recently, she upped the dose of Cymbalta to 90mg which does indeed seem to be helping with the pain. It can still get bad (flares), but for the most part it is fairly tolerable. I can walk dhort distances and that was not the case prior to taking Cymbalta.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

I take Tramadol 50mg four times a day. It truly does help. I just found out that I have arthritis and peripheral nurothapy. My doctor prescribed Cymbalta. My first dose will be tonight. Hopefully, this will work. I've had RSD for 15 years now. And it is continuing to travel.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

HEY THERE, I SYMPATHIZE WITH ANYONE WHO is AFFLICTED WITH RSD/CRPS..IM 47 AND HAD MY ACCIDENT IN 1993 WHICH LED TO RSD NOW KNOWN AS CRPS. AT THE TIME OF MY ACCIDENT I WAS 23. I LOST MY RIGHT LEG FROM THE KNEE DOWN, HAVE HAD MANY BACK SURGERIES AND BEEN A GUINEA PIG FOR EVERYTHING. THE CRAZY THING IS I THOUGHT IT WAS SOMEWHAT UNDER CONTROL IN 2008-2011 then 2 YEARS AGO IT CAME BACK IN FULL FORCE. CURRENTLY BACK ON MEDS 30 MGS MSIR 4x A DAY OXYCODONE 10/325 4x A DAY VALIUM SIEZURE MEDS AND ELAVIL WITH SOME MORE TWEEKING TO COME CUZ THE PAIN IS MUCH WORSE THAN WHEN I WAS 23. NOW AT 47 IT'S REALLY HARD TO DEAL WITH..THANK GOD LITERALLY THAT THE MAN UPSTAIRS LOOKS DOWN N TAKES CARE OF ME. I DONT GO TO CHURCH BUT TALK TO HIM NIGHTLY..

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I have CRPS and have been on Gabapentin 2400 mg day and tramadol. I am having balance problems so they backed me down to 1800 mg a day and pain has been excruciating. Went back to phys. And he put me on Cymbalta 60mg. I also had steroid shot due to spur in my rotator cuff. It was a miracle!!!! Woke up left ankle returned to normal texture and color and size..NO PAIN ANYWHERE in my body. I don't know if it was the combination of the two or the cymbalta. I am very tired so I can live with that side effect. Hope this helps.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Just started 30 mg of Cymbalta. Biggest complaint is feeling tired and light headed, Haven't driven in 2 days and am supposed to increase to 60 mg next week. I have a left foot neuropathy for 24 years but was on Clonazapam when it just was no longer effective, Will wean off Clonazapam soon so I am currently taking both of these meds. Too early to tell anything as it takes a few weeks according to the Dr. Thoughts on this??

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I was on clonazepam for many years but recently
It plateaued. Back to neurologist for options. Since only on 1mg, possibly upping the dose will help. Nerves are tricky and I was very lucky to have had this med work so long.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Hey there. I'm on the last stage of RSD. I have muscle atrophy in my leg. I was just put on Cybalta 30 mg. Once a day. The second day I was on it, most of the knots and swelling I had has dissipated and pain more manageable. I also take Lyrica (my miracle drug) Amitriptymine, muscle relaxer and IBprofin (been on opioids for years, nasty stuff) and I feel lots better. I can move around better and I'm so grateful for my Neurologist prescribing it. She save my life. Hope this helps. Good luck

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Re: Joan (# 8)

I also had a filling on a back tooth..the shot hurt so bad and injured my nerve. Worst pain in my life. My DDS said it wasnt his fault. Finally went to Ent...he described neurontin or gabapentin. Within 7 hrs the pain began to subside & finally cured the problem!! Good luck!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I know of someone besides myself who has RSD & CSPD. Mine is mild but hers is bad. She got something called Ketamine. It’s done in a hospital setting and yes it is a super strong medicine for animals. However, it is proving to be one of the most effective medicines out there to actually reverse it. I am not sure where you live or if they do it but in Philidelphia PA there is a doctor at Drexel that does. She has went back to work and is doing OK so far. I have tried everything under the sun that you listed and all the side effects are horrible I would never touch any of them again especially Cymbalta. The first time I had that it was to quit smoking and yes it worked but it leaves a horrible taste in your mouth. I could barely even eat by the first week. I hope this is useful for you.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

My daughter takes it. It only boosts neurotic. Does nothing. She is on morphine and has had extensive infusions of lidocaine, worthless. Then a lot of ketamine infusions. Helps a little but still needs morphine. A good pain clinic should know more about this

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Cymbalta does nothing but except boost gabapentin for nerve pain. Headaches. Good old fashioned Fioricet if I can get for migraines. And I take Aimovig shot once a month

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I was prescribed Cymbalta by my doctor for migraines and muscle tension headaches. I have read many of the other pain di...

5 REPLIES

I have been prescribed this drug for leg pain, has anyone had this prescribed for related pain. What did it do. ## Yes, ...

3 REPLIES

CAN'T TELL YET HOW WELL IT'S WORKING FOR THE MIGRAINES, BUT SIDE EFFECTS ARE BLURRED VISION & EXACERBATION O...

2 REPLIES

I take Cymbalta 30 mg for the Adrenalin, to treat and control My A/D which I was diagnosed with in 2007, I began taking ...

2 REPLIES

I just went from 60 mg to 80mg of cymbalta. I have fibromyalgia, neuropathy and depression and anxiety. Has anyone taken...

2 REPLIES

I have been taking 120mgs. of cymbalta for yrs. for depression, I also have chronic pain, it does Nothing for my pain wh...

2 REPLIES

Cymbalta was prescribed to help nerve pain as a result of a cut nerve during surgery. I have been on it for 6-7 weeks an...

2 REPLIES

I've just tried Cymbalta for 90 days. From the first it greatly helped my diabetic neuropathy in my feet. However af...

1 REPLY

I am 53 & never taken any meds other than aspirin, except Percoset lately for headaches from an annyerism surgery. I...

3 REPLIES

Ihave been on cymbalta for 10 years. I tried to taper off but the side effects were like the worse flu I have ever had. ...

2 REPLIES