OT- Cymbalta for back pain

I've been taking Cymbalta for just over three weeks now.  It's an antidepressant, but is also used to treat chronic pain, including back pain.  My psychiatrist talked me into trying it by pointing out that it often helps with pain.  I had been off all antidepressants for a while and wasn't particularly interested in going back on them, but I think he thought I should be on one, and I agreed to try the Cymbalta to see if it would help my back.  Because while I was not interested in medication for depression, I am definitely interested in anything that makes my back feel better!

The first week and a half, it made me really nauseous and I wasn't sure I was going to keep taking it.  The nausea did go away finally, though. 

After I'd been on it for about two and a half weeks, I started to notice a difference with my back.  I still have pain every day, but it's more tolerable.  I'm noticing I can do things more easily.  A few days ago I needed to move a coffee table, which isn't that heavy but it's something I would normally avoid doing out of fear of making my back worse.  I really needed to move it, though, so I did, and I was fully expecting to pay for it later than night or the next day.  But I didn't.  There were no negative consequences.  And yesterday at the grocery store I decided to buy a gallon of milk instead of a half gallon (because it's cheaper and because then I won't run out of milk so soon).  I stopped buying milk by the gallon quite some time ago because the gallon jug is too heavy for me to lift.  It hurts my back.  But I figured I could take it home and pour half of it into another container so I wouldn't have to lift it all the time.  But I didn't have any trouble picking it up.

I think I love this drug!

I've been taking Cymbalta for years now. I started it for the anti-depressant, but was having chronic pain issues as well. I can't say the pain is gone completely, but there is a great improvement! I also feel more stable emotionally! ;)

The only "bad" thing I have experienced is the side effects coming off of the medication. They are not pleasant to say the least! As long as you take it as prescribed and wean off instead of stopping it cold turkey, it is a wonder drug!

I've heard that about coming off it.  I had the same experience in the past coming off Effexor.

I've had to wean off of every antidepressant I've ever taken, and I've taken tons of them.

That is so wonderful, Kelly!! I know that those with fibromyalgia will also take it to ease the pain.  So glad you are getting some relief!!

Hugs,

Pam

Yay!

That is wonderful news!

So glad something is helping you feel better. Kathy

That is GREAT news, Kelly!  I am glad you decided to continue taking it until the nausea passed.  (I had several clients who also had nausea when they first started, but it passed after a week or two.)

Lora

Kelly, I'm glad the Cymbalta is working for you.  I've been taking it for 9 years and I can't imagine life without Cymbalta.  Somebody will have to pry it out of my cold, dead, hands when I die someday lol.  

Sonja