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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Cymbalta and CH
        
(Message started by: John B on Jun 25^th, 2007, 5:31pm)

Title: Cymbalta and CH
Post by John B on Jun 25^th, 2007, 5:31pm

I have been chronic since 1989, and used to post here frequently. Went to the first OUCH convention. The following is my personal experience, and may mean nothing.

I recently stopped taking Paxil and changed to Cymbalta. After two weeks, I found I could quit the verapamil and lithium I was also taking. I get a few breakthrough attacks, but this is the best I have been in 18 years.

Cymbalta is a selective norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Paxil is just a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. This could be coincidental, as I am certainly due for some relief, but want the rest of the CH community to be aware of my experience.

John B

Title: Re: Cymbalta and CH
Post by UN solved on Jun 25^th, 2007, 7:52pm

Thanks for sharing your story John

Pain Free Wishes

UNsolved

Title: Re: Cymbalta and CH
Post by purpleydog on Jun 26^th, 2007, 3:20am

I've been taking Cymbalta for almost a year now. My GP prescribed it for another condition, and after taking it for about 3 weeks, I noticed I wasn't getting hit as much. I'm chronic, so this was a nice break.

I seem to go through a period with new meds where I forget to take them, and when I did for several days, the hits came back, on schedule. I've since been talking them as prescribed, 60 mg once a day, and the hits have been less. I had a bad "cycle" back in May, but otherwise, less hits, less intense, and less frequent.

This could be something to ask your doc about. I'm supposed to take it in the AM, but I take it at night. it tends to make me a little tired. That's about the only side effect I've noticed. They don't knock me out, but I have a hard time taking meds in the AM that can make me even a little tired. Later in the day is fine.

Glad it's working for you!

Title: Re: Cymbalta and CH
Post by Ray on Jun 26^th, 2007, 3:37pm

Hello:

I too am taking cymbalta, 20mg 2x a day. I am taking this for the more primary condition, depression. I too am noticing a decrease in hits, but not necessarily severity.

PLEASE NOTE: You are at increased risk of SEROTONIN SYNDROME, please google that, or search through the threads here for more information. There are other drugs contraindicated with the use of this medication, for example, Demoral, so be sure that anyone who wants to give you meds knows that you are on this medication. Triptans, including: Imitrex, Zomig, Maxalt, etc, all can ADD to the serotonin syndrome risk.

Of course I use both, and so far, no problems with me, but your milage may vary. My therapist wanted me to talk to my Dr about using Buspar for anxiety, but it works on the same receptor sites for serotonin as the triptans and Cymbalta, so we thought that would be BAD. Check over the counter meds with your pharmacist too, as the most common cough suppressant is also contraindicated with Cymbalta.

Good luck for PF days and nights,

Ray

Title: Re: Cymbalta and CH
Post by EstieSA on Jun 26^th, 2007, 5:20pm

on 06/25/07 at 17:31:21, John B wrote:

I have been chronic ...
I recently stopped taking Paxil and changed to Cymbalta. After two weeks...

Ditto!

I take it primarily for depression
(90 mg in the am). After 2 weeks I became pf for a blissful 38 days whereafter the beast returned.

Still chronic , but now live with k6/7's instead of k8/9's!

I am currently ramping up on Neurontin (1500mg/day) ...

Title: Re: Cymbalta and CH
Post by Karla on Jun 26^th, 2007, 10:04pm

I tried cymbalta for depression and was on it for a long time before I quit because of all the potential drug interactions for me. It did nothing for my chronic ch. >:(