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Duloxetine

Posted , 4 users are following.

mary12001
mary12001

Referred to pain clinic because of constant pain following TKR over two years ago. Consultant started me in Duloxetine - only been taking them four days and my knee has now gone stiff. Can’t walk at all. Worried sick because it says you can’t just stop taking them

He’s also  put me down for day surgery to have a nerve block.

I can see me losing my leg at this rate!!

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX mary12001

    Posted

    Duloxetine (brand name Cymbalta) is primarily an SNRI antidepressant.  Off-label testing has shown that it has a pain relieving capability for some patients.  Based on those studies, the FDA has approved the use of duloxetine for pain.  However...

    Other pain meds such as Celebrex are also good systemic pain relievers without the side effects of duloxetine (weight gain, sexual impotence, and more).  SNRIs (Cymbalta, Effexor, and more) are notoriously difficult to get off of.  If you've only taken it for four days and having problems, you can probably stop with no problem as it takes anywhere from 2-4 weeks for the drug to reach its effective blood level state.  If you think that's a problem, titrate off...one pill every other day and then stop.  Again, right now there's very little of the drug in your system so this method should work.  To be sure, ask your doc.  If he's started you out on 30mg, this is a no-brainer as the typical dose of duloxetine is 60-120mg daily

    I've been on Cymbalta for years and have successfully titrated off of it a number of times without too many issues although there are many less successful experiences reported far and wide.  Using Cymbalta for pain is like going after a fly with a sledgehammer since its primary purpose is to be an antidepressant.  You might ask for some Tramadol (Ultram) which, although classified as an opioid, is so mild for that category of drugs that docs usually prescribe it without hesitation, making sure that there are no interactions with any other of your meds.

    So look into the Tramadol and Celebrex as alternatives to the duloxetine.  Need more info, talk to a pharmacist.  They are waaaaay better sources of drug information than a doctor.  Trust me.  I was married to one for 25 years.  She knew more than any doc I've ever met.

  • kathleen_65043
    kathleen_65043 mary12001

    Posted

    Hi Mary Chico is right you have not been on the medication long enough Drs  normally say it takes up to 3 months to get in your system he has great  knowledge and advice on do’s and don’t stay positive see your Dr x
  • martha08360
    martha08360 mary12001

    Posted

    oh, so sorry Mary..  please keep us posted.  The nerve block will help.... this is a travestry, that so many ppl are having issues with TKR..... somebody should be held accountable.
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