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duloxetine increase to 120mg - scared to take

Posted , 7 users are following.

mari34228
mari34228

Hi, I've already posted on here that I have been struggling with the duloxetine. I spoke to GP on phone this morning and he has decided to put me up from 60mg to 120mg to see if that helps. The point is, I have gone downhill since starting on it. My mood is worse (or at least different....but not in a good way). And my fibro pains have actually increased in places. He said that after a couple of weeks we will know if it really isn't going to work and I'll have to change medication again. 

I'm very apprehensive about taking the higher dose. I told him I had been drinking (it's the only way I have been getting through the days and particularly the nights). I know duloxetine is particulalrly bad to be drinking on, for the liver. I can't see how I'm just going to be able to stop, so I'll be taking a higher dose and alcohol. Also, I know this is an awful drug to withdraw from.

What are other people's experinces on 120mg - did it help when the 60mg didn't? I am very doubtful. Surely there should have been SOME improvement after 2 months. This does not seem right to me.

1 like, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • 2357
    2357 mari34228

    Posted

    Hi, any increase or decrease in any medication, needs to be done gradually. Have you thoughly researched this medication? Are you taking any other medication as well? As, some interactions may cause symptoms.

    I would say, you need to have some night time sedative med, to help you sleep.

    ?Your Doctor cannot force you to take any medication. Ultimately it is your choice.. If it is an informed choice.

    ?Do you see anyone from the mental health team or a Phychiatrist. If not, ask for an urgent referral. They are the best people to prescribe medication. I, don't think GP's have enough knowledge of mental health. 

    ?I, think you know yourself, that drinking. Especially with medication. Is not going to help at all. Especially if you become dependent on it. And, could lead to becoming an alcholic.

    Ask for help and support, with that as soon as possible. 

    ?And make an appointment to go back and see your GP. And make notes. It needs to go on your records. 

    You are not getting the support and help you need. You need that referral ASAP.

    • mari34228
      mari34228 2357

      Posted

      Hi there, thanks for your reply. I agree, GPs are pretty useless when it comes to mental health. I have my first appointment with a psychologist at the end of this month. Yes, I do know I shouldn't be drinking. And I wasn't, but somehow the duloxetine is making me want to drink. I've read about this happening to other people too. I did mention this to the GP and the fact that things have been worse, so was shocked he put me up to the fullest dose. The thing is he knows nothing about me. He doesn't know all the troubles I've had with previous anti-depressants. When he started me on it, it was the first time I had seen him. It is so hard to get an appointment there and you end up just taking whatever GP you can get on that day. 

      You are right about the night time sedative. I wasn't going to but I eventually took my second dose last night. I was wide awake all night and didn't sleep till about 7am. I just don't want to add any more drugs into my system. I feel quite angry actually. I know he really doesn't have much of a clue about what he has prescribed me as he had to look it up in his little book to see about dosages and whatever. Then on the phone yesterday he was obviously reading again as he said 'it says here to take in two doses'! I think I probably know more about it than he does! I have googled it, yes, and I am terrified now of weaning off of it. The only reason I decided to take the second dose last night was because he sounded reluctant to try another med before seeing if we could get the duloxetine to work. I think he thought that it just wasn't high enough, and didn't grasp the fact that it's actually the duloxetine making me worse!

      I have a phone consultation with him in two weeks to see how I am getting on. I think though that I might drop to the 60mg again before then if things go badly. It's so frustrating when the GPs don't sit and have a proper discussion with you. I am really hoping the psychologist will be better, because it has been 3 years now of going back and forth to the doctors.

      Thanks again for relplying.

  • Aspinan
    Aspinan mari34228

    Posted

    Hi Mari, you may not be getting the benefit of the meds if you are drinking regularly, the drinking could be what's making you feel worse not the meds.

    Have a think about your drinking habits and make a decision on whether to stop or cut back as its not doing you any favours I'm afraid.

    Neil 

    • mari34228
      mari34228 Aspinan

      Posted

      Hi Neil, the alcohol thing is quite recent. I don't think it's that. I began to slide pretty quickly on the duloxetine and I wasn't drinking before I went on it. That's one of the reasons I want off this drug. It's really been messing with me. I'm not actually drinking all that much, it's just a lot compared to before. And I'm scared it will get worse. I resisted a drink yesterday but, I don't know, it's strange, I went and got myself a glass just now. I was telling myself not to, but still did anyway. I've FELT like just drinking before just to get through, many times, and have maybe had the odd one, but this is different. The duloxetine seems to have broken down some sort of barrier there. I was on citalopram for over a year and never felt like this. Also it flared up my fibromyalgia right from the start, rather than helping it. 

      I know this drug works for some people, but I don't think this is the right one for me.

  • bonita55737
    bonita55737 mari34228

    Posted

    Hi MARIA,I HAVE been taking 120 mgs of Duloxatine for about riur months,I was previously taking only 60mgs,it wasnt helping at all,so my Dr and I chose to double my dosage,I have been so much better since the increase,I feel happy again,no more weepy days,no more hiding in the house,I am doing so much better,it is amazing!
    • michelle19302
      michelle19302 bonita55737

      Posted

      Hello Bonita55737,

      I have read the thread about 120mg Duloxetine and saw your response saying how well you were doing on it after 4 months. I just wondered what are your reasons for taking Duloxetine - is it for Fibromyalgia, anxiety and depression? Are you still feeling well on it?

      I have been taking 120mg for the past 6 months for severe anxiety and depression and M.E symptoms. I still have some fatigue and low energy and mood issues, however some of this is because I stupidly took 10mg Amitriptyline for two nights about a month ago to help me sleep. However ever since then my symptoms worsened and I've slowly getting back to where I was over the last few weeks. The Amitriptyline changed my chemistry so that I've gone back a few steps!

      Did you suffer from depression and did this just lift one day after 4 months, or has it been a gradual lift in your symptoms over the last 4 months?

      Many thanks for your help, it is much appreciated.

      Michelle

  • BekaJordan1600
    BekaJordan1600 mari34228

    Posted

    I am a 40 year old female. Just began taking the generic Cymbalta. My mother passed away a few weeks ago and my PCP upped my dose from 60mg to 120mg. I've taken 4 doses of the 120mg and today I have very bad anxiety. Also, for the past 3 nights, I have been waking up at 3:00AM and have been struggling to fall back asleep. Has anyone else had any sleep issues? Also, I am taking the meds for anxiety, depression and fibro. My fibro seems to be under control but I cant seem to shake the anxiety. I take the pills at night before bed since my PCP said it could make me very tired....Also, i read that someone was drinking alcohol with their meds. I had 2 glasses of wine (before the dosage increase) the day after my mom passed and I noticed that I was feeling "out of my head" and i know the feeling was from drinking while on this med. I wouldnt recommend drinking alcohol while taking this med. I didnt like the way it made me feel at all. It was like I drank 4 bottles of wine instead of 2 small glasses.

    • michelle19302
      michelle19302 BekaJordan1600

      Posted

      Hello BekaJordan1600,

      I am also taking 120mg Duloxetine for anxiety, depression and M.E symptoms but I take it all in the morning. I've been advised by my specialist consultant psychiatrist that antidepressants must be taken in the morning when treating mental health problems. Also Duloxetine has a short half life of 12 hours so if you take it in the evening the effects are wearing off by the morning. This could be why you are having problems sleeping. Would you try taking it in the morning instead?

      Michelle

    • BekaJordan1600
      BekaJordan1600 michelle19302

      Posted

      Thank you for the advice Michelle19302. I go to the doctor tomorrow and will make the suggestion and see what she has to say. I didn't realize it has a 12-hour effect.

  • suzan71809
    suzan71809 mari34228

    Posted

    I started the 120, and I see a big difference. It's helping my pain in my back and I feel better. Happy and more energy. I think it's helping me!

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