Posted by Philip Burke on February 5, 2008, at 13:43:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and pain management, posted by Fivefires on February 5, 2008, at 9:53:04
> Hi Philip.
>
> I've been here at babble for quite a long time now and am hoping you've found some help on other boards, of course 'medication' board, and, I believe, we still have a 'health' board as well.
>
> I have chronic pain and a mental health diagnosis; a very very difficult situation.
>
> I really feel for you.
>
> I've found it's best for me to have a separate doc for each problem, although they are aware of one another and all the meds I take.
>
> My PCP thought Cymbalta would solve all my probs'. I don't want to put it down, but 'I'm not on it' and 'didn't stay on it long'.
>
> Have you ventured to other boards w/ your questions?
>
> There used to be more treatment centers for both, chronic pain and behavioral health issues, but now there are only a few in the US.
>
> My PCP serves as my pain mgt doc until I find one closer to me (distance wise) who will manage therapy and medication.
>
> There are too few pain management doctors!!! I live in a metropolis and there are only a handful.
>
> Then of course I see a pdoc = (psychiatric doctor).
>
> Just checking on you and hoping you're finding relief ...
>
> 5f5f, thanks for replying and expressing your concern.
I am still having a difficult time finding an antidepressant that helps reduce my neuropathic pain and effectively treats my major depressive disorder.
Cymbalta worked well on pain, but I could not tolerate it and did not help with my depression symptoms.
I received a prescription for Effexor from my pain management doc, but have not filled it because I have to talk to my psychiatrist first.
Currently, I am taking nortriptilyne (Pamelor), 50 mgs at bedtime. I don't like the side effects of the tricyclics and they don't effectively treat my depression unless I take high doses. At 50 mgs, the nortriptilyne helps with my pain but I still have many depressive symptoms that will not go into remission.
I have read several articles on pain management of neuropathy and Effexor is mentioned often.
The problem is the time and money you have to invest in a drug to see whether it is worth it.
It takes 6 weeks to get the full antidepressive effects of a drug, and if it is brand name only, the cost is high.
I have read posts and articles that state Effexor ER is best for depression, but that is brand name only. Generic Effexor (venlafaxine) is less expensive, but since this drug has a shorter half life, it is more difficult to find the right dosage and times to take when it is in a non extended release form.
I would be interested in anyone who takes Effexor (either generic or ER) for neuropathic pain and depression. How much do you take? How long did it take to help your pain, your depression?
I suppose I am lucky to have a pain management doc and a psychiatrist, although it is difficult at times to coordinate the drugs they want to use.
poster:Philip Burke
thread:768313
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/newbs/20061013/msgs/810862.html