Duloxetine experiences

Danlangridge88

So I've tried duloxetine before when I had severe anxiety and it was awful. It increased my anxiety like crazy, I was sweating and shaking all the time (more than usually) it lowered my seizure threshold (was later diagnosed with functional neurological disorder). So I had a really bad experience. Since trying other therapies my anxiety has reduced significantly, but now I have low mood, chronic fatigue and pain.

I've tried near enough every antidepressant available as well as mood stabilisers and anti epileptic drugs and nothing is working. My psychiatrist has recommended I give duloxetine a try, hoping this would help with pain and fatigue and the fact I'm not so anxious any more) but now I'm feeling anxious about starting it again.

I would like to know about your experiences with this medication. I don't know if its worth giving it a try or just saying to my GP I'm not willing to go through that again because it was a dreadful experience. 

JaneCowell

I was told by my GP that just because one has had a bad experience with/and or the medication didn't work in the past, that this might not be the case for future use.

I used to take duloxetine and I found it helped with anxiety, I can't comment on use for pain but from what I've read it is meant to ease pain. I had to stop taking it for a short while and the withdrawals were awful and lasted about 3 weeks. I've just gone back on it now.

I can understand your reluctance to try it again but what other alternative do you have? (I mean this nicely )

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @Danlangridge88

Welcome to the community! I'm so sorry to hear you are going through so much with finding the right medications. In my experience, I would say, you know your body. If you don't feel trying the medication again would work, then I'd discuss that with the GP / Psychiatrist and see where you can go from there.

Please keep us updated!

Albus_Scope

Heya @Danlangridge88 I was on Duloxitine for a while and I also had major anxiety spikes whilst getting used to the meds.  They did settle down after six weeks, but it wasn't fun for a while. 
  Many antidepressants make things worse before you see improvements (Usually a month to six weeks is average) and it's all very much a case of go with what works for you, but always discuss things with your GP before making any changes, as we cannot give medical advise as we're not qualified. 

Danlangridge88

Thanks for the replies. I wasn't seeking advice I just wanted to hear peoples' experiences.
My other option was to stick with vortioxetine and carry on throwing up 5x A day until my appointment which could be months away. That was their advice pretty much. When I refused this because they were making me SO I'll, going back to duloxetine was my only option really. I get have propanolol and diazepam to help me if they make me worse to start off with, I didn't have them last time.
So fingers crossed I'll have a better experience this time!