Well I've been shocking more and more lately. So I either up the meds or here we go Fairladylimpsalot, I'm going to ween myself off my meds, and give the ALA a whirl. This may be the dumbest thing I've done in awhile but what the hell. This should be interesting, I'll let you folks know how it's going. I'm sure I shouldn't go so fast but I stopped using Tramadol a couple of days ago and down to 150mg of Lyrica a day. I feel like a turd. I'm shocking almost everyday..fun..fun.
kisch5, I had some tramadol once... it did nothing. I took 10mg hydrocodone twice a day for 2 years-- I can eat Vicodin like it is Skittles. Same goes for Dilaudid (hydromorphone). I am on Oxycodone now, and nothing for my Radiculopathy.
Anybody had any experience with Cymbalta? I am currently taking gabapentin and Tramadol but the combo only seems to last about 4-6 hours. A doctor friend (not my regular doc) suggested Cymbalta in addition but after doing a little research on It, I am not so sure I want it give it a try. Seems there are too many side effects when used with Tramadol.
Anybody had any experience with Cymbalta? I am currently taking gabapentin and Tramadol but the combo only seems to last about 4-6 hours. A doctor friend (not my regular doc) suggested Cymbalta in addition but after doing a little research on It, I am not so sure I want it give it a try. Seems there are too many side effects when used with Tramadol.
I haven't heard of it donl1150, what are the side effects?
Post by kilg0retr0ut on May 12, 2014 9:22:37 GMT -8
I tried Cynbalta. I can't remember much about it except it sent me straight to the twilight zone. Everyone reacts different, you kinda have to experiment to find the right combo. Good luck Donl1150, it takes time. It probably goes without saying but always take the bare minimum, this is a very long race.
I appreciate the thoughts everyone. Cymbalta's primary treatment is for depression but it has shown to be an effective nerve pain med as well. Interactions and side effects though are a bit scary to me. Some key ones are below.
Cymbalta (duloxetine) + tramadol duloxetine will increase the level or effect of tramadol by affecting hepatic enzyme CYP2D6 metabolism. Possible serious or life-threatening interaction. Monitor closely. Use alternatives if available.
duloxetine + tramadol duloxetine and tramadol both increase serotonin levels. Potential for dangerous interaction. Use with caution and monitor closely.
I am waiting to hear back from my doc but I am expecting he will say we should try it but then give up the Tramadol. I will keep you posted.
You are right kilg0retr0ut....I agree that's what Tramadol does for me too, numb things up a bit. Only lasts a few hours though. That's the reason I am looking for alternates.
Still waiting to hear from my doc but I did talk to my pharmacist today. He said a lot of people use Cymbalta & gabapentin together for nerve pain. It gets expensive though. Just got a one months supply of gabapentin today....$61. He said Cymbalta for a month is about $150. Generics are available but they are fairly expensive as well right now. He said the likely reason is Cymbalta is on 6 months off of patent protection so the generic market remains fairly high as well.
I know I'm not responding to this in a timely fashion but I'm not sure I could go without Lyrica. I had nausea at first and dizziness but that resolved once my system got used to it. Without it the nerves in my legs and saddle area were a nightmare of shocks, burning fire, hypersensitivity to touch of any kind but Lyrica takes the extreme edge off making it almost tolerable. I don't know why I feel guilty for needing to take something, but I do.
I know I'm not responding to this in a timely fashion but I'm not sure I could go without Lyrica. I had nausea at first and dizziness but that resolved once my system got used to it. Without it the nerves in my legs and saddle area were a nightmare of shocks, burning fire, hypersensitivity to touch of any kind but Lyrica takes the extreme edge off making it almost tolerable. I don't know why I feel guilty for needing to take something, but I do.
I felt guilty for along time. I'm just at the point now were I realize it's not really in my control. Besides the guilt I also felt weak, many here take no meds at all, why couldn't I. I can't function without meds, my "quality of life" is zero and I have to function for my family. I come to the point I suppose that I accept I'm dependent on drugs to live, so be it.
I know I'm not responding to this in a timely fashion but I'm not sure I could go without Lyrica. I had nausea at first and dizziness but that resolved once my system got used to it. Without it the nerves in my legs and saddle area were a nightmare of shocks, burning fire, hypersensitivity to touch of any kind but Lyrica takes the extreme edge off making it almost tolerable. I don't know why I feel guilty for needing to take something, but I do.
I felt guilty for along time. I'm just at the point now were I realize it's not really in my control. Besides the guilt I also felt weak, many here take no meds at all, why couldn't I. I can't function without meds, my "quality of life" is zero and I have to function for my family. I come to the point I suppose that I accept I'm dependent on drugs to live, so be it.
Hey, thank you for your comment. I recently had a genetic test which shows how we metabolize drugs and handle pain. I found it very interesting and a bit of a relief to realize we are not all equal in this regard. It appears, I am a big baby when my body is confronted with pain and now have the DNA test to prove it! LOL. Truth be told, I have never taken enough to be comfortable because of feelings of guilt and weakness. Im hoping to find some relief because living like this is exhausting just to survive yet another day of existing. From what I have gleaned from forum posts about Cauda Equina Syndrome we are not all equal in degree of injury, recovery outcome, or pain syndromes either.
Post by kilg0retr0ut on Dec 13, 2015 12:35:27 GMT -8
I'm not sure there is a point when I'm actually comfortable, I'd say functional. My legs always have the raw feeling to some degree, and feel zombie like. Hell we're lucky to exist at all. And I agree with "exhausting", it's harder than working your hardest while AB. Maybe try looking for the little things that make life worth living. Your going to be uncomfortable, everyone has some level of discomfort, you'll have to find a way to function. You only have this one life to live. Drive on.