Hopeful,

I am so sorry for all your pain. I can totally empathize with your pain.

I may have read your story but you know my memory is messed up with all the medications I am taking so please forgive me for not remembering it. I never tried Cymbalta though it was offered to me as an option just as Lyrica. I am taking Gabapentin. It is not the best medicines but at least its not metabolized in the liver (my major consideration).

I take 1800mg but since Dec 2013, I started taking 1500mg. To compensate for the reduced dosage, I am using a compounded cream (Clonidine, Ketamine, Baclofen and Gabapentin). It is helping me more than the full 1800mg I used to take. I was in pain at least 90% of the day since October 2011. The irony of it, not one of my 6 neurologists ever recommended (or even mentioned) about the compounded pain cream knowing how I was struggling with the pain -- it was my rheumatologist who recommended for me to try. Well, I basically tried almost everything out there so I thougth I'd lose nothing if I give it try.... I am glad i did.

I just dont know what would be the side effects in the long term. You know how these chemicals, there is nothing really 100% safe.

Why are you tapering off your Cymbalta? Is it not working anymore?

I hope you find some relief from your pain....

Mary