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Old 11-06-2015, 09:21 PM
MicroMan MicroMan is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 175
8 yr Member
MicroMan MicroMan is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 175
8 yr Member
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I've been using Cymbalta for over a year now. Originally I was prescribed a dosage of 60 mg targeting my depression. To be honest, I'm not sure if it did much but it may have helped a bit with mood.

I've had many PCS issues but debilitating headaches (migraine and tension type) have and continue to be my biggest nemesis. I've posted previously on my meds that I've tried that have had limited impact on pain reduction.

About 6 months ago I had my Cymbalta increased from 60 to 120 mg with an incremental step at 90 mg. Every time the dosage was increased, the first 2 weeks are terrible and got better every week after for the next 6 weeks. My Psychiatrist said it takes 10-12 weeks for maximal effect, and I would agree with this.

At 90 mg my headache pain was more effectively reduced than any other intervention I've tried and at 120 mg it was reduced further, though not hugely. It took my headaches from 8-10 (10 being horrendous) to 6-8s. It might not seem like a huge reduction but it was to me. I no longer required narcotics on a daily basis.

However, I still have constant/persistent headaches. Also, increases in activity do take the headaches to a 9 at times. My participation in a 6 week concussion clinic (ongoing at this time) have made the headaches brutal as of late, and I do require narcotics to help, but only 2-4 pills a day.

From my perspective, Cymbalta has been helpful but it is only a "cover-up". The pain is only being masked and certainly can be helped (bear in mind this is with a very high dose!). In a more positive light, it does enable me to be more active and engage in activities that could lead to benefit... exercise, family time, etc.

As for the brain fog, much of my fog was gone after the first 12 months of my recovery so I'm not sure about that but I suspect it would not help this. My guess the fog relates to early injury and healing processes.
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lilyNYC (11-07-2015)