I appreciate that duloxetine has some risks attached, but don't they all?

My understanding is that duloxetine increases risks for people with pre-existing liver failure and that out of the million or so people prescribed cymbalta, it was stopped as a medication for 0.3% of patients due to liver toxicity and elevated liver enzymes were detected in 1.37% of the population. I appreciate a couple of people died, but for me... at these levels, I'd say that's probably an acceptable level of risk. Something to think on though, and thanks for raising it MrsD.

I'm not a heavy drinking... very, very occasionally these days.

Its impact on blood pressure wasn't something I was aware of, and thanks for the heads up. I'll raise this with the neurologist.

I know drugs aren't ideal and carry risks, but at the moment, if I discontinue pregabalin, my walking goes to pot, and the pain increases. As a writer, the side effects are not acceptable (word substitution when I type... almost like a chemically induced dyslexia) and this general feeling of grumpiness. I'd sooner be happy and in pain... but I'd prefer to be happy and not in pain.

More than anything at the moment... I'd love a diagnosis... a name... you know...

Joe