mouse1's experience and success with Cymbalta is unique to mouse1. The comment "I don't think using natural remedies would be enough, the combination levels of Serotonin and Norpinephrine to promote healing and reduce pain cannot be achieved without using SNRI's like Cymbalta or Amytriptyline. " has no basis in research. Amitriptyline is not an SNRI. It is a tri-cyclic anti-depressant.

If you read the research about Cymbalta, it was approved after only being studied in 4 published studies. The law suits against Eli-Lily are starting to pile up. It is currently one of the most highly promoted psychotropic drugs. When one looks into the way psychotropic drugs are designed, they attempt to replace weak systems. SSRI's were originally modeled after St John's Wort. The actual method of action for them is unknown.

In comparison, there are plenty of natural supplements that the body and brain know how to use because the body already uses them. In some, the body needs more than the normal levels. In others, there is a lack of the substance requiring supplementation to get to the body's normal level. B-12 is a good example. mrsD can explain how some people just do not absorb B-12 in it's common form.

Environmental factors, pollutants, and toxins in our food and such can throw these normal balances out of whack. The study of ortho-molecular psychiatry is a good example. There is a lot know about balancing out of balance systems. Finding the out of balance situations can be difficult so a trial and error process is often used. Most drugs are prescribed with a trial and error protocol. There is far more art and gamble to meds that is let on. Unfortunately, the profitability of patented drugs pervert the idea of seeking the best interest of the patient.

I wish profits did not get in the way of finding the truth about drugs. Unfortunately, that will never be the case.