Hi everyone,

I hope everyone here is having some improvement and of course I pray for you all. My neuropathy is so much worse I am losing feeling in one of my fingers and two of my toes and of course the tingling and burning is so awful, I started taking at my Docs advice, a double dose of my gabapentin and although helpful I am in a dense fog all of the time, she would like to start me on Cymbalta 30mg once a day and 300mg gabapentin at night to help me sleep, I don't know, what do you all here think of that plan? I have also had 2 family members die in the last 2 weeks, my family has leaned very hard on me to help with all the plans for the memorial services, both of my family members died in tragic ways, so sad, I think my symptoms are worse with all tins going on, is that possible? I am also having many many heart palpitations. I don't know it's all just so hard sure could use any advice and help. Thanks you are all so supportive. Jan

Hi Jan,

Yes, that's not only possible, but I would venture it's also likely. You're under extreme stress which can exacerbate some symptoms and cause others. I think the heart palpitations are worth at least a call to your doctor. FWIW, heart palpitations have also been reported as a side effect of Cymbalta.
Google: cymbalta side effects palpitations

Unfortunately, gabapentin does have that "foggy" effect on many people. It was so bad for me that I had to stop taking it, OTOH it doesn't seem to bother my wife at all. Gabapentin should not be discontinued abruptly.

What is the Cymbalta being prescribed for specifically? If sleeping is the problem, some folks are taking a low dose of amitriptyline. Taking both Cymbalta & amitriptyline may not be a good idea; there's a rare possibility of serotonin syndrome, but amitriptyline instead of Cymbalta might be something to ask/discuss with your doctor.

I think it's a good idea to read up on any/all prescription (and other) meds & supplements we're taking or are contemplating taking (recommended/prescribed by doctors) before starting them, so we know/understand what to expect and can ask questions ahead of time.

Due to the personal tragedies, it may be beneficial to review the stages of grief so that you're aware and understand when you feel some of those emotions/feelings/things happening.
Google: stages of grief

Condolences,

Doc

I am so sorry for your loss and family stress plus more pain. Stress does impact pain so yes I feel it could contribute to why you are feeling worse. I try to keep as stress free as possible but of course that is so hard in every day life. I am not sure if it is cause one is tense it causes more pain or if mentally it just makes it harder to cope with condition when more is added.
Can you tell your family that you can't take on so much and need help/support? Are there ways to help you relax such as calling a friend,taking a bath,etc?
When I was increasing neurontin I felt in a fog too. As time increased though it did lesson. Neither of those meds helped me for sleep though even sleep meds don't. Are you having sleep issues? Have you tried elavil,serequel,trazaonde,or a sleep med?
I wish I could offer more but hope better and pain free times are ahead

I am sorry for your losses. Those have to be impacting your condition to some extent. I find ANGER or worry, also makes me worse.
Add to it some stresses happening at the same time like
A severe storm low pressure coming in, grief, anger, or frustration, and things can get pretty awful.

Keep in mind that things like gabapentin and Cymbalta do not change anything. They do not heal you up. If they help you sleep better, that improved sleep may be useful however.

Healing takes place with nutrition, and rest.

Are you using supplements, gentle exercise, low sugar, gluten free food, keeping your blood glucose low even if you have normal levels on blood tests, breathing deeply to get oxygen to help the microciculation, staying away from toxins, chemicals?

A good integrative MD should know how to help you.

Medicines do not heal. We have to take the supplements and do what is needed to heal. My feet are almost normal after doing all of it. We are all different, I realise that, but there is so much we can do!

I pray you will improve, I was so frightened before I got better.

I wanted to say sorry for the terrible time you are going through. Please hold strong and believe in your faith to get you through. I have never heard you so low before - it happens to all of us. When it gets bad - it is really, really, really bad. I believe you are strong and will get through this. You have shown such determination since the first tme I read your posts. This is a very low time for you so try to remember that and not expect to much from your self. Like so many have said stress will compound your pn and therefore everything will seem much worse. I will be thinking of and hoping for you .

I'm so sorry for your losses. And yes, most certainly, stress plays a huge part in my pain spikes.

The good news for me is that my pain in controlled fairly well with 30mg's of Cymbalta (pain and depression) and 50-100 mgs of Ultram a day as needed. I can't take Gabapentin, it made me suicidal so related drugs such as Lyrica are out for me as well. The Ultram I can take as often as 100 mg every 6 hours if I need it. It might be something for you to ask about and give a try. It's the *only* thing I've found that mutes my PN pain. I have an awesome Nurse Practioner and she says the Ultram is one of the first line drugs for pain in PN. I discovered it quite by accident when I was given Ultracet (has Tylenol in it) for carpal tunnel surgery pain. I've been taking it for about 4 years now. Ultram, that is, without the Tylenol as it does nothing for me and only adds to the liver burden. I seem to be one of the lucky ones in that I've not had to constantly keep increasing my dose to achieve the same level of pain control. Cymbalta, it was discovered, helped to control pain in addition to being an anti-depressant. Oh, the nice thing about the Ultram is it doesn't make me groggy like some drugs such as Vicodin will do.

I think the PN is spreading to my hands as well. With no insurance I'm pretty much stuck where I am at the moment.

I really do hope this helps and that you're able to find a little relief as the days go forward through this sadness. My heart goes out to you.

Thanks you guys each one of your posts had something different and so helpful, thanks for being here for me, my brothers service is this Friday, with the Lords help I am hanging in there. I will give each one of your suggestions a try. May God bless you, Jan

Jan, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I will be thinking of you and your family during this difficult time and on Friday. You sound like a strong lady and I'm sure that you will muddle through this, both physically and emotionally.

If you are having difficulties with your meds, you should talk to your doctor. I also tried gabapentin and could not tolerate it. Sometimes it takes numerous trials of different meds before you find one that has the least amount of side effects that you can live with and that are tolerable. There are other meds available, just ask your doctor.