Turns out my results from the Western Blot did not come in yesterday, and PERHAPS... perhaps, will be in today or tomorrow. And so the wait continues and I have to reschedule my appointment.

My doctor did recommend Cymbalta for the time being until I can be properly diagnosed -- told me it would help with the pain (and the depression from said pain). I've not really read anything positive about Cymbalta, so I don't know about that.

Hi,
Cymbalta is really the one medication that worked for me. A few side effects in the beginning, but they went away after a little while. I have been on it for about 5 years.

He gave me a sample of it, so 7 pills -- 60mg each. I thought this was a bit disturbing (he was out of lower dosages... I guess we should've just waited, but I looked pretty bad), as I've never taken it before and I know the dosage can be as low as 20mg (add the fact that my body is pretty sensitive to medications). So I did try it, after dumping out 2/3 of the contents of the pill. It sent my heart rate up to about 122bpm and nearly got me carted to an ER. It cost me a day of work and left me with breathing issues and a sore chest. I don't know if I'm willing to try that again, but I have read that it can really help.

Cymbalta is a mixture drug... it affects adrenaline levels, raises heart rate and blood pressure.

The plain SSRI drugs that are NOT mixtures, have less effect on the cardiovascular system.

It seems very irresponsible of that doctor to do that to you.

mrsD, I'd have to agree with you on that. I'm starting to question him. I should've absolutely done my homework on it before I took it, but I was so out of it that the most we did was empty out 2/3 of the contents. Still, it's no excuse and I will not make the same mistake again.

Are there similar medications out there that don't affect the cardiovascular system like Cymbalta does?

Cymbalta and Effexor are mixed acting antidepressants.
They are called SNRIs --serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. These have potential to stimulate the cardiovascular system and some people are very sensitive to that effect.

The SSRIs are single acting on serotonin only. Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa (milder acting), and Prozac, are examples. I exclude Paxil, because it is really a poor drug..so forget it.

I'll keep that in mind when I go back to see him for my (VERY late) test results this coming week.

I was just reminded that I was ALSO given a sample of Viibryd. Do you have any knowledge about this medication?

Obviously I won't be taking it. I'm still trying to recover from the Cymbalta.

Viibyrd is related to trazadone...and may be more sedating than other antidepressants. It is a SSRI type.

Rxlist.com is a good starting point to look up drugs.

I thought you Dr. wanted you to take Cymbalta for pain relief. I am not sure but the other antidepressants don't have the effect on pain that Cymbalta does. If you had that reaction from 1/3 of a pill I'm wondering if you had an allergic reaction to it.
I don't believe it comes in 20mg. The lowest dose in 30mg. If he wanted you to give it a try he should have started you there.
I hope you get the results of your test soon.