Hi,
I found a few research studies concerning cymbalta snd osteoporosis. Not really all that many. When I went to my rheumo I brought a few studies with me but I didn't need to show him. He already new that cymbalta can cause osteoporosis. That's why I figured it was that. I believe it is a s/e that has only been discovered recently. Actually, what I found in research is that the FDA originally ok'd cymbalta for osteo pain.

I just wish I knew for sure but I can't take the chance. I am also on a hormone replacement so it is not from that. I also have a decent diet. As for exercise, I did not do much in the last 3 years but before that I was at the gym 4-6 times a week. Use to weight lift 25/30 lbs. I don't know if your bones could be that effected in a few years of not exercising. I have exercised since I was 18 through pregnancies etc.. That was one reason I always thought I would be safe from osteo.

I appreciate your help!

Here is a paper that explains this problem in more detail:

http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jos/2012/323061/

The serotonin reuptake inhibitors were not really studied in depth
(or those studies have been withheld by the drug companies) when they went on the market.

Because serotonin is a biogenic amine which in the body does many jobs, there are potentials for problems and side effects which only now come to light.
The obvious ones on the GI system (since serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the gut) were first listed because they are so common. But the effects on bleeding (on the platelets) were only discovered as post marketing events. This new information on bone modeling is similar.

Here is an article explaining most of the actions of serotonin in the body:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232248.php

I certainly don't doubt it can cause bone loss. It's obviously just not as common as steroids and it's known history for causing it. You seemed to go from NO bone loss to osteopenia in one area and full blown osteoporosis in the other...in a relatively short time period. That is significant. So I don't think it came from just one source, particularly a source that you have to dig to find reports showing its relation. I really believe that you got this from the cymbalta AND steroids...and even just the aging process (HRT is fine but i doubt the same levels as a younger full hormone woman).

I can just see you going through this process to get off the cymbalta (that works well for you) and the bone scan might not improve. However, I do understand you having to do all you can to try and this should be considered. But I would look at the known source first, then secondary sources. Just my opinion, of course.

Hopeful... I am going to suggest you try something.

If you have some Sudafed PE or regular...brand or generic on hand, or want to buy some (generic is less $$). 30mg tablets for sudafed or 10mg tables for PE (phenylephrine).

Your Cymbalta has two components, a norepi reuptake and the serotonin one.

If you have NO problems with blood pressure etc, you could try one of the phenylephrines in the morning and see if your day is less painful. I discovered this effect when I had my sinus neck problem I had to take some of this medication to open my blocked sinus and I found it helped tremendously with my pain issues too. This would lessen the withdrawal of the norepi part of the Cymbalta. I think the discontinuance agonies for this drug that we see online are because of the dual action of the product. If you don't see any benefit, then just save them for a rainy day cold or sinus attack in the future.

Hi Mrs. D.
Thanks for the articles. As I'm writing this , my husband is on his way to the drugstore for the sudafed. PE. What you say makes sense. I'm going to give it a try. I'll keep u posted. Hopefully, it will help. I may not trying it till tomorrow. It is 2:30 pm here. I'm having so much trouble sleeping with all of this, I don't want to risk it making that worse.

I have been taking Benadryl that last 4 nights to sleep and realized the morning that's not the right answer for me. I woke with a major headache and congested sinuses this morning.

Thanks again for all u do! ps: no B/P issues

As I understand it Sudafed is sold at the pharmacy counter with some requirements in order to buy it. Maybe it differs state by state.

http://www.sudafed.com/know/buying-sudafed-ingredients

Sudafed PE is on the shelf-- contains 10mg
Of phenylephrine.

Sudafed is pseudoephrine 30mg and is behind
the counter and has to be signed for.

They are both decongestants.

I pretty much figured that. Thanks.

hopefull, hang on it will get better, I went through hell ,when I weaned myself off Lyrica. Sometimes things work, sometimes they don't, but we all keep trying. When I asked my rhum. about benfotiamine and lipolic acid, he said try it wont huirt you, its worth trying/

Hi Joe,
Thanks for your words of encouragement. It's always nice to hear from people who have gotten through the same thing. Gives me hope. I think it is just going to take me longer to get through this.

I do take R-lipoic acid but not benfotiamine. From all I read that is for those who have diabetes. I'll go back in the search and look it up.
Thanks again