Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Concussion Syndrome For traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post concussion syndrome (PCS).


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Old 01-25-2013, 11:11 AM #1
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Default Cymbalta?

Last night I was prescribed Cymbalta for my pain, depression and anxiety. Has anyone ever been on Cymbalta? If so, has it worked for you?
My other option was Neurontin, but I wanted to give another anti-depressant a shot. That is also my other question, has anyone been on Neurontin and has it worked for you? What are the side effects?
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College Student in Information Technology and avid PC Gamer, hit the back of my head against a bunk bed and went unconscious for 3 minutes back in 10-28-2012.

Symptoms: Occipital Neuralgia.
2 MRI's and CT normal.

Currently going through Paxil withdrawals, and psych has me on L-Theanine, Benadryl for zaps, and Lemon Balm. It has eased it by a bit, so I am continuing the treatment till 1 month from now.

Made a 98% recovery on April 8, 2013 with only symptoms of pinched nerves/Occipital Neuralgia in the head and is being treated with injections and physical therapy.

Was experiencing:
Migraines, Headaches, Nausea and Vomiting, Panic Attacks and Anxiety, Depression, Major Insomnia, Brain Fog, Tinnitus, Lethargy, Loss of appetite, Major Heart Palpitations, Occipital Neuralgia has eased a bit.

Vitamins and Medicines: , L-Theanine, Omega 3 Super DHA 900mg, Stress B-Complex Extra Strength, Potassium Gluconate 1000mg, Magnesium Malate 1250mg, Vitamin D3 2000 IU, Methylcobalamin B-12 5000 mcg, Vitamin C 500mg, Lemon Balm.

Things that helped me: My Vitamin Regimen, Medication, Earplugs (Love these!), Nature Sounds, Hydrotherapy, Neck Pillow with Heat, Heating Pads, Resting, Being Outside!
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Old 01-25-2013, 12:52 PM #2
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I was prescribed Cymbalta and even filled the prescriptio, but it sits on my shelf after I read so many issues with getting off it. But my doctors thought is was a great drug. I can't offer any more feedback than that!

I have tried Neurontin before my brain injury for a nerve issue and after for tingling in the cranial nerves. It did the trick but even on a low dose it made me rather lethargic and housebound. But there are people here who do well with it. I think we all react to medication differently.

I have been leary to go on some meds because I want to feel clear headed! But maybe I have been a bit too stubborn about that?!
Good luck!
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Old 01-25-2013, 04:50 PM #3
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I have been taking Neurontin for 12 years with no problems. I take 900 mgs daily before bed. It helps my mind and body relax. It does not sedate me at all.
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Old 01-25-2013, 10:58 PM #4
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I tried cymbalta with the following effects. It increased my anxiety, I was prone to zoning out, made my tremors worse. Before I took it I was able to drive after I was unsafe to drive. You should know within the first few days how you tolerate it. If you don't do well in the first week then stopping only takes a few days.
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49, Male Married, PCS since June 2012, headaches, Back pain, neck pain, attention deficit, concentration deficit, processing speed deficit, verbal memory deficit, PTSD, fatigue, tinutitus, tremors.

To see the divine in the moment.
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Old 01-25-2013, 11:39 PM #5
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For me, in my experience ... Cymbalta has (for me) provided the least negative
side-effects of any antidepressant; plus it alleviates many physical pain symptoms.

I have no experience with Neurontin to report.
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50s Babyboomer; 2008 high-impact rear-ended/totalled-MVC, closed-head injury->pcs ... "Still dealing with it."
1993, Fell on black ice; first closed-head injury; life-altering. // 2014 Now dealing with Peripheral Neuropathy, tremors, shakiness, vestibular disorder, akithesia, anhedonia, yada yada, likely thanks to rx meds // 2014: uprooted to the cold wet gray NW coast, trying to find a way back home ... where it's blue sky and warm!
.

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Each and every day I am better and better. I affirm and give thanks that it is so. // 2014-This was still true for me last year, I truly felt this a year ago. Unfortunately it holds no meaning for me now. Odd, it was the Theta mantra for years. Change change change.
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Old 01-26-2013, 10:01 AM #6
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I tried it....Did not treat me good...But we are all different....It might work for you!

~Hope you have a smooth ride~
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What Happened: In 2011 I was in a MVA
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Symptoms: Physical: I am always cold in any season!!I cannot tolerate anything pressure on my head(sun glasses,hats)longer then a hour,Lock jaw/Displaced TMJ, Dropsey, Hands go numb, Arms go numb, back of head numb (when asleep),Muscle spasms in face & upper body,migraines, concentration headaches, dizziness, nausea, neck and back trauma (from accident), tinnitus, extreme light sensitivity, noise sensitivity, EXTREME fatigue, impaired vestibular system, balance off, Pupils NEVER equal, disrupted sleep cycles,speech problems.

Cognitive: Cognitive Behavior, Brain fog, impulsivity, speech problems, word finding problems, slowed processing speeds, impaired visual memory, impaired complex attention

Emotional: Unable to handle stress or overstimulation without getting extremely irritable or angry, easily overstimulated, MAJOR depression, major anxiety, Panic attacks

Treatment so far: Treatment for PCS,PTSD,Depression & panic,Vestibular therapy, Physical therapy, Vitamin Schedule,Walking,No Dairy, No eggs, No caffeine, No artificial coloring, Sleep with 2 pillows, Very little sugars consumed, Eat healthy,No alcohol, Medications, limit stress and overstimulation.

~*~Learn to treasure yourself and your Divinity. Be willing to accept yourself completely. Be yourself, be graceful, be kind, be wild, be weird ... be true to yourself~*~
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Old 01-26-2013, 12:17 PM #7
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Default Cymbalta

I've been on 60 mg Cymbalta for about two years and have no side effects that I am aware of. I think that it does not mask the pain as well as amptriptline but I had side effects with that drug. I do know that you have to wean yourself off Cymbalta slowly to avoid side effects.
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Old 06-29-2013, 06:37 AM #8
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It has worked out very well for me, it has great pain killing qualities and also helps stabilise any feeling of anxiety, which in turn reduces physiological symptoms. I am back working in a stressful job and leading a full life as a result of this medication.

Consider, how has it worked out for you?
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PCS following head injury November 2012. Experienced dizzyness, light and noise sensitivity, hypercusis, fatigue, insomnia, migraines, facial pain, problems concentrating, irritability, sensory overload, exercise intolerance.

Symptoms mostly resolved, working full time and I am now mostly better. I wake 6am daily since my injury. Was experiencing daily Neuralgia which was controlled with Cymbalta 30mg, Lyrica 200mg daily. Now only on 30mg Cymbalta.
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Old 07-01-2013, 06:28 AM #9
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Cymbalta needs to be taken at the same time daily or you can start to feel off if you're late. I don't have any other side effects. Coming off any med like this is a long process of tapering down...not cold turkey.

Anti-depressants work differently for different people. Like shoe shopping. One brand may fit poorly, but a different brand is perfect. Find what works for you. Go to a TRUSTED psychiatrist that is fully educated about these meds. That's my opinion.

I had a bad situation happen with an anti-d, and my GP had no idea what to do. It was a nightmare.

Peace, Jace
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Old 07-01-2013, 02:38 PM #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Living_Dazed View Post
Cymbalta needs to be taken at the same time daily or you can start to feel off if you're late. I don't have any other side effects. Coming off any med like this is a long process of tapering down...not cold turkey.

Anti-depressants work differently for different people. Like shoe shopping. One brand may fit poorly, but a different brand is perfect. Find what works for you. Go to a TRUSTED psychiatrist that is fully educated about these meds. That's my opinion.

I had a bad situation happen with an anti-d, and my GP had no idea what to do. It was a nightmare.

Peace, Jace
Living Daze,

If you don't mind me asking are you off Cymbalta now and if so how long did you take it for?

I did stop it cold turkey, with no real side effects last month, however was only taking 30mg for a few months. My doctor said that only long term users have side effects.

However I underestimated its painkilling qualities, because when I went off it I had a constant headache. I am now upto 60mg with very good results, but I hope it will be a short term treatment.
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PCS following head injury November 2012. Experienced dizzyness, light and noise sensitivity, hypercusis, fatigue, insomnia, migraines, facial pain, problems concentrating, irritability, sensory overload, exercise intolerance.

Symptoms mostly resolved, working full time and I am now mostly better. I wake 6am daily since my injury. Was experiencing daily Neuralgia which was controlled with Cymbalta 30mg, Lyrica 200mg daily. Now only on 30mg Cymbalta.
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