Is Cymbalta worth it?

[Deleted]

Is that properly a money thread? My doctor diagnosed me with fibromyalgia. She's suggesting I take Cymbalta but I'd have to pay out of pocket for it - $200 a month it looks like. What do you think?

[HoneyBBQ]

My personal opinion is that my health is worth any amount of money I have. I guess it depends how much pain and suffering I'm in.

[MN-Investor]

What's the upside if you take it? What's the downside if you don't?

[midjd]

I'd say it depends how much pain you're in. The side effects they list on the commercial are pretty intense.

[Deleted]

It might help lessen the pain I'm in. I've become because I've been in constant pain for three years now. I've been seeing a PT for that time and it feels like we're just holding steady.

Basically the downside is the cost and transitioning from prozac.

[JustLurkin]

Is Cymbalta the only option the doctor gave you?

[Deleted]

She said there were other options but that it is the best. We can afford it but I'm hesitant to add more to our 2-3k in monthly health bills.

[JustLurkin]

I would try something else first, maybe you will respond well.

Best of luck!

(Really...I kinda understand...about to request my son's 4th seizure medicine)

[Anne_in_VA]

Did your doctor tell you what the other options were? Have you tried any of these other options?

I guess I'd try something else first unless the side effects from them (if they're medications) were the same as the Cymbalta. Those side effects are pretty heavy and potentially life threadening.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Is Cymbalta made by Astro Zenica? If they are AZ commericals are always talking about calling them if you need help paying for your medication. Worth looking into.

[Pants]

As a chronic pain sufferer, I can tell you that it is absolutely priceless when the pain goes away. Seriously. If your doc thinks this might work and you can afford it, I think you shoudl at least try it.

It's Lilly, not AZ, but the cymbalta website has 1) a 30-capsule free trial offer and a 2) 60 day money-back guarantee. I know it's hard to transition from one drug to another, but perhaps the 60-day risk free might help offset some of the financial risk?
Best of luck!

[Deleted]

Does your doctor not have samples? I've seen people get 30 day supplies out of samples to see if it helps them.

[moneymaven]

anne - I am sorry to hear that. I too have Fibromyalgia, and have had that diagnosis for about 8 years now. I was on a medication prior to having DS (I got off of it a few months before he was conceived). I took Neurontin. It's meant for those that seizure but it helped my nerve endings calm down. I took it at night to relax and only on occasion during the day if I really needed it. It helped a lot. The best cure for me was to work out though - it really helps me. My insurance covered it - I got the generic and paid $10 out of pocket every month. I was on the medication for about 5 years. Not addicting, non-habit forming, non-narcotic and no serious side effects.

I would ask your doctor about it. There are other options for Fibromyalgia. Have you tried massage therapy, chiropractic, accupuncture?

Thinking of you because I know how hard even a good day can be.

[Clever Username]

How well have you worked with the doc to come to this conclusion?
In my experience with my mother-out-law, she basically complained about life, the universe and everything, he did a bunch of tests that all came back negative.
So he concluded it was fibromyalgia.

[moneymaven]

So he concluded it was fibromyalgia.

I agree - this is often used as a catchall diagnosis for the unexplained, soft tissue pain many people experience.

There are more conclusive tests to be done, including the 10 or 12 point physical examination. Before taking the medication, I got three opinions on my diagnosis.

There also may be another reason that your doctor specifically wants to prescribe Cymbalta over another medication. If this is the only recommended prescription from your physician, I would petition your insurance company.

[Formerly SK]

I used to have fibromyalgia. I was really sick but every test came back negative. Looking back now, I think I was being poisoned in my workplace (I worked as a bookkeeper at a printing place so lots of chemicals). I think *I'm* more sensitive to that stuff than the typical person. At any rate, I got sick about a year into my job there, was sick the whole duration, and it went away about a year after I'd moved on. Personally, if I were you I'd look at more holistic solutions first: diet/environment/exercise/sleep/etc.

Good luck. It sucks to be chronically ill - I hope you find a solution.

[Deleted]

I've been seeing this doctor for over a year and a physical therapist who does massage, myofascial release and all of that for three years. She did the tender point test and most, if not all, of the spots were tender so here we are. Painkillers, from non-prescription to opioids don't do anything so I guess I'll try the cymbalta.

[Deleted]

My sister took cymbalta and it helped her in many ways, but one of the side effects that she had was anorexia and dropped down to 96 lbs. She is transitioning to another medication now, but aside from that side effect, it did wonders for her. Good luck.

[commentator]

Jun 7, 2011 9:43:37 GMT -5 @anne81 said:

Is that properly a money thread? My doctor diagnosed me with fibromyalgia. She's suggesting I take Cymbalta but I'd have to pay out of pocket for it - $200 a month it looks like. What do you think?

I think the only way you will know whether it is worth it to you is to try it for a few months and see.