Hi Barb,
I just started Cymbalta 2 weeks ago and it is really helping. It’s one of the only 3 meds that have been approved by the FDA for Fibro. I had tried it 5 years ago but was only on it then for a short period as I fell into the Medicare “gap” and it was very expensive (but it was helping!) Now my insurance covers it and it is also inexpensive as it is now available in generic form.
I just finished a 3 month trial of Savella, which helped a lot but it’s not off patent yet (so expensive for me.) Both Cymbalta and Savella are SNRI’s, so they act on the norepinephrine receptors which combats the incredible exhaustion that comes with Fibro. I even had a few days of waking up with enough energy to go swim laps on a few days on Savella! What a great feeling! And definitely less pain also.
The past few weeks I tapered off Savella due to the cost and then started Cymbalta. I did wake up for a day or two a little anxious after I began the Cymbalta but that has passed. I’m very hopeful that this time I can stay on the medication and start exercising!
Give it a good try, at least 3 months and ride out any side-effects if you can (talk to your doc, of course), good luck, hope it works for you too.
Starr