Cymbalta and antidepressant

Cymbalta has been a lifesaver for me. There is one annoying thing though... constipation. It's probably due to my other meds. as well but it is well worth the "effort" to stay on it. I have tried virtually every anti-depressant out there. I've had allergic reactions to many medications that have left me with proximal muscle damage (muscles closest to your body) and during the 10 years I was on Lithium (the first and major cause),. then cholesterol meds. such as statins, I had to have several surgeries to fix what muscles were breaking down (total rotator tear from simple exercise). Anyway, all this to say I had severe depression, was officially un-diagnosed bipolar, got off the statins, Lithium and got somewhat better. Then three other meds. did this to me so my body really reacts strangely to meds. Cymbalta has really helped me to function and not want to just die. Stay on it if you can. There aren't many better choices out there.(I asked to be put on the highest dose 300 mg 1 per day to see if I'd get the muscle pains that start at the top of the thigh and shoulders)

I am a 36 year old female who has been taking Cymbalta for almost a month now. I currently take 30 mg once per day, in the morning. Here's my story: For the past two years, I have been living with chronic pain, mostly in my back. I've also not slept well either. I could never get comfortable enough to fall asleep and if I did fall asleep, I'd wake up in pain. My Doctor has put me through numerous tests. I have finally got my thyroid medicine regulated and I've tested negative for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus. So, my Doctor wanted me to try Cymbalta. She said that it was originally an antidepressant, which we know I don't need, but she said it has been successful in helping patients with Fibromyalgia. I was very skeptical about taking it, especially after reading the blogs on ****** about it. I spoke with a coworker who is on it and she said it has helped her tremendously. She had severe migraines. Well, I tried it, and in only a few days I felt a lot of relief from my pain. It didn't make it go away 100%, but I would say it helps a good 80%. That is so much more manageable than without it. I've only been taking it for about 3 weeks. I have a follow up appointment with my doctor next week. I have a feeling that she will put me on it twice per day though. It helps a lot during the day, but I think it wears off before bedtime. However, I have been sleeping much better since I've been on it. I don't think it makes me any sleepier during the day. But, I've been living with fatigue for a while now!