As you will see from my post on 11th March I was about to embark on trying Duloxetine for my chronic pain.
However, in order to try Duloxetine I have had to reduce my Tramadol right down to 100mg a day and my Amitriptyline to the lowest I could manage on. I started on 30mg of the Duloxetine tablet a day increasing it to two a day of 30mg and then in after two weeks just one a day of 60mg.
Unfortunately I ended up in a real mess with my pain. My worst pain is the sciatica down my leg which I was really hoping the Duloxetine would help but it didn’t touch it, and with my Tramadol down so low the pain was excruciating.
The only way I could relieve the pain slightly was lying flat with my heat pad and taking Paracetamol regularly, but my sleep was also disturbed. I cope with pain 24/7 but “I” control it, and without my usual medication I had no control over it. Sleep deprivation is bad enough anyway as I am sure many people can relate to this but pain and sleep deprivation just make it all worse.
I saw my GP today and we decided I should just go straight back onto what I was taking before and she will let the Pain Consultant know the outcome. I have another appointment next week for some Physiotherapy so I am hoping that I can get some help with the sciatica as my next injection isn’t for another couple of months.
I’m a bit disappointed but I will always give anything they offer a try, as you just never know you could be trying something that worked great.
BACK PAIN BLOG UK... 
You’re such an inspiration, Bar. Always carrying on doing what you can, so gutsy and ballsy and brave. I take my hat off to you.
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Ah, bless you gill, I didn’t spot this remark you sent to me. Hope your keeping well as well xxxxxxxxxx
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I had recently started my Duloxetine last week for Fibromyalgia. I’ve tried other antidepressants that are supposed to help. Reading this article just made me more sure that not all patients may find some relief with these. Thanks.
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Hi, thanks for your comment. You are right that some drugs suit one individual and yet not another. It’s a case of keep trying different ones in the hope you find one that works.
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