Fibromyalgia Support Group

You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.

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Depression and Fibro

deleted_user
deleted_user
How many of us are clinically or chemically depressed? Can you put your finger on when it started? Do you take meds for it?

I started cymbalta 2 years ago to help with the fibro pain..I was still full of life and joy, granted the pain levels where much, much lower...Now I am chemically depressed and on a anti-psychotic along with the cymbalta..feel much better, but what is the cause, is it the cymbalta, the pain, or the fact that I still haven't accepted the fact that the girl I was 3 years ago is gone, and replaced with an old lady( who still has a fun brain, but body doesn't cooperate any more).

Whats your story, and does anyone think it would be worth a try weaning myself off the cymbalta and rispredol?

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and I hope your day is Springy and Happy.....Cathi
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have been depressed since about 6 months ago. I went to the doctor to get something for it.She put me on Citalopram (Celexa). It started to work than stopped about 2 months after. Than I started having the pain and burning in my feet, hands, neck, and just about everywhere else. I went back to the doctor and they told me I had to go on a medical leave from work and be tested for ms, Lupus, etc. Those tests came back all negative. Thats when they told me I had fibromyalgia. My depression has been getting worse. I think that the depression I had first time was the start of my fibro. I also take eval and naproxan and glucosimine Chongroitin( spelled wrong) If i didn't have my meds I don't think I could cope.Just try to do what you think is right for you! Hugs to you and keep your chin up!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have been depressed since about 6 months ago. I went to the doctor to get something for it.She put me on Citalopram (Celexa). It started to work than stopped about 2 months after. Than I started having the pain and burning in my feet, hands, neck, and just about everywhere else. I went back to the doctor and they told me I had to go on a medical leave from work and be tested for ms, Lupus, etc. Those tests came back all negative. Thats when they told me I had fibromyalgia. My depression has been getting worse. I think that the depression I had first time was the start of my fibro. I also take eval and naproxan and glucosimine Chongroitin( spelled wrong) If i didn't have my meds I don't think I could cope.Just try to do what you think is right for you! Hugs to you and keep your chin up!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I was diagnosed with FM 4 years ago and once I got it under control with meds and exercise I really have to say I did pretty well. 18 months ago my mother and best friend was diagnosed with stage 4 breast, brain, and lung cancer. She passed a year ago March 3rd. Shortly after her diagnosis I had to go on depression medicine. That was my trigger. It worsened after her death and the medication (Cymbalta) was increased. Now that a year has passed it has worsened again. It actually almost feels worse than ever. I wonder if depression associated with FM ever gets better or does it just continue to get worse year after year? My pain has returned again with a vengence and I don't have the strength or desire to exercise, which is something that has always seemed to help me. I wonder like you cathi518 if I should just wean myself off too if it really isn't helping anymore. Has anyone ever weaned themselves off antidepressants with success. Anyone had success with St. Johns Wart?
Thanks for your time. AngeH
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hey Cathi! Good thread...

I started to become depressed around the time my pain increased and that was 10 years ago. The depression has increased right along w/the fibro (which I didn't know I had at the time). There was a level off to my depression probably about 4 years ago. There is something to say about adjusting to your level of activity and acceptance.

Now that I found out this Diagnosis 6 months ago, I have had some depression again,

All in all, I think the depression is secondary to the Fibro.
deleted_user
deleted_user
It's been so long, I can't remember which came first, the chicken or the egg.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have had depression for nearly 5 years now. Clinically diagnosed with mild-moderate depression and generalized anxiety disorder.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Thanks for all the imput, I think I will talk to doc about weaning off, and I will be willing to go back on only if things get worse(is that possible?)!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have never taken cymbalta, but will share something with you that might help. I along with fibro, suffer chronic depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and about a month ago I read something silly but so true, it helped me with it is OK to feel I am loosing it at times, and I know I am not the same person I was before, by far., it was: as in the saying what comes first the chicken or the egg, well this read; what comes first fibromyalgia or depression. So helped me realize that all the mental difficulties and disorders I suffer is all part of fibro. not that I am going crazey. Although, I still feel like that at times.... lol
deleted_user
deleted_user
I think they need to change my meds again for depression. I think depression and fibro go hand in hand. cymbalta i would never go near again. It made me crazy ( yes more than i am now people) i had no clue what i was doing. I just stop it. Bad thing to do. Talk to your dr before doing anything. Ok
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