Yes, I was diagnosed about 18 years ago. That was the norm back then, to put you on an SSRI. It took several tries with different ones but a low dose of Prozac seemed to work best for me. I notice than when I skip a dose or two I really can feel it. Over the years I have had minor flare ups but Prozac all in all has seemed to be keep it under control. That is until recently, I hit 50 and the hormones started flying... perimenopuase has kicked my fibro into high gear. Many times it's trial and error with us. What will work for one fibro patient may not work for another. Try and get a good rheumatologist who will work with you. Good Luck and hope pain free days are ahead for you! Hugs

I have heard the term "low" dose of antidepressant used in people with Fibro. What is a low dose? Under the minimum theraputic dose or do they mean the minumum dose. For example, for Prozac I believe that would be 20 mg. Same with Celexa. I am taking Cymbalta and it is 60 mg period.

I also wanted to add that when I first started having issues (before fibro diagnosis) I was given Celexa. It seemed to keep my symptoms at bay for years as long as I stayed on it. About 2 months after tapering off everything came back. Insomnia, restless legs, IBS, anxiety. Unfortunately the last time I restarted it, it did not work. One of the theories about Fibromyalgia is that we are not producing enough Serotonin so that probably explains why it kept my symptoms at bay. The reason we are given SNRIs typically, is because it gives us a norepinephrine boost as well which should help with pain. In my case, I have not felt this benefit from taking Cymbalta (SNRI). Therefor, I feel that taking an SSRI would be just as good for me. I hope this makes sense?

Hi, I read here, but I'm not a member of this group....just wanted to say to please check for drug interactions when using an SSRI....and check out *Serotonin Syndrome/Serotonin Storm* I had this...very scary and dangerous...just FYI...I had a doc who had no clue...fired her butt!! Best of Luck....I know everyone reacts differently to meds!!

I've been on several different antidepressants in the past 5 years, some for depression/anxiety, and now Amitriptyline for fibro. Be careful, as fibro can cause sensitivity to meds, and with SSRIs you do risk serotonin syndrome as cheesecake said. I also started showing symptoms of that when I was on 3 antidepressants at once, it really is scary. I was agitated, shaky, couldn't concentrate to save my life (worse than fibro fog), had heart palpitations/tightness in my chest, and a partial seizure. I couldn't get ahold of my psychiatrist (who I am no longer seeing). And all that did NOTHING for my depression. I'm not trying to discourage you or anyone else from trying these medications; SSRIs help a lot of people with depression, anxiety and chronic pain. Just make sure you read that long list of side effects that come with it so you know what to look for/what to be concerned about. Best of luck!

For me is antipsychotic for my migraines, sleep and an antidepressant for body pain.

I had tried Lexapro and I think celexa....no help. Was already on wellbutrin which helped with fatigue, then the Fibro Doc added Cymbalta and Gabapentin. It has seemed to be a combination for me along with pain meds.

Also, I had a blood test for serotonin, which was rock bottom, so my allopathic doc put me on 5htp. I can't take it now because it interacts with another med I take, but the Cymbalta really helped me with depression (sadness mainly) and blocking out some of the pain signals (that is it's purpose).

I say try what you can to see how your body reacts. Everyone is different. p.s. I am actually allergic to Zoloft...so strange.
GOOD LUCK!!

I didn't know there is a blood test for serotonin

This is another one that varies person to person.

I take 40 mg Prozac for PTSD.

It does diddly squat for FM. At "double" the FM dose (and when I was on only 20 as I weaned on? Stil zero.)

That said, as others have said, trial and error. I think cymbalta and lyrica and savella are the "biggies" right now-- like all things, trends come and go in medication---and some have amazing results, some have mediocre results, and some lik emyself see no change at all.

Good docs are *essential*---neuro or rheumy, I've got/had both---and never be afraid to ask "What else can we try? What else can we test?" We've had so many people come here---then find out it was something like celiac disease or thyroid-related or.... It's why my GP never stops checking my bloodwork and my neuro never stops lookgin for signs of some underlying mimic or issue.

Like I said---good docs!

Smiles,
Leo

Trial and error is common before you find something that helps, but many have found these helpful, if not life changing.

For me the antidepressants caused depression.

I read once that they deprived people of rem sleep for days and they all had Fibro-like symptoms. The conclusion was Fibro could be a primary or secondary condition.

Which is why I think it's so hard to find something that helps.

I have tried quite a few now and they never seem to make me feel better except for elavil.

Jen, does that mean that Paxil did not work out for you in the end?