My 14 yo daughter is having some depression and anxiety/panic attacks due to some suppressed grief (long story). She has been prescribed Cymbalta 20 mg per day. How long does it take to work? I am so worried about her being well enough to get back into her school work in late August.
How long does it take Cymbalta to work?
Question posted by ipursuit on 16 July 2010
Last updated on 28 September 2010
6 Answers
ipursuit
19 July 2010
Thank you all for such kind and prompt responses! This is a very nice set of people on this board! My daughter started the meds this past Thursday night and has been at least eating now, but not much change other than that. It has now been 4 nights of doses and I am hoping it will starting kicking in more. She is on the lowest dose - only 20 mg.
Thank you all again for your help!
christineATU
16 July 2010
I copied this info for you from the Cymbalta med guide. I hope it helps clear up any confusion you may have about when it should start working.
"Take Cymbalta exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from the medication.
Try to take the medicine at the same time each day. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open a delayed-release capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. It may take 4 weeks or longer for your symptoms to improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Do not stop using Cymbalta without first talking to your doctor. You may have unpleasant side effects if you stop taking this medication suddenly"
Read more: https://www.drugs.com/cymbalta.html#ixzz0tsiEdfBT
I remember how tough it was at 14. I am sorry to hear your daughter has added grief on top of normal teenage troubles. She has a great mom looking out for her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughter.
Chris
Inactive
16 July 2010
chris, you should go to med school... and take grey-cypress with you my irish rose!
xoxo sweetlemon
christineATU
17 July 2010
Thanks sweetie, my Irish counterpart!
Inactive
16 July 2010
Hi pursuit, NRI's can work pretty fast, in my experience. Do watch your daughter's diet, as NRI's can cause major sugar and carb cravings!
My daughter started having panic attacks at about 11 years old. Evidently, panic disorder shows up around puberty. It tends to run in families, seemingly a genetic thing, I have heard.
I feel so bad for you, I know how painful it is to watch your child going through something like this, and feeling helpless, not knowing how to aid in any way.
This episode may just go away, as my daughters situation did, sure hope that is the case for your dolly!
Best wishes to you and your daughter. sweetlemon
christineATU
16 July 2010
Very caring advice and words sweetlemon
ipursuit
29 Sep 2010
thank you so much for your kind words sweetlemon. My daughter is doing better but still not back to her old self. She has always been the most joyful child and now it is so hard to see her very stressed out and sort of beleaguered. She just started High School and that has been very hard, putting the medication to its test. I don't know if she might need a higher dose, she is only getting 20 mg/day.
Inactive
16 July 2010
According to my search;
As far as norepinephrine reuptake inhibition goes, you could start feeling better in three to four days. So if that's what you needed tweaked, you could feel better pretty damn quick. Or at least as soon as you hit the right dosage.
But if you needed to have your serotonin reuptake adjusted, or both your serotonin and norepinephrine adjusted, then you're looking at 2-4 weeks after you hit the right dosage.
marjorie zych
16 July 2010
Some drugs like Cymbalta may take 3-4 weeks to fully kick in but you should notice a difference soon but everyone is different the way they respond to prescription meds. I hope to hear you all feeling better soon good luck, marjorie zych
christineATU
16 July 2010
Hi there Marjorie! I've been a little sick the past few days but much better now. How have you been old friend??
marjorie zych
18 July 2010
Will be talking to you soon glad your feeling better.Marjorie zych
Inactive
16 July 2010
She will be ready before august it shouldnt take longer than 5 days for it to start working like it should. Good luck to you and your daughter good nite.
ipursuit
16 July 2010
Thank you so much for such a fast response! Some of the other people have cited 4 - 6 weeks, so I was certainly hoping it wouldn't be that long.
Inactive
16 July 2010
No problem just glad i can help!:)
Related topics
cymbalta, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, grief
Further information
- Cymbalta uses and safety info
- Cymbalta prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Cymbalta (detailed)
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