Unexpected Benefit - Please Read

[Littlebbh]

I am new to your forum, but have been an IC patient for years. I have been taking Elmiron. Recently, I started taking Cymbalta for my fibromyalgia and found an unexpected benefit. My IC has stablized and I have even stopped taking the Elmiron and have had very few flare-ups. I am doing better now than I have in years. Much better than the DMSO and Elmiron! I associate this with the Cymbalta and was wondering if anyone else has had this effect?

Nikki Taylor

[ICNJess]

I have heard of others taking this med for their IC. I'm glad you are doing well!

[tigger_gal]

great news I am glad to hear it.. Fibro also attacks the bladder, so maybe that was your main problem.. I sure hope you contiue to feel good.
Brat

[green_the_fish]

I'm very happy to hear that it helped you :)
Cymbalta is known to be used off-label for both fibro. and IC. It's also officially used in Europe for urinary incontinence (thanks to CrazyMeds.org for this great info), though not yet in the US. It's in the same med class (Multiple Reuptake Inhibitors) as Wellbutrin, Cymbalta, and Effexor.
I haven't had any personal experience with this med, or med class.

[KathleenS]

Nikki,

Has this helped both frequency and pain? What dose are you on and how long did it take to help? I just started Cymbalta one week ago, but only at 20mg as my doctor said he "didn't want to bombard me with side effects" (I had severe night sweats with Effexor). Anyway, he plans to up the dose in 2 weeks to 40mg. Any additional info would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Kathleen