Do antidepressants help?

[wyogirl]

I was diagnosed 12/05 but have had symptoms for 7 years.
I also have depression which I have had since I was 16 (i'm now 32).
I take cymbalta (60mg) for depression but it looks like it may help IC. Is this true?

[armslee]

Cymbalta didn't help me with pain for IC if that is what you mean. It helped me mentally for awhile then stopped.

I started Lexapro about 6 wks ago and LOVE IT!
I feel (mentally) like a whole new person!!!!

[ihurttoo]

I take Cymbalta. I am on 30mg once a day. It helps with depression, but it also helps with neuropathic pain. It is used frequently with diabetic pain, but off-label for other types of neuropathic pain, and pain from nerve damage. Some IC could cause neuropathic pain, although not everyone experiances this type of pain. That could be why it isnt effective for the pain of all ICers. Although it does help me some with pain, it doesnt take it all away. That is why I have to take other meds. I hope it helps you. My dr said if it doesnt help you within 2 weeks, then it wont. No harm in trying. Who knows, it might give you some much needed relief! Good luck!! Hugs, Amy

[kuntrygurl78]

I was prescribed Elavil in May for nighttime frequency (nocturia) and it has been a blessing for me!

[wyogirl]

I'm just wondering if antidepressants are prescribed for other IC symptoms. Not necessarily cymbalta. I was prescribed cymbalta for depression prior to IC dx. Seems like others are using antidepressants for IC symptoms.
Thanks!!!

[armslee]

Elavil is often prescribed for IC. I take the generic form of it. But it didn't do anything for my anxiety. I am sooooooooo thankful for my Lexapro though!:bow:

[SharonA]

I replied about this on your other post..."IC Sucks" :) :) :)

[Big Red]

I take 3 elavils at night to get rest and one every morning. I know that when I miss them at night I don't get as much sleep.

[jen48446]

All of the anti depressants that I took helped with my urgency, thankfully I don't have the pain. However over 2 1/2 years I took every antidepressant that was available. I built up a tolerance quickly to most of them & the others had too many side effects that I just couldn't take. The supplement I take now & have for over a year now has put me into remission & I doubt I'll ever stop taking it @ this point!