How long before meds work

[mommysangel]

I've been on Cymbalta for two weeks for ppd. All my side effects have subsided. I can tell a difference with my thought pattern, its much better. But when will the depression completely leave. Am i being impatient or is it not working.

Has anyone else had this problem?

[Monkeyfeet]

Hi!
I don't know much about that med. I know most can take 6 weeks. Maybe you should check-in with your Doc just to be sure.

[*guest]

Hi, I haven't dealt with PPD, but I thought I'd pop in since I took Cymbalta last year. What dosage are you at? I felt noticeably better after the first week at 30mg, and then after 2, we raised my dose to 60mg. By the end of the first month, I felt pretty normal again, so a much faster result than Prozac or Paxil ever did for me. It's possible that your dose isn't at the right level yet, and I've found it takes diligence to get doctors to be willing to tinker until they find what's right (yeah, the last thing you want to do while already feeling bad). I hope you get relief soon!

[jmreinke]

I was just given Cymbalta, but I haven't taken it yet. I'm scared of the side effects. Would you mind sharing what side effects you experienced?

Also, it can take up to 4-6 weeks for the meds to really take effect. I think that my dr gave me 30mg with the intent of going up more after the break in period.

[kaydee]

Initial relief can take from 1-6 weeks; more complete relief can take a few months. Also, people often have to tweak their meds or even switch meds. I found that cognitive-behavioral therapy was a real help for me during my PPD, and other bouts of depression I have experienced. I don't think I would have healed as quickly without it.

[mommysangel]

Originally Posted by mommitola

Hi, I haven't dealt with PPD, but I thought I'd pop in since I took Cymbalta last year. What dosage are you at? I felt noticeably better after the first week at 30mg, and then after 2, we raised my dose to 60mg. By the end of the first month, I felt pretty normal again, so a much faster result than Prozac or Paxil ever did for me. It's possible that your dose isn't at the right level yet, and I've found it takes diligence to get doctors to be willing to tinker until they find what's right (yeah, the last thing you want to do while already feeling bad). I hope you get relief soon!

Thanks for your reply, I am on 20 mg of Cymbalta.

[mommysangel]

Originally Posted by jmreinke

I was just given Cymbalta, but I haven't taken it yet. I'm scared of the side effects. Would you mind sharing what side effects you experienced?

Also, it can take up to 4-6 weeks for the meds to really take effect. I think that my dr gave me 30mg with the intent of going up more after the break in period.

It took me 7 months before I was brave enough to begin meds, and I too was afraid of side effects. Thank God, my side effects was very little. For the first week, I stayed sleepy a lot, and I was nauseated a lot. That is all, now it is gone and I feel fine. Just waiting for it to completely lift the ppd. I can already see an improvement but I guess you get impatient and want it to be gone now.

[mommyme2005]

Meds

Each person responds differently to any one of several different meds. One woman could respond in a week, others, up to six weeks. Two weeks is pretty good for an initial response. Full effect could take up to six. Your pharmacist could give you more detailed info.

Good luck!