Is Treatment without medication possible?

[sunshineandkindle]

I have agreed to start duloxetine but I can't bring myself to take it, knowing the potential side effects. I'm meant to start tonight. I've taken antidepressants before and had a terrible time in the first few weeks and feel nervous to go through it again.

Has anyone managed to improve their symptoms for fibromyalgia without medication?
For those who take medication... has it helped? Is it worth trying?

I have symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica (though not confirmed with blood test), which is similar to your condition. Hypnosis definitely works for some conditions. I have tried it with an audiotape, and my symptoms have eased. Can't be sure that it's due to the hypnosis, but it can't have harmed me. PM me if you want more details.

No direct experience but have heard of lots of accounts via Curable, Howard Schubiner, Nicole Sachs, Alex Howard etc? Look up podcasts and books etc by all of them re fybromyalgia/chronic fatigue.

No i haven't heard of anything OP but I wish there was. Duloxetine is the one medication that has had less side effects for me but I need a lower strength that isn't manufactured otherwise I turn into a zombie. Unfortunately it's a capsule and not a tablet so I can't halve it.

Please return and update if you found it beneficial - it might give me the courage to try it again with better support for the zombie part.

How many mg did you take?

The lowest dose - 30mg 😬

They once managed to prescribe me 20mg which was fantastic but apparently that isn't a regular strength they manufacture so it's much more expensive and the GPs refuse to prescribe that dosage now. As I said before I do react badly to most medications including ibuprofen. I'm sure you will be fine OP, it's just me having a "snowflake " body 🙄😂 Good luck!

Many people say duloxetine helps with fibromyalgia pain and mood, though the first weeks can feel a bit difficult.
Some people manage symptoms with exercise, good sleep, and stress control.
Everyone’s experience is different, so what works best can vary.

I completely get why you’re feeling this way. Starting something like duloxetine can be really intimidating, especially when you’ve had a bad experience with antidepressants before. That kind of memory sticks with you, so it makes sense you’d feel nervous.

For me, I ended up going a different route. I use medical cannabis prescribed through LeafEase.co.uk, and it’s actually helped me manage my fibromyalgia symptoms quite a bit. It’s definitely not a magic fix or for everyone, but it’s been a better fit for me than traditional meds.

At the end of the day, everyone’s different. Some people do find duloxetine really helpful once they get through those first few weeks, but it’s also okay to take things at your own pace. You should feel comfortable with whatever you decide.

Just know you’re not alone in feeling this way 🤍