@A MyMSTeam Member Is the woman doctor a neurologist? I don't think a regular pcd would 'specialize' in MS. Isn't that correct @A MyMSTeam Member From my experience and Vancouver General Hospital, they took me off Cymbalta right away when treating my TN. Cymbalta was not very effective for my nerve pain of TN. They didn't even ween me off just completely stopped when I was in hospital for 13 days.

Trazodone is a great medication for a GOOD NIGHT"s sleep for me. It is an anti-depressant but found to help more with sleep. I really don't know if it's helping me with depression cuz I am remarried and happy. Something I haven't been for many of the 23 years I was married to my ex.

Well it may work for you. I sure hope so. What dosages are you on? At least, if on enough, you will have a great sleep!

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A MyMSTea...

@A MyMSTeam Member I haven't suffered much anxiety except for after my TN episodes and Rhizotomy procedures. They were when I was trying to get to sleep and all the thoughts would be swarming around in my head and Trazodone took that away for me. I have always been a seasonal depressive person. I feel that Trazodone has worked for me and is all I need but I do agree with @A MyMSTeam Member that you perhaps need to be on both! I was on paxil for many years and it didn't take much time at all to start working but I was going through a 'mental breakdown' at that time. Paxil literally saved my life.

I was on Cymbalta for about one year but for Nerve pain from TN. My doc, at that time, told me it may help with depression. It did neither for me. When I was in hospital the second time for TN, the 'pain specialist' took me off Cymbalta with no weening. I am not saying for you to do that but what dose are you on? I know after my Rhizotomy, I was on many many many drugs that I had to ween off. What they did for me is: start with one drug and ween off one pill for one week then add another ween off 2 pills for one week and so on until that medication is done then if you have another drug needing to be weened off of, then start that one and ween off the same way until done. For antidepressant I am not sure if they ween you off the same way

Please keep us informed of your decision. I haven't read many of your posts but what I've read from others on your situation, you sound quite depressed and deal with anxiety. I think a larger dose of Paxil 20 mg minimum and 100mg of Trazodone would benefit you

Take care!!

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A MyMSTea...

@A MyMSTeam Member well I am on Trazodone and it's done wonders for me with my sleep and depression! My whole life has changed with being happily remarried. I don't find myself getting depressed to the point of feeling like I am in a hole looking up at the light but can't climb out like I use to feel for many years. Depression is a chemical imbalance of the brain but for some people your present situation may make it worse or better. Good luck to you!!

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A MyMSTea...

My doc put me on Apo-Trazodone for a sleep aid and depression. It is in the classification of anti-depressant but I take 2 pills 1 hr before bed (100mg) and not only do I no longer have problems with sleep, my depression has been mild. He put me on cuz it was non-addictive! I am currently taking 100 mg

@A MyMSTeam Member I don't know why you and Bart were put on Cymbalta for depression. I was on it for Trigeminal Neuralgia facial nerve pain. I was told that it may also benefit my depression (going thru divorce) Well with how expensive it was here in Canada (cuz it is an American drug), I think that one was a complete waste of money. It really didn't do much for me.

What is SSRI? I looked online but......
There is a lot of info on Trazodone online
I found not sleeping added to my irritability and depression

I personally highly recommend it.

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A MyMSTea...

Dianal,
Thank you for asking about this. I went to my therapist today (LCSW that I see for emotional support) and am learning SO MUCH about myself. I never went after my MS diagnosis, but can see WHY we are encouraged to go.