Tag: drug

Health

Bengay

Posted on by jeanneji

I was put on Cymbalta (duloxetine) 3 weeks ago tomorrow. I developed a rash after week 1, but it was slow and minor. A week from then (last week) it had begun to spread and intensify. I went to see the school’s clinic (pretty much useless on a regular basis) but I was hoping for any help I could get.

The nurse practitioner was in. She saw me, told me to stop my medication and try antihistamines. Fast forward to today- Ive been doing a 5×2 regimen of OTC products; loratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine, diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine. 3 of those are 1 per 24 hours. I’ve been taking 2 of each every morning (more doses of the diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine when I feel like it since they’re every 4-6 hours. So that’s 10 minimum pills (and capsules) a day for the past week. This rash just keeps getting worse!

I thought the other night it was getting better- all day I was without noticeable itch; I also spent the entire day almost with M. Maybe it was a really nice distraction. Either way, the rash, which began on my calves, is not progressing up my back and has hit the bra line. My arms are starting to show signs of early rashing.

I’ve been trying to study but this itch is becoming increasingly unbearable! I have this generic tube of bengay (methyl salicylate and menthol) and thought about it earlier. Looked up some information and came across only 2 small lines about people using it for a rash. Each said to avoid it because it will only irritate it and make it worse. I gave up earlier, but as of 20 minutes ago, I could literally not stop scratching. I reached for my tube of bengay and starting coating myself.

Here I sit. slightly warm and cooling tingly, but not itchy. I have never hated my own body so much in my life, but I’m ready to get a new one. M said he’s look into my medrol pack for me because he wanted to (really, that’s super nice) but also wanted to make plans for the weekend. I’m really enjoying his company, but it’d be nice if I weren’t on the verge of skinning myself.

Hm…I’m actually starting to feel the itch tingling again…slightly. Maybe I didn’t coat that area, but it might be fighting back. I need to get things done. But here’s to Bengay. The only thing I have in this house that has made any significance.

…must. stop. scratching.

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Health

Pre-In

Posted on by jeanneji

Ok. So It’s been 24 hours since I started my med. I just want to go through a few things while I can.

I woke up this morning (after about 4 hours of sleep) not feeling sleepy-tired, but just not into getting out of bed. My sciatica didn’t kick in until class started (figures) but deal. I was trying to take notes but my body just felt weak (the entire way to class). I was able to write, but I couldn’t put any pressure on the pencil. Very strange feeling. If I’m like that again tomorrow, I will probably make up the classes on my own time.

I have small bouts of nausea, but nothing serious. More noticeable is my tendency to feel a little light headed/weak/almost dizzy. I just need to go slow and I’m ok.

The goal of this is that I’m trying to keep up with logging, especially now that I’m going through some of these changes. Where I stand now, I would never consider (suicide) as any option. I could not go through with it- I’m NOT interested in it. It just freaks me out that these medications have that sort of side effect. I don’t understand how this medication would put those thoughts in my head. Hopefully, let’s pray not, if there are changes, someone can catch them or see them. That’s what this log is supposed to do. I just hope I can stay honest on here and admit when I need more help.

Within the past 36 hours, I can say that I have not felt the urge to cry. I’m thinking it’s more a placebo thing, but I haven’t had any particular emotional triggers. Progress. I’m excited. I’m just sick of crying all the time. This is a good change. I just hope it doesn’t hit the other extreme and I stop feeling emotion (doubtful). I just want to sleep now. Le tired.

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