Hi, I am a new member, my name is Nancy. I live in the Chicago area with hubby and my two sons, Joey (12) and Chris (16). Joey has Asperger's and Tourette's. Chris is bipolar, has ADHD, OCD, etc. Life is challenging, but I am always trying to do my best for them. Joey is my concern right now. His tics sometimes include verbal profanities, but mostly motor tics. He has been under a ped. psychiatrist care since he was 6 years old. He has been diagnosed with Tourette's for at least 4 years. He also has attention/anxiety problems which are probably spinoffs of the two main issues.

I feel so guilty, as right now he is on 4 different medicatons-Abilify,Tenex (for attention), Celexa, and Strattera. it is a very fine balancing act, as too much of one thing will exasperate the tics, or make him too tired. When he went on the abilify about 2 years ago, he gained about 30 lbs, and is now obsessed with eating constantly. We really watch his eating, but there are only a few foods that he can tolerate. If he does not like something, it literally makes him throw up. So, now we have to add being overweight to the issues! Joey is one of the sweetest, most sensitive, smart and creative kids you could ever meet. He has been experiencing high levels of frustration and some depression lately. Dr. suggested we try him on Cymbalta, decreasing the Celexa by 20 mg, and adding 20 mg of Cymbalta. He has been taking it for about a week now. Today he had severe diarrhea, flu like symptoms and aching/tingling all over his body. Naturally I did not give him the Cymbalta this evening, and will call Dr. in a.m.

Has anyone had a similar experience with Cymbalta? By the way, thank you for being here. Our family is a dog family-we have six dogs, and always at least two rescue fosters (I own a small boarding kennel on premises). Our animals have provided so much love and have had such a therapeutic effect on the boys, that I owe them my sanity. Thanks for any help you can offer and taking the time to read my post!-Nancy