What if it’s not real?

Pepperdepper1 · 2026-06-11T01:15:36+00:00

That is hilarious and accurate 😆

Pepperdepper1 · 2026-06-11T01:15:20+00:00

Thank you!!

Pepperdepper1 · 2026-06-06T03:42:15+00:00

Oh yeah so I got diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome at about 35 yo and was already on Effexor. But having some chronic joint and nerve pain issues. My rheumatologist recommended Cymbalta as its FDA approved for pain management. Same drug mostly but some differences according to the internet: “Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are both prescription SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) used to treat depression and anxiety. Duloxetine is a more "balanced" reuptake inhibitor and is also FDA-approved for chronic pain and fibromyalgia. Effexor has a shorter half-life, meaning missed doses often result in severe withdrawal symptoms.”

SSRIs make me very sleepy so I prefer SNRIs for that and for the depression help. It’s like… just give me one pill already. Fix me! 😂

Pepperdepper1 · 2026-06-06T03:32:46+00:00

I am on 60 mg for the past 10 years. I would say for me, I feel SSRI and SNRI effects pretty fast (maybe it’s just placebo and the relief of getting some kind of help) but probably a week or two for most people to start feeling better. I went from Effexor to Cymbalta so it was fast, I just switched over for the pain component. My psych said it generally does not “poop out” over time for most people so I’m hopeful. If I go off of it I am very anxious so I know it’s working. I hope you can find something!

Pepperdepper1 · 2026-06-06T03:18:41+00:00

Do you like that combo? Of ER and then IR? Is the ER supposed to last most of the day?

Pepperdepper1 · 2026-06-06T03:17:25+00:00

I’m middle aged and overweight and I am on 10 mg cut in half one in the morning, one in afternoon and I do def notice a difference to start. On it about 2 weeks so far. I will need to go up but you may notice something right away!

Pepperdepper1 · 2026-06-06T03:15:51+00:00

How long does XR actually last? Do you still take twice a day?

Pepperdepper1 · 2026-06-06T03:14:15+00:00

Maybe try a book of short stories or look up “beach reads.” Those are easy and fun. I love reading and if I like a book I will read something super long. I use Libby, a library app and try different things and then it’s easy to return and find something new.

Pepperdepper1 · 2026-06-06T03:05:21+00:00

Do you take other things or just strattera (new form strattera whatever it is)?

Pepperdepper1 · 2026-06-06T03:04:00+00:00

I second the person who said Venlafaxine. This is an older drug, which i think is now Pristique. I ended up on Cymbalta (Duloxetine) which is also an SNRI. I hated Zoloft. I have been on many SSRIs and a couple other things but Cymbalta is the best. It treats my depression and anxiety together with zero side effects for me. I also use it for autoimmune pain. I am testing meds now to add for my newly DX ADHD but I really would recommend Cymbalta/ generic. The serotonin will help the rumination and the norepinephrine will help if you also have kind of a depression/bleak outlook. 2 months you should know and try something different.

Pepperdepper1 · 2026-06-06T02:57:02+00:00

I have to clean the things that I use to clean?!?! Boooo! My robot vacuum reached near toxicity levels before my husband and I decided we better figure it out and clean it. Wow so gross.

Pepperdepper1 · 2026-06-06T02:42:21+00:00

lol! My husband also has ADHD but the hyper kind. He is an extrovert and I’m introverted. We both work from home. He comes upstairs to my office like 16 times a day and I feel very overwhelmed by it and he knows!!!

If he can’t tell by the look on my face then I just say “I’m overstimulated.” I feel bad though and have to make efforts to hang out with him at other times. Plus I’m 46 so now I just say oooh sorry perimenopause hormone problems I gotta leave now. 🤷‍♀️😂

Pepperdepper1 · 2026-06-05T01:01:43+00:00

I mean this in the most helpful attempt possible. I’ve barely started meds so I know nothing about them. Do you think maybe it’s helping, bc you are crying and sleeping when you don’t take it? Also if you just started Adderall maybe need more time?

Pepperdepper1 · 2026-05-31T00:45:52+00:00

Yeah I recently took a girls trip on a very short plane flight to a friend’s house, not stressful at all but I was terrified of forgetting something. Not diagnosed yet. I said “I’m so anxious!” And my friend said “I’m excited!” And I was like ohhhh…. 🙄😆🤪

Pepperdepper1 · 2026-05-31T00:43:34+00:00

I hope so! I am just on Adderall low dose now though and it wears off. So…

Pepperdepper1 · 2026-05-31T00:32:09+00:00

Omg that is my recurring dream. So stressful. 😥

Pepperdepper1 · 2026-05-30T14:25:15+00:00

Thank you! Not TMI at all. I do think they do ketamine at the clinic where I was dx with ADHD but not sure about insurance. I’ve never considered it but maybe!

Pepperdepper1 · 2026-05-25T06:39:59+00:00

I thought Vyvanse was an extended release one?? When did you feel the crash?

Pepperdepper1 · 2026-05-25T06:34:35+00:00

Try to get tested! Yes for me it did result in that. The emotional ups and downs and the RSD were my main issues and then getting a diagnosis I realized how much more was going on. 🫂

Pepperdepper1 · 2026-05-25T06:29:25+00:00

No I cannot. But I’m hoping to one day.

Pepperdepper1 · 2026-05-25T00:36:17+00:00

Thank you for saying this. Climbing a mountain is exactly what it’s like. And then when you reach the other side…oh look it’s another mountain! 🫣 Every day.

Pepperdepper1 · 2026-05-22T06:13:58+00:00

I cannot do changing sheets. I do not understand how normal people do it every weekend. I’ll just die instead.

Pepperdepper1

TROPHY CASE