Question: As prescribed, I now take 1 capsule twice daily. I've had diarrhea for at least 6 weeks. I have very soft and often rather loose bowel movements around 6 times daily. Over the counter anti-diarrhea medications help at a minimum, if at all. Over a week ago I saw a GI specialists who gave me a specimen kit which I turned in to the lab. I'm waiting to hear from the GI.

I'm almost 65, work fulltime, live alone, and take this prescription for arthritis, chronic pain, and depression. I oversleep, have become extremely forgetful, and feel a little nervous. These changes in my mood and behavior have me concerned and are depressing. I also take several other prescriptions and over the counter medications and vitamins.

I don't drink, have never smoked or used drugs, and eat healthy meals. I keep my mind and body busy, participate in interesting activities, and surround myself with fun filled people who love life and love to laugh. I'm also a lover of the Lord and regularly attend church (although not every Sunday). I have an extremely close and strong relationship with my immediate and extended family .

Are these behaviors and feelings common even though I take my medicines as prescribed and live a healthy and active life style? Is the annoying diarrhea associated with this prescription? (I have to admit that I don't exercise. However, I do dance off and on during a 4 hour period, 2-3 times monthly)

PS: I almost forgot - my boyfriend of several years decided to go his separate way right before Christmas. (I was taking this medication prior to this - yes he knew) (I hope this is enough ;-)


Important addition to my initial response: When I replied to the question, "what medications have you tried till now," I didn't include duloxetine delayed-released capsules USP, 60mg, 1 tab twice daily because that was the topic of that page.

It's rheumatoid arthritis and I've been treated for several years starting with my primary care, to a knee specialist, to an arthritis specialist, last to a surgeon. All kinds of treatments have been tried. At home, I have numerous kinds of heat and massage treatments, including a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device.

I've had torn knee cartilage removed from my left knee, injections in both, including the gel (I forgot the full name -"syn" something) in both; however, they can't be given too often and no longer lasts long. It will be about a couple of more months before I may get more.

The reason I'm prescribed so much pain medicine is because it's gotten to the point where I can no longer deny the fact that I need knee surgery. My left knee has bone rubbing against bone which causes me to apply lots of extra pressure to my right knee.

I was scheduled for a full replacement in my left knee 1/20/2017, but I cancelled it because I don't have enough sick leave time for the anticipated 3 month (10-12 week) recuperation. Currently I have 32 sick work days. (After a long illness, my mother passed 2 years ago. Much of my sick time was used for her.). Her death is probably the main cause of my low mood depression.

I teach for the XXXXXXX Public School System and I'm trying to wait until 6/2018 to retire. Hopefully the samples will reveal necessary information to the GI specialist. Thanks.