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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 47 to 71 of 696. Go back in thread:
Posted by mizloopy on October 30, 2005, at 18:34:12
In reply to Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by KittyBoo288 on October 30, 2005, at 5:14:47
> I have been trying to "wean" myself off the 60mg of cymbalta I have been on for the past 8 months, like many of the posts I have read, the cymbalta worked as a crutch for a few months but then the depression re occured and I thought, why take drugs that are doing nothing for me anymore and started to wean myself off. I tried one day on, one day off but suffered with the shocks and also terrible night sweats and nightmares, I then cut down to 40mg per day, and then gradually went to 15mg. This worked well , although some days were a dazy, with shocks, nausea and severe dizzyness. I have now been 2 days without any, I have the dizzyness, shocks etc quite bad, and feel like my brain is being squeezed. Would anyone recommend I just persevere or should I go back to 15mg for a while?? I really want to be free, I was hoping I would wake up in a couple more days feeling ok??
what are the shocks?
Posted by Dr. Vijoy on October 30, 2005, at 18:57:47
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by mizloopy on October 28, 2005, at 0:48:31
I like to think of antidepressants as a "crutch" at least for me, and I think others out there may agree or disagree, but I try to use them when I feel depressed, to get back to a functioning point in my life, and then I try to do without when i think i can do it. This gives me self-empowerment and less feelings of helplessness, and really makes me feel better. I do not agree with the thinking by popular groups including Alcoholics Anonymous, etc. that we are powerless over our diseases; instead I feel that we are only powerless at specific times in our lives and must turn to medication or others for help. Even diseases like diabetes have been shown to respond favorably to self-motivation and willingness to do better, and some people have even discontinued insulin after beeing on it for years. This thinking has worked for me, and I like to pass on this self-empowerment to my patients.
By the way, the shocks are short intermittent cataplexic attacks, the kind seen in narcolepsy. It is not advisable to drive or operate heavy machinery during this period.
My opinions are just that, my opinions, and shouldnt be used as medical advice.
Yours,
V
Posted by KittyBoo288 on October 31, 2005, at 8:35:21
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Dr. Vijoy on October 30, 2005, at 18:57:47
> I like to think of antidepressants as a "crutch" at least for me, and I think others out there may agree or disagree, but I try to use them when I feel depressed, to get back to a functioning point in my life, and then I try to do without when i think i can do it. This gives me self-empowerment and less feelings of helplessness, and really makes me feel better. I do not agree with the thinking by popular groups including Alcoholics Anonymous, etc. that we are powerless over our diseases; instead I feel that we are only powerless at specific times in our lives and must turn to medication or others for help. Even diseases like diabetes have been shown to respond favorably to self-motivation and willingness to do better, and some people have even discontinued insulin after beeing on it for years. This thinking has worked for me, and I like to pass on this self-empowerment to my patients.
>
> By the way, the shocks are short intermittent cataplexic attacks, the kind seen in narcolepsy. It is not advisable to drive or operate heavy machinery during this period.
>
> My opinions are just that, my opinions, and shouldnt be used as medical advice.
>
> Yours,
> V
Thankyou for your advice. I have perservered and not gone back on the 15mg, the dizzxyness, shocks and nausea do not seem as extreme today, I have however had horrendous mood swings and "flipped" out on a couple of family members that I dont feel I have received any understanding or support from and spent a lot of time feeling very sad, I do however feel I can see a light at the end of the tunnel and can tell myself that the sadness and angry feelings im having are just the withdrawal of the cymbalta, which I feel is a very positive thing to be able to distiguish. Im just glad I found this site to hear of other peoples experiences, and know what i am going through is normal. I certainly do feel the cymbalta was a "crutch" to me and certainly helped me through a very difficult time.
Posted by CWeber on October 31, 2005, at 8:54:30
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by KittyBoo288 on October 31, 2005, at 8:35:21
I, too, am having bouts with dizziness after stopping Cymbata a week ago. The side effects just aren't worth it. Weight gain, sweating, loss of sexual desire. I've tried Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Effexor and Cymbalt. My depression is not chronic. It's just been since I discovered my son is a heroin addict. I'm trying to change the way I look at this whole mess. You know: it's not my fault, he makes his own choices, I did everything I could to help him. It's just still difficult sometimes to deal with lack of sleep, crying spells, no desire to get out of bed. I guess if I'm going to feel like crap anyways, I'm choosing the lesser of 2 evils.
Posted by Dr. Vijoy on October 31, 2005, at 11:31:51
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by CWeber on October 31, 2005, at 8:54:30
That must be tough to deal with realizing your son is addicted to heroin. I know what it's like to be on the other side of the fence, in essence, being addicted.
What I can advise you is to take care of yourself first, everything else comes second. IF you want to see your son get some kind of help, put him in a treatment program and let them work with him. IT will be too difficult to do this on your own. Addicts helping addicts is the best way for him to get better; the only thing I dont agree with is that a person is completely powerless over his disease, but still a treatment program will be better; Narcotics Anonymous is one way to get into a drug-free living program, they should have info on this.
I am sorry to hear that you have started having depressive episodes. I started a new thread in the general forum titles "name your favorite antidepressant" smaybe you can get an idea from people about which one to try if SSRIs havent worked for you, write down the name, and suggest it to your doctor.
Take care of yourself.
V
Posted by buggy623 on November 13, 2005, at 21:32:06
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal » CWeber, posted by Dr. Vijoy on October 31, 2005, at 11:31:51
I went off of cymbalta 5 days ago. Since then I am nauseaus, dizzy, moody. I sleep all the time as a way to try and combat the effects. I only wake up to eat a little and go to work (when I can get myself out of bed).
I never went to a psychiatrist, my regular doctor started me on celexa, and when that stopped working put me on wellbutrin (which I had a HORRIBLE allergic reaction to), and then the cymbalta.
I dropped from 60mg to 0mg, of my own accord. The Cymbalta stopped working, and I didn't see any point in taking something that doesn't work, and I'm tired of relying on the medicine. But I feel like I'm losing my mind, and my job is slowly losing patience.
I have tried benadryl, but can only take it before bed, which doesn't help when going to work. Are there any other non-drowsy OTC medicines that I can buy? I dont' have health insurance, and the Cymbalta prescription drained my savings.
Any possible help is appreciated, I am struggling to get through this withdrawal period with my job, relationship, and myself intact.
Buggy623
Posted by sam86 on November 14, 2005, at 14:17:38
In reply to Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Regina on March 3, 2005, at 16:37:18
> I am thinking of discontinuing cymbalta and am wondering if anyone's had problems while gradually tapering off.
>
> Thanks!I went from 60mg to 30mg for two weeks and then went completely off. I knew going into the process what to expect thanks to all of the postings! I made it! I felt pretty good for about three or four days after stopping it and then I dealt with the horrible nausea, dizziness and shock feelings for about 8-10 days, only a few of them were what I would consider pretty miserable. I strongly recommend reading all of the threads listed here and prepare yourself (and family/friends) for about 1 1/2 weeks of symptoms. Trust me, it sucks but knowing there is a light at the end of the tunnel will help, it did for me. Plus I knew I was doing something good for me and in the long run would be worth the discomfort. Have faith!
Posted by KittyBoo288 on November 15, 2005, at 2:23:09
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by sam86 on November 14, 2005, at 14:17:38
Hi
I was really pleased to read the last posting and felt I would also update you on my own progress. After 8/9 months on cymbalta I realised the meds were no longer working. I started to taper off going from 60mg to 30mg then went to tipping half of a 30mg capsule away, leaving about 15 mg in the capsule then went from that to 0mg. After 2 days I had horrendous side effects, nausea, extreme dizzyness, shock feeling to my head, blurred vision , the list goes on, I also experienced a few days of feeling extremely irratable and sad. The last posting advising to alert your family/friends of the withdrawal you will be going through is great advise. In the process of my withdrawal i think i must have fallen out with every member of my family due to my irrational thinking at that time. I have now been off completely for 17 days and feel great. I would urge anyone thinking of coming off these tablets to speak with medical professionals first and then taper off, also, if possible take time out from work, to get through the withdrawal, knowing that you will feel bad for at least 8-10 days, but look ahead to the great things you will feel once the withdrawal is over. Keep Going!!
Posted by RoDnSuE on November 16, 2005, at 11:11:33
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by KittyBoo288 on November 15, 2005, at 2:23:09
I forgot to order my refill for my 60mg cymbalta's and went off for about a week. (mail order prescription service)
I started having the depression, nausia, and blured vision, but instead of the shocks in the head, I have a symptom of whenever I close my eyes and my eyes move I hear a wooosh-wooosh shound in my ears that is VERY disconcerting! Maybe others are interpreting this feeling as a shock.
I was also having horrible insomnia about 3 days after going off. I had about 1-1/2 hours of sleep in about 72 hours. I felt like I was going crazy. I found a 30mg capsule and took it which did help for that day but the next day I was right back to the whooshing.I finally got my doctor to write me a script for a few days supply until my normal order arrives.
Cymbalta does seem to help me more than most of the other meds I have taken in the past.
I hate being dependent on ANY meds but this may be one I am stuck with. The only real problem I have while taking it is it seems to make me have carpel tunnel syndrom. My hands go numb alot and I have pain in my thumb down to my wrist.Good luck to all,
RoD
Posted by bettyboop on November 25, 2005, at 17:05:22
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Overand on September 29, 2005, at 17:53:12
i have been off cymbalta - cold turkey - for 3 days now. in the past i tried paxil due to postpartum depression. i swore i would never try anything else even remotely close to it again because of the hell i went through getting off. i want to be clean and no longer rely on the "crutch" of an antidepressant. i have only been on the cymbalta since the end of march - beginning of april 2005. stupid question - is that really long enough to have really BAD withdrawals? i've been tired - and kinda bitchy but i don't know how much of that is due to not taking the cymbalta or marital issues going on right now. i have absolutely no support from my husband - its all a pity party - and i feel like everyone is against me. i'm not really sure what to do or expect. any advice - support -anything would be greatly appreciated. i have a Rx for ativan - would it be wise to use it?
Posted by ang123 on November 29, 2005, at 8:07:49
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by bettyboop on November 25, 2005, at 17:05:22
Hi, I read this site often but I have never posted anything. I was on Paxil and couldn't get the meds refilled once, lets just say it was the worst week and half I have ever had. The dizzyness was unbearable, I really shouldn't have been driving but had too. I was angry, violent and actually told the pharmacy to f-off and called the doctor hysterical. I had a panic attack for the first time ever and wanted to die. I had to go back on something because the withdrawal was more than I could take. I started Cymbalta. I tryed to wean off in the spring but that was unsuccessful, now I am trying again. I have been pouring out some of the beads in the capsules and making my own step down plan. I was on 60mg and split that in half, I spend Sat. on the couch all day from the dizzyness and slept alot. I how am taking probably 20mg and have a headache and fatigue, I am also dizzy at times. I am trying to keep it going. I also have irritable bowel and the Cymbalta helps those symptoms. I am waiting for those problems to come back. Should I be messing with the beads in the capsules?
> i have been off cymbalta - cold turkey - for 3 days now. in the past i tried paxil due to postpartum depression. i swore i would never try anything else even remotely close to it again because of the hell i went through getting off. i want to be clean and no longer rely on the "crutch" of an antidepressant. i have only been on the cymbalta since the end of march - beginning of april 2005. stupid question - is that really long enough to have really BAD withdrawals? i've been tired - and kinda bitchy but i don't know how much of that is due to not taking the cymbalta or marital issues going on right now. i have absolutely no support from my husband - its all a pity party - and i feel like everyone is against me. i'm not really sure what to do or expect. any advice - support -anything would be greatly appreciated. i have a Rx for ativan - would it be wise to use it?
Posted by patkerash on November 29, 2005, at 15:10:44
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by ang123 on November 29, 2005, at 8:07:49
I am currently on 30 mg of Cymbalta and have been told to go ahead up to 60mg but I am not going to do it..On Oct 23, 2005 I went into the er in withdrawal from effexor and methadone (given to me by the hospital pain clinic for spinal stenosis) I was on the psyche ward for 5 days..the effexor was by far the worst to come off of..it has taken me over a month to feel anything like "normal"..and that is with being on the cymbalta from the time of my hospitalization..I can't go through that again..it was by far the most terrifying, sickening experience of my life...I know now that I tried to get myself off the 2 drugs way to fast, but from what I have been reading in a book I got called The Road Back withdrawal has to be done in 5% to 10% increments..it sounds as if everyone has tried it way too fast..this book also recomends nutritional supplements which I am going to try as I want to come off the cymbalta also...I don't want to die, but how do you live with depression ?? I've started therapy again so I guess time will tell...good luck to us all....Pat
Posted by Rick Deckard on November 30, 2005, at 8:02:59
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by patkerash on November 29, 2005, at 15:10:44
I was on Cymbalta for about 7 months and decided to come off it because of sexual side-effects.
I have been off Cymbalta for almost a week, and feel like I could die on the spot!I was on 60mg a day. My GP (who I like and trust, by the way) 'weaned' me as follows: 30mg one day then 60mg the next, for 8 days;
30mg every day for 4 days;
skip a day, then 30mg;
skip a day, then 30mg;
then stop.Since I stopped I have had to take 1 day off work - I feel like I should take more but I can't afford it.
I am dizzy all the time, have difficulty with my coordination and speech, have HUGE pain in all my joints and muscles (legs feel like they won't do what my brain is asking), have had AMAZINGLY VIVID dreams (and the first nightmare that I can ever remember), feel groggy and thick and feel like my eyes are darting around and falling out of my head - they are really sore. I have to drive but last night felt that I shouldn't have been - whenever I looked in the mirror and back it felt like I got some sort of shock up through my whole body and felt like I should pull in or I would crash 'cos of blurring. Also very anxious.How long do these effects last? Is there anything, preferably natural, that I can take to help?
I have been on other anti-depressants (Prozac and something else that I can't recall the name of) over the years as I get very down about the way I feel with my (undiagnosed by a professional!) CFS/ME and have NEVER felt this bad, either while on the med or coming off them.
This is the only place I have found that has good discussions about Cymbalta withdrawal.
Thanks,
R
Posted by davcuts on November 30, 2005, at 8:51:43
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Rick Deckard on November 30, 2005, at 8:02:59
Dear R,
I've been coming off of Cymablta for a month now, and still have the side effects you mention. Today I'm so dizzy I can barely walk, but yesterday it was less severe. All I can tell you is hang in there. My pshchiatrist told me to go see my doctor, because everything I'm going through can't be coming from the Cymbalta. I went to see my family doctor and he said all is well, but gave me medication for vertigo called Meclizine. It is worthless to stop the dizziness. I'm giving it another two weeks to see if all the syptoms finally go away from Cymbalta withdrawal, if not I'm going to see a attorney.
Take care,
David
Posted by Dr. Vijoy on November 30, 2005, at 15:44:26
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by davcuts on November 30, 2005, at 8:51:43
I really know how you guys feel coming off the Cymbalta. I went through the withdrawl, unfortunately, my depression came back, so I went back on it. Im on 60mg now and I am adding Wellbutrin XL 150mg daily to it because my depression is still lingering.
If the withdrawl is too much to handle, you can try:
Meclizine or Diphenhydramine (benadryl) 2-3x day as needed for dizziness/nausea
Tylenol for headaches, although anti-migrane meds will work much better.Plenty of rest.
Please read through the entire chain of posts for a detailed discussion on withdrawl of this drug. Like I said, I went through the withdrawl it was very tough, however, I think i am better on the meds rather than off it so im back on it now and just feel helpless without it. I dont want to be on it, but without it io really think i will die.
By the way, i will be using a new handle in the future most likely vijoyp because i dont want any legal probs.
Anything i say is merely my own opinion and should not be substituted as medical advice.
Yours,
Vijoy
Posted by bettyboop on November 30, 2005, at 21:32:46
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by davcuts on November 30, 2005, at 8:51:43
it's now been 8 days since i've been off the cymbalta. i am feeling slightly better - just really foggy. the mood swings are terrible! there have been times i want to just call life quits and get it over with - but i'm hanging in there. i'm afraid that once the withdrawal symptoms are finally gone i'll need something for all the turmoil around the house. i still have some of the dizziness and cold like symptoms. feverish with a headache. is that normal? i've tried taking 1/4 of an ativan during the day to take the edge off - and taking the benadryl and tylenol. all semms to help out some. all i can tell everyone is - HANG N THERE!!! be strong and PRAY. i know God hears all prayers and i have really been puting my situation into God's hands - for God's will!!! i will pray for each and every person on this list - pray that you are comforted and your pain is eased! don't give up - :) Beth
Posted by Rick Deckard on December 1, 2005, at 3:40:33
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by bettyboop on November 30, 2005, at 21:32:46
Thanks to you all. My withdrawal symptoms seem to come in waves - I felt much better yesterday and am now back to feeling terrible again. Today I can hardly breathe and feel on the verge of a panic attack all the time.
Sorry to keep going on. I have read all the posts here and know that a lot of other people have gone thru what I am going thru, but it's good to be able to 'talk' to people who know what you are on about.
Thanks again.
Posted by lorena on December 11, 2005, at 16:05:32
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by LinnieLoo55 on April 28, 2005, at 9:22:54
Hello everyone,
First of all, I am happy because I found this website, so I can share with everyone my experiences.First of all my personal opinion is that there is no pill to fix our problems, I think that medicine can help you, it can be a start, but it won't give you the peace of mind that we all need.
I move to the US because I married an American, before that I had a job and great friends in my native country, but I didn't get along with my family, my dad passed away and my beloved grandmother. When I got to the US, I was homesick, with no job, depression took over, and not only my husband had left to India for about 2 months due to work but also I had panic attacks, depression, and anxiety. I went to see a Dr. who didn't know anything of the situation and prescribe pills to sleep and send me to see the family physician that prescribed 30 mg of Cymbalta on a daily basis and told me I should take that during my whole life. When I was told that, I started wondering why I was having those issues; I researched on my family looking for people with some kind of mental illness but didn’t find anything. My biological dad is still alive and in good health, my mom has high blood pressure, but that’s it. I am an electronic engineer, I may not know that much about medicine, but I knew that I had gone thru a lot, somehow I had hopes of things getting better and that I was not going to be on medications forever, at least not for depression issues. I have to say I am catholic, I may not go to church every Sunday but I believe that there will always be someone out there with a good heart. My husband in the very beginning wasn't that supportive, because he was scared, he put a lot of pressure on me to follow the Dr.'s advice to take the medications. I agreed on taking Cymbalta after talking to some friends who took other kinds of Antidepressants for a month or two and then were able to move on with life without medication. But in my situation, I was way scare to stop taking it and to continue on it as well. With my husband gone my deepest fear was to die alone in a foreign country, not even having my husband by my side. I would tell him, I need to see people I need to go out, I miss home and my friends, but for him all that was hard to understand since he felt at home and he is not a social person. Time passed by as slow as it can be when things are not going as well as expected, and I continued to take 30mg of Cymbalta, at the beginning I didn't know if the side effects were because of the medication or because my anxiety and panics attack, I though I was going crazy. But deep inside I knew I was good, I never though on hurting someone or myself. At some point I wanted kind of disappear from the planet I felt that I wasn't myself, and that was a horrible feeling. But slowly I just got acceptance and started to interact with my in laws and made an effort to take one day at a time. And things got better, I went to a therapist not the best one I have to say, but that brought back to my life some sanity. So far I've been on Cymbalta for about 10 months, 30 mg daily, and then I decided it was time to get off the pill because I feel as a pill slave, whenever I forget taking it, I felt weird, weak, dizzy etc, Thanks God I decided to don't take pills to sleep, I told myself at some point my body will be tired and I will fall asleep. I talked to my family Dr., and told him about the sexual side effects, and the low or none libido I had. And he agreed that I should try to see how it goes without the medication now that my life has come to a more normal basis, I got a job, have a small support network (2 or 3 friends). I started taking Cymbalta on and off, (mon yes, tues no, wed yes thurs no etc..) It took my body a week to realize the new doses it would get. And then I was fine, I was doing that for a month, and then I decided that it was time to stop. I had a lot of stress on when it will happen, but I decide that I was to continue to focus on my daily activities and the day that I forget about it that was day I would start taking the pill. So far I've been off Cymbalta since Tuesday Dec 6th, the 9th my body realized it didn't get the 20mg, and the symptoms started. I feel little weak, but it comes as a wave that goes quickly and then I am normal I feel ok, but then there is again. I've had a little of diarrhea, I think it is more because I am kind of concern but really nothing that bad. I have to say at this moment my husband is traveling for work, out of the country, and I have to work and rely on myself and my closest friends for support. Every once in a while I would go online to check on the withdrawal symptoms of cymbalta but I decided not to do that often because sometimes we can find really bad stuff out there not necessary true or related to the side effects of the medication. I wanted to tell you all my background so you can have a better understanding of my particular case, and hopefully it will be helpful. At this moment I feel good, I am happy with life, and have a lot of goals that I look forward to accomplish. I am also aware that it was my decision to get off the medication. I know it hasn't been easy, but with positive thinking and peace of mind I think we all can move forward in life. My advice to anyone coming off of this medication or any other antidepressants medication is to take one day at a time, know that the easy way is just go back to the medication. But if we are looking for long lasting results, and we really want to take our body, we need to go through this withdrawal time as relaxed as possible, and looking forward for the long lasting results of coming out of the medication. I am also looking forward to go back to the gym, and continue to go out with friends and talk about silly stuffs and life and have a good time. I’ve read working out, and doing stuff that we enjoy increase help having the chemicals in our brain balanced, that along with a good diet. I think about all the people out there who have gone thru a lot in life but they didn't even have the money or the time to go and get a prescription of happy pills (refer to antidepressants) to be fixed, instead they had to fight and they still do to survive on a daily basis, to bring home food. I think that for all those people out there who besides their big time problems, still are willing to put up with it and make it happen somehow, we should be able to keep going and do the best that we can to handle these rough times, and finally get off antidepressants. May God bless you all, and I'll keep you posted on how I feel after 2 weeks off the medication.
Posted by nutty on December 27, 2005, at 18:00:23
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by dinky on October 25, 2005, at 22:46:32
HELP!! Four days ago I went to my doctor (AGAIN) complaining that Cymbalta was no longer working. I have been taking it since it came out on the market but have not been happy with it since about two weeks after I started taking it. Now that the doctor has finally decided that maybe I am right, and maybe I do know my body best (GASP!), he has decided to switch me from Cymbalta 60mg to Wellbutrin XL 150mg. No step down, no lower dosages, no week off in between, just one day I took Cymbalta and the next I took Wellbutrin. Now I feel like I am losing my mind. My face feels like it is "asleep" because it is numb and tingling, I am terribly dizzy, and I am EXTREMELY angered by the smallest thing. Is this all because of "withdrawal" from Cymbalta or is part of it from the new med Wellbutrin? How do I tell which symptoms are which? And, for God's sake, when will these symptoms quit? Think I would rather feel "crazy" or "depressed" every day for the rest of my life than feel like this.
Posted by buggy623 on December 28, 2005, at 7:38:34
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by nutty on December 27, 2005, at 18:00:23
to the person who just switched from cymbalta to wellbutrin...
i had side effects like these after taking wellbutrin, and ended up having an allergic reaction. if your throat starts toclose, or your ears start to ring, get to your doctor asap
Posted by runnerwdogs on December 29, 2005, at 16:07:09
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Dr. Vijoy on November 30, 2005, at 15:44:26
Hello....I have been searching on the internet to see if everyone has the same side effects from Cymbalta withdrawal and was shocked as most. I had been taking 60 mg/daily and was fed up with the side effects-sick to stomach, sexual side effects, night sweats, etc. I was instructed to cut the dose in half for one week and then stop. Because I felt so-so I did a much quicker taper. The side effects were awful, nightmares, night sweats, headache, dizziness, difficult to remeber stuff, tingling in the brain, everything people mention. I am now on day 10 and feeling much, much better and my sex life has returned to normal. Not sure if this helped or what it was, but this is what I did: excersied daily, despite the excessive amount of sweating, very healthy eating (salads, proteins, very little carbs-i craved carbs on the med), yoga (I was very skeptical of this, but still did it) After tyring all of this I still was having some pretty intese side effects (burst into tears for no reason, general feeling of being off) but was regaining my memory, as it was super foggy. I then went to the store and got a internal cleansing (bunch of natural stuff)-this was the turning point for me, at least I think it was-I still kept up all the other things mentioned above. My ability to sleep without nightmare every night extended from 15 minutes to an hour, to now almost a full night. I still get waves of dizziness. All of my body funtions (things people not on the med take for granted) started to return to normal, very, very quickly. During the withdrawal I felt very bitter for being put on this med without knowing what would happen, I was just given other meds for the side effects (Klonopin, another anit histamine for sexual effects, etc) I made it through the last 10 days without the Klonopin. I tried the Benadryl once, but it made my legs real jumpy. As much as I hated it, I forced myself to get aerobic exercise when the symptoms were becoming too much (not when I was dizzy, but just angry, irritable, tearful). The other thing I did when I had a wave of side effects was to experience each one and soak it in, this seemed to give me the "fuel" to get off this med. I did not ignore them, but tried to pay close attention. I am curious if others have tried the natural clensing products and had any luck. I am still going through the withdrawal, but feel alive again. I too wanted to know exactly how long it would last, and saw no end in sight, but now it is just as if I am shaking a bad cold that is kind of hanging around. Hope this helps.
Posted by secretme on January 3, 2006, at 15:32:05
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by runnerwdogs on December 29, 2005, at 16:07:09
If I hadn't found this website, I would think I am losing my mind. I was on Cymbalta for more than a year after trying every SSRI on the market over a 12-year span. I simply cannot tolerate anti-depressants.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2005, and my psychiatrist increased the dose of Cymbalta to 90 mg. during the period of my radiation therapy. In adding the cancer medication, Aromasin, I thought I would die from the side effects of both medications. I need to take the cancer medication, but I will live much better without the Cymbalta.
My PCP said doctors will perceive me as a "crackpot" because so many medications cause serious side affects for me. Instead of helping me, I find that doctors get angry and want to wash their hands of the problem child.
I have been off Cymbalta for 7 days now. I went from 90 mg. to 60 mg. to 30 mg. in about a month's time. On Christmas day, I became so ill, I had to call my oncologist to find out what to do. I wan't sure which medication was causing the problems.
For those of you who have doctors who want to keep you hooked, here are some symptoms I have had -- all of which were WORSE during the Cymbalta withdrawal:
severe headaches
high blood pressure (I am on 3 medication for high BP!)
hot flashes/sweats
insomnia
joint pain
nausea
foggy memory and forgetfulness
buzzing and hissing in my ears
nightmares
worsening of irritable bowel symptomsI have improved in each category by as much as 75% since coming off the Cymbalta. I will not be told "YOU NEED AN ANTI-DEPRESSANT," when the "cure" is worse than the disorder.
I don't think there are any quick fixes out there, but Cymbalta is a demon that is losing its grip on me, and I will never take another anti-depressant again.
My family thinks I am brave for doing this, especially in light of my cancer treatments. I hope this will help someone else who needs encouragement to take control of his/her life. You will feel better, but unfortunately you will have to tough it out during the withdrawal.
Posted by struggle on January 3, 2006, at 20:31:02
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by secretme on January 3, 2006, at 15:32:05
My mom was recently hospitalized in order for her to go off of cymbalta. She seems to be doing well but I have my doubts. Time will tell.
I have been on Remeron for about 5 months and have decided to go off of it. I guess it seemed to kind of help me sleep but I'm suffering too much from side effects. It helped me to sleep and eat finally, but okay, enough already with the fat stomach and food cravings. Is this supposed to make me fat and more miserable? The strangest part is that i STILL DONT EAT and im gaining weight.
Leave my brain alone. Enough.
Posted by johnnyj on January 3, 2006, at 21:42:42
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and Remeron withdrawal, posted by struggle on January 3, 2006, at 20:31:02
see remeron thread below.
Posted by tatt on January 4, 2006, at 8:51:01
In reply to Re: Eye opener, posted by tatt on October 18, 2005, at 8:43:42
well it's been about 3 months since i decided to come off cymbalta. it took me a month and a half to taper down the dosage to nothing, and the month following was ABSOLUTE HELL. i thought i had MS. i have had 2 MRIs (one for my brain, one for my spine), numerous blood tests, doctor visits, etc. i've missed probably a total of 2 weeks of work, have had to take 2 incompletes for courses i'm taking.
if you are coming off cymbalta and feel like you're dying, you're NOT CRAZY. this withdrawl is horrible and i'm only now starting to feel like i'm doing better, little by little.
hang in there. and don't let anyone tell you it's all in your head.
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