![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 314 to 338 of 696. Go back in thread:
Posted by SLS on June 17, 2006, at 12:42:12
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Avalon on June 17, 2006, at 10:56:40
> Believe it or not, I am STILL having dizzy spells. It is soooo annoying. I am splitting the anti-vertigo pills in half so I don't get so tired, but I still need them. Then the dizziness gives me little waves of nausea. This is day 12, and I was down to probably 5 mg every other day. Yet my doctor says it's not the Cymbalta. I'm not taking anything else -- except the stuff to counter-act the dizziness and nausea!!! I heard a guy in the pharmacy yesterday getting a scrip filled for Cymbalta -- I felt like saying, "DON'T DO IT!!!!"
>
> I wanted to know how Jaspar is doing, we haven't heard from you lately. Are you still having the dizzy spells? PLEASE tell me no. This is ridiculous!!! I'm starting to wonder if they EVER go away....?
>
> Doctor also prescribed Ultram for pain -- anyone have any experience with this? At this point, I'm afraid to try anything!
I have no personal experience with Ultram. It is considered to be a mild opioid, and probably makes a better first choice than something like oxycontin. The thing is, it also acts like a SRI of sorts. If you decide to take it, I would be very interested to know if it helps with withdrawal symptoms.
- Scott
Posted by Avalon on June 18, 2006, at 1:01:23
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by SLS on June 17, 2006, at 12:42:12
Scott, I need a lesson here: What's an opioid v. a narcotic? I understand Ultram is non-narcotic, but I thought opioids were narcotics...? Also, what is an SRI? I am already taking Percocet (is that an SRI?) and it doesn't help much with the withdrawal symptoms. Thanks for your help.
Posted by SLS on June 18, 2006, at 8:35:31
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Avalon on June 18, 2006, at 1:01:23
> Scott, I need a lesson here: What's an opioid v. a narcotic? I understand Ultram is non-narcotic, but I thought opioids were narcotics...? Also, what is an SRI? I am already taking Percocet (is that an SRI?) and it doesn't help much with the withdrawal symptoms. Thanks for your help.
Hi Avalon.
I have to plead ignorance on this one. The term "narcotic" seems to have various definitions, including those that are dictated by drug enforcement agencies.
From Dictionary.com:"An addictive drug, such as opium, that reduces pain, alters mood and behavior, and usually induces sleep or stupor. Natural and synthetic narcotics are used in medicine to control pain."
"A drug derived from opium or opium like compounds, with potent analgesic effects associated with significant alteration of mood and behavior, and with the potential for dependence and tolerance following repeated administration."
Doctors don't like to use the word "narcotic" because it has become a pejorative in many contexts. They prefer to distinguish them by their chemical class or target receptor - opioids.
SRI = serotonin reuptake inhibitor
SSRI = selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
SNRI = serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
Drugs like Effexor and Cymbalta are both potent serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRI), but they are not selective. They also inhibit the reuptake of norepephrine. Thus, they have been given the acronym SNRI.
Ultram (tramadol) is chemically related to Effexor, and possesses some SRI properties. I don't know how they compare with respect to relative potency. Ultram is considered to be an opioid because it acts to stimulate opioid receptors in the brain. Perhaps the reason why it is not considered to be a narcotic is because it is not derived from opium. Because Ultram is a SRI, I would be interested to know whether or not it can help with withdrawal symptoms.
Percocet is a drug preparation that combines oxycodone with acetaminophen (Tylenol). Oxycodone is a more potent opioid than Ultram, but does not possess any SRI properties. I wouldn't expect it to ease withdrawal symptoms.
Are you supposed to switch drugs or are you to add the Ultram to the Percocet?
I don't blame you for wanting to avoid drugs altogether. I feel the same way.
Did your pain lessen while you were on Cymbalta?
- Scott
Posted by kparis on June 18, 2006, at 9:52:29
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal » Avalon, posted by SLS on June 18, 2006, at 8:35:31
My neck and shoulder pain lessened while I was on Cymbalta. However, I've gone another, more natural route to ease the pain.
I'm going on 4 weeks cold turkey...what a horrible ride it's been. But I can see the end in sight.
Kesta
Posted by SLS on June 18, 2006, at 10:14:20
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on June 18, 2006, at 9:52:29
> My neck and shoulder pain lessened while I was on Cymbalta. However, I've gone another, more natural route to ease the pain.
If you don't mind my asking, what are you doing to reduce the pain?
> I'm going on 4 weeks cold turkey...what a horrible ride it's been.
I can imagine. I've been there. I've had an easier time discontinuing drugs like Effexor and Cymbalta since I began to use a taper system.
> But I can see the end in sight.
That's good news. It is hard to believe that withdrawal symptoms can persist for so long, yet some people experience no withdrawal effects at all. We are all so different.
Good luck with your pain control regime.
- Scott
Posted by kparis on June 18, 2006, at 13:14:45
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal » kparis, posted by SLS on June 18, 2006, at 10:14:20
I've been seeing a pain management doctor (for 4 years) who uses some sort of electrical pulse (using a needle inserted into the spinal column) to deaden the nerve ends in my neck. It lasts for several years. His name is Dr. Evan Musman. Perhaps you could go to his web-site as I know that I'm not getting this quite right.
I also stretch the muscles and breath into the muscle pain. I use a "healing" tape while going to sleep, Ibuprofen, and that's about it. I have degenerative disc disease in my neck and this helps tremendously.
I'm feeling tons better...now to get this weight off of my mid-section!! That seems to be quite difficult, although I have gotten 3 inches off of my waist since going off of the Cymbalta...1 inch per week, now that's not too bad!
Be well,
Kesta
Posted by Raisin on June 19, 2006, at 0:24:03
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by mizloopy on May 12, 2006, at 1:18:34
I am so glad I found this site. I have the most intense itching on my scalp and upper body. Now I am concerned about tapering off this med. Regarding the nausea, did it start before or during withdrawl? Thanks!
Posted by Avalon on June 19, 2006, at 0:28:10
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal-itching, posted by Raisin on June 19, 2006, at 0:24:03
Hi Raisin, welcome. I did not have nausea while on Cymbalta, though I hear that can be a side effect. Mine started 3 days after I went off it. I am on day 12 of my withdrawal, and I am no longer nauseous but still having dizzy spells, which of course sometimes result in a bit of nausea.
Posted by kparis on June 27, 2006, at 13:36:21
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal-itching, posted by Avalon on June 19, 2006, at 0:28:10
Hi All,
It will be 5 weeks tomorrow. I still feel antsy, but I am starting to sleep better.
But, the bad thing is the weight gain. I just got back from the doctor's office and I finally let him weigh me. I have put on 53 pounds in 17 months of being on Cymbalta. I cannot believe it. I have only gone up one size, but all of the weight has settled mostly in my abdomen region. I am sick about it and can't stop crying. Has anyone else experienced this and if so, what have you been able to do about it? I've been married only 18 months and you can imagine my embarassment! Please, if you have any suggestions, help me out. I've never had a weight problem of this magnitude!
Thank you.
Kesta
Posted by Avalon on June 27, 2006, at 21:54:58
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal-itching, posted by kparis on June 27, 2006, at 13:36:21
Hi Kesta -- I wasn't on the Cymbalta long enough to experience weight gain. On these and other threads, I have seen complaints of weight gain with amitryptiline and similar drugs. Since my doctor wants me to try Pamelor (nortryptiline) next, I am really NOT looking forward to putting on the lbs.
I'm glad you are somewhat better. I am still experiencing dizzy spells and nausea occasionally. It seems to be alleviated with the Ultram, as Scott had indicated it might in a previous message. But I don't think the Ultram is very effective for the pain so I'll probably stop that soon....and I bet the withdrawal symptoms start up again!
Now that you are off Cymbalta, will it be easier to lose the weight? Does the drug itself cause weight gain, or is it because the drug makes you hungry and you gain weight from all the eating to satisfy the hunger?
Posted by kparis on June 28, 2006, at 5:43:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Avalon on June 27, 2006, at 21:54:58
Hi Avalon,
It's good to hear that you are still hanging in there!
My weight gain is typical. My psychiatrist told me that I was lucky I didn't gain 50 pounds on this drug like so many others do. Wait until I see her tomorrow and tell her that I did just that! It is not from over eating. I'm not a large eater...my husband will attest to that. I don't know. All I know is being newly married and having a rather nice shape to this is not great for my self-esteem as far as my husband is concerned! He's wonderful, though. Still....
The dizziness for me stopped about 2 weeks of being off of the drug. Now I'm experiencing severe edema...hence a big part of the weight gain. I'm going to check out another doctor as I feel that my primary has no clue about what is going on. I think my lymph system is messed up due to lyposuction I had done on my "baby belly" the same month I started the Cymbalta. At least that is what a board member at work told me and she works at the local hospital as a lymphatic drainage practioner. It's all too complicated!!
Take care and please keep me posted.
Kesta
Posted by Dr. Bob on July 3, 2006, at 7:00:56
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal - Publicity » SLS, posted by secretme on May 27, 2006, at 16:06:41
> If you had any idea of what the pharmaceutical lobby in this country does ... you would not agree that all these formulations are necessary.
> If you haven't gleaned from all the postings that Cymbalta is a dangerous drug ... then you are not reading what people have to say.
>
> Do we need as many SSRIs "as it takes" to be well? Sounds like Eli Lilly talking.> I haven't left yet; wouldn't want to disappoint you.
>
> Please review some of the other threads posted in the past few days and respond to these people as well. You should be an equal opportunity responderPlease don't jump to conclusions about others, post anything that could lead them to feel accused, or pressure them. Different points of view are fine, and in fact encouraged.
But please don't take this personally, either, this doesn't mean I don't like you or think you're a bad person.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please first see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#enforceFollow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above posts, should of course themselves be civil.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Gog on July 13, 2006, at 4:12:40
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on June 28, 2006, at 5:43:53
Thanks for all of your postings...I just spent the last couple of hours reading through them. I have been off Cymbalta for about 5 weeks now and am starting to wonder if the stuff I feel day to day will go away.
I had many of the same withdrawal effects that many of you did...and with time they subsided. But they completely sucked (as you all know). I have also had weight gain, mainly in my midsection too, which has never been an issue for me. Probably about 15 pounds.
Today felt like a withdrawal day, you know the ones that come after a day of feeling somewhat normal? I haven't felt good waking up in the morning since I went off of them. It feels like it takes me a few hours to get "warmed up". It is not nearly as difficult getting up in the morning as it was when I was on the cymbalta. But I actually feel a bit wired when I wake up. Not like I just had a good rest. I have pressure around my eyes a lot and have felt more physical aches and pains than normal. I have so many questions too...could the aches and pains be a sort of rebound pain from coming off the cymbalta? I took it for depression...but if it is used for muscle pain then could it have had a negative effect on me?
I did have edema too about a week ago, which freaked me out but seems to have subsided.
Has anyone used 5-HTP and St. Johns Wort together? Has it worked? I have purchased both but was too scared to take them.
The hardest part(and this may be why some people want to take it off the market)is that the withdrawal symptoms scared me so much that I am nervous about taking anything at all. I'm still on Klonopin 1/2 mg at night, but mostly that is because I'm not prepared to go through withdrawal on a second medication.
I'm irritable but can't seem to express to anyone what this is like because it is so hard to explain. Reading this forum has been like walking into a support group.
I have known this stuff inside and out for years (not the naturopathic stuff). I have a degree in biology, I teach health, I read like crazy (and proably a bit obsessively), but now I can't seem to figure out where to turn to. I know the pharmaceutical companies are making billions and lots of people hate them. I know that the medications I took (cymbalta was my fourth) may well have saved my life (along with psychotherapy). I know some people can heal themselves without meds. I know some people need the medication. I just don't know what is best for me right now. I don't know what is "normal" to be feeling. The headaches, neck pain, jazzed up feeling, anxiety are not severe, but I know that I do not feel normal right now. How did any of you feel at 1 month, 2 months or beyond?
Posted by Avalon on July 13, 2006, at 9:53:02
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Gog on July 13, 2006, at 4:12:40
Hi Gog and welcome. I still am not back to normal. I've been off Cymbalta for awhile, but was on Ultram for about 3 weeks, which another poster thought would alleviate some of the withdrawal symptoms. So now I'm off the Ultram as well, for about a week now. Thought I seemed OK but guess what? Major dizzy spells yesterday. Plus I still get the occasional nausea. So obviously I'm not "normal" yet. This is very frustrating and I feel the same way -- I'm afraid to take anything in that same drug category now. Would love to hear from some of the others (Jaspar, Kesta, etc.) to see how they're doing.
Posted by kparis on July 13, 2006, at 12:25:08
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Avalon on July 13, 2006, at 9:53:02
Hi Avalon...welcome Gog,
It's been 7 weeks yesterday and I am finally feeling somewhat normal, except for feeling cranky and with severe edema. The anxiety is still an issue at times and I, too, take 1/2 mg of Klonopin in the evening for the anxiety. However, Ibuprofen has helped for the achy feeling, even taking 1 tab every four hours or 3 tabs and then one every few hours. It has helped, even with the anxiety. I was also wondering when I would feel normal again. It is starting, don't give up hope, Gog. I am seeing a Lymphedema specialist for the severe bloating. It is helping. I am also working out again and that is helping too. It's so hard to start something like this when one is feeling overweight and bloated, so I am doing most of my work in the therapy pool at the Lymphedema specialist's office.Hang in there and keep us posted!
Best,
Kesta
Posted by Jaspar on July 13, 2006, at 12:43:10
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on June 15, 2006, at 5:38:34
Just an update for those who followed my withdrawal saga... it has been well over a month since the last grain of Cymbalta, and I no longer have hives!
The allergist said that the Cymbalta could easily have continued to cause hives even for 4 weeks after discontinuing it.
After over 6 months of getting off it and continuing to suffer even after I was completely off, I am FINALLY **FREE**!!!
I will be starting SAM-e and vitamins. It is so ironic that medical insurance will pay for the pharmaceutical poisons but not for supplements that may help just as much without the poisonous side-effects. The SAM-e is supposed to help with my arthritis as well.
-Jaspar
(Singing in the rain)
Posted by Jaspar on July 13, 2006, at 12:50:40
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Jaspar on July 13, 2006, at 12:43:10
Oh... I want to add that I do not feel AS depressed as I did for WEEKS after going off the Cymbalta. Apparently the Cymbalta withdrawal has a severe depression and anxiety effects which can last for WEEKS (more severe than the ones I got on the Cymbalta for in the first place), as well as the other withdrawal effects of vertigo, dizziness, visual problems, electrical sensations, nausea and vomiting.
-Jaspar
Posted by kparis on July 13, 2006, at 14:28:16
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Jaspar on July 13, 2006, at 12:50:40
I have never had depression and am experiencing it after being off of the Cymbalta. What with the weight gain, lethargy, depression, lymphedema, and all of the other crap, I wonder if my new marriage (to a man 8 years my junior and in great physical shape) will be able to stand the test. He's already said that I need to me more active...duh...it's hard when you're swollen, depressed, etc. Cymbalta is truly the evil drug...at least it has been for me!! Jaspar, I am so very happy for you!! What exactly are the supplements that you are going to take?
Kesta
Posted by Raisin on July 14, 2006, at 0:31:58
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on July 13, 2006, at 14:28:16
Hi, Everyone,
I went off Cymbalta cold turkey after reading that the intense unbearable itching that I was experiencing while on the drug would continue as a withdrawl symptom. I don't remember the exact date, but I stopped taking it around June 21, and I have been itch free for about a week, hooray! My new experiences include very mild nausea (no vomit episodes), much dizziness and lightheadedness, water retention, intense irritability and crabbiness (boyfriend almost broke up with me).Notes:
1. While on this "antidepressent" drug for only about 6 weeks I experienced these severe depression symptoms:Anxiety
Stress eating (causing a weight gain of 15 lb.)
Extreme midday tiredness (2 hour nap)2. I was also on Welbutrin while taking Cymbalta. I ran out about a week before I stopped the Cymbalta and did not refill. I'm sure this also added to my irritability (although it did not affect me until stopping the Cymbalta.)
3. The Cymbalta was added to my drug cocktail because my Dr. learned that another (unofficial) benefit of the drug was a tightening up "down there" which could be helpful for those of us women who have stress incontinence. (I only leaked a tiny amount when I sneezed or coughed.) My leakage problem stopped the day after I started taking the Cymbalta. The Dr. heard about this at a seminar and asked if I wanted to try it. It is not FDA approved for the treatment of incontinence. I am now pursuing other options to deal with the incontinence.
4. My Dr. does not know that I went off the meds. I keep meaning to call, but I haven't.
It is somewhat strange to experience emotions and feelings after trying to avoid them. Looking back, I feel that I was a little like a zombie while on the meds - nothing bothered me, but I was never experiencing true joy, either. I am going to try to stay off the drugs and deal with whatever comes. It is a little strange (but normal) to feel sad, angry and anxious, but I also get to experience joy, happiness and contentment. As long as I don't fall back into the old routines of sleeping and eating for immediate gratification, or crying for 3 days straight, I think I can do it. If not, I guess I can always go back to Welbutrin.
I am just wondering how much longer this "airheadedness" will continue. (It could be a personality trait and not an effect of the meds, I guess.)
Having all of you here to validate what I have been and still am going through has been invaluable. I appreciate your comments and information.
Thanks!
Raisin
Posted by Gog on July 14, 2006, at 1:57:05
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on July 13, 2006, at 14:28:16
> I have never had depression and am experiencing it after being off of the Cymbalta.
Which completely makes sense with all the side effects you are going through. Thank you and Avalon so much for all of your posts (and everyone else). I really feel like I walked into a support group last night. It is amazing how many of the same symptoms everyone has and also how many different things these are being prescribed for. I'm considering taking 5-HTP and another supplement with St. John's Wort in it, but may wait a little longer. Keep me posted on how you are doing. Take care.
Oh, and you're married to man 8 years younger than you? You rock!! :)
Posted by ShiningStar on July 14, 2006, at 8:41:20
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Gog on July 14, 2006, at 1:57:05
I've been off Cymbalta for 3 weeks now, and the moment my stomach flu-like symptoms eased, the debilitating migraines started and I'm still nauseous most of the time and have hardly any appettite. I definitely fall into the severe withdrawal category. I've been toughing it out since my doctor "tapered" me off 60mg but essentially made me go cold-turkey off 30mg - and when I confronted her about the fast taper, her response "Well, I really don't know how we could have done it any slower"!!!! I'm at the point now where I don't think I can handle another week of these migraines, not feeling energenic enough to even get off the couch, and too dizzy/light-headed to feel comfortable driving. I'm not sure I want to go back on a low dose of Cymbalta only to taper off and then still face the same horrible withdrawal side effects. Any idea how long till I start feeling normal again? I don't know if it's worth going back on Cymbalta to do a slow 4 or more month taper if I'm just a week or two away from feeling back to my old self.
Posted by Avalon on July 14, 2006, at 10:20:29
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by ShiningStar on July 14, 2006, at 8:41:20
Star, it doesn't seem worth it to go back on it after being off 3 weeks. I went back on after only being off for 3 days, tapered down to "grains" and still felt like crap when I stopped for the second time. Sounds like others on this Board started turning the corner after 4 weeks. Good luck to you and please keep us posted.
Posted by Raisin on July 14, 2006, at 10:40:27
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Avalon on July 14, 2006, at 10:20:29
I also have really bad headaches when I get up in the morning (don't know if they're bad enough to be called migrane.) They started about 2 weeks after going off Cymbalta cold turkey (June 21.) Usually 2 regular Motrin or Alleve and a cup of coffee get rid of it. Is this another gift of Cymbalta withdrawl? I hope there are no more surprises.
Thanks everyone for listening.
Raisin
Posted by kparis on July 14, 2006, at 10:58:05
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Raisin on July 14, 2006, at 10:40:27
Yes, 4 weeks seem to be the magic number! It will get better. I had hallucinations, extreme sweating, nightmares, pain in my limbs, numbness, disassociation, anxiety, edema, hbp which went away after 4 weeks except for the last 2. Hang in there!
Kesta
Posted by ShiningStar on July 14, 2006, at 19:04:10
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on July 14, 2006, at 10:58:05
Thanks for the support, I'll hang in for one more week since week 4 seems to be the magic number. It's just been tough when you're trying to deal with the withdrawal and I didn't know what was really going on until I came across this board and found that some of the suggestions like taking Benadryl helped for whatever reason. The doctor I was seeing while I was on Cymbalta didn't even want to acknowledge that I was going through withdrawal until I confronted her and even then it felt more like she was trying to keep me pacified and wasn't about to actively look for ways to help other than putting me back on 20mg and doing another one of her "tapers". I just saw my old doctor and he got everything and that I don't want back on Cymbalta and just want to treat the withdrawal symptoms until their gone. Someone really needs to get on the ball and start educating family physicians about antidepressant withdrawal since they're the ones prescribing it instead of sending people to mental health professionals who deal with this stuff all the time.
My heart goes out to anyone who's had to deal with this crap, including friends and family. Thanks for the support and suggestions.
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Withdrawal | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.