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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jessers11581 on June 1, 2005, at 16:10:46
Well, it seems I may be starting to run into a few problems with this withdrawal. I have not been taking anything DAILY for over two weeks now, but I do use a little bit of medication when the brain zaps get so bad I can't stand them. In my case, this is 5-10 mg. of Cymbalta about every 3-4 days. Anyhow, I find that after taking this dose, I get SOOOOOOO agitated, angry, and irritable. I mean, I do feel a little agitation before taking the medicine (mainly because the brain shivers and other withdrawal effects kind of piss me off), but I definitely notice that the day I take the small dose of Cymbalta, I just want to KILL people. It's bizaare. Fortunately, it makes the brain symptoms go away. But as for my mood...not good. What do I do? I took 5 mg. this morning and was an absolute bitch to everyone all day long, so I took another 5 mg. just a few minutes ago. Is more medication the answer? I'm going to visit my boyfriend's family tomorrow, and can NOT afford to be moody and grumpy while I'm there. Aarrrgggghhh! This is absolutely not my nature, and I feel so horrible to be acting this way! But I also do not want to resume the medication because I can't stand the thought of losing my sex drive and motivation again. Please, PLEASE, give me any advice you have!!!
Posted by SLS on June 1, 2005, at 20:05:00
In reply to extreme irritability--what can I do?, posted by jessers11581 on June 1, 2005, at 16:10:46
> Is more medication the answer?It sounds like you would be an ideal candidate for crossing-over to Prozac. You might not have to take anything more than 10-20mg for a few days.
> I'm going to visit my boyfriend's family tomorrow, and can NOT afford to be moody and grumpy while I'm there.
That's pretty short notice.
What sorts of medications do you have to work with?
You can always try using Benadryl to take the edge off of both the withdrawal symptoms and the irritability.
- Scott
Posted by jessers11581 on June 1, 2005, at 22:01:00
In reply to Re: extreme irritability--what can I do?, posted by SLS on June 1, 2005, at 20:05:00
Hi, thanks for responding! The only other med I have available right now is Celexa, which might be preferable because it doesn't increase norep. (which is where I suspect this problem is stemming from). So the next time I have an attack like this, I think I may bite off a small piece of that instead. What do you think? Also, I'm interested in trying Benadryl but I'm afraid it will make me too sleepy to function. Do you find this to be the case? I can't seem to find it in a non-drowsy form. I bought some non-drowsy Claritin and used it today, but it only seemed to INCREASE my agitaiton (is that possible?). Well anyway, I guess I'll just give these things a shot and hope for the best! Thanks for the advice. Take care, J
>
> > Is more medication the answer?
>
> It sounds like you would be an ideal candidate for crossing-over to Prozac. You might not have to take anything more than 10-20mg for a few days.
>
> > I'm going to visit my boyfriend's family tomorrow, and can NOT afford to be moody and grumpy while I'm there.
>
> That's pretty short notice.
>
> What sorts of medications do you have to work with?
>
> You can always try using Benadryl to take the edge off of both the withdrawal symptoms and the irritability.
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by SLS on June 2, 2005, at 9:03:05
In reply to Re: extreme irritability--what can I do?, posted by jessers11581 on June 1, 2005, at 22:01:00
> Hi, thanks for responding! The only other med I have available right now is Celexa, which might be preferable because it doesn't increase norep. (which is where I suspect this problem is stemming from).
Actually, some people add a small amount of desipramine (NE med) to Prozac when using the substitution method to discontinue Effexor. It makes for a more complete substitution of the NE effects of that drug.
> So the next time I have an attack like this, I think I may bite off a small piece of that instead. What do you think?
That is exactly the first thing I would try. It is good that you are not afraid of these drugs, but rather, look at them as tools to work with in ways that optimize your health.
> Also, I'm interested in trying Benadryl but I'm afraid it will make me too sleepy to function.
It might. It knocks me out. I hate the way I feel on it. You can first try taking it in the early evening to see how it effects you. Some people don't get sedated on it at all. Benadryl does more than simply block *brain* histamine receptors (which Claritin does not). It also is a potent anticholinergic. Both actions might contribute to the success people report when using it.
> I can't seem to find it in a non-drowsy form. I bought some non-drowsy Claritin and used it today, but it only seemed to INCREASE my agitaiton (is that possible?).
Was it the Claritin-D preparation?
> Well anyway, I guess I'll just give these things a shot and hope for the best! Thanks for the advice. Take care, J
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
- Scott
PS You don't happen to have any Depakote floating around, do you?
This is the end of the thread.
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