![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 65 to 89 of 696. Go back in thread:
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.
Posted by syntheticsoul on January 4, 2006, at 16:08:08
In reply to Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Regina on March 3, 2005, at 16:37:18
I thought I would go ahead and share my experience since this is such a helpful thread.
I have been taking 60 mg for about 1 year. With my latest depressive episode gone, I decided that paying for the stuff wasn't necessary.
Well, I am on about day 12, 13, 14...not sure, I have lost count in the middle of this horrible mess.
To start with, I got the nausea, dizziness, and general feeling of yuck. Basically, it's like eating too much cotton candy, sitting in the sun for too long, riding too many spinning rides at the carnival. My body felt like a toxic dump. Sick, sick sick.
After the physical symptoms stopped, almost to the minute, the mental ones started. I felt caged, anxious, and restless. Like I needed to move but had no reason to move. I felt empty and unable to sit for any amount of time, but movement brought no relief. I had bad dreams and anxiety over just about everything.
Finally, I am starting to come out of this but still have some sensory issues. My vision is still off and I am still seeing spots. I will never never never never go back on this drug. I will try anything before giving Cymbalta a shot again.
Posted by elkat on January 6, 2006, at 9:20:25
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and Remeron withdrawal, posted by struggle on January 3, 2006, at 20:31:02
I just quit Remeron a week ago and basically cut my eating in half. I went to the gym two days ago and found I had gained five pounds! It defies the laws of physics.
Posted by Male' on January 6, 2006, at 14:49:31
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and Remeron withdrawal, posted by elkat on January 6, 2006, at 9:20:25
This is a first for me, doing this thread thing that is. I feel so strongly about this horrible experience with my withdrawl thay I believe it important enough to share. Here goes: I tried the cold turkey route with disasterous results, all the symptons mentioned prior but magnified, I think. I then followed my doctor's protocol and did the tapering off bit, 60mg for ten days and then 30mg for seven days , then stopped. The nasty withdrawl symptoms came back wihin two days, just as before. So bad that I am now home from work for the third straight day. I saw my doctor last night and , although I didn't like hearing what he thought I should do, I followed his direction. I am now taking 15mg just to ease the symptons and will attempt to wean myself off this crap over a longer period of time. I now feel mostly nausea, but the intense electrical, tingling-like sensations have subsided to a major degree as well as the sweats and headache. Maybe a 2 from a 10 rating. I still miss my libido, as does my spouse, and just want my life back. Unlike most of what I've read I was being treated for peripheral neuropothy with this "new experimental drug"(me being the guineau pig). Basically for some chronic pain in my lower leg, something surgery only made worse. This stuff worked after 90 mg, (30 and 60 didn't cut it!) but made me feel pseudo-nauseaus, headachey, aggressive,forgetful, and messed up my "sex life", which I quite enjoy, have you! I feel for all the other's here and can't believe a drug so viscious can be allowed on the market. What a country we live in, huh? Makes me so, so angry. I will let you know how I do after some time. Worse comes to worse I have made plans to "crash" in February during my vacation time. Wonderful! THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE TAKEN THE TIME TO SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THIS GARBAGE OF A DRUG. It meant a lot to me to see I am not alone. Peace....
Posted by secretme on January 6, 2006, at 15:13:06
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Male' on January 6, 2006, at 14:49:31
In response to Male, I have to add that my psychiatrist has pretty much washed his hands of me because I stopped the Cymbalta. As I have tried unsuccessfully all other SSRIs, Cymbalta was the last resort, before hitting other terrible medications, like Neurontin. He said (paraphrasing), "if you come off Cymbalta, I will have to refer you to another doctor." Actually, I am happy to get the brush-off so I don't have to dump him. In fact, I will not see another psychiatrist because it will simply be an issue of "try THIS drug!" Unfortunately, anti-depressants sometimes have "boomerang" effects for some people in the population, and I am one of them. In some instances, medication only exacerbates the depression, but it seems by the few psychiatrists who have treated me, they cannot accept that. After all, where would they get their patients?
My son takes an SSRI for his OCD, and it seems to work for him. I would not encourage him to do anything to jeopardize the success of the medication for OCD, but I cannot take any for my depression.
Eventually, you will not feel depressed because the side effects of the medication will go away, and you will have a new life. I'm still in the grips of Cymbalta withdrawal, and my oncologist said she will wait one more month for the Cymbalta side effects to go away before she reintroduces the cancer medication. Finally, she listened.
Posted by Male' on January 9, 2006, at 21:01:00
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by syntheticsoul on January 4, 2006, at 16:08:08
> I thought I would go ahead and share my experience since this is such a helpful thread.
>
> I have been taking 60 mg for about 1 year. With my latest depressive episode gone, I decided that paying for the stuff wasn't necessary.
>
> Well, I am on about day 12, 13, 14...not sure, I have lost count in the middle of this horrible mess.
>
> To start with, I got the nausea, dizziness, and general feeling of yuck. Basically, it's like eating too much cotton candy, sitting in the sun for too long, riding too many spinning rides at the carnival. My body felt like a toxic dump. Sick, sick sick.
>
> After the physical symptoms stopped, almost to the minute, the mental ones started. I felt caged, anxious, and restless. Like I needed to move but had no reason to move. I felt empty and unable to sit for any amount of time, but movement brought no relief. I had bad dreams and anxiety over just about everything.
>
> Finally, I am starting to come out of this but still have some sensory issues. My vision is still off and I am still seeing spots. I will never never never never go back on this drug. I will try anything before giving Cymbalta a shot again.
>
>
The spots may be due to oncoming migraine(my experience)Good luck there, good luck to us all. This stuff is poison to our systems.
Posted by Meghan J. on January 11, 2006, at 13:16:49
In reply to Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Regina on March 3, 2005, at 16:37:18
I have never posted on a message board, but I'm so grateful that's it's here, because I feel like I can't trust my doctor anymore. I just don't believe she knows what to do about this. And I have to decide what to do TODAY.
In December I tapered off Zoloft and "ramped up" on Cymbalta over about three weeks. As soon as I was at full dosage, I got VERY depressed, weepy, panicked, totally irrational. So I called my doctor and she said that since it had only been three weeks, I could just stop taking it. Bad mistake, as I found out, but I figured I'd just grit my teeth and get through it.
That was about 8 days ago. I'm not depressed, mostly, but I'm dizzy, nauseous, all the same stuff that's been described. It gets a little better, then it gets worse. Yesterday I had to leave work--I teach school, and I was afraid my kids would think I was drunk. When my doctor called back last night, she said to take 20MG of the Cymbalta to see if that would help. And I did that. I can't tell if it's helping or not because I'm too scared to even try to get out of my chair.
Here's the thing: although nobody's come out and said this, it seems like NO amount of careful tapering off has actually helped anyone avoid the withdrawal symptoms. Several people have said that no matter how careful they were, reaching zero kicked off these awful reactions. So do I take the Cymbalta again tonight or not? I can't afford to be sick like this--I gotta go back to work sometime--but if all it's going to do is postpone the inevitable, I'd rather "get credit" for the misery I've been through so far and stick it out to the end. I don't want to start over.
Thanks for reading.
Posted by LinnieLoo55 on January 11, 2006, at 13:28:07
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Meghan J. on January 11, 2006, at 13:16:49
You need to split the capsules in half. Just put it on peanut butter or applesauce but don't chew. Or you can just wet your finger as I did and put it in your mouth and wash it down with water or juice. After about 5 days of that, split it in thirds for about 4 days, then 1/4 of the capsule for another 4 days, then split that. I think you will be OK if you do this and you will avoid the side effects. It is a horrible drug to come off of and I was so ill, it was I think the worse and I have come off of many medications.
Posted by secretme on January 11, 2006, at 13:41:25
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by LinnieLoo55 on January 11, 2006, at 13:28:07
It's day 17 for me, and I am still experiencing side effects. My oncologist has decided to wait until mid-February before she starts me on medication for my breast cancer because the Cymbalta withdrawal has been causing me so many problems. Unfortunately, Arimidex or Aromasin have similar side effects to the Cymbalta, but I want to keep the cancer from returning. Psychiatrists make money by prescribing drugs; have you ever seen the drug reps sitting in their waiting rooms? I am taking a Benadryl tablet everyday until I feel better. Right now, I am 75% improved; don't give up and don't give in.
Posted by davcuts on January 11, 2006, at 13:45:36
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Meghan J. on January 11, 2006, at 13:16:49
Hi,My psychiatrist tried to wean me off of Cymbalta for two months, and it was hell. It didn't seem to help at all that I kept going to a lower dosage. I decided to take matters into my hands, and just stop taking it. For a week it was utter torment, but finally the withdrawal side effects went away. I didn't work for that week, and I don't feel I could have, because I felt so sick. Taking a week off from work may not be an option for you. If so you can keep lowering the dosage, but that never worked for me.
Take care,
David
> I have never posted on a message board, but I'm so grateful that's it's here, because I feel like I can't trust my doctor anymore. I just don't believe she knows what to do about this. And I have to decide what to do TODAY.
>
> In December I tapered off Zoloft and "ramped up" on Cymbalta over about three weeks. As soon as I was at full dosage, I got VERY depressed, weepy, panicked, totally irrational. So I called my doctor and she said that since it had only been three weeks, I could just stop taking it. Bad mistake, as I found out, but I figured I'd just grit my teeth and get through it.
>
> That was about 8 days ago. I'm not depressed, mostly, but I'm dizzy, nauseous, all the same stuff that's been described. It gets a little better, then it gets worse. Yesterday I had to leave work--I teach school, and I was afraid my kids would think I was drunk. When my doctor called back last night, she said to take 20MG of the Cymbalta to see if that would help. And I did that. I can't tell if it's helping or not because I'm too scared to even try to get out of my chair.
>
> Here's the thing: although nobody's come out and said this, it seems like NO amount of careful tapering off has actually helped anyone avoid the withdrawal symptoms. Several people have said that no matter how careful they were, reaching zero kicked off these awful reactions. So do I take the Cymbalta again tonight or not? I can't afford to be sick like this--I gotta go back to work sometime--but if all it's going to do is postpone the inevitable, I'd rather "get credit" for the misery I've been through so far and stick it out to the end. I don't want to start over.
>
> Thanks for reading.
Posted by Meghan J. on January 11, 2006, at 13:54:04
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by LinnieLoo55 on January 11, 2006, at 13:28:07
So is that what worked for you, finally? 'Cause it sounds like you had a pretty bad time nonetheless. Is this what you did?
> You need to split the capsules in half. Just put it on peanut butter or applesauce but don't chew. Or you can just wet your finger as I did and put it in your mouth and wash it down with water or juice. After about 5 days of that, split it in thirds for about 4 days, then 1/4 of the capsule for another 4 days, then split that. I think you will be OK if you do this and you will avoid the side effects. It is a horrible drug to come off of and I was so ill, it was I think the worse and I have come off of many medications.
Posted by LinnieLoo55 on January 11, 2006, at 15:44:20
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal » LinnieLoo55, posted by Meghan J. on January 11, 2006, at 13:54:04
> So is that what worked for you, finally? 'Cause it sounds like you had a pretty bad time nonetheless. Is this what you did?
>
> > You need to split the capsules in half. Just put it on peanut butter or applesauce but don't chew. Or you can just wet your finger as I did and put it in your mouth and wash it down with water or juice. After about 5 days of that, split it in thirds for about 4 days, then 1/4 of the capsule for another 4 days, then split that. I think you will be OK if you do this and you will avoid the side effects. It is a horrible drug to come off of and I was so ill, it was I think the worse and I have come off of many medications.
>
> Yes, this is how I wean off of all drugs. I have learned that the way the doctors tell you doesn't work for most people. I have been through so many withdrawals it isn't funny.
Posted by Ska_rlet_B on January 16, 2006, at 21:40:49
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by LinnieLoo55 on January 11, 2006, at 13:28:07
Gosh, I was starting to feel completley alone.
I have been taking Cymbalta for about a year now for chronic headaches. It seemed to work right away. My original prescribing Dr. told me tha this was the best medication with ABSOLUTLY NO S/E. and I thought she was right for the longest time, and I could find virtually nothing on the internet about the new wonder drug.
But every month I struggled to come up with the money to pay for my script, because I had immediate withdrawls if I even missed my dose by an hour. Anyways, this last week I just couldn't get the money..and I was 2 days past my last dose, and was going crazy already. I called my Dr. and told her I just wanted to stop. She prescribed me some xanax because I was hyper-ventalating and having anxiety attacks. That was 8 days ago...and everyday I just seem to get worse. If I move to fast, its almost like I am moving in slow motion and and my heart feels weird, not like a normal heart beat, but an extremley fast TICK>TICK>TICK> sounds weird I know. :)
I cant stop crying, I feel so empty..alone.. and hopeless. I am very angry all the time, mad at everyone, and I cant explain to anyone why I am wigging out on them. I am a very good multi-tasker, and I can barely do one single thing.
If I cant find something I have an anxity attack (which until a week ago I have never had one before) My kidneys feel like they are going to explode, they hurt so bad I cant move sometimes. I feel like I am dying. Everyday is just worse. Is it ever going to get better?????http://www.prozactruth.com/cymbalta.htm
The side effects on this websit..after reading them I realized that over this past year..I have had probably 75% of them....I thought I was just generally unhealthy!
GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!! Have a sun-shine-happy-day
Posted by ang123 on January 17, 2006, at 7:29:52
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal » LinnieLoo55, posted by Ska_rlet_B on January 16, 2006, at 21:40:49
I have tried to get off several times but have never succeeded. I only can take the side effects for so long. Once I had to stop cold turkey because I couldn't get the script filled and that is when I had my first panic attack. Right now I am taking my meds but I am always looking for a way to get off of it
> Gosh, I was starting to feel completley alone.
> I have been taking Cymbalta for about a year now for chronic headaches. It seemed to work right away. My original prescribing Dr. told me tha this was the best medication with ABSOLUTLY NO S/E. and I thought she was right for the longest time, and I could find virtually nothing on the internet about the new wonder drug.
> But every month I struggled to come up with the money to pay for my script, because I had immediate withdrawls if I even missed my dose by an hour. Anyways, this last week I just couldn't get the money..and I was 2 days past my last dose, and was going crazy already. I called my Dr. and told her I just wanted to stop. She prescribed me some xanax because I was hyper-ventalating and having anxiety attacks. That was 8 days ago...and everyday I just seem to get worse. If I move to fast, its almost like I am moving in slow motion and and my heart feels weird, not like a normal heart beat, but an extremley fast TICK>TICK>TICK> sounds weird I know. :)
> I cant stop crying, I feel so empty..alone.. and hopeless. I am very angry all the time, mad at everyone, and I cant explain to anyone why I am wigging out on them. I am a very good multi-tasker, and I can barely do one single thing.
> If I cant find something I have an anxity attack (which until a week ago I have never had one before) My kidneys feel like they are going to explode, they hurt so bad I cant move sometimes. I feel like I am dying. Everyday is just worse. Is it ever going to get better?????
>
> http://www.prozactruth.com/cymbalta.htm
>
> The side effects on this websit..after reading them I realized that over this past year..I have had probably 75% of them....I thought I was just generally unhealthy!
> GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!! Have a sun-shine-happy-day
Posted by paddlergal on January 18, 2006, at 18:59:40
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by ang123 on January 17, 2006, at 7:29:52
I've been off Cymbalta for 9 days now, with all the symptoms everyone has described. It's horrible. My doc gave it to me about 10 months ago for joint pain, which it helped, but the insomnia and vivid dreams were getting worse, so I took myself off without consulting my MD.
I copy/pasted all the messages, and will give them to my doc tomorrow. I think he gave me this in good faith, and didn't know about the side effects.
But here's my main question: do all these cold turkey symptoms go away?
So far nobody has come out and said that I'll be back to normal. I'm not depressive, just getting old and creaky, and wanted to be able to be more active and get back to canoeing and sailing.
Are these awful symptoms going to going away, or stick with me for the rest of my life?
Thanks to all who shared their experiences.
Paddlergal
Posted by secretme on January 18, 2006, at 19:16:00
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by paddlergal on January 18, 2006, at 18:59:40
I have been thinking the same thing about getting back to normal, whatever that is. If there is any research about permanent changes in the brain, or brain damage, I'm sure the pharmaceutical company has it neatly tucked away somewhere. I've been thinking that I have Alzheimer's because my short term memory seems to have vanished. I ran my own business and was very successful. Now, six months after selling it, and one month after coming off Cymbalta, I can't remember the names of many of my clients or basic medical insurance terms, which were second nature to me. If this medication has a chemical affect on the brain, wouldn't it follow that it can make permanent changes that are adverse to a person's functioning? Maybe there needs to be a class action lawsuit by those of us who have come off this medication and still don't feel "right". I'd like to start looking for work and getting back to my former life, but I just don't feel competent enough to do it now. Is there anyone out there who has been off this medication for, say, a year and still doesn't feel right?
Posted by LinnieLoo55 on January 19, 2006, at 6:36:08
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by paddlergal on January 18, 2006, at 18:59:40
You will go back to normal except that of course you will get your joint pain back. I can't believe that you did it cold turkey. Cymbalta is a dirty drug in my opinion. The worse I've ever gone off of. I went off of it because it gave me very bad anxiety in the mornings but I'm finding that all the drugs that I take have this effect on me. Anxiety is just here to stay, it has never gone away unless I take medications for it.
> I've been off Cymbalta for 9 days now, with all the symptoms everyone has described. It's horrible. My doc gave it to me about 10 months ago for joint pain, which it helped, but the insomnia and vivid dreams were getting worse, so I took myself off without consulting my MD.
>
> I copy/pasted all the messages, and will give them to my doc tomorrow. I think he gave me this in good faith, and didn't know about the side effects.
>
> But here's my main question: do all these cold turkey symptoms go away?
>
> So far nobody has come out and said that I'll be back to normal. I'm not depressive, just getting old and creaky, and wanted to be able to be more active and get back to canoeing and sailing.
>
> Are these awful symptoms going to going away, or stick with me for the rest of my life?
>
> Thanks to all who shared their experiences.
>
> Paddlergal
>
>
Posted by LinnieLoo55 on January 29, 2006, at 15:43:40
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal » paddlergal, posted by secretme on January 18, 2006, at 19:16:00
> I have been thinking the same thing about getting back to normal, whatever that is. If there is any research about permanent changes in the brain, or brain damage, I'm sure the pharmaceutical company has it neatly tucked away somewhere. I've been thinking that I have Alzheimer's because my short term memory seems to have vanished. I ran my own business and was very successful. Now, six months after selling it, and one month after coming off Cymbalta, I can't remember the names of many of my clients or basic medical insurance terms, which were second nature to me. If this medication has a chemical affect on the brain, wouldn't it follow that it can make permanent changes that are adverse to a person's functioning? Maybe there needs to be a class action lawsuit by those of us who have come off this medication and still don't feel "right". I'd like to start looking for work and getting back to my former life, but I just don't feel competent enough to do it now. Is there anyone out there who has been off this medication for, say, a year and still doesn't feel right?
I think all of the antidepressants cause some kind of brain damage. I've taken so many medications I wouldn't even know what ones caused my problems. I have trouble with memory also. Sometimes I go totally blank. Sometimes I will watch a episode of something on TV and not remember a thing about it. I just know it was the worse withdrawal I ever went through. I was throwing up and couldn't walk right. All my doctor said was that I was upset with him. He's not that powerful to make me throw up.
Posted by secretme on January 30, 2006, at 11:46:59
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by LinnieLoo55 on January 29, 2006, at 15:43:40
I recently sent a very carefully worded letter to my psychiatrist explaining how I have been feeling and included copies of some of the postings on this web site. (He could see them himself, but I know he wouldn't bother.) I have learned about myself from reading the comments of others who were suffering from the side effects of Cymbalta withdrawal. My doctor chose to ignore the letter and has not responded or even called me. I certainly encouraged him to contact me. When I was going through my worst episodes during the holidays and contacted him, he allowed me about three minutes of telephone time, then said he was running late for a Christmas party. During the four + years I have been seeing this man, I may have called his office about three times asking to speak with him about problems I was experiencing.
I would like to know if there are psychiatrists who can understand that some people cannot take anti-depressants and perhaps work with them on alternative measures. It appears to me that if there is not a pill to solve the issue, the majority of psychiatrists want nothing to do with you. I don't know of any other specialist not willing to listen to the patient and consider alternative methods of relief. I am beginning to think that internists can handle this type of prescription writing as well as psychiatrists. The profession needs a dramatic overhaul.
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