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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by alexal34 on August 23, 2007, at 10:13:22
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal, posted by RYB on August 17, 2007, at 19:46:51
I'm right with ya. Feel hungover every day from
Cymbalta hell and I don't even drink.
The only good news is that in the 7 days of being off it I have seemed to drop a couple of the 12+ pounds gained on it. (in only 2 months).
I'm sorry but I would warn anyone considering this med NOT to try it. Unless you exhausted absolutely every option.
It made me an emotionless zombie for 2 months. I don't even remember my summer. But I know...everyone's different...
Good luck. May withdrawal end VERY soon for us!
Posted by alexal34 on August 23, 2007, at 10:19:43
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal, posted by alexal34 on August 23, 2007, at 10:13:22
No, you certainly aren't alone.
Cymbalta is an evil drug for many, many people.
After 7 days I feel a couple pounds coming off and some emotions coming back. Still have the other physical side effects though and brain shakes.
Scary stuff. I'm sure a class action suit will be filed someday against Lilly.
In the meantime, I am writing them a letter of complaint. Our doctors dont report these things so I feel the rx user must. And I will.Just be easy on yourself and know the weight will come off eventually with healthy diet, lots of protein, Omega 3's and daily exercise.
Try yoga/meditation/prayer -- Just be good to yourself. These are all the best anti-depressants I have found so far, and I've tried many.
Take care.~Alexa
Posted by tamara999 on August 23, 2007, at 11:03:46
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Take ACTION, posted by alexal34 on August 23, 2007, at 10:19:43
2 months now Ive been off this drug and finally feel better. The side effects as we can all attest to are terrible, however, I do know people who do not experience the problems we have. I agree that we do need to educate our physicians as to the "possible" problems. We are a large group that are proof of that. BUT, I do not believe in law suits for side effects. The posted warnings on this drug were basically accurate. Education and information are the key. Medicine is, unfortunately, a very inexact science, hence the term "practicing medicine". Just because we all had problems, I am the one who took the drug and dont feel that I can "blame" the drug company or my Dr. for the side effects and withdrawal problems I encountered. The best I can do, is educate them on what happened to me and the others I have met.
Posted by Aya on August 23, 2007, at 11:46:37
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Take ACTION, posted by tamara999 on August 23, 2007, at 11:03:46
Tamara999, I would agree with you that medicine is a "practicing" science. However, I believe that pharmaceutical companies are very corrupt and doctors get pay-offs to push certain meds. Whether the problem is with Lilly not being clear/completely open about withdrawal affects, or the doctors trying to side-step the issue in order to get their benefits, I don't know. But unfortunatley, this kind of corruption is often allowed to go on until there is major outcry, often in the form of a lawsuit. This medication has been on the market for too long and the withdrawal affects too widespread for them to claim that they don't even exist (which they seem to continue to do). These aren't simple "side effects." My doctor said nothing to me about these issues, but my phamacist knew all about them when I stumbled into Walgreens and was forced to lay on the floor to keep from passing out. She told me if I start hallucinating that I have to go to the emergency room immediately. That's pretty serious.
Ultimately it's all of our own responsibilities to research the drugs we are prescribed. HOWEVER, we are not doctors and are paying them for their knowledge. We put our trust in them. Someone needs to be held accountable.
Posted by Aya on August 23, 2007, at 11:52:07
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Take ACTION, posted by Aya on August 23, 2007, at 11:46:37
I copied this directly from the Cymbalta website. It was not easy to find (and there's no search engine!) but it was there. I believe the document I got it from was the information sheet they give to the doctors. I have a problem with the wording, as it kind of glosses over the severity of these symptoms, and the fact that that specific info wasn't easy to find on the website. I also have a problem with the doctors who are prescribing these meds and claim there are no withdrawal effects. They have not done their research and should not be prescribing something they know so little about (or they're just lying). For those of you with a doctor like this, go to http://pi.lilly.com/us/cymbalta-pi.pdf, print it out for them, and show them the part about withdrawal.
***
Discontinuation of Treatment with Cymbalta — Discontinuation symptoms have been systematically evaluated in patients taking duloxetine. Following abrupt discontinuation in placebo-controlled clinical trials, the following symptoms occurred at a rate greater than or equal to 1% and at a significantly higher rate in duloxetine-treated patients compared to those discontinuing from placebo: dizziness; nausea; headache; paresthesia; vomiting; irritability; nightmares; insomnia; diarrhea; anxiety; hyperhidrosis; and vertigo.
During marketing of other SSRIs and SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), there have been spontaneous reports of adverse events occurring upon discontinuation of these drugs, particularly when abrupt, including the following: dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, sensory disturbances (e.g., paresthesias such as electric shock sensations), anxiety, confusion, headache, lethargy, emotional lability, insomnia, hypomania, tinnitus, and seizures. Although these events are generally self-limiting, some have been reported to be severe.
Patients should be monitored for these symptoms when discontinuing treatment with Cymbalta. A gradual reduction in the dose rather than abrupt cessation is recommended whenever possible. If intolerable symptoms occur following a decrease in the dose or upon discontinuation of treatment, then resuming the previously prescribed dose may be considered. Subsequently, the physician may continue decreasing the dose but at a more gradual rate (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Posted by moesje on August 23, 2007, at 12:08:59
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Take ACTION, posted by Aya on August 23, 2007, at 11:46:37
Wow! Thank goodness I did't have hallucinatons! Fortunately I found this site, but not until after I'd been on the drug for a few months. Now ANYONE I talk to is warned of the side effects.
Yes, we are paying the docs to know this stuff, and yet if the pharmaceutical isn't releasing the info, the docs don't know. Mine thought I should be able to quit cold turkey at 30mg, so I did, and went through it all. Even when I graduated the dosage I still had the symptoms.
I've read the patient info from Lily, and there's nothing in there about these side effects, so maybe the standards aren't set to include us as problems to look for.
Either way, I sent a public report to the Federal USDA with this web site as a reference that this drug needs to be looked into further.
I also have restless legs, and 2 years ago I would have taken something for it . . now I'm looking for vitamins and supplements to help. Won't touch the new stuff AT ALL.
> My doctor said nothing to me about these issues, but my phamacist knew all about them when I stumbled into Walgreens and was forced to lay on the floor to keep from passing out. She told me if I start hallucinating that I have to go to the emergency room immediately. That's pretty serious.
>
> Ultimately it's all of our own responsibilities to research the drugs we are prescribed. HOWEVER, we are not doctors and are paying them for their knowledge. We put our trust in them. Someone needs to be held accountable.
Posted by alexal34 on August 23, 2007, at 19:14:06
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Take ACTION, posted by alexal34 on August 23, 2007, at 10:19:43
I see your point on class action lawsuits not being justified. I think these side effects and withdrawal effects need to be reported to the doctors AND Lilly.
I am calling Lilly tomorow and demanding my $ back for this overly expensive medication that turned me into a sedated, now overweight zombie this summer and now is giving me withdrawal symptoms that seem to be getting WORSE after 8 days than better.
Posted by alexal34 on August 23, 2007, at 19:20:20
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Take ACTION, posted by Aya on August 23, 2007, at 11:46:37
Exactly, Aya. The industry is very corrupt. And yes, the docs get many pay-offs. I paid 375 bucks to see a top psych. in NYC and he did not believe my side effects- told me to up the dosage to 90 mg and then to 120 mg. Nuts. Now with the withdrawal effects he said I "shouldn't be having any". And the weight gain. I KNOW that was the drug and he said there is no way.
I'm sick of this b.s. and will no longer be a guinea pig. I'm taking the natural route.Lilly is not AT ALL upfront about the withdrawal effects. What about that poor girl when they ran the trial a few years ago who orginally had no depression and then killed herself when she was unknowingly switched off a very high dosage to a placebo???
And I know the drug reps lie their *sses off to these docs. I personally have had friends who were reps - one who sold Paxil and told me 6 years ago it causes massive weight gain but he cannot tell the doctors this and if the topic comes up the reps try to get off topic.It is b.s. All of it and I am pissed!!
(Sorry).
Tamara999, I would agree with you that medicine is a "practicing" science. However, I believe that pharmaceutical companies are very corrupt and doctors get pay-offs to push certain meds. Whether the problem is with Lilly not being clear/completely open about withdrawal affects, or the doctors trying to side-step the issue in order to get their benefits, I don't know. But unfortunatley, this kind of corruption is often allowed to go on until there is major outcry, often in the form of a lawsuit. This medication has been on the market for too long and the withdrawal affects too widespread for them to claim that they don't even exist (which they seem to continue to do). These aren't simple "side effects." My doctor said nothing to me about these issues, but my phamacist knew all about them when I stumbled into Walgreens and was forced to lay on the floor to keep from passing out. She told me if I start hallucinating that I have to go to the emergency room immediately. That's pretty serious.Ultimately it's all of our own responsibilities to research the drugs we are prescribed. HOWEVER, we are not doctors and are paying them for their knowledge. We put our trust in them. Someone needs to be held accountable.
Posted by moesje on August 23, 2007, at 19:22:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Take ACTION, posted by alexal34 on August 23, 2007, at 19:14:06
Good luck! Let us know how that goes, maybe the rest of us can call, too.
> I see your point on class action lawsuits not being justified. I think these side effects and withdrawal effects need to be reported to the doctors AND Lilly.
> I am calling Lilly tomorow and demanding my $ back for this overly expensive medication that turned me into a sedated, now overweight zombie this summer and now is giving me withdrawal symptoms that seem to be getting WORSE after 8 days than better.
>
Posted by RYB on August 23, 2007, at 19:35:51
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Take ACTION » alexal34, posted by moesje on August 23, 2007, at 19:22:53
I reported my experience for the last 3 weeks to the FDA and when when I told my doctor about my withdrawal symptoms I was told "She NEVER had anyone experience such difficulties coming off of Cymbalta. Patients had reported only lightheadedness and mild nervousness lasting a few days, which is why she told me the effects were "minor". Had she expected problems, she would have told me and tapered the medication accordingly". She also went on to say "Cymbalta is good for headache management because it alleviates tension/anxiety and interferes with the serotonin fluctuations which are implicated in migraines. It is a newer drug with less side effects than other drugs in its class, and very effective at controlling headaches, nerve pain and anxiety". YEAH Right!!! If Cymbalta has less side effects than other drugs in its class I can't imagine what those poor people are going through.
Today was a bad day - had to walk out of work at 10:00 and couldn't go back until 12:30. I felt like I was out of it, numbness in my hand and face, and seemed like there was a disconnect between by brain and motor functions. This is scary stuff!
I'm hanging in there but happy to no longer be a guinea pig,
Robin
Posted by alexal34 on August 23, 2007, at 19:59:30
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Take ACTION, posted by RYB on August 23, 2007, at 19:35:51
Thanks. I will let you know how the call knows. I know the rep will sugar coat everything and I also know I'm not hanging up until I get a refund check mailed to me.
Not only the physical symptoms but emotionally I feel like it is the worst possible PMS multiplied by 1,000!!
R- I hear you. Your dr.'s comments tick me off.
Why do these docs hand out Cymbalta like it's candy - for headaches?? Give me a break.Thank God for the internet and you guys posting so I know it isn't just me. We would be totally in the dark if it weren't for messages and believed our lying and/or ignorant doctors.
I feel for you. I also worked out of work at 10:30 today. My co-worker keeps asking me if I'm okay. I'm sick of lying. They are all probably wondering why I keep saying I'm dizzy all the time. I sat in my car for 90 minutes. Went back and hardly functioned all day.
So, you're not alone.
Guess I need to remember that saying my ex boyfriend emailed me after he broke up with me. HAHA! - And this too shall pass....
Posted by moesje on August 24, 2007, at 1:29:43
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Take ACTION, posted by RYB on August 23, 2007, at 19:35:51
I'm sorry to hear about your bad day . . they do get better, just for some it takes a little longer.
Maybe if enough of us report this to FDA we can get some info out there. My doc at least listened to my symptoms for withdrawal and had me taper, I just didn't taper as slowly as I could have. I went 30 for 2 days, one day of nothing, 15 for 2 days, one day of nothing and then 7.5 for two days, then just quit. And this was AFTER I'd read about the symptoms of withdrawal here. So I was 'educated' on what to expect, but still suffered.
Keep holding on, sanity WILL return. Best wishes.
> I reported my experience for the last 3 weeks to the FDA and when when I told my doctor about my withdrawal symptoms I was told "She NEVER had anyone experience such difficulties coming off of Cymbalta. Patients had reported only lightheadedness and mild nervousness lasting a few days, which is why she told me the effects were "minor". Had she expected problems, she would have told me and tapered the medication accordingly". She also went on to say "Cymbalta is good for headache management because it alleviates tension/anxiety and interferes with the serotonin fluctuations which are implicated in migraines. It is a newer drug with less side effects than other drugs in its class, and very effective at controlling headaches, nerve pain and anxiety". YEAH Right!!! If Cymbalta has less side effects than other drugs in its class I can't imagine what those poor people are going through.
>
> Today was a bad day - had to walk out of work at 10:00 and couldn't go back until 12:30. I felt like I was out of it, numbness in my hand and face, and seemed like there was a disconnect between by brain and motor functions. This is scary stuff!
>
> I'm hanging in there but happy to no longer be a guinea pig,
> Robin
Posted by Troy Tempest on August 27, 2007, at 18:36:38
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Take ACTION » RYB, posted by moesje on August 24, 2007, at 1:29:43
I am going through my second period of SSRI / SNRI withdrawal, first off Effexor, this time off Cymbalta.
Effexor withdrawal was 10 days of hell, mainly due to the brain zaps. Utterly debilitating. I was unable to do anything for a week - just as well I was off work anyway due to the severe depressive episode that the Effexor was supposed to be helping. The fact was it didn't and I had to get off it before starting on Prozac. I think the only good thing about Prozac was that it seemed to mitigate the Effexor withdrawal symptoms.
Cymbalta was the next one my consultant suggested, and it did seem to work for the depression - I was able to return to work, and after 2 years I seemed well enough to start reducing the dose from 90 to 60 to 30 - this over about 6 months. No problems so far. Then I started alternating 30 / 0 each day, and that was OK, but getting completely off it has been horrible again.
I ought to mention that I'm stopping Mirtazapine (Zispin) at the same time, again going from 45 - 30 - 15 over a similar time frame.
Here's a list of symptoms so far (I've compiled a list of all those that apply from a number of sources) in alpha order, not severity order:
anxiety, balance problems, blurred vision, brain zaps, concentration impairment, crying spells, depersonalization, diarrhea, dizziness, electric shock sensations, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, highly emotional, impaired speech, insomnia, jumpy nerves, lack of coordination, lethargy, headaches, nervousness, sensory & sleep disturbances, severe internal restlessness (akathasia), stomach cramps, tremors / shivering, tinnitus (ear ringing or buzzing), tingling sensations, troubling thoughts, vivid dreams / nightmares.
It's 2 weeks now, and I'm still getting the zaps (although the voltage seems much reduced!). I still feel weird - stoned / out of it / unreal - which is more worrying, as I'm unable to take my work seriously. My sleep is all over the place - I feel as if I am in a different time zone every day.
I think that I have to tough it out, as I cannot bear the thought of any more medication - I've had 3.5 years of the stuff. I know I've done it before and so I hope I can do it again, but my confidence weakens with each day that I continue to feel so strange.
TT
Posted by alexal34 on August 27, 2007, at 21:18:28
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Take ACTION, posted by Troy Tempest on August 27, 2007, at 18:36:38
Hang in there Troy. It will get better.
I also tried different meds for 3 years and after this hellish Cymbalta (while on and going off), I have decided to take the natural route.
I did report to Lilly the unbearable withdrawal effects. I am still getting the brain zaps 2 weeks later but yes- a reduced voltage now!I hear you with feeling like you're always on different time zones. The sleep thing is weird and the bizarre and vivid dreams are disturbing.
I do finally see an end in sight now to this withdrawal. I was only on the drug 7 weeks so am surprised it was so tough to get off.
Dr. mentioned Lamictal or something?? I said no way. It will be Omega 3s, B vitamins, lots of exercise and yoga and CBT. Also, this therapist is going to try DBT on me. It sounds very promising.I like to think that if I made it most of my life without meds, I can do it again.
Best of luck to you.
Posted by Aya on August 27, 2007, at 21:22:37
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Take ACTION, posted by Troy Tempest on August 27, 2007, at 18:36:38
I checked out this book and this website and love the ideas: www.triplewhammycure.com. It's geared more towards women but the same doctor is also part of this website: wholehealthmd.com. If you're interested in alternative health they're worth checking out. May also help with the withdrawal symptoms too.
Good luck!
Posted by moesje on August 28, 2007, at 1:32:33
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Take ACTION, posted by Troy Tempest on August 27, 2007, at 18:36:38
if i could have thought straight when i wrote my posts on withdrawal, what you wrote is what i would have said!
hang in there, it does get better. make sure you're on vits and water to help your system flush the drug out.
and remember, all the problems you had before are still there, they didn't just leave. so when you are feeling better, check into counseling if you can afford it, if not, get and read some self help books on handling stress and what not. if you have a support system, LEAN ON THEM.
it took just over 2 months for me to feel like a human being again, with all the problems that entails being a wife and mother of 2 teenage daughters. so hang in there . ..
> I am going through my second period of SSRI / SNRI withdrawal, first off Effexor, this time off Cymbalta.
>
> Effexor withdrawal was 10 days of hell, mainly due to the brain zaps. Utterly debilitating. I was unable to do anything for a week - just as well I was off work anyway due to the severe depressive episode that the Effexor was supposed to be helping. The fact was it didn't and I had to get off it before starting on Prozac. I think the only good thing about Prozac was that it seemed to mitigate the Effexor withdrawal symptoms.
>
> Cymbalta was the next one my consultant suggested, and it did seem to work for the depression - I was able to return to work, and after 2 years I seemed well enough to start reducing the dose from 90 to 60 to 30 - this over about 6 months. No problems so far. Then I started alternating 30 / 0 each day, and that was OK, but getting completely off it has been horrible again.
>
> I ought to mention that I'm stopping Mirtazapine (Zispin) at the same time, again going from 45 - 30 - 15 over a similar time frame.
>
> Here's a list of symptoms so far (I've compiled a list of all those that apply from a number of sources) in alpha order, not severity order:
>
> anxiety, balance problems, blurred vision, brain zaps, concentration impairment, crying spells, depersonalization, diarrhea, dizziness, electric shock sensations, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, highly emotional, impaired speech, insomnia, jumpy nerves, lack of coordination, lethargy, headaches, nervousness, sensory & sleep disturbances, severe internal restlessness (akathasia), stomach cramps, tremors / shivering, tinnitus (ear ringing or buzzing), tingling sensations, troubling thoughts, vivid dreams / nightmares.
>
> It's 2 weeks now, and I'm still getting the zaps (although the voltage seems much reduced!). I still feel weird - stoned / out of it / unreal - which is more worrying, as I'm unable to take my work seriously. My sleep is all over the place - I feel as if I am in a different time zone every day.
>
> I think that I have to tough it out, as I cannot bear the thought of any more medication - I've had 3.5 years of the stuff. I know I've done it before and so I hope I can do it again, but my confidence weakens with each day that I continue to feel so strange.
>
> TT
>
>
Posted by tamara999 on August 28, 2007, at 8:01:00
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Take ACTION » Troy Tempest, posted by moesje on August 28, 2007, at 1:32:33
Hang in there!! You will get thru this!! Its been over 2 months for me and finally am feeling normal. I didnt realize what a mess I was until I got back to normal!! Water, vitamins, and exercise!! I had to force myself to go out an walk......and it really did help. Now Im treating myself to a vacation. Took off for one month, leave monday and going to eastern Europe to just RELAX and worry about nothing. NO meds again for me..........Best of luck everyone!
Posted by Drummer162 on August 30, 2007, at 12:01:52
In reply to Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Regina on March 3, 2005, at 16:37:18
Continued from last post: My body is vibrating... Dr Freal never even came close to warning me about this... he said it was a safe drug that didn't cause weight gain or any compli cations... I guess he just didn't know at the time it was pretty new. He figured he would take care of my depression and the neuropathic pain in my legs and back. I think it did for a while butI gained like over 50 lbs.... plus had a heart attack that I didn't even know about... They better look a little deeper into this drug...
Posted by Drummer162 on August 30, 2007, at 12:08:47
In reply to Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Regina on March 3, 2005, at 16:37:18
Ok so the web sites were right... Nausea.. Diareah.. Terrible sinuses... Halving Cymbalta is as hard as they say I will have to do this slow... Dr Saif is glad I am doing it. Hopefully my back pain won't become intollerable and the depression won't suddenly dump me into a hopper.... We'll see I'm sure I will be writing more about this in the next few weeks or months however long it takes... OMG... Now I know what brain zaps are.... I am so dizzy and it is difficult concentrating and keeping my balance... good day not to ride the bike... probably shouldn't be driving the truck.... THIS SUCKS Ok so I just fell down.... Into a chair luckily... This is bad I feel way bad.... I am so dizzy and uncomfortable. My back is killing me and every movement is torture and makes me feel dizzy...
Posted by Holy#@$% on August 30, 2007, at 20:14:18
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Take ACTION » Aya, posted by moesje on August 23, 2007, at 12:08:59
My mother committed suicide and I went through six months of complete hell before I started intense group therapy treatment and Cymbalta. I truly don't know if I would have made it through that time without the medication. But now I am ready to be med-free.
However, my name describes how I feel after two days of the "weaning" off of Cymbalta. I was on almost a year of 60mg daily, then two weeks at 30mg daily, then 0. This "weaning" was prescribed by the PA. I feel the brain zaps, vertigo, weepiness, irritability, disturbing nightmares, yadda yadda.
I feel great sense of hope after reading all of your posts. I am going to start taking vitamin supplements, exercising, eat right, and do something for my nerves, i.e. yoga. I should have been doing these things all along. I have never taken care of myself. I hope these things will help me through this %$#@ing withdrawal period and for the rest of my life....naturally. I know the things I should do. With depression, however, it is really really really hard to do them sometimes.
I wish that psychiatrists would encourage patients to take vitamin supplements, exercise, eat right etc. as part of their mental health program AS WELL AS A part of coming off these #$%^ing medications. I am calling my MD's office tomorrow and letting them know how careless I think it is not to warn/inform the pt VERBALLY during their five minute appt about the withdrawal symptoms. They need to give recommendations on how to deal with the HELL that it is.
I came to this site for answers as to how long I am going to have these symptoms. I have found the answer to be between two and four weeks. Holy#@$%. I will keep updates for people as to how I am doing and what is working for me. I hope you will do the same.
Thanks
Posted by moesje on August 30, 2007, at 23:50:01
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Take ACTION, posted by Holy#@$% on August 30, 2007, at 20:14:18
I am not condemning anyone for being on these drugs. I've been on and off since my youngest daughter was born, and she'll be 15 in 2 weeks. You start one, it stops working, they give you a different one. NEVER have I been told of withdrawal effeccs, and Cymbalta and Lexapro were the worst I've ever had.
Keep in mind that although you are looking at 2-4 weeks, the symptoms get less with each day. Plan on a couple of months of recurring symptoms when you miss meals or don't get enough sleep - at least that's what I went through.
My doc told me that if I split the pills up (taking less and less every so often) that I shoudl have less problems . . . not so. It didn't matter how fast or how slow I went, I had withdrawal.
And I agree, now that I'm drug free, I plan on just dealing with life as it is, the good with the bad. Of course, I just got my blood results, and I'm high on cholesterol, overweight and down on my good cholesterol. I've got lots of work to do to get back in shape. Thankfully the drugs are out of my system and I can finally hold down a full time job!
Good luck, and be sure to keep in touch here. Even when you're off, others WILL benefit from your advise. Every person is different in how their body handles the withdrawal and maybe your way of dealing with it will be helpful to someone else.
> My mother committed suicide and I went through six months of complete hell before I started intense group therapy treatment and Cymbalta. I truly don't know if I would have made it through that time without the medication. But now I am ready to be med-free.
>
> However, my name describes how I feel after two days of the "weaning" off of Cymbalta. I was on almost a year of 60mg daily, then two weeks at 30mg daily, then 0. This "weaning" was prescribed by the PA. I feel the brain zaps, vertigo, weepiness, irritability, disturbing nightmares, yadda yadda.
>
> I feel great sense of hope after reading all of your posts. I am going to start taking vitamin supplements, exercising, eat right, and do something for my nerves, i.e. yoga. I should have been doing these things all along. I have never taken care of myself. I hope these things will help me through this %$#@ing withdrawal period and for the rest of my life....naturally. I know the things I should do. With depression, however, it is really really really hard to do them sometimes.
>
> I wish that psychiatrists would encourage patients to take vitamin supplements, exercise, eat right etc. as part of their mental health program AS WELL AS A part of coming off these #$%^ing medications. I am calling my MD's office tomorrow and letting them know how careless I think it is not to warn/inform the pt VERBALLY during their five minute appt about the withdrawal symptoms. They need to give recommendations on how to deal with the HELL that it is.
>
> I came to this site for answers as to how long I am going to have these symptoms. I have found the answer to be between two and four weeks. Holy#@$%. I will keep updates for people as to how I am doing and what is working for me. I hope you will do the same.
> Thanks
Posted by RYB on August 31, 2007, at 6:47:29
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Take ACTION » Holy#@$%, posted by moesje on August 30, 2007, at 23:50:01
It makes 4 weeks since I stopped taking Cymbalta cold turkey. I was on 60 mg for 6 months. I am happy to report that I am feeling a lot better but seem to be alternating between great days where I feel like myself again and bad days where I am headachy, nauseous, diarrea, and have a few (less than 10) brain zaps. You too will get better with every passing day. Hang in there! At my worst dramamine and "nausea relief" from the drug store helped a lot.
Take Care,
R
Posted by Aya on August 31, 2007, at 8:36:33
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Take ACTION, posted by RYB on August 31, 2007, at 6:47:29
Just wanted to report something I noticed. I cut my 60 mg dosage to 30 mg for a month, and now I'm just finishing up my 3rd week of 15 mg. One week to go before I cut again to 15 mg.
Between the weaning, eating healthy, and (trying to) exercise, my withdrawal symptoms have been tolerable. However, I noticed that each time I cut the dosage the second week on that dosage I was very emotionally volital (sp?). The first week I'd struggle with the physical symptoms, but for some reason the second week was when I'd cry a lot and have extremely low frustration tolerance. Now, on week three, I'm much better emotionally.
Not sure why that is or what to do about it necessarily, but I just wanted to share my observations so that those of you who are weening might have some idea what to expect.
Hang in there everyone!
Posted by Troy Tempest on August 31, 2007, at 9:17:04
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal, posted by Aya on August 31, 2007, at 8:36:33
Well, it's now nearly 3 weeks since stopping Cymbalta.
The good news is that the symptoms are less severe, although by no means totally gone.
However, most of them are still there, particularly the zaps and dizziness. Just less severe.
Interestingly, they are generally most pronounced when I'm tired and / or after any exertion.
I aim to get back to work next week - my consultant is sympathetic, so has signed me off even longer, but I'm getting bored...
Thanks for the support, and y'all hang in there!
Troy.
Posted by Snap on August 31, 2007, at 11:01:57
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Take ACTION, posted by RYB on August 31, 2007, at 6:47:29
It's been a little over 2 months since I stopped cymbalta. I hit such a depression last week that my doc put me on welburtin which only caused more anxiety. So I'm doing it sans welbutrin or any other ssrri. To those of you that are in your early phase of detox - it does get better. I've only had 2 small brain zaps in the past couple of weeks - and that's only because I'm not sleeping. And on a personal note... Sex is so much better. I know I know TMI.
Take care - all of you.
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