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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 164 to 188 of 696. Go back in thread:
Posted by Never Again on May 12, 2006, at 15:53:49
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by mizloopy on May 12, 2006, at 1:18:34
I had the itching that was mentioned in an earlier posting, mostly on my scalp of all places, but when I stopped the Cymbalta both my restless legs and that crazy itching stopped 100%. I've still managed to stick with my cold turkey status, 2 1/2 weeks. I've slept every night since. I'm noticing the irritability, but if I keep staying up with my night's sleep it stays in check. Another thing that has subsided quite a bit are the hot flashes, thank goodness!! I called 1 800 Lilly Rx (1 800 545 5979) today so I could have an idea of how long the withdrawl symptoms would last - the answer was 3-4 weeks or 30 days. They were very nice and helpful. I'm still taking Omega 3 fatty acids to help and Clariten to help with the dizziness, when necessary. Boy will I be glad when the first 30 days has passed.
Posted by mseasons on May 12, 2006, at 16:46:18
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Never Again on May 12, 2006, at 15:53:49
> I had the itching that was mentioned in an earlier posting, mostly on my scalp of all places, but when I stopped the Cymbalta both my restless legs and that crazy itching stopped 100%. I've still managed to stick with my cold turkey status, 2 1/2 weeks. I've slept every night since. I'm noticing the irritability, but if I keep staying up with my night's sleep it stays in check. Another thing that has subsided quite a bit are the hot flashes, thank goodness!! I called 1 800 Lilly Rx (1 800 545 5979) today so I could have an idea of how long the withdrawl symptoms would last - the answer was 3-4 weeks or 30 days. They were very nice and helpful. I'm still taking Omega 3 fatty acids to help and Clariten to help with the dizziness, when necessary. Boy will I be glad when the first 30 days has passed.
How long were you on it and at what dosage?
Posted by secretme on May 13, 2006, at 11:34:55
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by mseasons on May 12, 2006, at 16:46:18
I had a great deal of scalp itching while I was on Cymbalta, along with Restless Leg Syndrome. However, I've been off Cymbalta since the beginning of the year, and I still have these problems. Although they are not as severe as when I was on Cymbalta, they are with me now. I have read that itching of the scalp and RLS can be caused by stress and anxiety. In any event, not everyone experiences the same side effects of a particular medication. Some of us have the distinct honor of suffering through more side effects than others, but no matter how you slice it, this medication is THE WORST. I was at 90 mg. when I decided to come off, and at one point, thought I might die from the withdrawal effects. We should all be very proud of our efforts and what we have accomplished with help from each other. Spread the word.
secretme
Posted by kparis on May 13, 2006, at 11:45:33
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by secretme on May 13, 2006, at 11:34:55
You are so right. We should be proud of our strengths and our ability to reach out for help and understanding.
I have not had the head itching, but the RLS has been with me for awhile, hot flashes, my muscles in my arms and shoulders tightening, head feeling blocked, memory problems, etc. and all while on the Cymbalta! Now that I've reduced the dose from 60mg to 30mg I am feeling better overall, but I am frightened about what will happen when I go completely off in 2 weeks. Has anyone experienced more severe side effects on the drug then the withdrawal symptoms?
Thank you all for being here.
KParis
Posted by Avalon on May 14, 2006, at 23:16:55
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by gapsgal on May 10, 2006, at 22:53:29
Thank God I found this thread. I took Cymbalta 30 mg for a week then went up to 60 mg for 2 weeks. Was taking it for chronic pain, already on low dose of Welbutrin for depression. Couldn't stand the side effects of dry mouth, sore/burning tongue, and stomach issues, plus it didn't really help the pain much, so I decided to go off it. Doc said drop down to 30 mg for a week. Didn't feel like staying on it for a week, so I took 30 for 3 days then stopped. That was 4 days ago. Yesterday started feeling nauseous and my skin was crawling. I couldn't imagine it was withdrawal, because I hadn't been on it that long to begin with, and also had been off it completely for 3 days. I asked the pharmacist about feeling nauseous and she said I wouldn't be nauseous AFTER going off it. Thank goodness I dragged myself off the floor tonight to google "Cymbalta withdrawal". I had no idea it could be this difficult trying to get off this stuff. I am supposed to be flying out of town tomorrow morning and I'll never make it. I had to fish the remaining Cymbalta out of my trash can tonight and take one, I don't know when/if it will take this nausea away. I'll have to start tapering off more slowly, maybe cut the capsules and count the granules like others have done here. I am also taking Percocet for the pain and I thought maybe I was going through Perc withdrawal -- well, I should've known better when I still felt like crap AFTER taking a Percocet. I know Dr. Vijoy recommended amitryptiline for chronic pain -- I also took that for a week but was so tired I was a complete zombie. Anyway, thanks for sharing and thank goodness for this site, I had no clue what was happening to me!
Posted by Never Again on May 15, 2006, at 11:13:15
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by mseasons on May 12, 2006, at 16:46:18
> > I had the itching that was mentioned in an earlier posting, mostly on my scalp of all places, but when I stopped the Cymbalta both my restless legs and that crazy itching stopped 100%. I've still managed to stick with my cold turkey status, 2 1/2 weeks. I've slept every night since. I'm noticing the irritability, but if I keep staying up with my night's sleep it stays in check. Another thing that has subsided quite a bit are the hot flashes, thank goodness!! I called 1 800 Lilly Rx (1 800 545 5979) today so I could have an idea of how long the withdrawl symptoms would last - the answer was 3-4 weeks or 30 days. They were very nice and helpful. I'm still taking Omega 3 fatty acids to help and Clariten to help with the dizziness, when necessary. Boy will I be glad when the first 30 days has passed.
>
>
>
>
> How long were you on it and at what dosage?I was on 30mg a day for approximately 7 months, boy am I glad I was never up to 60mg, and I highly suggest that anyone who plans on discontinuing this medication talk to your primary care physician and work with him/her for a weening off schedule and mental support. Quitting this medication can certainly make you feel worse before you feel better. God bless all of you and I pray He gives you strength and endurance. 3 weeks today I have been totally off and I'm finally feeling good again. I don't recommend the cold turkey approach - I didn't know any better.
Posted by Avalon on May 15, 2006, at 12:09:41
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Never Again on May 15, 2006, at 11:13:15
Can anyone recommend a tapering-off schedule for my situation?
I was on 30 mg for a week, then 60 mg for 2 weeks, then 30 mg for 3 days, then stopped due to side effects.
I was totally off Cymbalta for 3 days. Withdrawal symptoms started on day 3 after stopping. Last night (day 4), when I realized I was going through withdrawal, I took a 30 mg cap to try to feel better. I still felt nauseous and horrible this morning. Should I (a) just stay off them now, or (b) go back on 30 mg and taper off more gradually? (I hate the thought of going through this again, but I can't be like this for 2 or 3 weeks!!!) Advice appreciated! Thanks.
Posted by foggy b on May 15, 2006, at 12:21:30
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Never Again on May 15, 2006, at 11:13:15
Thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences. I just wish I found you earlier!
I started taking Cymbalta April 7th this year and stopped May 7th - so I was on it just a month. My doctor had switched me from Lexapro to Cymbalta because of the sexual side effects. Didn't help - He started me at 60 mg per day for two weeks then up to 120 mg until I decided to stop. I felt OK for a couple of days then it's gotten real interesting - you all know what I mean. He did tell me that if I couldn't tolerate the Cymbalta to go back to the Lexapro. I didn't want either one - so cold turkey ;) I think I'm having typical withdrawl symptoms but I'm tolerating them because from what I've read they're only temporary.
I was taking this for depression associated with Fibromyalgia. I've decided that I can live with the Fibro easier than the side effects of various meds. I haven't felt well for so long, this (withdrawl) is just another layer of feeling crappy!
Just wanted to thank you all for your support! I would have thought I was going crazy had I not found this site. I'll post an update when the withdrawl symptoms fade...in the hopes that my experience can encourage someone else!
Posted by Jaspar on May 15, 2006, at 12:23:24
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Avalon on May 14, 2006, at 23:16:55
> I know Dr. Vijoy recommended amitryptiline for chronic pain --
> I also took that for a week but was so tired I was a complete zombie.I gained 40 pounds on Amytriptiline so fast I couldn't believe it! Even on a tiny dosage, I was ravenous. Now I am going through the arduous task of getting all that weight off.
Sigh. It takes so much longer to lose the weight than to gain it.-Jaspar
Posted by Jaspar on May 15, 2006, at 12:35:18
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Avalon on May 15, 2006, at 12:09:41
> Can anyone recommend a tapering-off schedule for my situation?
>
> I was on 30 mg for a week, then 60 mg for 2 weeks, then 30 mg for 3 days, then stopped due to side effects.
>
> I was totally off Cymbalta for 3 days. Withdrawal symptoms started on day 3 after stopping. Last night (day 4), when I realized I was going through withdrawal, I took a 30 mg cap to try to feel better. I still felt nauseous and horrible this morning. Should I (a) just stay off them now, or (b) go back on 30 mg and taper off more gradually? (I hate the thought of going through this again, but I can't be like this for 2 or 3 weeks!!!) Advice appreciated! Thanks.DON'T DO "A" !!! Definitely - go with option B!!
Go back to the 30mg until your withdrawal symptoms go away. Then, start slowly tapering from the 30... like pour out a few granules from it and every two days or so pour out a few more. Get a prescription for 20mgs amd 10mgs. Start on the 20mg and pour out from there until you pour out about 1/2 the capsule, then start on the 10mg capsules, and do the same with that, staying on each "dose" a few days.
If you feel withdrawal the next day as you are going down on the dosage, just take a couple extra granules of it.
When you are very sensitive, it really is worth going off it more slowly.
It has taken me a MONTH to get off the last 10mg... I did not get 10mg capsules - I just went down lower and lower from the 20mg capsules. But it has been about a month since getting to 1/2 the 20mg capsule.
Last night I fionally got down to ZERO! I couldn't believe that the last 10 GRANULES took me twice as long as I expected - I thought I would go down by two granules each night but I couldn't even do that - I had to go down by 2 granules every second night.
BUT I AM OFF!!! This is my first day completely free! Now, I must wait a couple more weeks to come off all the stuff I am on because of the itching, to see if it really was the Cymbalta causing it (I was told it can take weeks of being COMPLETELY off the substance to know for sure if it was the cause).
-Jaspar
Posted by Jaspar on May 15, 2006, at 12:42:51
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by mizloopy on May 12, 2006, at 1:18:34
> my doc said just to stop cymbalta cold turkey
That is CRIMINAL!!! The instructions CLEARLY state NOT TO do that! It says it must be tapered.
I had a friggin doctor do that to me when I was on Paxil. He is NO LONGER my doctor. I can only WISH he someday suffers the same as what he put me through.
And WHY? There was NO REASON for removing me so abruptly from the Paxil. His excuse? Just that is what they do to patients in the hospital because they don't have the TIME to TAPER them, and that is what he was used to doing!!! HOW ABUSIVE!!!!
-Jaspar
Posted by kparis on May 15, 2006, at 14:09:52
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Jaspar on May 15, 2006, at 12:42:51
I gained 30 pounds in a year on Cymbalta...I'm down to 30mg and am planning to get off. I just hope the weight drops, it is very uncomfortable!
kparis
Posted by NaturalJohn on May 15, 2006, at 14:31:32
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal - Thank You, posted by foggy b on May 15, 2006, at 12:21:30
Hello,
I just "quit" taking Cymbalta after being on for 6 mos. I started with a 20mg dosage, was moved up to a 40mg dosage, then back down to 20mg's about 2 mos ago. My physician told me that it wouldn't make sense to gradually get off of Cymbalta and to just stop taking it all together. I am now dealing with the withdrawal symptoms, which really alter my well-being. However, i chose to stop taking this med because i realized that depression can be cured by other more natural means. I feel like a science experiment right now, but I know it will subside eventually. I am really glad i found this thread, it has helped me deal with the w/d symptons. Especially Vijoy as he wrote previously that "you can do it you gotta have faith and remember, for whatever reason youve stopped the cymbalta, you have to believe that you dont need this crutch anymore." Amen to that. Amat Victoria Curam - "There is no victory before pain." Stick with it everyone, we were meant to be mentally and physically strong, lets not submit ourselves to weakness.
GOD Bless
Posted by Avalon on May 15, 2006, at 16:04:28
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Jaspar on May 15, 2006, at 12:35:18
Jaspar, thanks for the "detox" schedule (ha ha, this is worse than being on heroin). I took another 30 mg today. The nausea is subsiding but I still can't eat much, and I feel like a truck ran over me. I'll wait until I feel better to start reducing from 30. Looks like they come in 20 but not 10 so I'll have to use your pour-out method, good advice. I cannot believe I got mixed up with this crap....like I don't have enough problems. Let us know how you're feeling the next couple C-word-free days.
Posted by mizloopy on May 15, 2006, at 20:42:56
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal - Thank You, posted by NaturalJohn on May 15, 2006, at 14:31:32
> Hello,
>
> I just "quit" taking Cymbalta after being on for 6 mos. I started with a 20mg dosage, was moved up to a 40mg dosage, then back down to 20mg's about 2 mos ago. My physician told me that it wouldn't make sense to gradually get off of Cymbalta and to just stop taking it all together. I am now dealing with the withdrawal symptoms, which really alter my well-being. However, i chose to stop taking this med because i realized that depression can be cured by other more natural means. I feel like a science experiment right now, but I know it will subside eventually. I am really glad i found this thread, it has helped me deal with the w/d symptons. Especially Vijoy as he wrote previously that "you can do it you gotta have faith and remember, for whatever reason youve stopped the cymbalta, you have to believe that you dont need this crutch anymore." Amen to that. Amat Victoria Curam - "There is no victory before pain." Stick with it everyone, we were meant to be mentally and physically strong, lets not submit ourselves to weakness.
>
> GOD Bless
i hope everyone does NOT feel this way, because for some people anti-depressants are true life savers. maybe cymbalta is isn't the drug for you. but i have a problem with people calling or viewing it as crutch. make no mistake the is no magic drug that makes everything all better in the world of depression. but some folks need anti-depressants, along with therapy or some kind of healthy support system. and i'm not just someone with depression. i have worked in the field too.-mizloopy
Posted by Jaspar on May 16, 2006, at 8:47:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal - Thank You » NaturalJohn, posted by mizloopy on May 15, 2006, at 20:42:56
> > "you can do it you gotta have faith and remember, for whatever reason youve
> > stopped the cymbalta, you have to believe that you dont need this crutch anymore."
> > Amen to that. Amat Victoria Curam - "There is no victory before pain." Stick with it
> > everyone, we were meant to be mentally and physically strong, lets not submit ourselves
> > to weakness.> i hope everyone does NOT feel this way, because for some people anti-depressants
> are true life savers. maybe cymbalta is isn't the drug for you. but i have a problem with
> people calling or viewing it as crutch.If a person has a broken leg, leaving it untreated for years just means that you will probbaly not walk well again. It does NOT mean you are "strong" - just injured and probably not making good choices.
As for myself, I am done with pharmaceutical antidepressants, at least for a long time (I hope), in favour of trying nutritional and herbal supplements from a reputable source, with well-research protocols to follow. They cannot hurt me as much as the pharmaceuticals I have tried. In addition, some of the nutritional supplements help with pain and inlammation - and one reason I was taking the Cymbalata was for the pain.
Do I recommend dumping the antidepressants even if it is in favour of nutritional suplplements?
NO!!!! NO!!! NO!!!!I am just saying about myself - I have been at this pharmaceutical game a long time, and it has failed ME - not everyone. So for ME, it is time to give something else a shot. Heck - I gave so many different pharmaceuticals a shot, I think I'd be stupid not to try supplements once I wait a few weeks to completely have this latest out of my system. Too bad insurance won't pay for that. It IS tax-deductible in the U.S.A. however, with a prescription or letter from the doctor.
-Jaspar
Posted by Avalon on May 16, 2006, at 9:04:59
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, opinions, posted by Jaspar on May 16, 2006, at 8:47:53
Jaspar, agreed ... everyone reacts differently and we have to do what is right for US.
Question for you: You said you were taking C-word (Cymbalta, haha) for pain. That's why it was prescribed for me -- back/leg pain due to compressed nerves. As I mentioned, I only took it 3 weeks before I couldn't stand the dry mouth and sore tongue anymore. And I still had pain -- not horrible pain, but enough that I didn't think it was worth it staying on C-word and putting up with the sides. But maybe I didn't give it enough of a chance or high enough of a dose to see whether it could've worked for the pain. Just curious as to whether it relieved your pain while you were on it. I felt my doctor was disappointed I was going off it. He now has prescribed Pamelor, which I'm now deathly afraid to try, given my experience with C-word withdrawal. I also believe it's similar to amitryptiline, which made me too much of a zombie.
Posted by secretme on May 16, 2006, at 9:39:14
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, opinions, posted by Jaspar on May 16, 2006, at 8:47:53
> > > "you can do it you gotta have faith and remember, for whatever reason youve
> > > stopped the cymbalta, you have to believe that you dont need this crutch anymore."
> > > Amen to that. Amat Victoria Curam - "There is no victory before pain." Stick with it
> > > everyone, we were meant to be mentally and physically strong, lets not submit ourselves
> > > to weakness.
>
> > i hope everyone does NOT feel this way, because for some people anti-depressants
> > are true life savers. maybe cymbalta is isn't the drug for you. but i have a problem with
> > people calling or viewing it as crutch.
>
> If a person has a broken leg, leaving it untreated for years just means that you will probbaly not walk well again. It does NOT mean you are "strong" - just injured and probably not making good choices.
>
> As for myself, I am done with pharmaceutical antidepressants, at least for a long time (I hope), in favour of trying nutritional and herbal supplements from a reputable source, with well-research protocols to follow. They cannot hurt me as much as the pharmaceuticals I have tried. In addition, some of the nutritional supplements help with pain and inlammation - and one reason I was taking the Cymbalata was for the pain.
>
> Do I recommend dumping the antidepressants even if it is in favour of nutritional suplplements?
> NO!!!! NO!!! NO!!!!
>
> I am just saying about myself - I have been at this pharmaceutical game a long time, and it has failed ME - not everyone. So for ME, it is time to give something else a shot. Heck - I gave so many different pharmaceuticals a shot, I think I'd be stupid not to try supplements once I wait a few weeks to completely have this latest out of my system. Too bad insurance won't pay for that. It IS tax-deductible in the U.S.A. however, with a prescription or letter from the doctor.
>
> -JasparI remember that taking anti-depressants was a death sentence when it came time for a person to apply for life or medical insurance. As their use has become widespread (even among insurance company demogogues), those taking them can now apply for coverage and not have to worry about being declined (in some states) or rated up for being on them. I have a son who must take an antidepressant (among other medications) for OCD and ADD. I know he cannot function well without them.
However, I have tried every SSRI on the market (Cymbalta being the last), and while taking them I could never answer the question "do you feel better?" or "do you feel less depressed?" It's impossible to gauge that answer when the side effects from these medications cause so many problems. How can you feel less depressed when you have hot flashes, headaches, severe joint pain, loss of memory, intestinal distress, etc., etc.? It reminds me of the old gag line, "other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?"
There are people who respond well to antidepressants and suffer few side effects. If that is the case, then it makes sense to take them. However, herbal supplements have to be regulated carefully by an holistic doctor because they can impact negatively on other medications a person may be taking. Some of these herbs act as blood thinners or have plant based estrogens in them. Not only can they cause adverse reactions for the person who takes them, they can actually do damage to the body, maybe even kill someone. Unfortunately, many people think the GNC employee is some kind of an expert.
As a result of my breast cancer, I saw an holistic doctor as part of the regimen for me to get well. He added some supplements and discarded others I was already taking. Each was accompanied by an explanation and in conjunction with all the medications I have to take.
Antidepressants can and do work ... for some. Cymbalta is one that is not needed by anyone. Surely there are others that can work without the mortal danger Cymbalta poses to all people, not just those of us who have been saved by this website.
secretme
Posted by Jaspar on May 16, 2006, at 13:06:43
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, opinions, posted by Avalon on May 16, 2006, at 9:04:59
> Just curious as to whether it relieved your pain while you were on it.
Yes, actually. It completely relieved the nerve pain I have. It also made me feel more motivated than on a previous SSRI I had been on for depression. So - other than the severe itching (hives), the Cymbalta made me feel pretty darn good.
But still... if I had known what would happen when I tried to get off of it, I NEVER would have taken that first pill.
-Jaspar
Posted by Jaspar on May 16, 2006, at 13:38:55
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, opinions, posted by secretme on May 16, 2006, at 9:39:14
> However, herbal supplements have to be regulated carefully by an holistic doctor
Not necessarily just an "holistic" doctor anymore! Many "traditional" GPs, and MDs into "alternative", "integrative" and "anti-aging" medicine are now knowledgeable about herbal and nutritional supplements.
In addition, with a good science background, and enough research, a person can learn enough to do a better job than some of these doctors that I refer to as doing "drive-through doctoring". HMOs love them - they spend about 5 minutes per patient. I had one like that once. I once tried for a MONTH to get him to call in a prescription.
As for sources - there are reputable sources... I know GNC is a good source of at least some supplements, and I also trust the Life Extension Foundation (LEF).
-Jaspar
Posted by secretme on May 16, 2006, at 14:06:43
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, opinions, posted by Jaspar on May 16, 2006, at 13:38:55
Your point is well taken; however, the doctors I have come across at major teaching facilities (Sloan-K, Columbia Presbyterian, Wake Forest, Duke, and more)go only so far in their knowledge and treatment of conditions with herbal remedies. I think some PCPs and specialists may have taken a course or two in med school about alternative medicine and further supplement it with self-study. This, to me, is not enough, especially with pharmaceutical company reps banging down their doors everyday, peddaling some new concoction -- like Cymbalta. My meeting with the holistic doctor at Sloan put everything into perspective. I have worked in benefits for 15 years and spent enormous amounts of time helping my clients get resolution to their problems of receiving competent care. I made sure to offer the employer the best possible choices of medical plans without restrictions on what their employees can and cannot do. Unfortunately, the way companies (especially large ones and some local governments) insure their employees (via self-insured plans, off-shore companies, etc.), they are allowed to build in restrictions to benefits that smaller state-mandated plans cannot do. There is no protection for employees when a large employer decides who an employee can see and what the restrictions are in the benefits plan. Okay, I'm off the subject, but it's more the employers than the HMOs that are destroying our healthcare system. As our former healthcare carrier once said to me in a dispute over charges, "your husband's company tells us what to do." Without some form of national healthcare -- where mental and nervous are always considered MEDICAL conditions and treated as such, people who have problems with depression, OCD, ADD, etc., will never get proper treatment. This issue is far deeper than any of us knows, including me.
secretme
Posted by Jaspar on May 16, 2006, at 14:07:28
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Avalon on May 15, 2006, at 16:04:28
> Let us know how you're feeling the next couple C-word-free days.
I feel pretty good, but I have this lingering brief vertigo feeling just sometimes when I move my head. It is very very brief, but it is enough to give me brief queaziness in the pit of my stomach each time it happens which is frequently.
I HOPE this does not last too long. It has taken me about 6 months to come off of 60mg of the "C-word". It is not like I can be accused of coming off it too quickly.
Someone I know is about to start on it. I understand why. I will just pray that she won't go through this hell if/when she has to come off it. And at least I can give her advice on coming off of it real slowly.
-Jaspar
Posted by foggy b on May 17, 2006, at 0:48:24
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, opinions, posted by secretme on May 16, 2006, at 9:39:14
In my experience, the benefits were not enough to overcome the side-effects. I'd rather just feel a bit of pain and know I'm alive than feel a bit of pain and not experience emotions, have no sex-drive at all, and really not care. Over the last couple of days, I've cried for the first time in at least 6 months! Yes, I have the negative feelings, but I have positive ones too. Sex-drive is back and that has made this withdrawl worth it to me!
Today I saw that Cymbalta commercial and got so mad! How can they do this to us? I feel like my doctor and pharmacist are so uniformed about this! Because of the irregular heart beat (at least thats what it feels like) I called the pharmacist last week asking about withdrawl symptoms (just before I found this thread!) He said they should be really mild - maybe a couple of days of disorientation but nothing to really comment on. Nice. Really uniformed!
Posted by Avalon on May 17, 2006, at 8:41:15
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, opinions, posted by foggy b on May 17, 2006, at 0:48:24
Foggy, I agree the medical professionals seem to be uninformed on this. When I asked my pharmacist if my nausea could be caused by going off Cymbalta, she said she didn't think so ... not AFTER going off. Called the doctor's office (pain management specialist), the nurse got back to me and said the doctor said "you shouldn't be having withdrawal symptoms". I told her that I definitely am, and that I found a website where there are hundreds of messages from people going through the same thing. She seemed really surprised. On the Cymbalta website under Prescribing Information, there are clear warnings about abrupt discontinuation of treatment (describes all the symptoms we're all having) but implies that a gradual reduction will usually prevent that. (Which we know is not true in all cases.) I'm not sure why anyone prescribing this would not be aware of the risks. Unless we are the only ones having problems? Are we all super-sensitive? (I, for one, know that I am.) Are there others that have gone off it with no problems, so maybe that's why the doctors aren't aware of it if they haven't had a patient who's experienced the withdrawal from h*** that we're going through?
Posted by gapsgal on May 17, 2006, at 9:17:38
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, opinions, posted by Avalon on May 17, 2006, at 8:41:15
Foggy,That could not be so true...they are clueless for some reason...i am back on it now because I was going through absolute hell and I had my wedding this past Sunday and so many things going on otherwise...not sure what to do from here except find another doctor and go from there...
> Foggy, I agree the medical professionals seem to be uninformed on this. When I asked my pharmacist if my nausea could be caused by going off Cymbalta, she said she didn't think so ... not AFTER going off. Called the doctor's office (pain management specialist), the nurse got back to me and said the doctor said "you shouldn't be having withdrawal symptoms". I told her that I definitely am, and that I found a website where there are hundreds of messages from people going through the same thing. She seemed really surprised. On the Cymbalta website under Prescribing Information, there are clear warnings about abrupt discontinuation of treatment (describes all the symptoms we're all having) but implies that a gradual reduction will usually prevent that. (Which we know is not true in all cases.) I'm not sure why anyone prescribing this would not be aware of the risks. Unless we are the only ones having problems? Are we all super-sensitive? (I, for one, know that I am.) Are there others that have gone off it with no problems, so maybe that's why the doctors aren't aware of it if they haven't had a patient who's experienced the withdrawal from h*** that we're going through?
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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