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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by kparis on July 25, 2006, at 11:04:28
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal- oversleeping? etc, posted by willieg on July 25, 2006, at 8:08:33
I, too, stated taking Cymbalta for anxiety not depression. I can't blame you for taking a bit to ease the symptoms. Sometimes it is truly okay for us to use a little help when we are experiencing something so horrific.
I hope it works out well for you and for all of us.
All the best,
Kesta
Posted by cymbaltaVictim on July 29, 2006, at 12:48:03
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal- oversleeping? etc, posted by kparis on July 25, 2006, at 11:04:28
Please help! How and how long do you feel so sick?
Posted by cymbaltaVictim on July 29, 2006, at 0:27:57I have spent so many hours reading and researching how and how long it takes to withdraw from Cymbalta. I am so sick and it is extremely difficult to focus and sit here trying to find answers. I would appreciate someone summarizing how to come off and how long it will take. I have been trying to come off since July 11th, 2006.
Here is some background info:
I have been on Cymbalta for about a year taking 60mg and began trying to get off on July 11, 2006. In addition to Cymbalta I also take 450 mg of Wellbutrin, and 40 mg of Seroquil. The reasons I wanted to try to get off Cymbalta were weight gain, extreme constipation, unquenchable thirst, and complete 'outside-looking-in" conscientiousness. I gained about 20 lbs while I have been on Cymbalta and despite all my efforts to lose weight, using diet and exercise have been hopeless. I looked like I am about 4 months pregnant because all my weight went straight to my stomach.Starting on July 11th, I decided to try to take one capsule every 3 days. I have experienced all of the symptoms described throughout the threads on this site. Extreme fatigue, nausea, constipation, then diarrhea, brain zaps, migraines, sudden spells of crying, anger, aches, sharp pains in muscles and insides, back pain, bad dreams, severe itching, total inability to concentrate or do my work. On the 26th, I reduced the amount to 30mg every 3 days.
As I have read everyone's account, I keep hoping to find someone that has successfully made it through and could give us some idea of when to expect these symptoms to go away.
About 4 years ago, I was on Effexor and experienced similar withdrawal, however, not as extreme. This may have been due to the fact that I was prescribed a bunch of others to replace Effexor.
I desperately would like to be totally anti-depressant free. After being on them for 10 years and being prescribed every new one that comes out, I do not feel any better emotionally or physically.
I was not going to write because my story is like everyone else’s, but each post seems to add some bit of additional info. I just hope that someone is out there that can give hope these terrible feelings will go away!!!
Posted by Raisin on July 29, 2006, at 19:18:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal- oversleeping? etc, posted by cymbaltaVictim on July 29, 2006, at 12:48:03
Dear Cymbalta Victim,
Thank you for writing. Even though we have all gone through or are still going through some of the same withdrawal symptoms as you are, each person's experience adds a little more to what we are learning. If nothing else, it gives us validation to know that we are not alone in this misery!
I was taking Welbutrin and Prozac together for about 9 months. I started feeling like something wasn't working, and my Dr. said it was most likely "Prozac Poop Out." In early June (this year) Cymbalta was substituted for the Prozac (30 mg per day to start) and I immediately felt like the world was right again. After 3 days, the dose was increased to 60 mg. per day. (Along with Welbutrin 150.) After about 3 weeks the itching started, and I began to "need" 2 hour naps every day. I also was eating everything in sight. As soon as I found this website, I decided to stop cold turkey. Coincidentally, my Welbutrin ran out, and I did not refill it.
The itching continued for 3 weeks and just stopped one day. The other symptoms - irritableness, space cadet, dizziness, nausea persisted for about 2 more weeks.
I feel "normal" now. I am trying to pay attention to my moods and stop myself if I feel strongly sad or angry. I have normal sleep patterns, and I am going to Weight Watchers for help in getting rid of the 15 lb. I put on during my short time on Cymbalta.
I don't know if I recommend the cold turkey method. It worked for me, but I wasn't on the drug all that long. My boyfriend almost broke up with me because I was impossible to be around during the initial 3 weeks of withdrawal. (I'm sure my 5 year old son would have left home if he had the means!)
It was the itching that got me. Once I learned that I would have the itching while taking the drug and also for an unknown period of withdrawal, my mind was made up to quit.
So - there you have it. Good luck. I hope it gets better for you; it finally did for me.
Raisin
P.S. I did not tell my Dr. that I quit cold turkey until 10 days ago. (It is easier to get forgiveness than permission?) He seemed surprised. I have an appt. on Monday. I wonder what he will say??
Posted by surfaced on July 29, 2006, at 23:12:29
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Victim - withdrawal symptoms gone, posted by Raisin on July 29, 2006, at 19:18:53
has anyone felt sick after missing just 1 or 2 doses of cymbalta? I am on 60mg for the about 8 months now.When I have ran out in the past and have had to skip a night or 2, I get fever , extremely nausiated,body aches, and bad headaches. Can this be from just missing a dose?
Posted by Gog on July 30, 2006, at 22:16:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal- oversleeping? etc, posted by cymbaltaVictim on July 29, 2006, at 12:48:03
Hi. You are not alone in your withdrawal symptoms. I took cymbalta for one year and decided to go off for some similar and some different reasons, weight gain, constipation, but also I felt like it was a good time to try being off of them. I didn't realize until I read other people's posts that my fatigue (afternoon nap almost every day) was due to the drug and not due to depression.
I read and researched and prepared for it, but my doctor did a quicker drop down than was recommended. I went from 60mg to 30 mg and decided to stay on that dose for a month (based on a book I was reading "The Antidepressant Solution"), then dropped down to zero. The actual taper that was recommended was 60, 40, 20, 0.
The first drop to 30mg was uncomfortable for a few days, then my body seemed to stabilize. The drop to zero was terrible, dizziness, nausea, headaches, had cold sore outbreaks during both dose decreases, muscle pains, bad dreams, hot flashes, anxiety, feeling angry, frustrated, depressed...then moments of feeling fine. The worst effects peaked at about day 8 then very slowly started to go down. Some days I would feel fine and then I would feel the withdrawal effects again. It really took about 6 weeks until I started to feel normal again and in that time I kept wondering if I ever would be the same. It was incredibly frustrating.
There are much slower ways to taper and what I have learned through reading and talking to my docotr is that withdrawal can be very unique to the individual. I have read in this forum and in the book I mentioned about people doing incredibly slow tapers and about people quitting cold turkey (not recommened at all). I have also read (and my doctor told me-- after the fact) that a one time dose of prozac can help the withdrawal symptoms since prozac takes longer to get out of your system.
How you come off of the drug depends on you and your body, but I am not sure that taking the drug every few days is going to be the best way to go about things. It will probably make you feel like you are quitting cold turkey, which seems to create the most severe withdrawal symptoms. A gradual taper, either in milligrams or reducing the number of beads in each capsule is probably best.
Scott (who I believe is listed as "SLS") has some methods that he posted in this forum which may be useful to you.
Things that worked for me or that I did to get through this: The nausea was terrible, but when I did eat I felt tons better. I drank lots of water. I took Benadryl, which I heard would help. I'm not entirely sure if it did or not, but since my allergies were acting up too, I used it. Took a mulitvitamin (I thought I read somewhere that B-vitamins can help.) I went to this website from the book and my sister go through the list of withdrawal symptoms with me and I told her all the ones I was experiencing.
http://www.prozacbacklash.com/antidepressantSolution.html
This was to help me show someone else what I was going through and to help me realize I wasn't going crazy. (I didn't find this forum until a couple of weeks later...when I was still feeling crummy and looking for answers). I also occasionally used the graph in the book (also on the website) to chart my withdrawal symptom severity on each day (I didn't do this daily because I felt too terrible.). I did this so I could see that I was improving, albeit slowly, over time. I also continued with acupuncture treatments and seeing my psychologist as well (which I had already been doing).
You will make it through this. I would just focus on one thing at a time. If you have had weight gain, don't worry about it right now. Take care of yourself and then move onto the next goal. Take care and keep us posted.
Posted by Avalon on July 30, 2006, at 22:33:20
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal- oversleeping? etc » cymbaltaVictim, posted by Gog on July 30, 2006, at 22:16:53
On a lighter note: Speaking of weight gain, there's one positive about going through the withdrawal -- you'll be too nauseous to eat, hence you'll lose that weight you gained! :-) I literally got sick even thinking of food. I've lost about 5 lbs. which was jump-started by the nausea. The nausea's gone but now I'm motivated to lose more. That's about the only good thing I can say about this whole experience.
Posted by Gog on July 30, 2006, at 22:40:02
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal- oversleeping? etc, posted by cymbaltaVictim on July 29, 2006, at 12:48:03
If you go here: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050228/msgs/466069.html
it takes you to the beginning of the withdrawal posts on Cymbalta and then you can read through them so you know you are not alone. Many people talk about how they taper.
You may want to start reading here (which is about where I started reading). It will give you some ideas for tapering. What worked for people and what didn't. Hope these help.http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20060117/msgs/606743.html
Posted by Gog on July 30, 2006, at 22:42:11
In reply to Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms after 1 day?, posted by surfaced on July 29, 2006, at 23:12:29
Yes it can. Cymbalta is a powerful drug and most SSRI's or SNRI's will cause some type of withdrawal after missing a dose.
Posted by cymbaltaVictim on July 30, 2006, at 22:51:01
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal- oversleeping? etc » cymbaltaVictim, posted by Gog on July 30, 2006, at 22:16:53
Dear Gog,
I wish I could hug you! I appreciate your response so much! It sounds like you prepared yourself well for your withdrawal. I have not told my Dr. that I am trying to quit. I know he would be very much against it and if he did allow me to come off, he would probably prescribe another one.
I have had the two most horrible days since trying to stop (July 11th). My system reacted as if I had food poisoning going on in my stomach and intestines, and fireworks going on in my head. I sincerely did not think I would make it through and to be honest, I just wished it had been the end. I took 30 mg of Cymbalta last night with the seroquil and 3 Excedrin migraine tablets. This morning I felt 100% better than the last two days but far from feeling well.
It is scary to think how strong these meds are when they cause your body to go through so much pain and convulsive behavior. I wonder if trying to quit the Wellbutrin will cause as much suffering. Once I make it through the Cymbalta, I plan getting off Wellbutrin (currently 450mg/day.)
I have no idea what my life will be with out the meds, it has been 10 years. There has just got to be a better way than drugs.
Thanks again so much for taking your time to reply.
Posted by hermansmom on July 30, 2006, at 23:14:57
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal- oversleeping? etc, posted by cymbaltaVictim on July 30, 2006, at 22:51:01
in response to cymbalta victim, I too, am still looking for the answer -HOW LONG???? I am on dy 26 cymbalta free, still have brain zaps,and dizziness and the headaches and light sensitivity. The symptoms have lessened, but I am also using klonipin as a brain cocoon. I haven't thrown up for 3 days, but still feel muscle aches and joint pain-I just ache everywhere!. I have outrageous and unprovoked feelings of rage and stupid crying spells. I continue to be intermittently suicidal. My head, too kills me when my dog barks-I want my life back, and want to feel like myself, again. The upside is that I've lost 10# without modifying diet or activity level. The 60 or so # I gained on Cymbalta has sure not made my depression any better. There is also a great message board if you google "cymbalta hell"-good insights and interesting features, there, too. Something that IS scary is that Andrea Yates was taking Efexor when she killed her 5 kids. When I learned that, it scared the crap out of me. I was working as a post-partum nurse while on effexor! This crap is wicked and scary, and I want my life back!! Regards, hermansmom
Posted by Gog on July 30, 2006, at 23:58:34
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal- oversleeping? etc, posted by cymbaltaVictim on July 30, 2006, at 22:51:01
I thought I prepared well, but I meant to include that it didn't prepare me enough for what I went through! And I think mine was milder than what a lot of people, including you, have experienced. All the knowledge I thought I had didn't make it any easier! I know this forum really helped me get through the last couple weeks of it.
Posted by ShiningStar on July 31, 2006, at 8:30:14
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal- oversleeping? etc, posted by Gog on July 30, 2006, at 23:58:34
So I find myself awoken early Sunday morning with intense pain in my upper right abdonmine and end up in the ER because the pain is intense and isn't letting up one bit. While I was in the ER they did an ultrasound - ironically almost exactly a year to the date I was in the hospital for another abdominal ultrasound before I went on Cymbalta because they wanted to rule out my GI symptoms weren't a little bug I picked up from my travels abroad. Before I went on Cymbalta, no gallstones and everything was fine. Nine months after being on it and a good month and a half of horrible withdrawal and I've got gallstones. Has anyone else had a problem with them after Cymbalta use? During the last few months of use and during withdrawal I was so nauseous most of the time that I didn't want to eat or went for periods of fasting and then ate much more when I felt up to it. So my theory is that perhaps it was the rapid weight gain and then periods of fasting and feasting that caused the stones. It's absolutely frustrating - I want my health back and I want my body back!
-ShiningStar
Posted by Gog on July 31, 2006, at 11:20:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal - Gallstones?!??!, posted by ShiningStar on July 31, 2006, at 8:30:14
I just read about the causes of gall stones here:
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gallstones/index.htm
It sounds like if you went through cycles of fasting then this could have contributed to it. Weight gain can too. So it may have been an indirect effect from it. Hope you are feeling better!
Posted by willieg on July 31, 2006, at 14:24:01
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal - Gallstones?!??!, posted by Gog on July 31, 2006, at 11:20:53
I am not going to speak about the weight gain, or the sweating , or the eye twitches or themany other things that have happened to me since I started usint Cymbalta. What I will speak about is my future, my life after Cymbalta. I am going through this Cymbalta detox. Right now my head feels really funny. I get dizzy when I turn or move too fast. I am finding that laughter is what is most helpful to me. I talk to my friend and we laugh and it helps me through the weird feelings I am having. I know I have not hit the lowest point yet. I realize the only way to make it through is to have someone to talk to that will understand. I hope others have the support of a good friend to help them through. If not you can always reach out to GOD. He will be your friend when it seems there is no one else there. Take the time to talk to him and ask him to release you from the hold of this horrible drug. Believe in your heart that he will comfort you and take you through.
Posted by kparis on August 1, 2006, at 8:29:49
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal - Gallstones?!??!, posted by willieg on July 31, 2006, at 14:24:01
> I am not going to speak about the weight gain, or the sweating , or the eye twitches or themany other things that have happened to me since I started usint Cymbalta. What I will speak about is my future, my life after Cymbalta. I am going through this Cymbalta detox. Right now my head feels really funny. I get dizzy when I turn or move too fast. I am finding that laughter is what is most helpful to me. I talk to my friend and we laugh and it helps me through the weird feelings I am having. I know I have not hit the lowest point yet. I realize the only way to make it through is to have someone to talk to that will understand. I hope others have the support of a good friend to help them through. If not you can always reach out to GOD. He will be your friend when it seems there is no one else there. Take the time to talk to him and ask him to release you from the hold of this horrible drug. Believe in your heart that he will comfort you and take you through.
************
Hi (Please forgive my post...it is not meant to offend or get off track...it is an issue with me),
You are so right in the 1st part of what you are sharing. But if one is not a Christian, then what? Personally, I believe that each of us is our own vessel of the oneness with nature/universe and that we are our own higher power. But this is not a religious forum...that is my point. Please do not assume that each and every one of us is a Christian. I completely respect each and every person's belief system but have a difficult time with one assuming that their belief system is the one that must be followed. Please do not take offense as I do respect your reigion. Thank you and be well.
Kesta
Posted by Avalon on August 1, 2006, at 9:34:46
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal - Gallstones?!??!, posted by kparis on August 1, 2006, at 8:29:49
Kesta, I agree. This is not the place for a religious discussion. I used to participate in another message board for an unrelated medical condition and it seemed it was a Christian love fest. It was annoying to me. I don't need to be preached to -- I have my own beliefs and if I want proselytizing, I will look for a religious message board. Let's all stick to the medical issues here. Thanks.
Posted by kparis on August 1, 2006, at 10:53:51
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal - Gallstones?!??!, posted by Avalon on August 1, 2006, at 9:34:46
> Kesta, I agree. This is not the place for a religious discussion. I used to participate in another message board for an unrelated medical condition and it seemed it was a Christian love fest. It was annoying to me. I don't need to be preached to -- I have my own beliefs and if I want proselytizing, I will look for a religious message board. Let's all stick to the medical issues here. Thanks.
***********************
Hi Avalon,Thanks for your input and support.
It's been awhile. How are you doing? I've been off for 11 weeks now and I'm still having issues. Sometimes the depression hits me hard, lasts for 10 minutes or so and disappears. Strange. I'm also starting to experience panic attacks again. That's why I originally started taking the Cymbalta. It is really frustrating. I started taking Vit. B complex, Omega 3 tabs, & Magnesium today in the hope that it will help with the anxiety/panic. I don't want to become dependant on Klonopin again. Does anyone out there know if this will help with panic/anxiety? I'm using relaxation tapes when I go to sleep at night and I'm exercising more. It seems that when I'm starting to have an attack if I change my space then I feel better. Sometimes that is nearly impossible, though.
Thanks,
Kesta
Posted by willieg on August 1, 2006, at 15:08:23
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal - Gallstones?!??!, posted by kparis on August 1, 2006, at 10:53:51
Just speaking my own beliefs.
Posted by willieg on August 1, 2006, at 15:14:07
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal - Gallstones?!??!, posted by kparis on August 1, 2006, at 8:29:49
This post was not meant to offend anyone. We are speaking about what helps us all through. This is my way. Yours may be something different. I would love to hear what or who you lean on when you need support. My point was that having a friend who will support you does help. As for any other beliefs I have I am not pushing them off on you. I am truely sorry I offended you. That was not my intention.
Posted by Avalon on August 1, 2006, at 17:22:29
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal - Gallstones?!??!, posted by willieg on August 1, 2006, at 15:14:07
Willieg, you say you are merely "stating your beliefs", but this is actually what you said: "I hope others have the support of a good friend to help them through. If not you can always reach out to GOD. He will be your friend when it seems there is no one else there. Take the time to talk to him and ask him to release you from the hold of this horrible drug. Believe in your heart that he will comfort you and take you through." Now you are no longer stating your beliefs, you are recommending we talk to God. Your God, which may not be someone else's higher power. I personally do not appreciate people telling me to talk to God or give me any other unsolicited religious advice, especially on a message board about medical issues. My relationship or belief in a higher power is no one else's business but mine. I really don't understand how people continually feel they have the right to cross that line.
Posted by Gog on August 1, 2006, at 18:27:43
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal - Gallstones?!??!, posted by kparis on August 1, 2006, at 10:53:51
Hi Kesta,
I know that without the Cymbalta I am so much more aware of my anxiety. Of course, the awareness doesn't make it go away but I sure do recognize it a lot more. I was on anti's when I first started having anxiety symptoms (mainly I couldn't sleep at night) so I am not used to feeling them so strongly. On Sunday night I had to take another half of a Klonopin because I knew it was going to be a difficult sleep night.I have heard about some of the B-vitamins helping with depression but didn't realize they could help with anxiety too. I was researching yesterday because I came across something in another one of Dr. Bob's forum's about B-vitamins making people angry. I did read that too much of them can have some adverse effects as well. There is so much information out there on them it is difficult to sort through it all.
I have a B-vitamin complex but now I am concerned I might be getting too much of some things so I don't really want to take it. I may schedule an appointment with a naturopathic doctor to see what they have to say.
I read this site yesterday on several of the B-vitamins and it actually was pretty good: http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/factsheets/vitaminb12.asp
Hope something here was useful. I'm on week 7 and still feel like I have what I call "withdrawal" days. Where my body just feels off. Although after meeting with my counselor today I concluded that the last few days it was probably anxiety more than the withdrawal symptoms. You may want to consider acupunture too for your anxiety. I know sometimes it helps me. I'm reading a book right now called "Conquering Depression and Anxiety Through Exercise". It's pretty good so far and it sounds like you are already on that track. I'm only about halfway through but I will let you know how it goes. Take care!
> It's been awhile. How are you doing? I've been off for 11 weeks now and I'm still having issues. Sometimes the depression hits me hard, lasts for 10 minutes or so and disappears. Strange. I'm also starting to experience panic attacks again. That's why I originally started taking the Cymbalta. It is really frustrating. I started taking Vit. B complex, Omega 3 tabs, & Magnesium today in the hope that it will help with the anxiety/panic. I don't want to become dependant on Klonopin again. Does anyone out there know if this will help with panic/anxiety? I'm using relaxation tapes when I go to sleep at night and I'm exercising more. It seems that when I'm starting to have an attack if I change my space then I feel better. Sometimes that is nearly impossible, though.
>
> Thanks,
> Kesta
>
Posted by willieg on August 2, 2006, at 11:35:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal - Willieg, posted by Avalon on August 1, 2006, at 17:22:29
I thought this was an open forum for all. Evidently I was wrong. So for those of you who are open minded I wish you all good luck. For the others...?????
Posted by kparis on August 3, 2006, at 7:57:44
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal - Willieg, posted by willieg on August 2, 2006, at 11:35:53
Willieg,
You are correct, this is an open forum and as such is used for us open-mined people. You know, as does the rest of the population, that politics and religion are not safe subjects to speak of and that people really do become agitated when it is assumed that they all believe the same thing. Please, don't go away, use the forum as it is intended...that's all. You have as much useful input and need as the rest of us and as such, are an important part of this forum.
Kesta
Posted by Avalon on August 3, 2006, at 8:11:00
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal - Willieg, posted by kparis on August 3, 2006, at 7:57:44
Kesta, nicely put. So now that that's out of the way, let's checkpoint on how we're all doing. I am pretty much done the nausea, though still am not embracing coffee in the morning, which means my stomach is still not right. And I still have the occasional dizzy spell. But otherwise I'm feeling MUCH better, way more energy (as opposed to not being able to get out of bed on the Cymbalta). Now as for my back pain, which is the reason I started all this crap, that hasn't changed at all...so I'm back to square one there. My doctor is very frustrated with me because I can't take all the meds he's trying on me, too many side effects. But I mean, I can't help the way I am!
Posted by kparis on August 3, 2006, at 8:47:52
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Avalon on August 3, 2006, at 8:11:00
Hi Avalon!
My stomach is still not right either. The nausea comes and goes and if I eat, it goes. But I'm trying to lose the extra weight so I'm trying to drink more water and that doesn't set well in my stomach. But, being off the Cymbalta is wonderful! And I'm exercising, lifting weights, and walking with poles (that's fun!). It's been 12 weeks for me now and my husband told me last night that I'm getting back to normal...that I seem happier. That's cool. I had severe neck and shoulder pain along with intermitent low back pain (herniated disk) and I saw a pain management specialist. Rather than try to explain the procedue he did if you go to his web-site you can read it for yourself. He's amazing and what he does works for several years before having to have the procedure again. I can't believe that I'm nearly pain free, only having to take Ibuprofen occasionally. I hope this site helps you with some different, and drug free options!http://www.spineuniverse.com/mdpage.php?doctorID=2506
Take care,
K
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