Posted by secretme on January 3, 2006, at 15:32:05
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by runnerwdogs on December 29, 2005, at 16:07:09
If I hadn't found this website, I would think I am losing my mind. I was on Cymbalta for more than a year after trying every SSRI on the market over a 12-year span. I simply cannot tolerate anti-depressants.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2005, and my psychiatrist increased the dose of Cymbalta to 90 mg. during the period of my radiation therapy. In adding the cancer medication, Aromasin, I thought I would die from the side effects of both medications. I need to take the cancer medication, but I will live much better without the Cymbalta.
My PCP said doctors will perceive me as a "crackpot" because so many medications cause serious side affects for me. Instead of helping me, I find that doctors get angry and want to wash their hands of the problem child.
I have been off Cymbalta for 7 days now. I went from 90 mg. to 60 mg. to 30 mg. in about a month's time. On Christmas day, I became so ill, I had to call my oncologist to find out what to do. I wan't sure which medication was causing the problems.
For those of you who have doctors who want to keep you hooked, here are some symptoms I have had -- all of which were WORSE during the Cymbalta withdrawal:
severe headaches
high blood pressure (I am on 3 medication for high BP!)
hot flashes/sweats
insomnia
joint pain
nausea
foggy memory and forgetfulness
buzzing and hissing in my ears
nightmares
worsening of irritable bowel symptomsI have improved in each category by as much as 75% since coming off the Cymbalta. I will not be told "YOU NEED AN ANTI-DEPRESSANT," when the "cure" is worse than the disorder.
I don't think there are any quick fixes out there, but Cymbalta is a demon that is losing its grip on me, and I will never take another anti-depressant again.
My family thinks I am brave for doing this, especially in light of my cancer treatments. I hope this will help someone else who needs encouragement to take control of his/her life. You will feel better, but unfortunately you will have to tough it out during the withdrawal.
poster:secretme
thread:466069
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20051018/msgs/594791.html