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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by kparis on August 21, 2006, at 16:44:00
In reply to Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by rad62 on August 21, 2006, at 14:34:24
Hi,
Yes, I had the vision problems and headache. It lasted for several months after I stopped the Cymbalta completely. Nasty stuff, that Cymbalta. I don't know what to suggest to you. I wish I did. All I can say is my heart goes out to you and my thoughts are with you during this period of your life. Cymbalta nearly destroyed me and I'm still dealing with the high bp and weight gain. I've been completely off of it for 16 weeks on Wednesday. Good luck and keep us posted!
Kesta
Posted by rad62 on August 21, 2006, at 17:12:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on August 21, 2006, at 16:44:00
Thanks, Kesta! From all the info I've gotten off this site today, I've been encouraged that I will get through this. It's just nice to know we're not alone. : ) Are you on any antidepressant at this time?
Posted by kparis on August 22, 2006, at 8:08:27
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal » kparis, posted by rad62 on August 21, 2006, at 17:12:53
Hi,
I'm not on anything right now except for the occasional klonopin for anxiety. I was off of that too but life blew in and you know how that goes. Adult kids and all their problems.
Keep us posted and I sincerely hope you start feeling better. Believe it or not, you've taken a positive step to feeling better in the long run!
K
Posted by rad62 on August 22, 2006, at 10:59:05
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on August 22, 2006, at 8:08:27
Gosh I hope so! I'm very irritable, restless and in pain today. I just talked to my dr. and he said I may have to increase my cymbalta and then decrease it slower. See I have Anxiety/depression, bipolar, fibromyalgia, diabetes, severe degenerative arthritis and 2 herniated disc in my back. Not to mention ADD, which I just started on the DeXedrine for about 3 weeks ago. It helped me so much until I started having the vision problems and headaches. Now after backing off the cymbalta (cut my dose 1/2 by 60 mg) I'm fighting the withdrawals. And yes, I have 3 grown children who sometimes bring on more stress than my 9 year old, who also has ADD and bipolar. I'm really stressing today so thanks for your encouragement. I had to cancel my dental appt today because I just feel I could handle driving. Hopefully, this will get better soon but it seems to be getting worse. I know I won't be able to come off the antidepressants completely because of my diagnosis' but I don't want to be on any more medicine than I have to be. Thanks again for being a support, I really need that right now.
Rebecca
Posted by kparis on August 22, 2006, at 19:00:45
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by rad62 on August 22, 2006, at 10:59:05
Hi Rebecca,
I am so sorry that you are going through all of that. I suffer from severe panic attacks and feel that I know I'm going to die. It is a horrible feeling, as I'm sure you are aware. You must have great strength to go through all of the other things that you are going through. My positive thoughts are with you. Hang in there!
Best,
Kesta
Posted by sickashell on August 27, 2006, at 19:38:19
In reply to Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Regina on March 3, 2005, at 16:37:18
Have been victimized by this wicked cymbalta withdrawal for a long, long time. From the start, my spouse refuses to believe that it is anything real. Even during the violent vomiting and siezures she ignores and says nothing. Has anyone else experienced this type of denial from their partner? Recommendations? Its tough dealing along two fronts at the same time.
Postscript: its time to quit messing around with this rat poision and punish those who distribute it --doctors pharmacies, the manufacturer. I did not pay hundreds of dollars to the doctor and more for the pills in order to purchase a murder.
Posted by Avalon on August 27, 2006, at 20:39:58
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Partner Not on Board, posted by sickashell on August 27, 2006, at 19:38:19
Sickashell, I'm sorry to hear of your sickness and spouse's lack of support. I am recently single but I can say that my ex-BF was very supportive during all my many "issues", even though I'm sure he didn't understand what was going on. Have you talked to her about this and how it makes you feel?
I can understand your saying we need to go after the doctors, pharmacists, etc. The problem is that the withdrawal symptoms don't occur with everyone -- only a few of us lucky ones. Because my doctor hadn't had any patients experience any problems getting off Cymbalta (before me), he refused to believe Cymbalta withdrawal was the cause of my problems. And just try to tell a doctor, "Well, I read such-and-such on the Internet..." -- I wasn't even about to go there!!!
I hope you feel better soon and have that heart-to-heart with your spouse. Good luck.
Posted by kparis on August 29, 2006, at 9:22:29
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Partner Not on Board, posted by sickashell on August 27, 2006, at 19:38:19
Hi,
I am so sorry about your partner not understanding. My new husband and I had major problems. He did believe that I was having a horrible time of it, but had a hard time with my being "lazy" and unable to move my body. Thankfully, I'm better, he's better, and life in general is much better. However, it took nearly 4 months for me to feel somewhat normal. I even went so far as to tell my husband that he had a choice to make and I gave him 4 hours in which to make it. Accept me and what is happening to me, know me as I was before Cymbalta, and know that I would be that person again, or we would end the marriage and would go our separate ways. He chose the 1st. It is so hard and I wish there were words to help, but I can only offer my support from the heart. As far as your doctor, I don't know what to say. I was very fortunate, again, with my psychiatrist. She understood and believed what I was telling her about the withdrawal, even though I was the 1st she'd seen, and worked with me through this. Is it possible for you to see another doctor?
Be well,
Kesta
Posted by Triece on September 15, 2006, at 18:04:30
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal - Willieg, posted by kparis on August 4, 2006, at 16:53:17
This is only my 3rd day off the Cymbalta. How long was it before the nightmares and dizziness, and those awful sweats that is sooo embarrassing.
I havn't told my Dr. that Ive stopped cause i just think he'll me something else and I refuse to take anything else he gives me. I need a second oppinion.Also, Im so glad you are on here all of you. THANKS!
Triece
Posted by sickashell on September 29, 2006, at 21:13:52
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal - Willieg, posted by Triece on September 15, 2006, at 18:04:30
Unfortunately, there is no good news as to the time it takes for the withdrawal symptoms to diminish. For me, it has now been a year, with the last 15 wks. being absolutely the worst. I have read thousands of reports from those tortured by this horrible drug and some are saying that they are still having problems after a year-and-a-half. Worse, lots of people, including me, are seeing a worstening of symptoms as time goes on. Do not think there is something unusual about your circumstance -- many have been there before and curse the day they heard of this rat poison. I have even read reports of people having terrible problems for months-and-months after taking only a single pill, just once.
Posted by sickashell on October 1, 2006, at 20:37:47
In reply to Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Regina on March 3, 2005, at 16:37:18
kparis,
I noticed that you first mentioned discontinuation of cymbalta in late May. That would make it some four months now. Can you give a status report? Specifically, is there hope?
Posted by sickashell on October 1, 2006, at 20:54:02
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal: mssg. to kparis, posted by sickashell on October 1, 2006, at 20:37:47
kparis,
I too have gone into remission pertaining cymbalta. I thought I was finally free after a long, long time of suffering, but all the terrible effects came back with a vengance. What is it about this rotten drug? Does it have several lives that lie dormant waiting for the appropriate time to move in for the kill? After reading thousands of posts by others victimized by this drug I found one from a guy who reported having a bad LSD trip that later revisited him without warning -- only he said the cymbalta experience was much worse. Good luck.
Posted by Gog on October 2, 2006, at 21:51:11
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal: Beware, it Has More Lives, posted by sickashell on October 1, 2006, at 20:54:02
The withdrawal effects do take time to get through. I started weaning off in May, went off completely in June and it took a good two months before I finally started feeling like myself again. I have not heard of the effects of the drug resurfacing up to a year later, but the SSRI's and other meds like cymbalta seem to have different effects in everyone.
My anxiety levels did go up once going off the drug, but I am managing that with Klonopin (which I was on before going off Cymbalta). There is hope, it just takes time. I know it sucks while you are going through it, but you will get past it.
Hope this helps. Hang in there.
Posted by kparis on October 3, 2006, at 10:39:58
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal: mssg. to kparis, posted by sickashell on October 1, 2006, at 20:37:47
Hi,
There is hope! I feel pretty darn good. I'm feeling in control again. I have even lost 13 of the 53 pounds I put on. My anxiety levels are down, I'm sleeping better, I'm actually feeling somewhat happy. Hang in there! This "evil" drug, as I call it, will leave you. Everytime I see a tv commercial for this drug it makes me heartsick that so many others will experience what all of us have.
Best,
Kesta
Posted by gapsgal on October 8, 2006, at 15:30:03
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal: mssg. to kparis, posted by kparis on October 3, 2006, at 10:39:58
>
Kesta how long did it take? I am on day 5 and already been to the er and still so sick.Hi,
> There is hope! I feel pretty darn good. I'm feeling in control again. I have even lost 13 of the 53 pounds I put on. My anxiety levels are down, I'm sleeping better, I'm actually feeling somewhat happy. Hang in there! This "evil" drug, as I call it, will leave you. Everytime I see a tv commercial for this drug it makes me heartsick that so many others will experience what all of us have.
> Best,
> Kesta
Posted by gapsgal on October 8, 2006, at 15:33:06
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal: mssg. to kparis, posted by kparis on October 3, 2006, at 10:39:58
My god what can we do about this horror...and the doctors who turn their heads...i have to go back tommorrow and i see only two choices for me...either go back on the Cymbalta or something that works in the same way...i cannot function with my career, kids and graduate school too.
Posted by SLS on October 8, 2006, at 16:13:39
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal: mssg. to kparis, posted by gapsgal on October 8, 2006, at 15:33:06
> My god what can we do about this horror...and the doctors who turn their heads...i have to go back tommorrow and i see only two choices for me...either go back on the Cymbalta or something that works in the same way...i cannot function with my career, kids and graduate school too.
Have you tried taking very small amounts several times a day? Try taking only the amount that will last 6-8 hours before needing to take another small dose. Sort of like taking an aspirin whenever a headache returns. If you wait until the symptoms reappear, you end up tapering at exactly the rate the body is re-regulating intself. The key is to actually wait for symptoms to reappear. But don't allow yourself to suffer. Take your next dose as soon as you recognize the reappearance of symptoms. Stay flexible.
- Scott
Posted by gapsgal on October 8, 2006, at 21:10:32
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal: mssg. to kparis » gapsgal, posted by SLS on October 8, 2006, at 16:13:39
Scott,I made it to 10 mgs and then i ran out of cymbalta. Then the last doctor i went to decided that now was the best time to stop all together...and so I have no more and I am miserable. I go back tommorrow and i am not sure what she can do short of putting me back on it or something like it.
> > My god what can we do about this horror...and the doctors who turn their heads...i have to go back tommorrow and i see only two choices for me...either go back on the Cymbalta or something that works in the same way...i cannot function with my career, kids and graduate school too.
>
> Have you tried taking very small amounts several times a day? Try taking only the amount that will last 6-8 hours before needing to take another small dose. Sort of like taking an aspirin whenever a headache returns. If you wait until the symptoms reappear, you end up tapering at exactly the rate the body is re-regulating intself. The key is to actually wait for symptoms to reappear. But don't allow yourself to suffer. Take your next dose as soon as you recognize the reappearance of symptoms. Stay flexible.
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by SLS on October 9, 2006, at 7:07:50
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal: mssg. to kparis, posted by gapsgal on October 8, 2006, at 21:10:32
Hi.
> I made it to 10 mgs and then i ran out of cymbalta. Then the last doctor i went to decided that now was the best time to stop all together...and so I have no more and I am miserable. I go back tommorrow and i am not sure what she can do short of putting me back on it or something like it.
I really don't know what I would do if I were in you position. Real helpful, aren't I?
I would either:
1. Try using Benadryl (diphenhydramine). It will help reduce withdrawal symptoms, but some people find it too sedating.
2. Try taking Prozac 10mg. You could get a supply of 5 pills. You could take one 10mg pill, skip 3-7 days and take a second one if needed. If it were me, I would actually wait for the symptoms to return before taking a second pill. I really don't know if you would need a third pill. The half-life of Prozac (and its metabolites) is over a week, so skipping that many days is not unheard of. I don't think you will need to start off with a 20mg dose.
The half-life of Cymbalta is very short and makes it difficult to work with for a taper. I think my flexible-dosing strategy would work, but it would involve dividing the 20mg capsules into 1.25mg amounts or thereabouts. Alternatively, you could dump the contents of a capsule into a small glass of juice and stir it thoroughly before drinking portions of it.
- Scott
Posted by sickashell on October 11, 2006, at 22:44:47
In reply to Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Regina on March 3, 2005, at 16:37:18
To all readers,
You may want to visit http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/mb/focussober
In my opinion, it is easier to use, has a much broader readership, and has more information from those who have been made sick from cymbalta.
Posted by ssripeersupport on December 29, 2006, at 20:31:06
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal » Angela11, posted by Dr. Vijoy on September 21, 2005, at 21:40:46
If you are indeed an MD, and by any chance in San Francisco, California, I need someone to help the members in the antidepressant withdrawal syndrome peer support group that I am running. My e-mail is ssripeersupport@comcast.net. Thanks.
Posted by Sleepymomma on January 2, 2007, at 16:39:31
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Dr. Vijoy on October 26, 2005, at 22:33:39
I have been off of Cymbalta for almost a week now, and though I feel better than I did the first two days, I still feel like crap; dizziness, nausea, headaches, backpain, EXTREME fatigue, mood swings, etc. My doctor had me taper down from 60 mg to 30 mg and then she wanted me to take the 30 every other day. But after a few days of ups and downs, I couldn't take it anymore and went cold turkey. I've read most of the postings on this thread, and can totally relate, I was just wondering how long I can expect to feel this way. I'm a stay-at-home with two small children, and while my husband was off over the holidays, he's going to be heading out of town in a couple of days, and in my current state I can't take care of my kids by myself. I would also appreciate any other suggestions to alleviate the symptoms; Clariton, Benadryl, and Dramamine all make me super drowsy, and feeling tired enough as it is.
Posted by Howsjen on January 7, 2007, at 11:49:41
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal: Beware, it Has More Lives, posted by sickashell on October 1, 2006, at 20:54:02
Posted by Ellen04 on February 3, 2007, at 21:14:24
In reply to Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Regina on March 3, 2005, at 16:37:18
Just wanted to share my experience going off cymbalta. I took it for about 6 mos. for fibromyalgia, had been consistently on some anti-depressant for about 10 yrs., orginally started for depression pre-fibro.
I went off the cymbalta sort of by accident. I had a bad case of flu and couldn't keep anything down for a several days, so I didn't take the cymbalta. As I started recovering from the flu, I realized I didn't feel any worse for not taking the cymbalta and in some ways better, so I thought I'd stay off it for a while more and see what happened.
Discontinuation symptoms happened, that's for sure. I felt the buzzy, electic shock feeling in my head for a week or so and a generally crappy feeling that went with it. There were about 2 days when I nearly took some more to stop the symptoms, but I went to sleep instead and felt better when I woke up. I wasn't working at the time, but if I had been, I'd certainly have had to call in sick. It wasn't pleasant, but I've certainly felt worse for longer with a bad flu. It took about a month for my digestive system to get back to normal.
But those symptoms all stopped. I feel no worse than I did on it, and it's nice not to have the side effect of sweating a lot. And about 6 weeks in, the depression hasn't returned either.
I don't for a minute doubt that some people have a harder time coming off it, just like some people have few or no problems, so I wanted to post as another example of how mileage will vary! I have an "advantage" in that fibromylagia has trained me to cope with feeling like crap without getting too upset about it, so I just rode it out like it was the flu.
Posted by The Engineer on February 19, 2007, at 17:36:03
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Ellen04 on February 3, 2007, at 21:14:24
Hi all,
I'm in day four of Cymbalta cold turkey. Boy am I glad I found this thread !! Now I know what I'm going through is normal:"Electric shock" effect in brain, on eye and head movement (lessening today).
Chronically fatigued - and I suffer from Chronic fatigue Syndrome so that's saying something.
A bad "thumping" headache.
Neck ache.
Legs feel like they are "aching in the bones".
Hands and feet tingly and itchy.
So far I'm sleeping well, apart from quite vivid and at times psychedelic dreams...I was supposed to be working at home today, but I doubt if I managed three hours. I'm supposed to be working at the office tomorrow - I think not.... Don't think I'd be safe to drive just the four miles.
Back-ground:
I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 1999, after six months off work. Since then I have managed to keep in employment but with about 25% absence (yes, I DO have a VERY good employer!!)
After undergoing a redundancy assessment process about 12 months ago, made redundant and sucessfully appealed under UK Disability Discrimination legislation, the stress did me in and I was off again for nearly six months.
I have just completed a three-month gradual return to full time work.After much research on the subject I have decided to go "full detox" to beat my CFS. I started by ditching the Cymbalta. I had been on varying levels of Fluoxetine since 1999, my doctor (unfortunately) switched me to Cymbalta about 12 months ago. I was not happy with that, but it's the UK National Health Service trying to save money....
So I was on one 60 mg Cymbalta tablet daily, I quit last Friday. Stopped dead and now living the consequences. What you have all said encourages me that I should be able to stick with the withdrawal symptoms and beat this nasty toxic chemical which has no place inside a person's metabolism. I've decided that - for me - no drugs to be taken any more unless in emergency, and that involves pain killers.
Still, grand words for someone only four days in ?? Let's see how it goes. But I am one determined guy, determined to get as much chemical cr*p out of my body as possible and beat CFS. I'll keep you posted .......
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