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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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 .......
Posted by Howsjen on February 19, 2007, at 18:30:29
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by The Engineer on February 19, 2007, at 17:36:03
DAY ELEVEN cold turkey.
I FINALLY SEE THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL!!!!
It was ALL worth it, every twitch, every brain zap, every hellish moment..IT'S ALMOST OVER.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE sign this petition. I have posted this on forums, websites, myspace..I've emailed this... I can't say thank you ENOUGH to DJKlee for helping to start this. Now that I am getting strong, I will help her finish this.
KEEP PUSHING THIS PETITION!!!! Tell everyone you know about it! Raise awareness!
Just do NOT give in. I pushed and I pushed and I pushed and it's almost over. That was harder than ANYthing depression could have ever thrown at me. We can beat this..WE CAN.
SIGN NOW
http://www.petitiononline.com/CYM2006/petition.html
This petition was started on another Cymbalta withdrawl site. Please go to the site listed above and sign.
Jen
Posted by tristano on February 19, 2007, at 20:15:47
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Howsjen on February 19, 2007, at 18:30:29
I am in week 4 of weaning off of cymbalta... was down to my home made 10 capsules, not zero... nightmares, anxiety, brain zaps, desperation.... it's horrible... also developed a terrible cold sore, first time since I was a child, while weaning off... has this happened to anyone else?
Tristan
Posted by Healthy in GA now on March 1, 2007, at 20:03:36
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by tristano on February 19, 2007, at 20:15:47
I'm a week off Cymbalta with Lexaro gradually added back, now 20 mgs. Tremors were the scariest part, especially since my psych. thought that Lexapro would take care of withdrawal (90, 60, 30, in 3 weeks with 10, then 20 mg Lexapro added back at 30). MUST work with a good, listening psych. to do this! We added 1 mg of Klonopin at night for about 5 nights to help with tremors, sleeping. MISERABLE drug to leave; do so with care and medical attention!
Posted by mizloopy on March 1, 2007, at 21:56:15
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Healthy in GA now on March 1, 2007, at 20:03:36
i attempting my 2nd withdrawal from our dear friend cymbalta. i once was without cymbalta for 5 miserable weeks and then went back on. 6 months ago i tried to go from 30mg to 20mg that lasted less than a horrible week. last week i started on liquid prozac in 10mgs (it tastes so gross, but it is way easier to adjust the dosage of prozac with a liquid), so i i have been on prozac for 6 days and today i started to lower the cymbalta to 20mg from 30. i'm supposed to do this for 2 weeks and then cut down again on cymbalta and cut out the prozac, wish me luck.......i really want to get off cymbalta. though it has helped with my depression, but it has hindered my bi-polar illness causing me to cycle from manic to depressed, and i can't stand the hot flashes, sweating and loss of sex drive, i have been on cymbalta since for almost 2 and half years
Posted by Basel on April 2, 2007, at 16:45:10
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Howsjen on February 19, 2007, at 18:30:29
Yikes!
I just started Cymbalta at 30 mgs 2 weeks ago and am now up to 60 mgs. I thought I would try it b/c of the pain relief (I have deg. arthritis) and depression help. I'm dizzy and can't sleep at night now but am exhausted during the day.
I still have my wonderful Zoloft and am tempted to drop to 30 mgs of Cymbalta and 50 mgs (half my regular dosage) of Zoloft to ween myself OFF of Cymbalta and back on to Zoloft over the next week.
Any thoughts?
Will this kill me? Can you have too much SSRI in your system? Have I not been on it long enough to really have a problem?
Posted by Lexxor on April 2, 2007, at 22:56:16
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Basel on April 2, 2007, at 16:45:10
> Yikes!
>
> I just started Cymbalta at 30 mgs 2 weeks ago and am now up to 60 mgs. I thought I would try it b/c of the pain relief (I have deg. arthritis) and depression help. I'm dizzy and can't sleep at night now but am exhausted during the day.
>
> I still have my wonderful Zoloft and am tempted to drop to 30 mgs of Cymbalta and 50 mgs (half my regular dosage) of Zoloft to ween myself OFF of Cymbalta and back on to Zoloft over the next week.
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> Will this kill me? Can you have too much SSRI in your system? Have I not been on it long enough to really have a problem?Honestly Basel, you should talk to your doc before you go adding and subtracting SSRI's. You could get Seratonin syndrome. Typically when you start an SNRI like cymbalta or effexor xr, you have side effects. A lot of these side effects ar e transient meaning they will pass. If you still experience problems after being on 60mgs for 2weeks, talk to your doc. Though these drugs are relatively safe, I would not advise you to practive your own pharmacology experiments. Good luck.
Posted by wannabewell on April 4, 2007, at 17:31:22
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Basel on April 2, 2007, at 16:45:10
I agree that it is always a good idea to run med changes by your doctor, but I would get off the cymbalta now!
When I started taking it about 2 years ago, it worked really well, treating my depression. But after about a year I started experiencing exhaustion, weight gain, and light headedness. These symptoms increased and the depression came back. I read over and over that cymbalta works for a short time only. The real bummer, is getting off! It is a total nightmare. I have been weening off to half of the lowest dose after trying to get off the lowest dose. It was intollerable for me. I am again trying to go off completely from the half of the lowest dose, 10mgs, and it's pretty bad. i feel sick and depressed.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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