Posted by JoJo55 on July 17, 2006, at 0:08:39
In reply to Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Regina on March 3, 2005, at 16:37:18
Hi all,
Have been reading posts for while now and am relieved to confirm that what I am going through is indeed a result of cymbalta withdrawal.
I have suffered from fibromyalgia for 4+ years now. Am always searching the internet for new aids to the pain, fatigue, etc of my ailment. I read that cymbalta has been found helpful in reducing pain in women with fibro, and I asked my pain specialist if we could try it (no one to blame but myself!)
Went on cymbalta in Nov 05, and noticed reduced pain. After first of year, I started reducing the dosage (on my own) of the morphine I take for pain. Was pleased that I was able to reduce my dosage by 25%. My pain specialist's assistant was amazed- he said it was unheard of for patients to reduce morphine, only increase it (As had been my case for the last 4 years) I was very pleased and excited until my endocrinologist did some regular lab work and found my liver enzymes elevated! Read that Lilly has really done some "back pedalling" in notifying public of the dangers to the liver. Went from "don't use in cases of liver disease" to "can elevate liver enzymes" Knew I had to stop the cymbalta, so my pain specialist wrote Rx for 30 mg caps (I had been on 60 mgs daily) She said to take 3-4 weeks to withdraw- several weeks on 30 mg, the go to 30 every other day.
The problems started when I skipped my first dose (actually accidentally) after only 2 weeks. First came the headache, then nausea and a strange sensation in my chest. Felt like I used to when I had a shot of Nyquil. After taking the missed dose, the symptoms soon went away.
Confirmed with my pharmacist the it was OK to open capsules, and cut down to 15 mg /day. My husband's idea of sprinkling on a little peanut butter on a spoon worked great.
Was symptom free on 15 mg, but as soon as I tried to skip a day, withdrawal symptoms returned, none as great as some of you guys have experienced, but when combined with the pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, made for rough days.
Have not taken cymbalta in over 3 days now.
Want to know if any of you experience symptoms coming and going? Will feel pretty good, then all of a sudden symptoms my hit for 3-6 hours, then will feel better. Next day it starts again.I have also noted as in another post, that when I feel nausea, eating really helps. (the last thing you would expect to do when sick at your stomach!
Sorry, didn't mean for this to become a novel. Just so excited and greatful for this site. It really gives some peace of mind!
poster:JoJo55
thread:466069
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20060627/msgs/667658.html