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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Avalon on June 11, 2006, at 15:13:31
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal » Avalon, posted by SLS on June 11, 2006, at 13:33:14
My doctor does not believe that going from 60 mg to 30 to zero would cause withdrawal. He acknowledges that an abrupt discontinuance from say, 120 to nothing, would cause withdrawal, but feels the dose I was on was "nothing" and that I must've had the stomach flu. No, he said he's had no other patients go through this. I am hyper-sensitive to side effects so I'm not surprised I am experiencing this -- but I AM surprised he hasn't had ONE other patient who's had any problem going off it?
On your question about what side effects I had while I was on Cymbalta: I was only on it a few weeks and I did not have nausea while on it, but I did have dry mouth and burning/sore tongue that was making me miserable, so I decided to go off it. Little did I know what I was in for!
Posted by bethford on June 12, 2006, at 7:40:05
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on June 11, 2006, at 13:28:50
> The Klonopin helps with the nausea and the general all over aching.
>
>
Greetings Kesta,I was just looking through here for info about my own Cymbalta withdrawals and saw that you're taking Klonopin. Just wondering if you're aware that Klonopin is HIGHLY addictive. You may already know this, but wanted to pass the word along just in case you haven't.
And to all of you I'd like to say thanks--reading these threads have been very very helpful.
Posted by kparis on June 12, 2006, at 10:59:29
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal » kparis, posted by bethford on June 12, 2006, at 7:40:05
> > The Klonopin helps with the nausea and the general all over aching.
> >
> >
> Greetings Kesta,
>
> I was just looking through here for info about my own Cymbalta withdrawals and saw that you're taking Klonopin. Just wondering if you're aware that Klonopin is HIGHLY addictive. You may already know this, but wanted to pass the word along just in case you haven't.
>
> And to all of you I'd like to say thanks--reading these threads have been very very helpful.
Absolutely. I've used it in conjunction with the Cymbalta for my panic attacks. I completely stopped the K 8 weeks before the Cymbalta. Not a problem. I now take it for the stomach upset, etc. Thanks for your warning...it's appreciated. I take such a small dose (1/8 to 1/4 mg every other day or so) that I have no fear about getting off of it again. Also, my gastro doc suggested I take it when my stomach is bothering me from IBS...it helps with that too, but I won't use it for that because of the addictive qualities.
Kesta
Posted by kparis on June 13, 2006, at 5:52:40
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on June 12, 2006, at 10:59:29
Hi,
This is for everyone. I've been off of Cymbalta 3 weeks tomorrow. I still feel horrible! I have to sleep sitting up because when I start to go to sleep I wake up because I can't breath. It goes on all night even if I'm sitting up (it just happens less often) and when I get up in the morning I feel as if I've been runing in a marathon and my chest aches, it is hard to breath, my limbs feel almost numb, I'm tired, and it feels like the beginning of a really bad panic attack in that I feel as if I'm going to have a heart attack. Everything checked out (heart, kidneys, liver, etc.) so I don't know what my deal is. HELP! Anyone else experience this and if so, for how long.
Thank you, everyone!
Kesta P
Posted by kparis on June 13, 2006, at 5:57:06
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on June 13, 2006, at 5:52:40
Me again...I guess I'm wondering if I'll ever feel normal again. Sometimes I would like to just stop as I am having such a hard time going on. I've never experienced severe depression before, and I don't know if this is it, but will the Cymbalta do this to one when one is withdrawing?
Thanks again,
Kesta
Posted by Avalon on June 13, 2006, at 11:44:21
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on June 13, 2006, at 5:57:06
Kesta, I feel the same. Very despondent. I keep telling myself it's the withdrawal and it WILL get better. Let's continue to support each other through this.
I am now going into week #2 off C-word. As I anticipated, my PM absolutely does not attribute my nausea/dizziness to withdrawal and thought I had an inner ear infection. When my ears checked out OK, he had no further explanation. We decided I would also discontinue the Kadian I had started last week in case that is contributing (though I took it 2 days with no problem). He gave me scrips for anti-nausea and anti-dizziness meds, which have helped but left me feeling like a limp dishrag. I slept last night for 12 hours.
Hang in!
Posted by kparis on June 13, 2006, at 16:34:10
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Avalon on June 13, 2006, at 11:44:21
> Kesta, I feel the same. Very despondent. I keep telling myself it's the withdrawal and it WILL get better. Let's continue to support each other through this.
>
> I am now going into week #2 off C-word. As I anticipated, my PM absolutely does not attribute my nausea/dizziness to withdrawal and thought I had an inner ear infection. When my ears checked out OK, he had no further explanation. We decided I would also discontinue the Kadian I had started last week in case that is contributing (though I took it 2 days with no problem). He gave me scrips for anti-nausea and anti-dizziness meds, which have helped but left me feeling like a limp dishrag. I slept last night for 12 hours.
>
> Hang in!Thank you for your support, it truly means so much to me to know that someone understands and cares. My biggest issue has been not being able to breath when I try to sleep. Because of the weight gain my sleep apnea has risen its ugly head again. I'm off to the sleep clinic in a few weeks to get fitted for the CPAP machine. Oh well. I'm off to FL next week to help a long-time friend move down there and I am nervous about being away from home. I'll make the best of it...and then when I get back my daughter is getting married (her previous husband died of an oxcycodone (sp?) overdose 2 years ago in my house) and hopefully she will be happy this time.
Life is a trip.
I hope you feel better. Yes! We will keep in touch and support each other. Thank you.
Kesta
Posted by kparis on June 15, 2006, at 5:38:34
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on June 13, 2006, at 16:34:10
Hey Avalon,
Just wondering how you're doing. I keep thinking about doctors and their way of making one feel like one does not know their own body. Thank goodness not all are like that. Guess I've been lucky. Have you thought about seeing a different doctor?
Take care and please let me know how you're doing.
BTW...I've been off 3 weeks and 1 day now and counting!
Kesta
Posted by Avalon on June 15, 2006, at 10:40:11
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on June 15, 2006, at 5:38:34
Hey Kesta, thanks for thinking of me. Today is 10 days for me. I still felt tired and a bit dizzy yesterday. Today I feel almost back to normal, but a few dizzy spells here and there. I don't want to take the vertigo med because it makes me tired.
This doctor has filled out my disability forms so I need his support for my continued leave of absence; hence, I don't particularly want to change doctors. I just don't want meds forced on me when I KNOW how sensitive I am to almost everything. I WILL try them -- I just need to take time, not introduce too many at once, let one get out of my system before trying the next one.
How are you doing, any better?
Posted by kparis on June 17, 2006, at 8:35:12
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Avalon on June 15, 2006, at 10:40:11
Hi Avalon,
Glad you're feeling better. I have ups and downs. Yesterday was pretty good but then I saw a painted turtle get killed trying to cross the road and I got really bitchy! It seems like the uselessness of some people's actions really irk me...more that usual right about now. Oh well, if that is the worst thing that is happening right now I guess I'm doing great!
Take care and keep me posted!
Kesta
Posted by Avalon on June 17, 2006, at 10:56:40
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on June 17, 2006, at 8:35:12
Believe it or not, I am STILL having dizzy spells. It is soooo annoying. I am splitting the anti-vertigo pills in half so I don't get so tired, but I still need them. Then the dizziness gives me little waves of nausea. This is day 12, and I was down to probably 5 mg every other day. Yet my doctor says it's not the Cymbalta. I'm not taking anything else -- except the stuff to counter-act the dizziness and nausea!!! I heard a guy in the pharmacy yesterday getting a scrip filled for Cymbalta -- I felt like saying, "DON'T DO IT!!!!"
I wanted to know how Jaspar is doing, we haven't heard from you lately. Are you still having the dizzy spells? PLEASE tell me no. This is ridiculous!!! I'm starting to wonder if they EVER go away....?
Doctor also prescribed Ultram for pain -- anyone have any experience with this? At this point, I'm afraid to try anything!
Posted by SLS on June 17, 2006, at 12:42:12
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Avalon on June 17, 2006, at 10:56:40
> Believe it or not, I am STILL having dizzy spells. It is soooo annoying. I am splitting the anti-vertigo pills in half so I don't get so tired, but I still need them. Then the dizziness gives me little waves of nausea. This is day 12, and I was down to probably 5 mg every other day. Yet my doctor says it's not the Cymbalta. I'm not taking anything else -- except the stuff to counter-act the dizziness and nausea!!! I heard a guy in the pharmacy yesterday getting a scrip filled for Cymbalta -- I felt like saying, "DON'T DO IT!!!!"
>
> I wanted to know how Jaspar is doing, we haven't heard from you lately. Are you still having the dizzy spells? PLEASE tell me no. This is ridiculous!!! I'm starting to wonder if they EVER go away....?
>
> Doctor also prescribed Ultram for pain -- anyone have any experience with this? At this point, I'm afraid to try anything!
I have no personal experience with Ultram. It is considered to be a mild opioid, and probably makes a better first choice than something like oxycontin. The thing is, it also acts like a SRI of sorts. If you decide to take it, I would be very interested to know if it helps with withdrawal symptoms.
- Scott
Posted by Avalon on June 18, 2006, at 1:01:23
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by SLS on June 17, 2006, at 12:42:12
Scott, I need a lesson here: What's an opioid v. a narcotic? I understand Ultram is non-narcotic, but I thought opioids were narcotics...? Also, what is an SRI? I am already taking Percocet (is that an SRI?) and it doesn't help much with the withdrawal symptoms. Thanks for your help.
Posted by SLS on June 18, 2006, at 8:35:31
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Avalon on June 18, 2006, at 1:01:23
> Scott, I need a lesson here: What's an opioid v. a narcotic? I understand Ultram is non-narcotic, but I thought opioids were narcotics...? Also, what is an SRI? I am already taking Percocet (is that an SRI?) and it doesn't help much with the withdrawal symptoms. Thanks for your help.
Hi Avalon.
I have to plead ignorance on this one. The term "narcotic" seems to have various definitions, including those that are dictated by drug enforcement agencies.
From Dictionary.com:"An addictive drug, such as opium, that reduces pain, alters mood and behavior, and usually induces sleep or stupor. Natural and synthetic narcotics are used in medicine to control pain."
"A drug derived from opium or opium like compounds, with potent analgesic effects associated with significant alteration of mood and behavior, and with the potential for dependence and tolerance following repeated administration."
Doctors don't like to use the word "narcotic" because it has become a pejorative in many contexts. They prefer to distinguish them by their chemical class or target receptor - opioids.
SRI = serotonin reuptake inhibitor
SSRI = selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
SNRI = serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
Drugs like Effexor and Cymbalta are both potent serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRI), but they are not selective. They also inhibit the reuptake of norepephrine. Thus, they have been given the acronym SNRI.
Ultram (tramadol) is chemically related to Effexor, and possesses some SRI properties. I don't know how they compare with respect to relative potency. Ultram is considered to be an opioid because it acts to stimulate opioid receptors in the brain. Perhaps the reason why it is not considered to be a narcotic is because it is not derived from opium. Because Ultram is a SRI, I would be interested to know whether or not it can help with withdrawal symptoms.
Percocet is a drug preparation that combines oxycodone with acetaminophen (Tylenol). Oxycodone is a more potent opioid than Ultram, but does not possess any SRI properties. I wouldn't expect it to ease withdrawal symptoms.
Are you supposed to switch drugs or are you to add the Ultram to the Percocet?
I don't blame you for wanting to avoid drugs altogether. I feel the same way.
Did your pain lessen while you were on Cymbalta?
- Scott
Posted by kparis on June 18, 2006, at 9:52:29
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal » Avalon, posted by SLS on June 18, 2006, at 8:35:31
My neck and shoulder pain lessened while I was on Cymbalta. However, I've gone another, more natural route to ease the pain.
I'm going on 4 weeks cold turkey...what a horrible ride it's been. But I can see the end in sight.
Kesta
Posted by SLS on June 18, 2006, at 10:14:20
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on June 18, 2006, at 9:52:29
> My neck and shoulder pain lessened while I was on Cymbalta. However, I've gone another, more natural route to ease the pain.
If you don't mind my asking, what are you doing to reduce the pain?
> I'm going on 4 weeks cold turkey...what a horrible ride it's been.
I can imagine. I've been there. I've had an easier time discontinuing drugs like Effexor and Cymbalta since I began to use a taper system.
> But I can see the end in sight.
That's good news. It is hard to believe that withdrawal symptoms can persist for so long, yet some people experience no withdrawal effects at all. We are all so different.
Good luck with your pain control regime.
- Scott
Posted by kparis on June 18, 2006, at 13:14:45
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal » kparis, posted by SLS on June 18, 2006, at 10:14:20
I've been seeing a pain management doctor (for 4 years) who uses some sort of electrical pulse (using a needle inserted into the spinal column) to deaden the nerve ends in my neck. It lasts for several years. His name is Dr. Evan Musman. Perhaps you could go to his web-site as I know that I'm not getting this quite right.
I also stretch the muscles and breath into the muscle pain. I use a "healing" tape while going to sleep, Ibuprofen, and that's about it. I have degenerative disc disease in my neck and this helps tremendously.
I'm feeling tons better...now to get this weight off of my mid-section!! That seems to be quite difficult, although I have gotten 3 inches off of my waist since going off of the Cymbalta...1 inch per week, now that's not too bad!
Be well,
Kesta
Posted by Raisin on June 19, 2006, at 0:24:03
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by mizloopy on May 12, 2006, at 1:18:34
I am so glad I found this site. I have the most intense itching on my scalp and upper body. Now I am concerned about tapering off this med. Regarding the nausea, did it start before or during withdrawl? Thanks!
Posted by Avalon on June 19, 2006, at 0:28:10
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal-itching, posted by Raisin on June 19, 2006, at 0:24:03
Hi Raisin, welcome. I did not have nausea while on Cymbalta, though I hear that can be a side effect. Mine started 3 days after I went off it. I am on day 12 of my withdrawal, and I am no longer nauseous but still having dizzy spells, which of course sometimes result in a bit of nausea.
Posted by kparis on June 27, 2006, at 13:36:21
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal-itching, posted by Avalon on June 19, 2006, at 0:28:10
Hi All,
It will be 5 weeks tomorrow. I still feel antsy, but I am starting to sleep better.
But, the bad thing is the weight gain. I just got back from the doctor's office and I finally let him weigh me. I have put on 53 pounds in 17 months of being on Cymbalta. I cannot believe it. I have only gone up one size, but all of the weight has settled mostly in my abdomen region. I am sick about it and can't stop crying. Has anyone else experienced this and if so, what have you been able to do about it? I've been married only 18 months and you can imagine my embarassment! Please, if you have any suggestions, help me out. I've never had a weight problem of this magnitude!
Thank you.
Kesta
Posted by Avalon on June 27, 2006, at 21:54:58
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal-itching, posted by kparis on June 27, 2006, at 13:36:21
Hi Kesta -- I wasn't on the Cymbalta long enough to experience weight gain. On these and other threads, I have seen complaints of weight gain with amitryptiline and similar drugs. Since my doctor wants me to try Pamelor (nortryptiline) next, I am really NOT looking forward to putting on the lbs.
I'm glad you are somewhat better. I am still experiencing dizzy spells and nausea occasionally. It seems to be alleviated with the Ultram, as Scott had indicated it might in a previous message. But I don't think the Ultram is very effective for the pain so I'll probably stop that soon....and I bet the withdrawal symptoms start up again!
Now that you are off Cymbalta, will it be easier to lose the weight? Does the drug itself cause weight gain, or is it because the drug makes you hungry and you gain weight from all the eating to satisfy the hunger?
Posted by kparis on June 28, 2006, at 5:43:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Avalon on June 27, 2006, at 21:54:58
Hi Avalon,
It's good to hear that you are still hanging in there!
My weight gain is typical. My psychiatrist told me that I was lucky I didn't gain 50 pounds on this drug like so many others do. Wait until I see her tomorrow and tell her that I did just that! It is not from over eating. I'm not a large eater...my husband will attest to that. I don't know. All I know is being newly married and having a rather nice shape to this is not great for my self-esteem as far as my husband is concerned! He's wonderful, though. Still....
The dizziness for me stopped about 2 weeks of being off of the drug. Now I'm experiencing severe edema...hence a big part of the weight gain. I'm going to check out another doctor as I feel that my primary has no clue about what is going on. I think my lymph system is messed up due to lyposuction I had done on my "baby belly" the same month I started the Cymbalta. At least that is what a board member at work told me and she works at the local hospital as a lymphatic drainage practioner. It's all too complicated!!
Take care and please keep me posted.
Kesta
Posted by Dr. Bob on July 3, 2006, at 7:00:56
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal - Publicity » SLS, posted by secretme on May 27, 2006, at 16:06:41
> If you had any idea of what the pharmaceutical lobby in this country does ... you would not agree that all these formulations are necessary.
> If you haven't gleaned from all the postings that Cymbalta is a dangerous drug ... then you are not reading what people have to say.
>
> Do we need as many SSRIs "as it takes" to be well? Sounds like Eli Lilly talking.> I haven't left yet; wouldn't want to disappoint you.
>
> Please review some of the other threads posted in the past few days and respond to these people as well. You should be an equal opportunity responderPlease don't jump to conclusions about others, post anything that could lead them to feel accused, or pressure them. Different points of view are fine, and in fact encouraged.
But please don't take this personally, either, this doesn't mean I don't like you or think you're a bad person.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please first see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#enforceFollow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above posts, should of course themselves be civil.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Gog on July 13, 2006, at 4:12:40
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on June 28, 2006, at 5:43:53
Thanks for all of your postings...I just spent the last couple of hours reading through them. I have been off Cymbalta for about 5 weeks now and am starting to wonder if the stuff I feel day to day will go away.
I had many of the same withdrawal effects that many of you did...and with time they subsided. But they completely sucked (as you all know). I have also had weight gain, mainly in my midsection too, which has never been an issue for me. Probably about 15 pounds.
Today felt like a withdrawal day, you know the ones that come after a day of feeling somewhat normal? I haven't felt good waking up in the morning since I went off of them. It feels like it takes me a few hours to get "warmed up". It is not nearly as difficult getting up in the morning as it was when I was on the cymbalta. But I actually feel a bit wired when I wake up. Not like I just had a good rest. I have pressure around my eyes a lot and have felt more physical aches and pains than normal. I have so many questions too...could the aches and pains be a sort of rebound pain from coming off the cymbalta? I took it for depression...but if it is used for muscle pain then could it have had a negative effect on me?
I did have edema too about a week ago, which freaked me out but seems to have subsided.
Has anyone used 5-HTP and St. Johns Wort together? Has it worked? I have purchased both but was too scared to take them.
The hardest part(and this may be why some people want to take it off the market)is that the withdrawal symptoms scared me so much that I am nervous about taking anything at all. I'm still on Klonopin 1/2 mg at night, but mostly that is because I'm not prepared to go through withdrawal on a second medication.
I'm irritable but can't seem to express to anyone what this is like because it is so hard to explain. Reading this forum has been like walking into a support group.
I have known this stuff inside and out for years (not the naturopathic stuff). I have a degree in biology, I teach health, I read like crazy (and proably a bit obsessively), but now I can't seem to figure out where to turn to. I know the pharmaceutical companies are making billions and lots of people hate them. I know that the medications I took (cymbalta was my fourth) may well have saved my life (along with psychotherapy). I know some people can heal themselves without meds. I know some people need the medication. I just don't know what is best for me right now. I don't know what is "normal" to be feeling. The headaches, neck pain, jazzed up feeling, anxiety are not severe, but I know that I do not feel normal right now. How did any of you feel at 1 month, 2 months or beyond?
Posted by Avalon on July 13, 2006, at 9:53:02
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Gog on July 13, 2006, at 4:12:40
Hi Gog and welcome. I still am not back to normal. I've been off Cymbalta for awhile, but was on Ultram for about 3 weeks, which another poster thought would alleviate some of the withdrawal symptoms. So now I'm off the Ultram as well, for about a week now. Thought I seemed OK but guess what? Major dizzy spells yesterday. Plus I still get the occasional nausea. So obviously I'm not "normal" yet. This is very frustrating and I feel the same way -- I'm afraid to take anything in that same drug category now. Would love to hear from some of the others (Jaspar, Kesta, etc.) to see how they're doing.
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