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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Dr. Bob on August 11, 2006, at 0:59:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal - Willieg, posted by kparis on August 3, 2006, at 7:57:44
> You are correct, this is an open forum ... You know, as does the rest of the population, that politics and religion are not safe subjects to speak of ... Please, don't go away, use the forum as it is intended...that's all. You have as much useful input and need as the rest of us and as such, are an important part of this forum.
This is an open forum, but focuses on withdrawal from medication. There are other boards for other subjects, including Politics and Faith. It’s fine to discuss them at this site, I’d just ask that that be at those other boards. Thanks,
Bob
Posted by kparis on August 20, 2006, at 15:00:06
In reply to Redirect: politics and religion, posted by Dr. Bob on August 11, 2006, at 0:59:53
Hi All,
Seemed like we all stopped dead. How are you all hanging in?
I'm having severe panic attacks again. This sucks. Anyone else experience this after being off Cymbalta for 3-4 months?
K
Posted by rad62 on August 21, 2006, at 14:34:24
In reply to Re: Redirect: politics and religion, posted by kparis on August 20, 2006, at 15:00:06
Hi, I've been on 60 mg 2 x's a day of Cymbalta for over a year for pain management and depression. I also have fibromyalgia and am on full time disability. I just recently added 15 mg of Dexedrine twice a day for my ADD. In the beginning it took my pain away completely until the effects of the Dexedrine wore off and gave me energy that I haven't had in years. Then I noticed I was having problems with my vision and terrible headaches. I firmly believe it's from the Cymbalta. I stopped taking the morning dose of 60 mg and immediately the vision improved and headaches are subsiding, however, I am starting to experience withdrawals from lack of the morning dose. My energy level has decreased and I'm tired and in pain but I know it would be a lot worse if I weren't taking the dexedrine. I'm wondering if anyone else has had vision problems or headaches from Cymbalta, especially after adding a stimulant? I am hoping the energy level will go back up once my body adjust to the lower dosage of Cymbalta. After reading all this information about Cymbalta, I would like to get off it entirely but I'm afraid of what may lie ahead.
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.
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