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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Raisin on August 8, 2007, at 16:13:12
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal, posted by Aya on August 7, 2007, at 13:58:44
I was on Cymbalta for about 2 months last year and had to stop taking it because of unbearable itching. After I stopped (cold turkey) the itching was worse than ever. While I was taking Cymbalta, I experienced VERY DEPRESSING thoughts, and I was so tired that I started taking 2 1/2 to 3 hour naps every day. For me, my depression became worse on the drug instead of better.
After being off for about 13 months, I still have occasional brain zaps. I wouldn't advise going off cold turkey like I did, but I couldn't bear the itching! Also, I am having a very hard time taking off the 20 lb. I gained.
Good luck to all in getting off this horrible drug. Don't give up.
Lisa
>
> Has anyone had symptoms on their skin? I kept feeling like there was a hair on my arm or something else that was tickling me. I asked my coworker to look, like 8 times and she swore there was nothing there. Am I crazy or is this a withdrawal symptom?
Posted by ShannelG on August 10, 2007, at 19:49:17
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal » Aya, posted by Raisin on August 8, 2007, at 16:13:12
Hello... Just writing to update. It's been two weeks now that i quit cold turkey, and I am finally doing a lot better! Once in awhile a zap through my brain when i move my head or eyes too fast, I am still pretty dizzy and have an upset stomach, but I am still fighting that with the dramamine and it seems to help. I missed a week in my college classes but I have worked very hard to catch up. I can drive, watch tv, read a book, all those things that I thought I'd never do again a week ago. I feel better then I did emotionally then when I was on cymbalta. I would never discourage someone who is depressed from getting medical help! But maybe Cymbalta is not the answer. For once in my life I feel like I am really living! I am happy and sad, and I laugh and I cry and it is wonderful!!!!! I can feel again!!!!!! I am so happy! I am keeping up with the omega-3, whey protein, cal-amo, and eating healthy. I am not completely better, but I am certainly on my way! About the skin itching... yea it sucks! My "naturalistic" doc. told me it is because your nerve endings are beginning to fire again, the cal-amo helps ALOT with that. Just wanted everyone to know that it does get better! I am proof! My prayers are with you, every single day.. You all have done something amazing that many are not strong enough to do
Posted by Aya on August 14, 2007, at 14:53:36
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal, posted by ShannelG on August 10, 2007, at 19:49:17
Thanks, ShannonG, for your tips. I haven't experienced any itching yet, but who knows as I lower my dosage. Congrats on getting through that hellish week!
I was on 30 mg for a month (after being on 60 mg for about 2 years) and Sunday cut my dosage to 15 mg. I'm doing that now for another month. I started experiencing very mild brain zaps, so I kind of know what you guys are talking about now! I've noticed that since being on Cymbalta, my word retrieval has been really horrible. This has to do with the brain fog, but happenned even on days when I didn't have brain fog. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm worried that it may be permanent "brain damage" and my word retrieval will not improve after stopping taking Cymbalta. Is there anyone reading this board who's been off for a while and can give me an idea of what I can expect in this area?
Posted by RYB on August 17, 2007, at 19:46:51
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal, posted by Aya on August 14, 2007, at 14:53:36
I have been taking cymbalta (60mg) for migraines for the last 6 months. It has been 15 days since I quit cold turkey per advice from my doctor (because I was still getting the same number of headaches) and I am still throwing up every day! I feel light headed and dizzy all the time but the good news if that the brain zaps have stopped. This is the worst I have ever felt in my whole entire life. I feel hung-over every day and I don't even drink. I hope to God there is a light at the end of the tunnel soon! But it does help to know I am not alone. I'm tempted to go to the ER and get help but am scared they just try to put me on another medication. I just want to be myself again!
Posted by moesje on August 17, 2007, at 21:31:34
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal, posted by RYB on August 17, 2007, at 19:46:51
This is the worst it gets, and it will go away. It takes some time, but it stops. I've been off for 3 months and Monday I am starting my first out of the home job in 4 years.
> This is the worst I have ever felt in my whole entire life. I feel hung-over every day and I don't even drink. I hope to God there is a light at the end of the tunnel soon! >
Posted by RYB on August 18, 2007, at 10:10:19
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal » RYB, posted by moesje on August 17, 2007, at 21:31:34
Congratulations! Thanks for letting me know that it does end. I still feel lethargic today which is the total opposite of the real me! It feels like I am watching my life pass by lately. I am having to make myself do simple things. Hope you enjoy your weekend.
Posted by moesje on August 18, 2007, at 20:59:08
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal, posted by RYB on August 18, 2007, at 10:10:19
You're welcome . . . just don't give up. That was my fear about going to the hospital, is that they'd just put me back on something. I also have restless legs off and on, and my friends were saying 'There's meds for that', and I practically yelled at them "NO MORE DRUGS", I'll suffer through it!
Keep going and just take one day at a time, next thing you know, you'll still be getting these PsychoBabble notices, and now you're helping others . . .that's when you realize how long you've been off and how much better your life is.
And don't count on life all of a sudden being rosy and sunny . . . you still have problems, now you need to find a different way of handling them. If you're a reader, find some books or just search the internet for ways to help yourself.
> Congratulations! Thanks for letting me know that it does end. I still feel lethargic today which is the total opposite of the real me! It feels like I am watching my life pass by lately. I am having to make myself do simple things. Hope you enjoy your weekend.
Posted by RYB on August 19, 2007, at 14:30:25
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal » RYB, posted by moesje on August 18, 2007, at 20:59:08
I totally agree ~ I will not take another medication unless my life depends on it! I am very angry that when my doctor put me on cymbalta for migraines she did not mention any of the side effects and withdrawal syptoms (even though I asked). I think doctors need to educate themselves on the medications they prescribe and we, as patients, need to not trust that they know everything. That is a lesson that I will never forget.
As far as feeling better - this morning I woke up with a big fat headache but after drinking lots of water and thinking happy thoughts (even though it was hard) I am feeling better now. Still really tired but feeling more like myself every day.
As far as feeling nauseous; that is gone. My husband went to the drug store yesterday and brought me some liquid stuff called "nausea relief" and it worked immediately! I am so grateful for his support.
Hanging in There,
RobinP.S. Goodluck at work tomorrow!
Posted by moesje on August 19, 2007, at 17:53:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal, posted by RYB on August 19, 2007, at 14:30:25
And another thing they DON'T tell you to start with is that Cymbalta only works for a few months, then you have to increase or move to something else! Why bother?
I'm glad you found something that works for the nausea, that's one symptom I didn't have. What helped me, although not a complete cure, was vitamins by NOW, Cal-Mag from GNC, benadryl to dull the zaps, lots of water to flush the drug out of the system, and some LIGHT exercise. I was so dizzy all the time I'd drop my phone instead of answering it, felt like I was walking on the edge of a cliff!
I will still get SOME symptoms when I'm overstressed and overtired at the same time, but otherwise they're all gone.
Thanks for the wishes on the new job! It's not just a new job, but a whole new field! I'll be working in the men's dept at our Fred Meyer, and I've NEVER worked retail before! I'm excited and nervous, but I know I'm not stupid so I'll catch on real fast. Hubby thinks I'll be bored in 3 months (probably), but I figure the bills need to be paid down, so I'll stick with it for as long as I can! Plus, can't beat the discounts!
Tandi
> I totally agree ~ I will not take another medication unless my life depends on it! I am very angry that when my doctor put me on cymbalta for migraines she did not mention any of the side effects and withdrawal syptoms (even though I asked). I think doctors need to educate themselves on the medications they prescribe and we, as patients, need to not trust that they know everything. That is a lesson that I will never forget.
>
> As far as feeling better - this morning I woke up with a big fat headache but after drinking lots of water and thinking happy thoughts (even though it was hard) I am feeling better now. Still really tired but feeling more like myself every day.
>
> As far as feeling nauseous; that is gone. My husband went to the drug store yesterday and brought me some liquid stuff called "nausea relief" and it worked immediately! I am so grateful for his support.
>
> Hanging in There,
> Robin
>
> P.S. Goodluck at work tomorrow!
>
Posted by Aya on August 20, 2007, at 20:17:49
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal » RYB, posted by moesje on August 19, 2007, at 17:53:53
Hey guys.
Still on the 15 mg and feeling okay. I had some emotional outbursts this weekend but was eating terrible and think that may have contributed. Try the healthy eating!!!! I'm now a big advocate after what I've experienced.
I wanted to comment on what moesje said: "you still have problems, now you have to find a different way of handling them." That's SO true. I've found my frustration tolerance has been really low lately. My boyfriend and I came up with a plan that when I'm letting a frustration take me over in a way that is not proportional to the situation, we talk in rhymes. It sounds so stupid! But that's why it works. It always makes me laugh and I'm distracted enough to let the situation go...at least for a little while. Also, last night I felt so overwhelmed by emotions and, although I'm not religious, I prayed for like, 15 minutes. I felt such a huge release afterwards. Whether you want to call it prayer, meditation, or whatever, it can be really calming.
Good luck, and hang in there!
Posted by Punkybear on August 20, 2007, at 21:21:25
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by ClearSkies on July 29, 2007, at 14:39:26
Hey guys,
I have been off the Cymbalta completely now for 6 weeks. I am riding a stationary bike 5 times a week now for 30 minutes a day and lifting weights 3 days a week. My mind is clear as a bell again and no more "shakes" in my brain. I feel normal again, at least in my head.
Hang in there all of you. The bad feeling go away with time after getting off the drug. I was on 120 mg a day for 2 years.
Never again, I told my neurologist I will never take that drug again. My withdrawals lasted for 3 full months, all of them hell. But I made it through and you can too. Hang in there.
Posted by RYB on August 20, 2007, at 21:22:50
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal-Emotion tips, posted by Aya on August 20, 2007, at 20:17:49
Feeling better everyday...I'm just taking it one day at a time. I am participating in a class this week (work certifcation course) and even though sometimes it is hard to just sit there I am so grateful that I am sitting there. A few weeks ago I thought I was going to have to cancel it. My stomach is still a little screwed up and my head feels heavy towards the end of the day but the worst is over. As far as eating well - that is something that I haven't been doing well at. I think I've gained 5 lbs in the past month due to not feeling like exercising; actually I haven't moved much at all. I guess I've got to start slowly - just try to do something for 15 minutes and build up form there. I need some motivation :)
~Robin
Posted by RYB on August 20, 2007, at 21:24:54
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Punkybear on August 20, 2007, at 21:21:25
Thanks for the inspiration - 3 full months??? God bless you!
Posted by moesje on August 20, 2007, at 21:35:09
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal-Emotion tips, posted by Aya on August 20, 2007, at 20:17:49
What the docs won't tell you is that while you are on the meds you should be learning how to handle the stress . . . of course you find out the hard way as you come off the meds that you should have done something, and now you have to wing it!
I personally am Christian, but I don't care what religion you practice, you should get real tight with it during this withdrawal period because it gives you the support you need.
> I wanted to comment on what moesje said: "you still have problems, now you have to find a different way of handling them." That's SO true. I've found my frustration tolerance has been really low lately. My boyfriend and I came up with a plan that when I'm letting a frustration take me over in a way that is not proportional to the situation, we talk in rhymes. It sounds so stupid! But that's why it works. It always makes me laugh and I'm distracted enough to let the situation go...at least for a little while. Also, last night I felt so overwhelmed by emotions and, although I'm not religious, I prayed for like, 15 minutes. I felt such a huge release afterwards. Whether you want to call it prayer, meditation, or whatever, it can be really calming.
>
> Good luck, and hang in there!
Posted by alexal34 on August 21, 2007, at 20:06:49
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal » The Engineer, posted by Kfroggy on April 12, 2007, at 13:33:34
Please dont beat youself up for taking this drug. We trusted our doctors and even when telling them it wasn't helping/side effects, in my case my dr told me to increase from 60 mg to 120 mg!!! Even Lilly states there is no evidence drug works more at levels over 60 mg!
I have gained a TON of weight in only 2 months and strange how it is all in the mid-section where I never usually gain. I think the drug slows some people' metabolism to a crawl. I have done cardio for 1 hour and pilates for 30 minutes all summer long. Now nothing fits!
Hang in there, take care of yourself and go easy.
We'll be out of Cymbalta hell soon.
Posted by moesje on August 22, 2007, at 1:42:22
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal - To Kfroggy, posted by alexal34 on August 21, 2007, at 20:06:49
So true! My doc told me I'd feel better at 120, I told him I wanted off. I'd spent 18 months on Lexapro and has the same results - nothing. So if I'm going to be morose and dull, guess that's who I am!
I was also told that the drug is really only meant for a few months usage, after that it stops working . . then you increase or get off. I got off.
Between the two drugs I've gained 30 lbs or so. My new job (tonight was my first working night) will help in getting this off, as I'll walk for most of my shift! Retail/returns and cleaning up after shoppers. Hope it melts off as fast now as it has in the past :}
> Please dont beat youself up for taking this drug. We trusted our doctors and even when telling them it wasn't helping/side effects, in my case my dr told me to increase from 60 mg to 120 mg!!! Even Lilly states there is no evidence drug works more at levels over 60 mg!
> I have gained a TON of weight in only 2 months and strange how it is all in the mid-section where I never usually gain. I think the drug slows some people' metabolism to a crawl. I have done cardio for 1 hour and pilates for 30 minutes all summer long. Now nothing fits!
> Hang in there, take care of yourself and go easy.
> We'll be out of Cymbalta hell soon.
Posted by Snap on August 22, 2007, at 1:54:24
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal - To Kfroggy » alexal34, posted by moesje on August 22, 2007, at 1:42:22
I have been so depressed since I got off Cymbalta 2 months ago. Has anyone tried a low dose of Wellbutrin? The name alone scares me......
Posted by moesje on August 22, 2007, at 8:29:55
In reply to Wellbutrin, posted by Snap on August 22, 2007, at 1:54:24
Welbutrin was one I liked . . . along with Elavil. Both took years of use before they stopped working! And I didn't need huge doses, either.
> I have been so depressed since I got off Cymbalta 2 months ago. Has anyone tried a low dose of Wellbutrin? The name alone scares me......
Posted by Aya on August 22, 2007, at 8:59:28
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin » Snap, posted by moesje on August 22, 2007, at 8:29:55
I wasn't a fan of Wellbutrin. I took it for a while and was really irritable, which I thought meant it wasn't working as that's one of my depression symptoms. I brought it up to my doctor and she said that can be one of the side effects...ummmmmmm....
Yeah, so not a fan.
Posted by elce on August 22, 2007, at 13:29:02
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal - To Kfroggy » alexal34, posted by moesje on August 22, 2007, at 1:42:22
I was on Cymbalta at 60 for 2 years. After over 20lb. of fat and all I wanted or could do was sit an sit an sit. Doctor took me off of it. My brain did not do anything. Told me to stop and then go on Prozac in 20 or 30 days. I was also on Wellbutrin at 300 mg. a day. I quit taking the cymbalta. stayed on Wellbutrin but I did add the Pozac anyway as I know it takes a while to work. I have to tell you that everything you went through I did too. If there is a class action suit against the Cambalta makers for lack of information to doctors or people like me let me know. Quit in April and still have not lost the weight and My Brain still does strange things. I still have a hard time in conversations as I keep forgetting what I want to say. Sorry this was so long. But I thank you for this site. I am not alone.
Posted by alexal34 on August 23, 2007, at 10:13:22
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal, posted by RYB on August 17, 2007, at 19:46:51
I'm right with ya. Feel hungover every day from
Cymbalta hell and I don't even drink.
The only good news is that in the 7 days of being off it I have seemed to drop a couple of the 12+ pounds gained on it. (in only 2 months).
I'm sorry but I would warn anyone considering this med NOT to try it. Unless you exhausted absolutely every option.
It made me an emotionless zombie for 2 months. I don't even remember my summer. But I know...everyone's different...
Good luck. May withdrawal end VERY soon for us!
Posted by alexal34 on August 23, 2007, at 10:19:43
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal, posted by alexal34 on August 23, 2007, at 10:13:22
No, you certainly aren't alone.
Cymbalta is an evil drug for many, many people.
After 7 days I feel a couple pounds coming off and some emotions coming back. Still have the other physical side effects though and brain shakes.
Scary stuff. I'm sure a class action suit will be filed someday against Lilly.
In the meantime, I am writing them a letter of complaint. Our doctors dont report these things so I feel the rx user must. And I will.Just be easy on yourself and know the weight will come off eventually with healthy diet, lots of protein, Omega 3's and daily exercise.
Try yoga/meditation/prayer -- Just be good to yourself. These are all the best anti-depressants I have found so far, and I've tried many.
Take care.~Alexa
Posted by tamara999 on August 23, 2007, at 11:03:46
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Take ACTION, posted by alexal34 on August 23, 2007, at 10:19:43
2 months now Ive been off this drug and finally feel better. The side effects as we can all attest to are terrible, however, I do know people who do not experience the problems we have. I agree that we do need to educate our physicians as to the "possible" problems. We are a large group that are proof of that. BUT, I do not believe in law suits for side effects. The posted warnings on this drug were basically accurate. Education and information are the key. Medicine is, unfortunately, a very inexact science, hence the term "practicing medicine". Just because we all had problems, I am the one who took the drug and dont feel that I can "blame" the drug company or my Dr. for the side effects and withdrawal problems I encountered. The best I can do, is educate them on what happened to me and the others I have met.
Posted by Aya on August 23, 2007, at 11:46:37
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Take ACTION, posted by tamara999 on August 23, 2007, at 11:03:46
Tamara999, I would agree with you that medicine is a "practicing" science. However, I believe that pharmaceutical companies are very corrupt and doctors get pay-offs to push certain meds. Whether the problem is with Lilly not being clear/completely open about withdrawal affects, or the doctors trying to side-step the issue in order to get their benefits, I don't know. But unfortunatley, this kind of corruption is often allowed to go on until there is major outcry, often in the form of a lawsuit. This medication has been on the market for too long and the withdrawal affects too widespread for them to claim that they don't even exist (which they seem to continue to do). These aren't simple "side effects." My doctor said nothing to me about these issues, but my phamacist knew all about them when I stumbled into Walgreens and was forced to lay on the floor to keep from passing out. She told me if I start hallucinating that I have to go to the emergency room immediately. That's pretty serious.
Ultimately it's all of our own responsibilities to research the drugs we are prescribed. HOWEVER, we are not doctors and are paying them for their knowledge. We put our trust in them. Someone needs to be held accountable.
Posted by Aya on August 23, 2007, at 11:52:07
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal -- Take ACTION, posted by Aya on August 23, 2007, at 11:46:37
I copied this directly from the Cymbalta website. It was not easy to find (and there's no search engine!) but it was there. I believe the document I got it from was the information sheet they give to the doctors. I have a problem with the wording, as it kind of glosses over the severity of these symptoms, and the fact that that specific info wasn't easy to find on the website. I also have a problem with the doctors who are prescribing these meds and claim there are no withdrawal effects. They have not done their research and should not be prescribing something they know so little about (or they're just lying). For those of you with a doctor like this, go to http://pi.lilly.com/us/cymbalta-pi.pdf, print it out for them, and show them the part about withdrawal.
***
Discontinuation of Treatment with Cymbalta — Discontinuation symptoms have been systematically evaluated in patients taking duloxetine. Following abrupt discontinuation in placebo-controlled clinical trials, the following symptoms occurred at a rate greater than or equal to 1% and at a significantly higher rate in duloxetine-treated patients compared to those discontinuing from placebo: dizziness; nausea; headache; paresthesia; vomiting; irritability; nightmares; insomnia; diarrhea; anxiety; hyperhidrosis; and vertigo.
During marketing of other SSRIs and SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), there have been spontaneous reports of adverse events occurring upon discontinuation of these drugs, particularly when abrupt, including the following: dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, sensory disturbances (e.g., paresthesias such as electric shock sensations), anxiety, confusion, headache, lethargy, emotional lability, insomnia, hypomania, tinnitus, and seizures. Although these events are generally self-limiting, some have been reported to be severe.
Patients should be monitored for these symptoms when discontinuing treatment with Cymbalta. A gradual reduction in the dose rather than abrupt cessation is recommended whenever possible. If intolerable symptoms occur following a decrease in the dose or upon discontinuation of treatment, then resuming the previously prescribed dose may be considered. Subsequently, the physician may continue decreasing the dose but at a more gradual rate (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
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