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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by SLS on April 24, 2006, at 9:24:42
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Mark23 on April 24, 2006, at 8:36:32
> You've seen the various suggestions. I'm in the cold turkey camp. For a few days driving wasn't a good idea. After about 6 weeks I could go a day without a symptom. After 3 months I could go a week without a symptom.
That is unacceptable in my opinion. There has to be a better way.
After being on Effexor 300mg for a year, I was able to discontinue it using a flexible dosing strategy within two weeks and without significant withdrawal symptoms. Once I discontinued the drug entirely, I experienced mild symptoms that lasted for a few days.
I wish I knew for sure whether or not my neurobiology represents the norm. I don't. I am not sure that a flexible dosing strategy will be effective for everyone. But for those who have tried it here on Psycho-Babble, they have reported success.
In the past, I have experienced intense withdrawal symptoms from discontinuing Effexor, Paxil, and Ativan. It is not as if I am immune to withdrawal reactions.
For what it is worth, I think there might be a relationship between abrupt discontinuation (cold turkey) and the persistence of a withdrawal syndrome. People who go cold turkey seem to complain of withdrawal symptoms lasting for weeks and months while people who taper gradually do not. If this is true, then going cold turkey is the absolute worst thing one can do to themselves.
- Scott
Posted by secretme on April 24, 2006, at 15:02:20
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by SLS on April 24, 2006, at 9:24:42
I may be late to the table on this one, but I have seen television commercials for Cymbalta. This is the first time in my region of the country I've seen these ads. It's interesting that the pharmaceutical company only mentions three major side effects. I don't remember them exactly, but they were rather benign. The ad stresses that "depression hurts", and Cymbalta can help with depression and the pain that accompanies it. Too bad there isn't a commercial advising people how to get rid of the pain when trying to withdraw from this witches brew. Unfortunately, the promotion of Cymbalta means more and more people will be asking their psychiatrists about it, and perhaps, encouraging them to prescribe it!
I'm grateful that I've been through the worst and have recovered from this medication. Taking Cymbalta and experiencing withdrawal might make a person (like me) swear off anti-depressants forever.
I wish people like us could write a public service ad to follow every commercial for Cymbalta.
Posted by laurieh1966 on April 25, 2006, at 18:05:21
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by laurieh1966 on April 24, 2006, at 2:02:49
I was on cymbalta for 7 months and started going off of it 5 days ago. My withdrawal symptoms have been terrible including the shakes, electrical feelings throughout my body, nausea, diarrhea, crying, insomnia and nightmares. I called my Dr and she is going to start me on prozac and wean me off of that. It is much easier to go off prozac so I will start that on Thur. Until then I started taking the cymbalta(20mg) and 1 hour after taking it I already feel much better. I will post later with an update on how the prozac goes.
Posted by Jaspar on April 26, 2006, at 13:20:37
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by ang123 on April 17, 2006, at 8:40:14
I wish that I had read this sooner. I also was counting granules, but I did not go slowly enough, and once I started in with the vomiting, it was too late! I had been down to less that 10mg (down from 60) It took me 4 months to get down to the 10.
Now, I am in my 3rd day of vomiting, dizzy, and things look strange... I am on NO Cymbalta because I threw it up.
HOW LONG will this last??? I am getting dehydrated.
-Jaspar
Posted by gapsgal on April 26, 2006, at 13:47:43
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Jaspar on April 26, 2006, at 13:20:37
>Who knows...I went back to the doctor today and he says that I am not having withdrawals from serotonin...he thinks it is inner ear...so he put me on antivert and some diuretic...
Ha...I know it is withdrawal because when I take the cymbalta it stops...but oh well...
I wish that I had read this sooner. I also was counting granules, but I did not go slowly enough, and once I started in with the vomiting, it was too late! I had been down to less that 10mg (down from 60) It took me 4 months to get down to the 10.
>
> Now, I am in my 3rd day of vomiting, dizzy, and things look strange... I am on NO Cymbalta because I threw it up.
>
> HOW LONG will this last??? I am getting dehydrated.
>
> -Jaspar
Posted by Jaspar on April 27, 2006, at 10:51:03
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by gapsgal on April 26, 2006, at 13:47:43
OK, what I am doing with the doctor's "blessing" (he actually said it was clever) is this...
Since I couldn't even keep down water, I let a Lorazepam (Benzodiazapine) dissolve in my mouth. I knew that would put me OUT. Then I took about 60 granules of the Cymbalta and put that on my tongue, & swallowed without fluids... Then I fell asleep.
When I woke, I felt SO MUCH BETTER, and could eat and drink.
Today, I am again having withdrawal symptoms, and took a few more granules, and now need to take a few more. I will take a "dosage" this evening. If I get too bad off, I am to take more Lorazepam.
My plan is to go down by FIVE GRANULES of Cymbalta each day.
I just cannot believe this nightmare, and I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY pharmaceutical companies are not required to warn of the WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS as part of the SIDE EFFECTS!!!
-Jaspar
Posted by gapsgal on April 27, 2006, at 12:23:39
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Jaspar on April 27, 2006, at 10:51:03
Jaspar,
How are you separating the granules? They are so tiny and my hands are so unsteady...I work full-time, have three kids and am in a masters program so I am desperete.
Donna
> OK, what I am doing with the doctor's "blessing" (he actually said it was clever) is this...
>
> Since I couldn't even keep down water, I let a Lorazepam (Benzodiazapine) dissolve in my mouth. I knew that would put me OUT. Then I took about 60 granules of the Cymbalta and put that on my tongue, & swallowed without fluids... Then I fell asleep.
>
> When I woke, I felt SO MUCH BETTER, and could eat and drink.
>
> Today, I am again having withdrawal symptoms, and took a few more granules, and now need to take a few more. I will take a "dosage" this evening. If I get too bad off, I am to take more Lorazepam.
>
> My plan is to go down by FIVE GRANULES of Cymbalta each day.
>
> I just cannot believe this nightmare, and I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY pharmaceutical companies are not required to warn of the WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS as part of the SIDE EFFECTS!!!
>
> -Jaspar
>
Posted by gapsgal on April 27, 2006, at 12:26:14
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by secretme on April 24, 2006, at 15:02:20
SLS,
I agree, the public should know and has a right to know. The doctors are also ill informed as with mine.
> I may be late to the table on this one, but I have seen television commercials for Cymbalta. This is the first time in my region of the country I've seen these ads. It's interesting that the pharmaceutical company only mentions three major side effects. I don't remember them exactly, but they were rather benign. The ad stresses that "depression hurts", and Cymbalta can help with depression and the pain that accompanies it. Too bad there isn't a commercial advising people how to get rid of the pain when trying to withdraw from this witches brew. Unfortunately, the promotion of Cymbalta means more and more people will be asking their psychiatrists about it, and perhaps, encouraging them to prescribe it!
>
> I'm grateful that I've been through the worst and have recovered from this medication. Taking Cymbalta and experiencing withdrawal might make a person (like me) swear off anti-depressants forever.
>
> I wish people like us could write a public service ad to follow every commercial for Cymbalta.
Posted by gapsgal on April 27, 2006, at 13:48:48
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by SLS on April 24, 2006, at 9:24:42
I tapered my cymbalta down to 7.5 and then tried to get even lower, but still I am having the withdrawals...not as bad but still almost to the point that I cant function in my daily life. I dont know what to do, go back on and try again or what.
> > You've seen the various suggestions. I'm in the cold turkey camp. For a few days driving wasn't a good idea. After about 6 weeks I could go a day without a symptom. After 3 months I could go a week without a symptom.
>
> That is unacceptable in my opinion. There has to be a better way.
>
> After being on Effexor 300mg for a year, I was able to discontinue it using a flexible dosing strategy within two weeks and without significant withdrawal symptoms. Once I discontinued the drug entirely, I experienced mild symptoms that lasted for a few days.
>
> I wish I knew for sure whether or not my neurobiology represents the norm. I don't. I am not sure that a flexible dosing strategy will be effective for everyone. But for those who have tried it here on Psycho-Babble, they have reported success.
>
> In the past, I have experienced intense withdrawal symptoms from discontinuing Effexor, Paxil, and Ativan. It is not as if I am immune to withdrawal reactions.
>
> For what it is worth, I think there might be a relationship between abrupt discontinuation (cold turkey) and the persistence of a withdrawal syndrome. People who go cold turkey seem to complain of withdrawal symptoms lasting for weeks and months while people who taper gradually do not. If this is true, then going cold turkey is the absolute worst thing one can do to themselves.
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by Jaspar on April 28, 2006, at 16:31:06
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by gapsgal on April 27, 2006, at 12:23:39
> How are you separating the granules? They are so tiny and my hands are so unsteady...I work full-time, have three kids and am in a masters program so I am desperete.
I put a bunch into the palm of my hand, then I use a knife to push grains out onto a plate. Some granules stick to the knife from static electricity. I thought it was going to be nearly impossible, but it wasn't as hard as I thought. If 5 granules cling to the knife, I just count the five, add it to the group in the dish.I then dump out the leftovers from my palm, put the ones from the dish into my palm, then scoop them up into the emptied pill capsule.
Last night I took 55 granules and 2 extra granules this afternoon.
-Jaspar
Posted by Jaspar on April 28, 2006, at 16:36:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by gapsgal on April 27, 2006, at 12:26:14
> > I wish people like us could write a public service ad to follow every commercial for Cymbalta.
LOL!!! I was thinking of one to counter "Depression Hurts"... one that says, "Cymbalta hurts".
How about "CymbaltaHurts.com"
:-)
Actually, there IS something we CAN do. Report it to MEDWATCH! http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/
-Jaspar
Posted by secretme on April 28, 2006, at 23:32:41
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Jaspar on April 28, 2006, at 16:36:53
Thanks for the information on MEDWATCH. It may only be a cathartic exercise, but it is one I have been waiting to describe, miserable minute by miserable minute. I wish I could implicate my doctor for his gross negligence and unwillingness to help me stop this horrible medication, even though he knew I was suffering through treatment for breast cancer at the same time. I hope others who have contributed to this dialogue will do the same. Let's hope we continue to help others get the monkeys off their backs.
secretme
Posted by kparis on April 30, 2006, at 11:28:38
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by secretme on April 28, 2006, at 23:32:41
> This has helped me. I've been on 60mg for 16 months for anxiety and started 30 mg last night. If I read right, 25mg of Benadryl and Omega 3 vitimins should help. My doc has me on the 30mg for a month then I will go off completely. However, it sounds like I should have a bit in the house in case I need a few granuals. Has anyone ever used klonopin (a small dose) to help get through this?
Thanks,
Kparis
Posted by Jaspar on April 30, 2006, at 13:19:17
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal » secretme, posted by kparis on April 30, 2006, at 11:28:38
> . . .Has anyone ever used klonopin (a small dose) to help get through this?
I am using something similar - another benzodiazapine called Lorazapem. I take a 0.5mg tablet and break in half, and sometimes in half again, so I am using just 0.175-0.25mg at a time.
One good thing about it when I am nauseous from the withdrawal, is that it is so tiny and powdery that I can take it without water, just let it dissolve in my mouth.
-Jaspar
Posted by kparis on April 30, 2006, at 13:25:42
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Jaspar on April 30, 2006, at 13:19:17
> > . . .Has anyone ever used klonopin (a small dose) to help get through this?
>
> I am using something similar - another benzodiazapine called Lorazapem. I take a 0.5mg tablet and break in half, and sometimes in half again, so I am using just 0.175-0.25mg at a time.
>
> One good thing about it when I am nauseous from the withdrawal, is that it is so tiny and powdery that I can take it without water, just let it dissolve in my mouth.
>
> -JasparHi Jaspar,
Thanks for the response. I started the Cymbalta because of panic disorder (severe, each day due to the bitter ending of a long-term and mostly happy marriage) and used the kolonipin for the extra umph. I have weaned myself off of the kolonipn and now I'm attacking the Cymbalta. I think that the K will help with the withdrawal but I'll not want to get "addicted" to it again.
Kparis
Posted by Jaspar on May 3, 2006, at 9:55:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on April 30, 2006, at 13:25:42
This is working. I still have a little bit of withdrawal symptoms but they are so minor. My plan will have me off in another 10 days... 35 granules, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0
I am thinking that it might have been better though for me to have stayed on each dosage for at least two days instead of trying to decrease by even 5 granules each day.
This has been unbelievable.
Lilly needs to have a "withdrawal kit" for us folks... like for going from 60mg to 55 to 50, to 45, going down by 5 mgs every week or so, then at 20mg, start going down by maybe 2mg at a time, then at 10 mg going down by 1mg at a time, then a couple of granules at a time.
They also need to warn how long it will take to get OFF the medication... For getting off 60mg, so far I am on my 5th month. God help the person who HAS to come off it "cold turkey"... and I was coming off it because of HIVES which luckily are being controlled with other medications.
One other thing I wonder... is there a relationship between having a problem coming off of Paxil & coming off of Cymbalta, and if so, they should put that as a warning. I can't believe I fell into this trap TWICE!!!
-Jaspar
Posted by ang123 on May 3, 2006, at 10:02:11
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal (for the company, Lilly), posted by Jaspar on May 3, 2006, at 9:55:53
Jaspar, I did it the way you are and have been on no medication since April 8th. Once I hit no meds, I was very dizzy the first two weeks, but I could manage to work and care for 2 kids. So now pretty much I have no issues and am feelin good. Good Luck.
Posted by kparis on May 3, 2006, at 17:20:06
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal (for the company, Lilly), posted by ang123 on May 3, 2006, at 10:02:11
I am on my 5th day of 1/2 dose and feel no effects at all. I will be on this dose for the rest of the month and the plan is to then go off completely (60mg originally, to 30mg for 1 month to nothing). I hope this will work well for me.
Posted by ang123 on May 3, 2006, at 18:32:41
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal (for the company, Lilly), posted by kparis on May 3, 2006, at 17:20:06
I don't recommend going from 30 mg to nothing. I also went from 60mg to 30mg with no withdrawal symptoms. I really was ok on 15mg too. It was when it got lower than that. You will know when the symptoms hit if you are going too fast and you always can take more. When I started with the withdrawal symptoms all I had to do is take some more and they would go away.
Posted by kparis on May 4, 2006, at 14:24:23
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal (for the company, Lilly), posted by ang123 on May 3, 2006, at 18:32:41
Thank you. How long were you on it?
Posted by Jaspar on May 4, 2006, at 15:42:37
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal (for the company, Lilly), posted by ang123 on May 3, 2006, at 18:32:41
> You will know when the symptoms hit if you are
> going too fast and you always can take more.
> When I started with the withdrawal symptoms
> all I had to do is take some more and they would go away.My problem was that I should have taken more once I started having withdrawal, and ignorantly didn't, then once the vomiting began, I couldn't even keep down water. That's when I had to do the trick with a Benzodiazapine and no water.
It has been this last 10 mg that is giving me the hardest time trying to get off of.
Taking even 1 extra granule can make a difference.
-Jaspar
Posted by Never Again on May 6, 2006, at 14:20:46
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Jaspar on May 4, 2006, at 15:42:37
I'm so relieved to have found this support group. All I can say is "Never Again" to Cymbalta. I first started this medication in October, 2005 mainly for depression from my menopausal issues. I, too, have been prescribed other anti-depressants over the past years for my depression i.e. Paxil, Wellbuterin, Celexa, Zoloft. But when the decision was made to stop these meds I never had such a withdrawl as I am now. My Cymbalta prescription was 30 mg daily. It seemd to have relieved my depression up until a month or so ago. The one main side effect I was having was the restless legs and sometimes upper body jerks plus insomnia at night. and my "blues" were back. I thought I could tolerate it, but enough was enough, and I decided no more!!! So, 10 days ago I quit the Cymbalta cold turkey. I didn't think too much of it at first, and I did see my physician 3 days into the the "Stop" I told him the legs were winning and I quit. He never once mentioned the terrible time I would have withdrawing cold-turkey. "Are you Okay?" is all he asked. Never! never mentioned the withdrawl symptoms I would be feeling in the days to come! withing 10 days I have been crying at the flip of a switch, irritable to the point of leaving my husband, having even more hot flashes (which I didn't need!) and then freezing. My blood pressure has been down to 90 over 54, headaches, dizziness and the equilibrium off, fatigue, and oh yes! the diarreah. All this time I thought my menopause was going to do me in, and then my light bulb came on to "Google" Cymbalta withdrawl" which brought me to you. Thank You God!!! I must say that thru this hellish experience my restless legs and body syndrome have totally gone away. All the sleeping I've been doing is probably a good thing, I had some catching up to do. I was so glad to read the experiences of ya'll. "Hey!! I'm not crazy after all"kept coming to my mind and all the postings that I read I was continually relating to. I'm not going to even look at a granule of Cymbalta. How long until the withdrawl is complete? I'm 10 days 100% off compared to 6-7 months on. I think I would like to try the suggestion made by one of you in regard to the Omega 3 fatty acids. Can you tell me what that should help with? I know its good for a person, but in regard to the withdrawl symptoms is what I meant. God bless each of you for your postings, you've made my day!
"Never Again" to Cymbalta
P.s Because God gave me the gift of a wonderful and understanding husband, leaving is not on my agenda, either!!
Posted by kparis on May 6, 2006, at 14:50:37
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Never Again on May 6, 2006, at 14:20:46
I am so sorry that you are going through that! I know what you mean about the hot flashes too. I've been on 30mg from 60mg for about a week now. I feel that my moods are swinging, but I do not want to increase the Cymbalta. Like you, I want OFF! I have been trying the Omega 3 tabs and I don't know if it is helping or not. I'll let you know.
How are you feeling now? Has it gotten any better?
I wish you well.
Kparis
Posted by PB on May 6, 2006, at 15:07:45
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Never Again on May 6, 2006, at 14:20:46
I'm glad you found this group, too. So many of you are experiencing such awful withdrawal, that I almost feel guilty! The only side-effect I've noticed was that "electric shock" feeling in my head. But the knowledge on this forum was instrumental in putting my worries to rest about that, and I also learned about breaking open a capsule and taking individual granules. I'm down to about 5 granules every 4-5 days, and it seems to be working okay for me - "electric shocks" only come at the end of the 4th day, and I've pushed myself to go 5. But the group is helpful, no question, and I hope you're able to get your symptoms under control.
Posted by Never Again on May 6, 2006, at 18:35:09
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on May 6, 2006, at 14:50:37
Today has been a little better. I think a major contribution is knowing that it's not just me, and unfortunately others are going thru this nightmare as well. I spoke to a pharmacist today and purchased the Omega 3, it's to help your heart and vascular system. At least it's something good for the body! I, also, asked about the Benadryl and the Clariten, since 2 different postings mentioned them. Benadryl makes me really sleeipy, so I am hoping the Claritan might offer some relief. While we were in the store, I had to ask my hubby to walk a little slower, I still have a kind of spinning sensation if I move too fast.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I have a feeling it's going to be even better.P.S. I do want to add that I had several terrible episodes of itching on my scalp, so much, that I found myself clawing to get relief. I felt like I had mosquito bites all over my head, and just could not scratch enough. I was ready to put Coritsone or Caladryl on my head just to get relief, fortunately after 20 minutes of intense itching, scratching, and clawing it subsided.
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