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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by gapsgal on May 2, 2007, at 17:27:36
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal Hell, posted by ELC on May 2, 2007, at 17:20:03
Hello,
I had many sensory disturbances and the brain zaps when I stopped the Effexor and Cymbalta, but when I replaced it with Prozac and then stopped it I did not have any of those horrid withdrawals.
Donna
Posted by Kfroggy on May 3, 2007, at 8:09:17
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal Hell, posted by ELC on May 2, 2007, at 17:20:03
Yes; I had them going down my arm and my finger tips. I have been off cymbalta cold turkey now for about three months. This has been my first week where I can take a breath and relax. My symptoms seem to be gone. So, everyone, hang in there!!
Posted by morbidfascination on May 4, 2007, at 7:31:41
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal Hell, posted by Kfroggy on May 3, 2007, at 8:09:17
ok ..today is 4 weeks cold turkey from Cymbalta. I was starting to worry about myself big time ! My temper was out of control . I could see myself becoming violent .i had never had so much rage . And it took nothing to set me off, any small thing could contribute to my anger . I hated like hell to go back to the doctor but i had no choice . He prescribed Clonazepam 0.5 mg. twice a day to help with the anxiety . But i'm telling you the bi*ch still comes through . I'm totally void of all emotions and yet still have the potential to fly off the handle at any second . God knows this is not who i am ..Does anybody else ever feel this way and how long till i have some control over my life agin ..I can't stress enough how much this drug has screwed up my life!unresolved anger is wearing me down i don't what else to do . It's consuming me and i'm doing my best to not let it affect the ones i love . I'm just so drained.
Posted by Kfroggy on May 4, 2007, at 7:57:50
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal Hell, posted by morbidfascination on May 4, 2007, at 7:31:41
The anger only lasted me a week or two. I was the same way. I have read just about every thread here, and the consensus is that Prozac seems to really help when reducing the cymbalta and does not have side effects. I never heard of the one you are on now. Just search online for those side effects. You don't want to start up another drug that will take another couple of months to come off of again. Also, try exercising. I am a total couch potato, but vigorously running down the street (yes, it sounds funny, but I don't have the $ for equipment or gyms) got me out of the spot when I was feeling crummy. Exercise really boosts those good, natural chemicals in the body. And, hang in there! It is hell for a couple of months. At times you will feel like you are going to lose it or that you are crazy. (I know I did.)
IT DOES END! I am soooooo glad I stuck it out. I am never putting anything in my body like that again! I was done with the withdrawal completely after 3 months, and I went cold turkey. No gradual reducing or anything. Faith really helped me, too. Don't knock it til you try it. Think about it....anything is possible.
Posted by morbidfascination on May 4, 2007, at 8:57:28
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal Hell, posted by Kfroggy on May 4, 2007, at 7:57:50
believe you me ..i exercise like mad .. and listen to music ..the second i become inactive my mind starts racing at the same time i feel sluggish and like crap ..i don't understand all these mixed emotions ..my coping skills are still null n void .. But i'm hangin in ..thanx fot the Encouragement .I'm a cancer survivor and want to cherish everyday but cymbalta has come between me and my lust for life .Grrrrr
Posted by mizloopy on May 4, 2007, at 11:25:04
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal Hell, posted by morbidfascination on May 4, 2007, at 8:57:28
Once again i have to say go back to your psychiatrist and ask to be put on a low does of prozac. I used 10mg of prozac for 4 weeks and the anger and rage weren't an issue for me anymore. And I tried twice before to get off cymbalta without the aid of prozac and it was a total nightmare.
Posted by LlurpsieNoodle on May 4, 2007, at 12:55:57
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal Hell, posted by mizloopy on May 4, 2007, at 11:25:04
I'm doing well (moodwise) on lamictal. As far as physiological side effects, 6 weeks after going down from 30 mg to zero on cymbalta (my highest dose was 120mg) I'm still experiencing mild zaps and shocks. mostly in the evening or as I'm going to bed. Seem to happen when I'm feeling anxious and overwhelmed.
The whey powder helped, but the following day I felt SOOOO sleepy. Had a hard time getting out of bed.
best to you all,
Ll
Posted by erinmarie on May 6, 2007, at 12:45:18
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal Hell » mizloopy, posted by LlurpsieNoodle on May 4, 2007, at 12:55:57
It is not fun to come off this drug. I was taking 60mg daily along with .5mg xanax TID. Just found out I was prenant and went off everything. I have read that cymbalta and other drugs like it can cause pulmonary hyptendion in newborns.
I feel like my head is going to float away. Is it normal for me to feel vertigo even 4 days after I last took the drug? I know that you're not supposed to just stop; but I've been trying for so long to have a baby; I want everything to go well...
Posted by gapsgal on May 6, 2007, at 12:55:09
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal Hell, posted by erinmarie on May 6, 2007, at 12:45:18
Hello,
Yes you will feel this and more for some time. I am not trying to be negative, but just truthful. You can read some of the previous posts and see what an animal this was.
Donna
Posted by erinmarie on May 6, 2007, at 14:27:44
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal Hell, posted by erinmarie on May 6, 2007, at 12:45:18
Yes, I've read the thread since I posted that. Not looking foward to the next few weeks; but I really do feel better that I'm not the only one feeling this way.
I've never been pregnant either, so I didn't know if that was making me feel so lightheaded.
There has also been a lot of crying for no reason...just glad to know it's not just me!
Posted by gapsgal on May 6, 2007, at 15:17:24
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal Hell, posted by erinmarie on May 6, 2007, at 14:27:44
I can say that probably most of that is coming from the withdrawal as before I tried the prozac to get off the Cymbalta I was fainting, had brain zaps and many sensory disturbances. When I was pregnant I was very sick to my stomach, but nothing I could not deal with, the withdrawal is much much worse for sure. I will be praying that you have an easy time as I know what it feels like to be in your shoes as we all do on here. The bad thing is that medical professionals pretend that this just does not exist and that they have not had any other patients complain with these symptoms. I say they must not have done very much research on the drug to be prescribing it like they do. Anyway good luck to you!
Donna
Posted by scratchpad on May 7, 2007, at 7:29:48
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal Hell, posted by gapsgal on May 6, 2007, at 15:17:24
This is my 5th day after having to stop Cymbalta 60mg cold turkey because of interactions with Maxalt, my migraine medication.
3 nights of very disturbing nightmares, which thankfully I can't remember. Bad headache - another migraine, I believe, and some tingling in my fingers.If I hadn't been forced to stop taking it so abruptly, I might be a little more comfortable. But so far I feel pretty crummy.
As to which antidepressant I might be able to take that won't interfere with a triptan-type migraine drug (which is the only type of medication that has brought me true relief in 32 years of attacks); well, I haven't the faintest idea. I plan to try to get in to see a neurologist about that bit, maybe they'll be able to sort it out.
Scratchpad, a reluctant member of this club.
Posted by erinmarie on May 7, 2007, at 8:06:45
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal Hell, posted by scratchpad on May 7, 2007, at 7:29:48
I get migraines sometimes, usually around the time I get my period. That's one of the reasons I was taking cymbalta. It did help, though.
Years ago I took zoloft, and when I came off that I never felt anything like this. It does make me wonder why they would give me this drug knowing we were trying to have a baby and that I'd have to come off it. I don't think anyone thought we'd ever get pregnant; so they probably figured what the heck? I would've asked for zoloft if I'd have known I was going to feel this way.
The only thing that keeps me going is knowing that there's a baby to think of now! I am quite happy; a true non-chemical happy for once. These spells of vertigo seem trivial when I consider what's at stake.
I'll NEVER take cymbalta again! Hopefully I won't need to; but if I do I'll ask for something different. Whether they're treating me for migraines or anxiety or both-there is no way I will EVER put myself through this again.
This is NOT a nice club to be in. But at least we're not alone. It's nice to know the REAL depth of one's insanity; and what better gauge than the life experiences of others?
Posted by gapsgal on May 7, 2007, at 17:14:38
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal Hell, posted by scratchpad on May 7, 2007, at 7:29:48
Hello,
I also took maxalt for my migraines, but thankfully I no longer have to take that...but it would have been even worse I am sure to have to deal with that on top of everything else.
Posted by scratchpad on May 7, 2007, at 19:58:43
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal Hell, posted by gapsgal on May 7, 2007, at 17:14:38
I managed to find a neurologist and secure an appointment this week (I just about fainted when a real person took me off perpetual hold when I called). I would really like to know what my other options are for migraine relief that won't interfere with an antidepressant.
I find it kind of hinky that the effects are intertwined. Like there is something fundamentally wrong with my brain.Nice to meet you, BTW.
best,Scratchpad
Posted by erinmarie on May 8, 2007, at 7:26:21
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal Hell » gapsgal, posted by scratchpad on May 7, 2007, at 19:58:43
There are lots of ideas about what actually causes migraines; and there's probably more than one type or cause. Some people say they are vascular, while others insist neurological. I swear with my exp I think they've GOT to be hormonal.
I think there are a few options your doctor may present you with. I hope everything works out!!!
Posted by scratchpad on May 8, 2007, at 8:10:28
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal Hell, posted by erinmarie on May 8, 2007, at 7:26:21
> There are lots of ideas about what actually causes migraines; and there's probably more than one type or cause. Some people say they are vascular, while others insist neurological. I swear with my exp I think they've GOT to be hormonal.
I'll take one of the above. My migraines have become worse depending on how stable my perimenopause symptoms are. My gyn told me that I'm "exquisitely" sensitive to hormonal changes.
Environmental triggers become more sensitive (wind, cold, heat, humidity, yada yada yada) when I'm vulnerable hormonally. That my body usually responds well to the triptan drugs, which work on the vascular system, just tells me instinctively that it's all related somehow.>
> I think there are a few options your doctor may present you with. I hope everything works out!!!Thanks, Erinmarie. And nice to meet you, too!
BTW this is my first morning without a headache in about 2 weeks. I'm pretty excited about that.
sp
Posted by erinmarie on May 8, 2007, at 8:39:11
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal Hell » erinmarie, posted by scratchpad on May 8, 2007, at 8:10:28
For years I have dealt with terrible headaches. Having never had a 'regular' period, it was difficult to tell when to expect them. As I got older I became more attuned to my body and the other symtoms that would manifest before my period.
I've been on Maxalt, Floricet, Imitrex. Cymbalta really helped, though; as much as I hate to admit it.
Since I've been pregnant I haven't had a headache. I just read that sometimes symptoms subside during pregnancy. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Today is day 6 off the Cymbalta, I think. So far so good!
Nice to meet you too! You don't know what a relief it was for me to find this thread. I thought I was losing my mind all week with the dizziness and lightening bolts. For some reason it's comforting to know I'm not alone.
Posted by scratchpad on May 8, 2007, at 9:31:48
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal Hell, posted by erinmarie on May 8, 2007, at 8:39:11
>
> Nice to meet you too! You don't know what a relief it was for me to find this thread. I thought I was losing my mind all week with the dizziness and lightening bolts. For some reason it's comforting to know I'm not alone.
>
>Yup, that's what babble is all about. Have a great day today,
sp
Posted by ELC on May 8, 2007, at 15:07:43
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal Hell, posted by erinmarie on May 6, 2007, at 14:27:44
Quote
> There has also been a lot of crying for no reason...just glad to know it's not just me! End QuoteYep, I've been having the same thing.......and I'm not normally a crier....coming off this has been hard. However, I'm a week off of it now, and starting to feel better. The mood swings are leveling off and the brain zaps are getting fewer and fewer. I'm also sleeping so much better....
Posted by erinmarie on May 9, 2007, at 13:14:40
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal Hell » erinmarie, posted by ELC on May 8, 2007, at 15:07:43
I am a little over a week off Cymbalta now, too. I'm definately not as dizzy, though if I get up too fast the room still spins. No more lightning bolts(I guess you guys call them zaps).
I still cry though. A lot.
I always was a crybaby, though. And I'd forgotten how good I sleep after a deep, meaningless cry.
(A natural Ambien) Honestly, I was more worried about stopping the xanax; but I don't even care now. I just want to have a healthy baby.
Posted by scratchpad on May 11, 2007, at 15:04:07
In reply to Re: Cymbalta Withdrawal Hell » gapsgal, posted by scratchpad on May 7, 2007, at 19:58:43
Neurologist put me back on Cymbalta - slowish titration back up to 60mg. I think I have just fired my pdoc, but I don't think I'll bother telling him. Mostly this doctor addressed my migraine issues, but his opinion was that the abrupt pulling of Cymbalta was not necessary.
I look forward to feeling more stable soon.sp
Posted by LlurpsieNoodle on May 11, 2007, at 17:50:50
In reply to Back into the fray, posted by scratchpad on May 11, 2007, at 15:04:07
I hope you start feeling more stable soon too.
I've always had migraines on the day of my cycle when the estrogen crashes and the progesterone goes way up. Like clockwork I get a bad headache, sometimes a real migraine.
pdoc told me that bipolar females are sensitive to hormones (I'm assuming he meant estrogen and progesterone). And that their symptoms can be very very bad when hormones are out of whack.
Of course, my hormones are out of whack. 45 days and no period. maybe I'm in menopause. lol
no seriously, I hope you get some relief from this and find a new pdoc and/or sympathetic neurologist to help you out.
another interesting tidbit is that a great proportion of neurologists and neuroscientists were motivated to specialize due to a family history of mental illness. Thus you may find neuro folks more simpatico. Just make sure that they know their stuff about psych drugs and possible interactions.
((((((neuro))))))
p.s. my cymbalta symptoms nearly gone
Still have brain zaps every day (it's been 8? 9? weeks. but they are mild. clumsiness and vertigo went away by week 4 o 5. and the crying. well, I went on lamictal which is working very well as an antidepressant for me.
Posted by sad mama on May 11, 2007, at 20:34:37
In reply to Re: Welcome tatt, posted by tatt on October 8, 2005, at 19:48:06
My daughter, only 20 at the time, went to a psychologist that I found for her. It is a hard age; still a child but handling a lot in the adult world. I went through that at that age and thought she could use some counseling. I was very surprised that he immediately had our physician prescribe Cymbalta, which I was clueless about. Trusting doctors, we complied. That was over a year ago. She quit taking it in November (noone warned us about withdrawals) and had all the symptoms everyone is talking about, but it was new to us and we didn't connect the dots. It was horrible and she went back on it. After reading up on this drug, I realize that she is on one of the higher dosages: 60mg. She now feels like she never needed a drug in the first place. I wonder how many people just need a person to purge to but end up on these drugs. That is not to say that many people don't need to be on medication, but in her case, not. She is going to go off of it this summer when she has a window of time. Now that we know what to expect and can benefit from this forum, I hope she will get through it alright. Thanks for any helpful replies.
Posted by LlurpsieNoodle on May 12, 2007, at 9:37:33
In reply to Re: cymbalta withdrawals, posted by sad mama on May 11, 2007, at 20:34:37
Nice to meet you, by the way. I'm sorry to hear of your daughter's struggles. I think you are doing the best job you can to get her some help through this rough patch. Don't be too hard on yourself that not everything works out the way that the anti-depressant ads on TV portray
> My daughter, only 20 at the time, went to a psychologist that I found for her. It is a hard age; still a child but handling a lot in the adult world. I went through that at that age and thought she could use some counseling. I was very surprised that he immediately had our physician prescribe Cymbalta, which I was clueless about. Trusting doctors, we complied. That was over a year ago. She quit taking it in November (noone warned us about withdrawals) and had all the symptoms everyone is talking about, but it was new to us and we didn't connect the dots. It was horrible and she went back on it. After reading up on this drug, I realize that she is on one of the higher dosages: 60mg. She now feels like she never needed a drug in the first place. I wonder how many people just need a person to purge to but end up on these drugs. That is not to say that many people don't need to be on medication, but in her case, not. She is going to go off of it this summer when she has a window of time. Now that we know what to expect and can benefit from this forum, I hope she will get through it alright. Thanks for any helpful replies.
I think that 60mg is the standard therapeutic dose for depression and other depressive disorders. I didn't get so much response at 60, and then went up to 90 and felt better. Some breakthrough depression a few months later had me up to 120.
First I tapered from 120 to 90 that took 2 weeks. then I went from 90 to 60 that took 2 weeks. (some of the withdrawal effects were happening during this time period) then I went from 60 to 30 and I was getting brain zaps every day and chilly feelings and other unpleasantries. Finally I was sick of the whole withdrawal thing and told my doc that I was ready to go off of it. I was prepared to feel bad. I had stocked up my fridge with OJ, and prepared a sick-bed where I could just be alone with myself until it passed.
I don't want to scare you with the next part. I think I picked an "okay" time to do my big withdrawal, but the fact is that I live alone.
About 3 days after going to zero I was in big trouble. I couldn't get out of bed. was so dizzy and I felt like absolute hell. I was prepared for dizzy and brain zaps and bad headache body ache etc. What I wasn't prepared for was the magnitude of self-destructive feelings. By the end of the week I had stopped eating and drinking and my therapist drove me to the hospital (where they tend to feed and water their patients). I felt really really suicidal, and it was sudden and scary.
I think your daughter is in a better place than I was at the time. For one, she has a mother who cares about her and is ready to help nurture her through that first week. Another thing is that there will probably not be as much life-stressors on her as there were on me (I am getting ready to graduate this semester).
And I think that doctors are only slowly learning about the withdrawal effects from cymbalta. There is VERY very scarce data on how this drug affects the system during withdrawal. My pdoc was surprised, and he is both active in research and clinical practice to develop and prescribe psychopharmacological interventions.
What ended up helping me was to go on a mood stabilizer (lamictal) since the doctors in the hospital were concerned about a family history of bipolar (manic-depressive) illness. It has helped greatly with my suicidal and self-destructive impulses and given me more strength to face the diffuculties of life.
You and your daughter deserve the very best during this difficult time. I hope everything goes well. My scenario was pretty extreme, but so were my psychological events at the time (writing a dissertation, living alone, delving into really icky stuff and working on it in therapy).
take good care,
-Ll
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