[Sierragal]

Wow what a strange trip this is going to be! I have been ( was on) Cymbalta since March of 2008. Started on 30's then graduated to 60's for the last 18 months ( Doc Suggestion of course) This year I have been feeling like I am ok enough to deal with my anxieties and depression so I talked to my Doc and he of course suggested another AD!!! Nope.. not for me, as most of you know, for one this medication is quite pricey, here in Georgia at the Walmart I pay $155 and some change every month for 30 pills for the darn crap because my insurance will not cover it due to there not being a generic of it. So I explained this to the Doc and he gave me a bunch of 30's samples so I thought long and hard and decided after MUCH research to lower my 60 a day dose to 30, I did that for a week then I realized I was already having withdrawal after 2 days on the 30's. Soooo as of Monday 4/12 I stopped cold turkey! Very scary choice but I am healthy, 45yr old female and the only meds I was on was the Cymbalta and Lisinopril to lower my blood pressure that the Cymbalta caused to go up! Thats amusing in itself! I have consistently checked my blood pressure and since coming off Cymbalta and lisinopril totally- my blood pressure readings are in the perfect range of 118/78-80... So this in itself have given me some inspiration to forge on in the break away from the Cymbalta. Its only day 2 since no meds at all and today OMG those " Brain Zaps-Shiver" whatevers are driving me mad. I IMMEDIATELY HAD INTESTINAL ISSUES from the lowered dosage and the bathroom has been my buddy in the last week. I Cant move my eyes , walk or turn my head without getting the brain shivers. Then tonight while walking to the bedroom there was this irritating noise in my ears along with the brain shiver that all I can describe is it sounded like someone crumpling a piece of paper over and over and VERY fast! I sat down and it stopped, very odd indeed. I can say that so far other than the crazy head things going on and the bathroom trips that I have felt more like a person than I have since I started this medicine. I am fortunate that I work from home because I feel driving at this point is not a good idea at all.
Does anyone have any great or encouraging news regarding the Brain zaps duration? I can not locate any information on this and my Doc is presently unaware I have done this. I am waiting for now to see how this plays out by doing it on my own and then go from there.
Besides feeling non human for the last 2 years I gained 35 pounds and that in itself is depressing as I was in a size 7!! ( WAS) ha ha
But I shall keep posting progress in hopes of helping someone else
I have read absolute HORROR stories about getting off this med but everyone reacts differently so I a willing to take my chances so that I can hopefully regain my sense of feeling emotions properly again and most of all to shed the weight that wont go away no matter what I try!
Heres hoping for a better outcome than the stories that have literally scared the crap outta me when I was deciding to get off the Cymbalta train.

[Junior]

Hi Sierragal

Other than observing that going c/t is NOT a good way to get off a/ds - esp a potent one like Cymbalta - the only thing I can suggest is large doses of Fish Oil. It is supposedly very good for the brain zaps.

Cheers
Junior

[Sierragal]

Day 3... Woke up with a horrible headache,Brain Zaps of course, nausea subsided but still have intestinal issues! I know this is TMI- but I have TONS of Gas lol.... So far so good though, the brain shivers-Zaps are tolerable, very frequent however and just VERY annoying, I did notice that I am more opinionated today and that is just like the "Old Me" I'm gonna hang in there though because being a stubborn individual, once I have made up my mind that's it. Thanks for the response's and OH.. almost forgot, I do take the fish oil but I belched it today and it almost gagged me! Uggghhh...Also Took Benadryl last night and today and it doesn't seem to effect the brain zaps a bit. Hang tough everyone if there's a will there's gotta be a way to get off this crap! Take care.

[Sierragal]

You're welcome Well Day 4 is now upon me, just slightly the same as yesterday but only a couple of things changed and the one that made me Oh sooo PROUD!! I got VERY upset over something today and usually ( on the cymbalta) I would sound off in ways that scared people sometimes... but today since off this stuff I was actually shocked how well I controlled myself
Also the Brain zaps are still VERY frequent but I have noticed since yesterday that when I walk, each step does not accompany one so that in itself is progress. Stay with it if you are trying to come off the Cymbalta, I know first hand now its not easy but I have also realized that now looking back to when I first started the stuff I remember HORRIBLE side affects that lasted a few weeks so if I survived that I know now I can get through this. Have a Great Weekend everyone.

[Doob]

sierragal, on 19 April 2010 - 02:01 PM, said:

WOW... what a BAD last 24hrs! Brain Zaps hit their max and I have been VERY aggravated by the smallest things that would normally not make me mad. Husband is NOT helping because instead of supporting me and saying it will pass he proceeds to cause the issues I am having with my anger to hit extremes( aguing back with me) that I forgot over the last 2 years I had! Ughhhh.. So I proceeded to tell him where he could go today and now he's scared lol... You would have to know our relationship to understand but basically we own 3 companies and he can not ( literally) function without my help.... but this is Day 7, med free, still dizzy and brain zaps are still there, insomnia has shown its ugly little face but I WILL make it, I REFUSE to go back

It's a tough go but I have been CT for 20 days now. I no longer want to kill the bird outside my window. I do wish he would sing somewhere else but that is another issue. Stay hydrated and watch your sugar intake.
This stuff doesn't like to let go and will remind you it is still there. Even after a couple of good day's.
You are here on this site. So you have support.

Peace
Doob

[Sierragal]

Heading into Day 10 and very happy to say I have not let this stuff make me surrender Happy too that while scared I was able to drive on a trip for 2.5 hrs there yesterday then back again today, I had a few white knuckle moments and looking like a lunatic for talking myself thru it while driving ( I was alone) which going thru the last 9 days of heck I didnt care! ha ha Notice a new symptom last night when I laid down for the night, still have issues w/insomnia but a rather annoying wheezing sound has now developed! I researched yet again and calmed myself in knowing once again another withdrawal symptom that another human being( not a doctor) described as having during a few week period following the CT stoppage of this crap. So overall its not as bad for me at least as I had expected, I feel stoned sometimes but that isnt such a bad thing lol... just kidding but in comparison to what Ive been going thru it was actually quite relaxing that happened today after I returned from my trip so maybe it was my brain saying u crazy lady u just put me thru the ringer
This all being said for all who find this post I am speaking purely from my experience and hope if you are considering starting this med that u PLEASE weigh the odds of how bad u think u need it versus trying to get off. Good luck everyone I will try to keep posting just so anyone may know approx how long tghis lasts, each person is different but its always nice to read when someone else is going thru the same as u.

[Doob]

Sierragal, on 22 April 2010 - 12:45 AM, said:

Heading into Day 10 and very happy to say I have not let this stuff make me surrender Happy too that while scared I was able to drive on a trip for 2.5 hrs there yesterday then back again today, I had a few white knuckle moments and looking like a lunatic for talking myself thru it while driving ( I was alone) which going thru the last 9 days of heck I didnt care! ha ha Notice a new symptom last night when I laid down for the night, still have issues w/insomnia but a rather annoying wheezing sound has now developed! I researched yet again and calmed myself in knowing once again another withdrawal symptom that another human being( not a doctor) described as having during a few week period following the CT stoppage of this crap. So overall its not as bad for me at least as I had expected, I feel stoned sometimes but that isnt such a bad thing lol... just kidding but in comparison to what Ive been going thru it was actually quite relaxing that happened today after I returned from my trip so maybe it was my brain saying u crazy lady u just put me thru the ringer
This all being said for all who find this post I am speaking purely from my experience and hope if you are considering starting this med that u PLEASE weigh the odds of how bad u think u need it versus trying to get off. Good luck everyone I will try to keep posting just so anyone may know approx how long tghis lasts, each person is different but its always nice to read when someone else is going thru the same as u.

Nice.
I am day 25 and all is well. Except for minor brain zaps and headaches, I feel pretty damn good. Lot's of music, lot's of family. My pups are 6 wks old and raising them has helped me in ways I cannot comprehend. That and it is strawberry season here and nothing is better.
Keep it up.

Doob

[Solitude]

I started weening off 2-3 weeks ago. I was only on 20mg for the past 3 years but my doctor started me on 30mg to 60mg the first few weeks (about 5 years ago). It made me feel terrible. Anyway, I am now on 5 mg once a day by splitting the capsules as other members have suggested. I feel better now than I have felt in YEARS!!!!!!!! both physically and emotionally. I swear, this is one of the worst drugs I have ever been on.

Let me begin by telling you that 10 years ago my parents died in a car accident. Before that, life was pretty good. But after that tragedy, I seemed to cry alot. Imagine that, crying over the death of your parents. My doctor said I should take a sleep aid, of course I took it. I needed some sleep and he is naturally smarter than I am because he is, after all, a doctor. But that only made me anxious throughout the day. Doc sad, lets give you an anti anxiety med (cymbalta). That will help you concentrate and not be so emotional. O.k., do we see where this is going?

One drug begets another, begets another and so on.

What is so wrong with a little sadness every once in a while? Isn't that normal. Just like happiness, anger, hunger, fear, peace, and so on?

I hope the worst part of the withdrawls are over. Other than nausea and some pretty awsome (not the good awsome) headaches I get every couple of days, I still feel better now, than when I was on the drug. My concentration seems to be getting better, my energy level is beginning to come back up and I don't feel the agitation that I had a month ago. I hope that I can help someone else who is debating whether or not to take this drug.

Keep in mind that there are other alternatives. Yes, I have been drinking lots more water. I try to stay away from any carbonation. (gotta love that diet coke) Cut way back on the sugar intake and I exercise everyday. Even if its just for 10-20 minutes. It seems to help emensely.

[Sierragal]

Way to go Doob! U realize you are inspring me here don't you
Thanks for updating I am 15 days behind you but feel so accomplished already, Have a super Great Weekend everyone and Hang in there because U can see that Doob & I are doing quite well I think!

[Doob]

Sierragal, on 22 April 2010 - 06:49 PM, said:

Way to go Doob! U realize you are inspring me here don't you
Thanks for updating I am 15 days behind you but feel so accomplished already, Have a super Great Weekend everyone and Hang in there because U can see that Doob & I are doing quite well I think!

You still with us?
Just checking

Doob

[Sierragal]

Yeah I'm still among the living Doob.. ha ha
How are you?
I have had an extremely rough past few days, again this is TMI to alot of you but being female my monthly has hit and OMG this has been one serious roller coaster ride. My intestinal issues are at an all time high as well ( bloating,frequent bathroom trips, stomach cramps) Soooo not fun!
I am happy to say that over the last 24hrs the brain zaps have slowed to a bare minimum and that in itself is reason for me to keep on going
The insomnia however is lingering so my sleeping hrs have gone wild, I am getting at most about 5hrs ( of broken sleep) per 24hrs.. but hopefully that will change soon because I feel like a wiped out old lady and I'm only 45~

I am soooo very blessed that I work from home, I know I could not get through this having to get to work at certain hrs or even having to drive the way I feel at times!@

But I am at Day 16!! A Great accomplishment if ya ask me

Each day seems to bring a new set of challenges but knowing and holding onto the fact that I know its uphill from here is what keeps me going.

Everyone feel free to post here it helps people out like me to know we are not going thru this alone!

Be back soon....

[Sierragal]

This has been a HONEY PLEASE kinda day! YIKES, my attitude is straight over the top, can't stop it- things just flyin out my mouth left n right and not so nice but not over exaggerated either, I realize thats hard to understand but I guess what I mean is I FINALLY opened my mouth and said how I felt for a change- so much so that hubby stopped speaking to me hrs ago... ha ha .
Whats worse is I don't care if he's mad.. not sure if that's a good or bad thing right now because it actually felt good to vent for a change instead of sitting there being a doormat and feeling numb all the time
I do have SUPER news though, I didn't want to jinx it by posting yesterday but I have been a solid 54hrs and NO Brain Zapping!!! YEAH!!! I hope it stays that way because I can tolerate the rest ( except maybe the attitude)

Stomach issues are lingering however and not pleasant but I can tolerate them I suppose... its not like I REALLY have a choice I have given birth many moons ago so I guess what don't kill me through this will most definitely make me stronger.

If you are just reading this and trying to stop Cymbalta I can assure you its not easy, but you have to decide first if you are ready < --- VERY IMPORTANT, then if you are strong enough because believe me when I tell you this is so NOT easy!

I was always told by doctors I exhibited a high tolerance for pain, well let me tell ya there has been days when I have cried through this, I won't lie to you as you just like me are searching for others experiences.
But.... I am officially on Day 22 with NO Cymbalta!! Go Me!!

Looking forward to the rest of my life off this crap and I promise you one thing no more anti depressants for me... EVER!!

Til next time, Take care and hang in there if you are coming off this drug.

[MaureenV]

Sierragal, on 03 May 2010 - 12:15 AM, said:

This has been a HONEY PLEASE kinda day! YIKES, my attitude is straight over the top, can't stop it- things just flyin out my mouth left n right and not so nice but not over exaggerated either, I realize thats hard to understand but I guess what I mean is I FINALLY opened my mouth and said how I felt for a change- so much so that hubby stopped speaking to me hrs ago... ha ha .
Whats worse is I don't care if he's mad.. not sure if that's a good or bad thing right now because it actually felt good to vent for a change instead of sitting there being a doormat and feeling numb all the time
I do have SUPER news though, I didn't want to jinx it by posting yesterday but I have been a solid 54hrs and NO Brain Zapping!!! YEAH!!! I hope it stays that way because I can tolerate the rest ( except maybe the attitude)

Stomach issues are lingering however and not pleasant but I can tolerate them I suppose... its not like I REALLY have a choice I have given birth many moons ago so I guess what don't kill me through this will most definitely make me stronger.

If you are just reading this and trying to stop Cymbalta I can assure you its not easy, but you have to decide first if you are ready < --- VERY IMPORTANT, then if you are strong enough because believe me when I tell you this is so NOT easy!

I was always told by doctors I exhibited a high tolerance for pain, well let me tell ya there has been days when I have cried through this, I won't lie to you as you just like me are searching for others experiences.
But.... I am officially on Day 22 with NO Cymbalta!! Go Me!!

Looking forward to the rest of my life off this crap and I promise you one thing no more anti depressants for me... EVER!!

Til next time, Take care and hang in there if you are coming off this drug.

Great to hear you so positive!!!

cheers, Maureen.