[JCCWM]

Hello All,

I just logged off of WebMD.com because I am incredibly confused about why I feel the way I do. Let me start from the beginning:

In April of 2007 I started taking Zoloft... I didn't like what it was doing so I started taking Effexor... I had really bad side affects with the Effexor (it was the weirdest thing and I haven't been able to find these symptoms anywhere else but I had an awful time urinating. It was as if I was a 60 year old man and I had BPH... I was going every 20 minutes and when I would go a couple drops would come out... it was terrible). So, after Effexor I started taking Cymbalta. I started off at 30 mg a day. Then I started taking 30 in the morning and 30 in the evening. Then I started taking 30 in the morning and 60 in the evening. Then I started taking 60 and 60. This change happened over the course of about 2 months. I was taking the 60 and 60 for about 5 months. Everything was good but every month I noticed I was becoming increasingly despondent with the medication. I kind of forgot who I was. I had trouble making direct eye contact. I didn't really want to take it anymore. So, I started weening myself off of it. Now I'm completely done.

More information: I am 24 years old. I am a recovering alcoholic/drug addict. My sobriety date is August 17, 2007.

I haven't taken any Cymbalta in 2 days and today was the worst day for me in a very, very long time. I actually had to leave work early because I felt awful. I have the following symptoms:

Achey Body
Sweats
Zaps ( I feel like a bolt of electricity is going through my head )
Head Ache
Incredible Fatigue... i've been sleeping all day.
Confusion

I would be catagorize these symptoms as almost being flu-like or cold-like but with a little bit of anxiety and psychosis mixed it. Either way I'm incredibly confused and I happened to stumble onto this page.

What is going on with me? Why do I feel this way? How can I help it? Please, I need help.

[Cymbalta Survivor]

You are feeling what many here have gone or are currently going through. All I can tell you is to hold on and remember that anything that you feel is due to the withdrawal and that you are not going insane. Stay close to friends and/or family or at least let them know what is going on. I myself became very suicidal during my withdrawal and if not for my friends, I may not be here today giving you this advise. Also (and most importantly), I should add that you should call your doctor and let them know what is going on with you.

[JCCWM]

How long am I going to feel these brain zaps? I'm starting to think I should probably not go to work tomorrow. I made two mistakes today that were pointed out by my managers and I never make mistakes. I feel like my brain is foggy and I'm not nearly as sharp and intelligent as normal.

[CathyH]

I can relate to where you are at, and what you are going through. It's scary as hell. Some really important points have been made here. It is the drug withdrawals you are going thru: You are not crazy. Don't let anyone tell you different. Another point is that there are so many people here, at different phases of withdrawal, that can validate what you are going through. And best of all, there are people here that are on the other side of this, and can attest to the fact that it is entirely possible to do this. Take that to heart as truth. When I'm doing very badly, it helps me to read of others successes, as it proves to me that it can be done.

Hang in there
CathyH