6 replies to this topic

[JACC0811]

Hello everyone! Boy am I glad I found this site! I haven't read enough yet, but wondered if anyone might have any suggestions for me.

I have been taking Cymbalta for about 2 years now for shoulder pain, depression and anxiety. I have also had to change jobs because of my medical issues. After finally finding a solution that worked, I started a new job. But at the cost of changing insurance. Which has made my wife and my meds astronomical until my new insurance kicked in next month.

Anyhow, I now drive a tractor trailer. And over the last couple weeks I have been running low on Cymbalta until a few days ago. Now I am completely out! And I need to find a way to get through the dizziness, mood swings, and brain zaps (I assume that's the sound I'm hearing when I move my eyes quickly). This has happened before, so I kind of know what to expect. But I can't afford to sit 1000 miles from home if I get too bad.

So I want to know if there is something to get to deal with this, or at least reduce the severity. When I'm sitting and driving I'm ok, but when I have to get out of the truck or even walk, it sometimes hits me like a ton of bricks! I really don't want to be a hazard on the road either. Bad thing is, I'm the only source of income for my family and if my wheels aren't turnin', I'm not earnin'.

Any inexpensive suggestions would be great! Better yet, if I can pick the stuff up in a truck stop that would help too.

Thanks!
John

[Imasurvivor]

Hi, I read someone else posted taking benedryl to help w side effects and I was using Excedrine my first week of cold turkey (from my 20mg dose)... Until the diarrhea and empty stomach feeling that are common w/d symptoms... I wish I had an answer for you. I'm day 15 of cold Turkey. So... Hold on tight and maybe your ride n rage won't be as bad as mine.

[JACC0811]

Well I have the empty stomach feeling and insomnia now. Although the sleep problem could just be the weird sleep schedule I have.

But the noise when I move my eyes and dizziness are the worst part.

I'm sure I'll manage eventually, it's just getting there is rough.

[Imasurvivor]

That empty stomach feeling is an odd one isn't it? That started on like day 3 n is still w me and I'm eating the healthiest I've ever done n Im gaining weight! I eat and an hour later than pain is back. And nothing tastes great either. Im hungry but at the same time not really coz nothing thrills me... So weird. Good luck w the buzzing n brain zaps. They are much better on day 16 not constant. I know youre driving but be extra careful though coz that exhaustion in the beginning was really bad for me.

[Imasurvivor]

Oh and I had that insomnia the first few days then the buzzing n brain zaps were so bad I could only lie still and slept a lot. I'm saying an extra prayer for you!

[Matt]

This advice is a little late, and it sounds dumb. I'm a heavy equipment operator, I'm weaning off of Cymbalta now. I get zaps and vertigo from any high wall i'm driving near in a pit. I wear yellow shaded glasses, this seems to help alot.

[JACC0811]

Thanks for everything folks! I have been doing ok so far. The buzzing is occasional now, but the vertigo is still there. I was finally able to make it home and my wife and I decided I need to come off the road for good. Mostly because I miss the family and they miss me and need me too much at home. Plus I don't want to have anything worse happen 1000 miles from home.

As soon as I can get in to my doc I will see if there is something else I can do for my pain and get off of Cymbalta altogether.

Thanks again!