[DaveG]

I'm on day 6 of being off cymbalta completely. Taking Celexa instead.

I'm dreading even getting out of bed. I have four more days of work, as one of me fears, losing my contract job has come true, and this coming Thursday is my last day. I need the money, but know I'm already in a deep fear of going into the office.

My physical side effects are still here, Brain zaps, (seem to occur as the day goes on, mornings are okay), headaches, cloudy thinking, can't sleep at night, but can sleep for 14 hours or so during the day if I let myself. (And when I don't let myself, I still can't sleep at night). I'm kind irritable, I almost yelled at this elderly couple in the grocery store a couple of days ago, just because they were there.

When will this end? I keep thinking I should just give up. I don't know. I want to get through it, but I don't know if I'm strong enough.

Dave

[Genealogizer]

Dave, if your Celexa isn't doing the job, can you ask for a change to Prozac? I was changed from a taper off Cymbalta (which was spectacularly unsuccessful; every symptom anyone has listed in full force. The zaps were the worst.) to 20 mg of Prozac for 10 days, tapered to 10 mg for ten days, then 5 mg for ten days, and now I have been off Prozac for five days, with no noticeable symptoms. Still have some residual tinnitus from the Cymbalta, but it is less than it was, by far. The hellacious Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms diminished to a bearable level within 24 hours of starting Prozac, and I was fully functional during the next 3 weeks. The mood swings are noticeable, but not overwhelming. I think it's my body's attempt to re-establish a serotonin level without massive chemical interference. I should add that I am also on Wellbutrin, and have no plans to change that in the near future. Best of luck to you, and I hope you have a supportive doctor and home situation.

[CathyH]

Dave........Cymbalta withdrawals are pure hell, there is no question about it. Unfortunaltly, what you are experiencing is completely normal for going off this drug. What I want to say to you is that IT CAN BE DONE. People are doing it, people are in the middle of doing it, and people are on the other side of it. I don't want to take away from the intensity of the withdrawal--it is truly horrible. But it will pass. You will start to have some good, or not so bad, days, and then they will start to accumulate, and you will have even better days. It just takes some time, and believe me, I've done it, some of those days, it doesn't feel even possible. But it is. One thing someone told me helped me tremendously: Every day passed is a day that is done....gone.....handled. You never have to experience that day again. That day is behind you. Words of hope, given to me, as I pass them on to you. There is hope.

I've heard the Prozac helps tremendously. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get my paws on any, so I did it without it. I got through it. There were days all I could do was hang on this computer and hope for encouragement. It came. Some people came to my aid, and it helped SO much. If you keep posting, people will come to your aid, too. This site is amazing, and has some truly priceless people here.

I'm at day 46, cymbalta free, and I can say it was worth it. I'm actually on the other side, for the most part, and I'm here to encourage you to hang on. It passes. My worst days were from about day 5 until the end of the third week. Then it started to let up. I was in the final stretch. Even if it feels like it, the withdrawals will NOT last forever.

I get some zaps still, but mostly when I'm over tired. I'm sure my system is still adjusting, but life is so much better now. I'm actually living my life, and enjoying it most of the time.

Hang in there,
CathyH

[thomasK]

Hi Dave. What's the latest? How are things progressing? Also, about your job - what kind of work do you do?

[DaveG]

Hi Tom,
By neccessity, I'm a business Analyst, with insurance background. I'm also a licensed massage therapist. (Hey, at least I'm well rounded!)

I doing okay. Sometimes I feel almost good, but that lasts at best a half hour. I'm exhausted, yet don't sleep well. Feeling cranky, but keeping it under control so far. The brain zaps are still coming, usually after noon, and into the evening.

My mood is swinging a lot too. Right now I feel okay, last night I was feeling like giving up. The hardest part is just getting out of bed in the morning.

Thanks
Dave

[thomasK]

hey dave. I'm an analyst as well. do a lot of data manipulation, reports, analysis, etc.

I'm on my third day without cymbalta and am feeling alot of what you described. Below is some of the stuff that is working for me. Tell me what you think and what is working for you.

1. Whenever I get a brain zap or extra nausea, etc, I usually say something to the extent of "f*** this crap. I'm going to get over this thing. it is only temporary and it will get better." just having that mindset helps me alot. and if i don't have that mindset, just saying it to myself or out loud as well as writing it allows me actually hear or see what I'm dealing with. Seeing the issue helps confront it and stay with it.
2. thinking, especially as a business analyst, can be challenging even without weaning. I've been trying to be very structured in my approach to work. i set small goals that I can accomplish in less than 30 minutes and I try to really set a good plan before diving in. That way I limit the frustration. Taking some control and reaching these small milestones really keeps me going and gaining momentum which is critical. Sometimes the goal is to just stick with something for 5, 10 or so minutes. And then, I take a break. stand up (not too quickly), walk a bit, maybe go outside for a sec. Wherever I end up I usually try to close my eyes and take 3 breathes, shrug my shoulders really high (Tension) and then let them relax. Grasping the difference between the tension and relaxation helps me to notice when I am tense and helps alleviate it. Plus it actually feels great.
3. trying to really be proactive - planning work, meals, doing things that will keep me going
4. keep promises to myself, especially small ones. I heard and believe that the quickest way to improve your self esteem is by making and keeping small promises to yourself. And self esteem is really needed right especially when it is so easy to start doubting yourself and thoughts.
5. get as best rest as possible whether it is continuously at night, little naps, meditation, or whatever
6. get some activity or exercise. Nothing too crazy but something to get the blood flowing.
7. eat well. lots of protein helps me. Kind of like an adkins diets of good lean proteins (egg whites, chicken, soy) and lots of veggies and fruits as well as fiber. I stay away from sugars, etc. All of this helps keep my sugar levels more consistent which helps with my mood and energy levels. Plus, this is pretty easy. For example, it's not tough to throw a can of tuna with some mayo and relish and whole wheat bread with an apple or something.
8. do something for yourself. get your favorite fruit, go to a movie, paint, take pictures, doesn't have to be anything expensive or momumental but something for you. You may have lost interests in things. That's ok but make a promise to yourself to try something that you remember liking in the past. If it doesn't workout, well at least you've kept a promise (see number 4).
9. do something for someone without expecting anything in return. you are great a message correct? well, great give a free one to someone. doesn't have to be for a long time. but do something that you can. put money in someones parking meter. give a homeless person a hamburger. give a teenager waiting in line at the theatre a movie ticket you just bought. it feels amazing to do stuff like this. for a small moment you take control and you make someone feel fantastic. Plus, it is soooo cool to see people take something from you looking for the "catch" and then smiliing as they realize that there isn't any catch. And guess what, you are one of those neat people who really do things just to be nice (and also because it makes US feel good!)
10. get the support you need - that includes preparing for doc visits, reaching out to friends and family, if you are limited on shoulders to lean then use this forum or look for support groups. call your insurance carrier. call whomever, but take the steps to get support.