7 replies to this topic

[Disneymom]

I really thought I was going to have this down. I was on the generic 60 mg for 2 months and just quit cold turkey. First 2 days I was fine and then holy smokes the 3rd night, last Wednesday I turned into the devil! I freaked out on my husband in a rage I have never before. It turned into a two day fight. What I have now is extreme moodiness (I'll be totally fine at home and one little thing will set me off and I'm talking about divorce and how terrible my husband is. He's an awesome guy, not sure what makes me try to hurt him). I have this hard to explain feeling in my head. Almost a dizziness type feeling when I move it around. I am getting headaches, not migrains, just headaches that come and go. I also have craving that I can only describe as pregnancy type cravings. I won't eat anything and then start craving something random. So help this house if I don't get it.

I don't want to start taking it again but I also don't want to end up divorced over this either. Is there anything I can do to help it? Vitamins or anything? I'll even try taking Prozac if that will help it.

I thought because I was only on it for 2 months that the effects wouldn't be as severe or last as long. I can do a week or two but we have a family vacation coming in April that I'm terrified will ruin with my mood swings.

Thank you to everyone here for all the great information. It's nice to find a place that understands we aren't just crazy or making it up for attention.

[FiveNotions]

Oh, you're definitely describing my own experience...I was fine until the 3d day...then whammo!

I'm exhausted and so won't write much tonight...

But...apologize to your husband...and try to explain to him what's happenng to you...if he's willing, show him some of the posts here....

The emotions aren't you, they're the drug...and your brain starting to rewire itself after having it removed....two days of calm before the storm is about right,,,,up until then you probably had some of the cymbalta in your system...when that ran out...it hit...

Also, for yourself, dive into the nutritional support and family support forums....you'll want to get yourself taking all the basic vitamins..and perhaps some other supplements....vitamin, b complex, choline, omega 3, vitamin c.....

And read up on "brain zaps"... See the "what are you feeling" forum....lots of other symptom discussions in there....

You can do this...and we'll do everything we can to help you.....post anything and everything here...vent and rant at will...we've all been there, or will likely be there at some point!

[FiveNotions]

PS.....I encourage you...most importantly...to consider using the bead counting method to get off the poison....it wld mean reinstating it just long enuf to get stable again...then removing a bead or two or three per day....others here can tell you more...I came off cold turkey...60mg for 7 or 8 yrs...if I had it to do over, I'd bead count for sure....it's much less of a shock to your brain and nervous system...also, might make it easier on those around you...

I'm so glad you found us!

[Carleeta]

Disneymom. .Welcome back and was waiting to hear your progress..It does appear you are going through the start of Cymbalta withdrawl. .You did end up going cold turkey..I would say you definitely are having a rough spell here, and cold turkey is never ever advised ..Most Dr's would taper you down..

I remember your first post and you stated you had started a new job and have a family vacation coming up in April...

My advice to you, and I'm sure Fishinghat and FiveNotions will agree and be chiming in soon, Cold Turkey is not the way to come off this drug...Either use the bead counting method or of course start on another antidepressent (as you mentioned) and then taper off th a t antidepressent...FishingHat will have more knowledge on your thoughts of Prozac which I feel he can chime in on..

Oh definitely we do not want your marriage jeopardized in any way so vent away on this forum...post, post, post, post away. .
Ask questions, cry, laugh, get angry, and share your thoughts right here..

We are here to support any decision you choose..

Hang in there!

[Wagtail]

I feel your pain.. I am four months off 60 ml Cymbalta taken everyday for 10 yrs . I gave up in about 4 weeks , not quite cold turkey but probably too fast.
I have suffered almost every withdrawal s/e that has been recorded & then some.
It's not encouraging but I had to let you know that I too have had almost the exact same day as you disneymom ..I woke up today & verbally attacked my husband over something trivial & stupid.
He too, is a good man but sometimes he just doesn't get IT !... I think after suffering so badly for so long that I'm @ my wits end & am fighting hard to keep it all together .
I'm in pain 24/7 & feeling depressed & anxious , I'm taking vitamins & thienine (sp ) & doing everything possible to alleviate the s/e but I really battling.
I just don't know what to do anymore ...

[Timbo]

I really thought I was going to have this down. I was on the generic 60 mg for 2 months and just quit cold turkey. First 2 days I was fine and then holy smokes the 3rd night, last Wednesday I turned into the devil! I freaked out on my husband in a rage I have never before. It turned into a two day fight. What I have now is extreme moodiness (I'll be totally fine at home and one little thing will set me off and I'm talking about divorce and how terrible my husband is. He's an awesome guy, not sure what makes me try to hurt him). I have this hard to explain feeling in my head. Almost a dizziness type feeling when I move it around. I am getting headaches, not migrains, just headaches that come and go. I also have craving that I can only describe as pregnancy type cravings. I won't eat anything and then start craving something random. So help this house if I don't get it.

I don't want to start taking it again but I also don't want to end up divorced over this either. Is there anything I can do to help it? Vitamins or anything? I'll even try taking Prozac if that will help it.

I thought because I was only on it for 2 months that the effects wouldn't be as severe or last as long. I can do a week or two but we have a family vacation coming in April that I'm terrified will ruin with my mood swings.

Thank you to everyone here for all the great information. It's nice to find a place that understands we aren't just crazy or making it up for attention.

Hello Disneymom.  I'm sorry to hear you are having to share the ugly effects of this drug.   I am going to echo the advice of FiveNotions and Carleeta - you may want to reconsider your choice of Cold Turkey.  It really isn't recommended and puts you at risk for some uncertain days ahead.   I switched to the bead-counting method and was able to get off of it in about 10 weeks.  

 

And those cravings...aren't they crazy?   My craving was (of all things) ice cream!  I gained 35 pounds over 12 months.   Fortunately, those cravings are gone, now, and I've lost most of that weight.   But I can relate to them.  

 

Hang in there...and consider trying out the bead-counting process if things don't level out soon.   I know it's probably not what you want to do, but the exchange for quality of life may be a worthwhile consideration.  

 

I'm glad you found this forum.  I know you will have resounding support - whatever method you choose to get through this journey.   

[Disneymom]

Thank you all for your replies, thoughts suggestions and support. I honestly don't know what to do. I look at that bottle and it kills me to think about taking it. If it will help me to wean off easier than I will. My other idea was taking Prozac. I've heard mixed thoughts on whether this works or not. My last thought is to do neither and see how it goes.

I just feel so alone here. My husband doesn't get it and thinks I'm making it all up. He's so mad at me for being moody so he's really sarcastic and snappy at everything I say.

I have no clue what to do. I feel like crap and now I am being treated like crap.

[Wonderwoman]

I was getting my Cymbalta through LILLY however handled through my doctor. It too k four months to get my medicine. By then I had to stop cold turkey. I immediately and I highly recommend going to the health food store and getting HTP. It is the all natural replacement for serotonin. There are others but you can talk to them and they will help you. Or u can research it. It will make a huge difference. There are other all natural things to replace what you need. I was on 60 Mgs then 90 and then 60 and went cold turkey. But with all natural u can do it. I do HTP 100 Mgs daily.