6 replies to this topic

[Woncrazeechik]

Hello all! I've been on cymbalta for almost a year now. I was suffering from severe depression and anxiety after my 12y/o daughter was murdered. I fought long and hard enough without meds that I couldn't take it anymore, and gave in.
I felt great after being on cymbalta in the beginning! I was starting to feel like "me" was coming back.
About 2 months ago my doc added on Wellbutrin, I needed an extra boost for this time of year. Can't honestly say that I notice a difference, but I can say, I am not in tears, so that's good enough for me.
I just came back from a trip. I was able to relax, enjoy the sunshine, the views, etc. and didn't take any of my meds while I was away.
Now that I'm home, I feel like I've been hit by a truck! Flu like symptoms, fever, achy. And I started to wonder if it was from not taking my meds.
I've read through a handful of posts here, and had NO IDEA about all of these withdrawl symptoms, or for some the inability to ween off of cymbalta.
I love my doc, and knowing my reasons for taking the meds she said that I would most likely be on them for the rest of my life, it made sense. But after reading some of your posts, I'm seriously considering going back to being the tough mama who did it without meds.im in a tough spot cause I started the meds cause it wasn't fair to the rest of my family to deal with all my ever changing moods.
I will be doing more reading, more research before I take another pill. I may feel like sH!t now but after reading these posts, if I stay on the meds, it will only gets worse if I want to get off or they stop working. Ahhhhhh!!!!

[Clara]

woncrazzeechick, welcome! Lots of great info here and lots of loving supportive folks although some of the more informed have had to leave or take a break. Their loving informative posts are still here. Cold turkey is very rough, but you can do it! Just don't be surprised or alarmed at the w/d symptoms that show up. Read up here as much as you possible can! Prayers for you that you make the right decision for you as to whether to reinstate meds or not! My heart aches for you in the loss of your daughter! Please know that we on the forum are here with all the support we can offer! Keep us posted! Hugs and prayers for you and yours!

[Woncrazeechik]

I've read through more posts, LOTS and LOTS to read. So much so it's overwhelming!!! But very informative.
I've admitted that I am terrible when it comes to taking any kind of meds, on a regular/every day basis.
After going through some of the w/d, achy, tired, dizzy, dripping sweaty mess, vertigo, wicked dreams, CONSTANT ringing in my ears, stomach issues, I even felt like I lost seconds of my life at times, my mood...grrrrrr I think I'm going to start backing down to 30mg from my 60. Slow and steady seems to be the way, unless you don't have that option.
Thank you all for sharing your experiences with the rest of us.

[TryinginFL]

Welcome Wonc!

 

So happy that you have found all of us here!  This is a safe place with many caring, supportive and knowledgeable people!

 

First, let me offer my comfort in the loss of your daughter.  I lost my daughter 5 yrs ago and the hurt scabs over, but it never goes away.  We have another member who has lost her daughter as well.  This is how I ended up on this poison.

 

I am a cold turkey survivor of over 10 months, and I DON'T RECOMMEND this approach!  Should you decide to come off the C. please use the bead counting method - it is much kinder to your body!

 

I also know that it takes time for the Wellbutrin to upload into your system - I have never taken it so cannot give you any info, but you can search it using our home page.  There is so much info there!

 

No point in talking to your Dr. regarding withdrawal since they know nothing about it...they only know what the drug reps tell them and most of the Dr.s don't think there is any withdrawal to speak of.  I have changed PCP's 3 times since getting off the crap.

 

I hope you will consider this for some time before making your decision.  We had a couple of forum members who felt that it is all about your quality of life - not whether or not you need to take a med to accomplish this.

 

Please feel free to come back to ask any questions you may have, to cry, vent  -  whatever!  We want to help!

 

Liz

[ZappAlta]

Yes Won stay on the 30 mg a while longer then do the slow taper

[gail]

Wise decision here,reinstate at 30.

Wellbutrin will help with the first days on 30.

Go with it! Expect feeling funny at the beginning, and maybe not.

Come back and let us know how goes.

[brzghoff]

Won:

 

under any circumstance a child passing is devastating. i am so sorry to learn that you lost your daughter in such a tragic way. i cannot even begin to imagine how that feels and how it has impacted your life. 

 

i certainly understand why your doctor prescribed an anti-depressant. that is not uncommon for situational circumstances. however, i am rather shocked that you were told you would need to be on it the rest of your life, unless you already had a history of depression and/or anxiety. for your doctor to make such an assumption is extremely puzzling and doesn't settle well with me. you mentioned that you've been on cymbalta for almost a year. how long ago did you lose your daughter before you started taking cymbalta?

 

are you also in therapy? that is when anti-depressants work best - they help to lift your mood to the point where you can start to do the hard work that can help return you to "living" again - i realize you can never truly "recover" from the loss of a child. cognitive skills are more effective than any med - especially when depression is due a to specific crises. therapy is key in preventing an acute condition from becoming chronic. 

 

please stay in touch - we care.