It's with mixed emotions that I share that I have been a month without Cymbalta. It's so strange to feel a vacant spot where so much of my energy was consumed the last six months.
I was down to my final beads and suddenly I wasn't well. The anxiety was worse and I could slowly feel the depression sneaking in. My doctor and I had discussed "therapeutic doses" and I found myself in that position once again of asking "Is this me or withdrawal?" We chose me.
She put me back on a small (20 mg) dose of Prozac and a prescription of Ativan (0.5 mg). I've had great results with both of these before so I felt good about this decision. I was taking control.
Then all hell broke lose. Despite my positive experience with Prozac before, they think I had a negative reaction to it. After a series of Urgent Care visits, an ER trip, and two days hospitalized - plus immediate stopping of the Prozac and Ativan - I survived it. All of it.
I'm doing great! I did get a prescription for the nausea which helped so much (Promethazine for those of you keeping track!)! They took away the benzos - which I happily waved away - and gave me Hydroxyzine - which I love! I've seldom needed it, but if I do it doesn't come with the side effects of the Ativan.
I start counseling (ugh...again) next week for the depression which still creeps around but isn't significant.
I'm doing this! There is still work to be done but it's a process.
In all sincerity, I could not have done this without all of you. Thank you....for sharing your stories, for offering advice, and validating me every step of the way. Thank you.
(Sorry about your trips to the ER and hospital, tho)
