14 replies to this topic

[Ramona80]

Do these sound like typical withdrawal symptoms?

 

Sometimes feel like chest is seizing up, tightness in chest, feels hard to breathe normally.

 

Painful, weak, strange feeling in thighs, arms, shoulders & chest. Sometimes it's there, sometimes it isn't. Sometimes it's mild, sometimes it's strong.

 

Stomach feels "hollow"...sometimes nauseous.

 

 

 

 

[fishinghat]

Definitely. That first set of symptoms are with me nearly constantly when I am having an anxiety attack. Usually I have heart pounding, skip beats and a fast pulse with it also. This is caused by adrenaline. The clonidine and atenolol is very good for that as they decrease the effects of adrenaline. As your withdrawal decreases so will these symptoms.

[Ramona80]

Thanks for your response!

 

(Unfortunately, both my previous and current psychiatrists have refused to prescribe me Clonidine or a beta blocker.)

 

Had an ER visit yesterday, because of the chest seizing issue, and the difficulty standing, and powerful tremor. They tested me for everything they could, and all looks normal, so those things are likely due to the withdrawal.

[thismoment]

Hi Ramona

 

I visited the ER twice, my physician perhaps 5 times, and saw 2 specialists during withdrawal. Nothing was found, but a ton of medications were offered.

 

After 6 months I no longer felt like I needed medical intervention. Now at 34 months I take no medication whatsoever, not even an aspirin, and I've stopped ingesting all neurotoxins. 

 

I have no doubt that some of my systems have been altered by the experience: Here's what I would mention-- I still have a residual low-grade headache, sensitive GI, mild but palpable vestibular instability issues, and a general feeling of insulation between me and the world-- like wearing cerebral surgical gloves. There is still wave-like activity where aches and pains, fuzziness, and sharp and dull mind states come and go, but the waves are few and far between. And they are fading.

 

I sense that things are continuing to improve. I'm happy with where I've landed, and I remain optimistic.

[navywife43]

So glad I saw this post. I have been off Cymbalta for almost 2 years and these past few weeks I have been dealing with what I can only describe as a rush of adrenaline. It seems to get better a few hours after I have taken the Zoloft I am on. Wondering if my body has gotten "used" to the Zoloft...

[fishinghat]

Hi NW

 

Good to hear from you. If it is becoming tolerant to the drug then it will slowly get worse. It will come and go but each times the symptoms com back they will be a little worse and a little longer. You will know in a few weeks. Be sure not to overdo it during this time. Please keep us posted.

[navywife43]

Thanks fishinghat! I am sure it is anxiety/panic attacks trying to come on. Only way I can describe is adrenaline rush...I am trying not to think about it! They are bad in morning but taper towards afternoon. I take Zoloft in the morning.  How are you? Did you get your meds straightened out?

[thismoment]

Hi NW43

 

Nice to hear from you.

 

Just curious-- what other drugs aside from the SSRI Zoloft-- are you taking? There could be another serotonin agonic mixed in somewhere.

 

Re the adrenaline rushes-- is it accompanied by palpable fear and foreboding? 

[navywife43]

The only other medicine that I take is Metatropol for B/P. 

[thismoment]

NW43

 

Here's the interaction between the two. It's Moderate, and probably not the problem.

 

http://www.drugs.com...16311,2057-1348

[navywife43]

Thanks thismoment!   I know Metatropol causes anxiety...can't win for loosing!

[navywife43]

Darn Cymbalta...think it is can't win for trying! My mind will never be the same!

[thismoment]

NW43

 

An anxiety spike will always accompanied by adrenaline, which in turn accelerates the mind state. I'm reluctant to suggest more meds to knock the anxiety down, but anxiety is quite a destabilizer to be sure.

[thismoment]

NW43

 

It's not just the Cymbalta-- the Zoloft is very similar, and affects the body in many of the same ways. 

 

Perhaps a benzodiazepine would be more effective for both the anxiety and the blood pressure (which is perhaps related). Just a thought-- I'm not a doctor.

[fishinghat]

I am surprised they put you on that med for bp when there are things like clonidine and atenolol that are standard for bp and fight anxiety.