I was prescribed Cymbalta approximately one year ago. I was having problems with high blood pressure and was put on three blood pressure medications. I complained that the side effects from these BP medications were causing my legs and feet to ache. My doctor prescribed Cymbalta and here I am, one year later.
After seeing several doctors, it seems that the reason my blood pressure is so high is due to a tumor (pheocromocytoma) on my left adrenal gland. The tumor causes the adrenal gland to over-produce hormones that raise my BP. I have been through many diagnostic tests to confirm this and it looks as though my left adrenal gland is going to be removed in the very near future.
When I saw my primary care doctor last week for a physical, she felt that the Cymbalta (60 mgs) was not doing its job and switched me to Welbutrin (150 mgs). She stated that because the Cymbalta did not seem to be working, I could just "stop" the medication. I didn't give it much thought at the time.
My last dose of Cymbalta was April 19th. I took the first dose of Welbutrin on April 20 and it didn't agree with me at all. I was up all night long and didn't sleep for nearly 40 hours. When I called my doctor, she gave me a new prescription for 75 mgs of Welbutrin. I took one of those this weekend, and did not sleep. I have decided that I will NOT take Welbutrin because I can't function without sleep. Who can?
In the last five days, I have begun to notice some "funny" things happening to me. First, I feel very dizzy and lightheaded. Second, I am having what others have called "swishing." It's like my eyes are not focusing properly. Trying to focus on an object is a bit difficult. Third, I am itching all over my body.
I went to the internet to look into the Cymbalta and the possible withdrawal effects and was ASTOUNDED! If I had any idea about this poison being put into my body I would have never started taking it. Shame on Eli Lily!
So, I am now in my 7th day of cold turkey withdrawal. I will not go back on the Cymbalta. I don't think my doctor knew anything about the potential serious withdrawal effects of this medication.
I can live with the dizziness and lightheadedness. I can deal with the swishing. I can deal with the itching. For now.
What are the odds that this is all I will experience withdrawing from this poison?
I am glad to be here and hope that all of you will give me advice.
Cheers!