18 replies to this topic

[BrokenPrimatologist]

Hi All,

I'm only 5 days into my withdrawal (didn't know this drug was so nasty).

Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions to help calm down the vertigo (head spins & nearly passing out)?

Also, any suggestions as well for the zappy arms which is also at times twinging/shaking?

Thankyou in advance.

[Gran23]

Broken, welcome to our group!  First, if you are withdrawing cold turkey, please get back on at your last dose ASAP and then read over the posts on our forum and start to wean off by counting the beads in the capsules. Going cold turkey is the worse possible way to get off and can cause serious, long term withdrawals.  There are so many on here that have more experience with this  than I do and I'm sure they will be popping in to help. Good luck with this.  And take care of yourself.

[fishinghat]

I agree with Gran. This is just the beginning for you and it could get a lot worse. That doesn't always happen but it is common and I would hate to have you go through the misery many of us have had to face.

[TryinginFL]

Welcome Broken!

 

So happy that you have found us!

 

I am a cold turkey survivor having been off for 2 1/2 years now - if you are going cold turkey, PLEASE DON'T!!

 

Those of us who took that route have stories from hell...

 

Please update us and remember we are here for you!

 

Liz

[BrokenPrimatologist]

Thank you Liz, Fishinghat & Gran23.

I have no other option than going CT due to the horrible side effects that I started to get (I'm nearly a week in now, so I'm holding on for another 1-2 weeks from what I can gauge) and I am not going to go back to the side effects.

I was wondering if stemetil may help the vertigo a little?

I was fairly bad yesterday with the vertigo & stayed home from work.  I am feeling better than yesterday.

 

I'm so angry to have found out all this information regarding Cymbalta - was never told anything about it by my prescribing specialist.  Now makes me trust Dr's even less than I already do.

 

Sending you all wishes for a wonderful day.

 

Oh I have an appointment with my GP this afternoon (he has kindly fitted me in).  Will let you know how it goes.

[Carleeta]

Broken,

 

Unfortunately I know nothing about stemetil.  Someone should be dropping in and adding information to you either on stemetil or vertigo itself, shortly.

 

Glad you are keeping us posted...

[fishinghat]

Stemetil is not FDA approved in the USA and I have no knowledge of its use but it was not approved due to its excessive side effects and health risks.

[BrokenPrimatologist]

Dr's appointment went really well.  He gave me 4 options to choose from & I chose the Stemetil (Prochlorperazine Maleate) option which is approved in Australia & is a common drug here prescribed for nausea, vertigo & anxiety.

Feeling pretty good today, still have time off work until at least Monday & have a Dr's certificate for work.

 

Hoping I stay feeling ok for the rest of the day (well one can hope ).

 

Still trying to get my head around the fact that my specialist prescribed Cymbalta for me when she knows how much I've already been through.  If she had mentioned the Serotonin Withdrawal Syndrome alone I would have run a mile & if she had mentioned that it has class actions against it I would have absolutely bolted (I am injured due to transvaginal mesh & have little trust in the industry anymore).  All I was told is I may get a dry throat.  No mention that I'd loose full control of my bladder.    Just goes to show....trust no one

 

Wishing you all a great day.

[fishinghat]

Let me know how the Stemetil works for you. We have many Aussies that use the site over the years and I would like to add it to my arsenal of information. Thanks

[Carleeta]

I'm curious also on this Stemetil.  This information will definitely help Fishinghat add to his information as we do have other Aussies come on this forum and this will further help them also.

 

Thank you.

[BobbieBoop]

I also have those zaps. It seems at night time it is worse for me. I also get zaps and tightening in my shoulders and across my chest. At times it feels I have them everywhere. I haven't been taking any supplements because of bowel and stomach issues.I also notice I get zapped when I yawn. It was doing this before I quite CT. My systems seem to be different week to week. I hope it will subside soon. My Dr gave me so lorazapam to take. Anyone try this ?

[fishinghat]

Very familiar with lorazepam. It is a benzodiazepine and is very addictive. It is only suppose to be used for 4 weeks or less. I would recommend either clonidine or hydroxyzine over a benzo. Neither are addictive nor have a withdrawal. If you use the lorazepam I would suggest using it sparingly if at all. Have you ever used diphenhydramine (Benadryl)? It is similar to hydroxyzine.

[BobbieBoop]

FH
I have been using the benadryl when it gets really bad. Would hydroxyzine be a better option? Does your body get use to it like the benadryl? To scared to take the lorazepam.

[fishinghat]

It is like other meds in that it varies from patient to patient. In general it works much better than diphenhydramine. You do not build up tolerance to it. I have used it as a substitute for benzos for 3 years and it continues to be effective. It does make people slightly sleepy so start out taking it before bedtime. It also, like other anxiety meds, may lower bp some. None addictive, no withdrawal ans no tolerance.

[BobbieBoop]

Today I've been having a lot o Zaps all over my body. back, arms, stomach neck..I guess this is all part of the withdrawal? It really is so annoying!

[fishinghat]

Comes with the territory I am afraid. Those symptoms only lasted about 4 to 6 weeks for me.

[BobbieBoop]

I haven't done supplements. I know I need to nut I'm sick of of putting anything goes in my body. I took this medication for pain not Anixity. Now I have both. My Dr's think I'm crazy. I've had an ultrasound CT scan and colonoscopy and endoscopy. At least my appetite is somewhat back. Most of all I feel paranoid that there's something were not catching. My neck pain that I took the medication for seem much worse. Ugg!

[fishinghat]

Your dr should know better. Ask him if he has ever heard of Cymbalta Discontinuation Syndrome and then tell him to look in the medical journals and FDA website.

http://www.fda.gov/d..../UCM172866.pdf
2009

[BobbieBoop]

Well thx got this site! Wish I would of known there was a withdrawl!