8 replies to this topic

[Walker2016]

Hi, 

 

I'm so grateful to have found this forum. My first day off of Cymbalta was the 16th making this my 9th or starting my 10th day off of Cymbalta. I was in a 2 week detox center to get off of the 3 mg of clonazapam my psych had prescribed. While in there I told the MD I'd like to leave without any meds if possible. He said, "Sure!". So I he weaned me down to zero Cymbalta within a week from 90 mg after being on it for a year. I left with Gabapentin (antiseizure & nerve pain med but also helps with moderate anxiety) and Trazadone (for insomnia). I have gone through tough physical symptoms this week. Yesterday (Friday) I went through paranoia and heavy emotions. I took 3 Trazadone for sleep at 7:00 pm to help me with my paranoia and anxiety. I woke up at 9pm and have been wide awake ever since. 

 

I haven't found anyone who has been on this much, inside or outside of this forum. Also, most people have either counted beads as they wean off or have quit cold turkey. Again, none of these cases were on this high of a does. This terrifies me. I do not have anymore of this medication, but I will be seeing my psych doc Wednesday. 

 

Over the course of these last 9 days I have been great the horrible with flu like symptoms. This was like a bad case of the flu where my bones ached so much it was hard to put weight on my ankles. I've had GI problems since I started weaning off on the 16th of this December. As my physical symptoms began to subside, I thought I was getting better. My mind has gotten worse. 

 

I don't know what to do. I used to smoke weed as I tried to get from one antidepressant to another. I didn't want to be on anything, but this is REALLY tough. Any help welcome. 

 

Thank you!

[fishinghat]

Welcome Walker.

 

Your dr is an idiot. In one week, Even the manufacturer recommends not doing that. Your symptoms are classical and will go away BUT it mayl be a tough battle. I applaud your efforts to get off all the meds but when it comes to psych meds it is a very slow process or you may suffer greatly.  These meds take over control of neurotransmitters in your brain and body. once removed the body has to readjust to controlling these neurotransmitters and that usually takes time 1 to 2 years for a complete response (such as nerve repair,  stroke treatment, etc). Studies on the effects of benzos (an addictive psych med,) show a two year period for nerve synapses to fully respond. Now the good news is that some people respond faster than others. The idea is to minimize suffering while the body heals.

 

I would start by talking to your dr about a prescription for either hydroxyzine and/or clonidine. Both have a good record of helping the mood swings/anxiety/fear etc. They are non-addictive and should take the edge off the symptoms. Once the withdrawal symptoms let up then you can slowly reduce these other meds until free of them. Be careful, many drs will prescribe a benzo such as lorazepam, Valium or Xanax to treat the withdrawal. They are very effective but are highly addictive and carry their own bad withdrawal.

 

I am sorry you are going through this but it is typical of may of the drug treatment clinics to do a hard crash on the meds and declare you healed. It doesn't happen that way. May of our members have had similar experiences such as this. Don't be afraid to ask questions, complain or just simply update. We will all be here when you need us. We have been through it so we know how you feel. By the way, the classic response if for the physical symptoms (stomach issues, nausea, etc.) to fade first and then the emotional to fade very slowly. You are at the hard part now so hang on.

[Walker2016]

Thank you.

I have read that some people go back on the drug once they realize how hard the withdrawals are. They do this with the intention of trying a new attempt of weaning. Are there any thoughts on this for me? Should I try to push through at this point? I have been through this before with Effexor. I can't remember the dose then and I was on that for about 6 months. Any suggestions on what might help to ease some of the symptoms?

[gail]

Hi Walker,

Personally, I don't think that you should push through. There are no real ways to alleviate your withdrawal symptoms except to reinstate. Then bead count. If you were on 60mg, you can reinstate at 30mg, many have done that easily.

I very seldom say that doctors are idiots but in this case, wow! A veterinary would have done better!

So, your best bet is reinstating. We have seen and heard so many horror stories about cold turkey method, don't do this to yourself unless you are real strong and then.

Come back anytime, we are here for you!

[fishinghat]

I agree with Gail. Reinstating at 30 and weaning down is an option. There is a dr who posted some research on one technique he has successfully used. His technique is not to go all the way up put only take a small dose to give some relief, say 3 to 5 mg. Take it one day only and see how you do. Your not looking to feel great just to make the symptoms tolerable. This dr said that as time goes on you need less and less to bring relief and the doses are farther apart.

 

In order to clarify, I will give you a hypothetical example. Take 3 mg. This is done by counting the number of beads in one capsule and then calculating how many beads make 3 mg.  If this brings some relief but mot enough then the next day try 4 mg. Once you know the dosage that makes you tolerable then take that dose when you begin really bad. The time between doses should get longer and longer and when you feel strong enough you can try a smaller dose. I am not saying this is the way to go I am just giving you an option.

[Walker2016]

I appreciate it. I am taking gabapentin, which helps alit with withdrawal symptoms from these antidepressants. I'm also familiar with the withdrawals since Effexor is the same kind of drug. I've come a long way already and don't want to return to the poison that got me here. Not to mention, my doctor isn't available to see me or write another script until I am deeper into withdrawals. My husband and I a taking a lot of steps to support this time.please pray for me or wish me luck.im going to try and push through without 2nd guessing. This horrible, but after thinking about it, I've got to pushing since im this far in the game.. I appreciate your input. Hope you can still support me!

[gail]

Hi again Walker,

Hey, whatever decision you make won't alter our conversations or our support.

Others have done it before, it's just a lot tougher. So go ahead with your plan and perhaps that route won't be as rough as we think.

Prayers for you for patience, courage, and anytime come back.

We would all appreciate an update if it's possible.

Oh and, don't forget Omega fish oil, vitamin C and mucho water. Good luck Walker! xx

[fishinghat]

Oh Walker, you are always welcome here. Anything we can do for you just let us know. Even if you just want to blow off some steam.

 

By the way did we mention Benadryl? It may make you a little drowsy but it seems to help some with the anxiety. It is an antihistamine similar to hydroxyzine. Don't use it all the time as your body gets use to it but it is good for occasional help.

[Walker2016]

Benedryl! That's right! Great reminder.