2 replies to this topic

[cadjsm]

I have been feeling terrible the last 2 days and am finally figuring out that Cymbalta withdrawal may be the cause.  I did not take Cymbalta more than a month and even then only 30 mg daily.  I felt better pain wise, and depression wise, I felt AWESOME!  The side effects were another story - life changing.  I had ZERO interest in sex and when I did finally "give in" it was totally uneventful for me - if you know what I mean.  I was retaining fluid and gaining weight so I quit taking it.  More than a week later I woke up with the strangest feeling in my head.  It was like my brain was crawling.  A terribly dizzy feeling that made me super nauseated.  I felt totally awful.  I have been dieting, so thought maybe my calorie intake was too low.  I ate with no effect.  I thought I might be dehydrated - Id had some diarrhea.  I drank a ton of water, no effect.  This feeling lasted all day and since it was so far out from the date I stopped the med I never associated the two.  Today I woke up with the same feeling.  Headache, dizziness, nausea.  Just miserable.  I did some research and found this page which showed me that what I am feeling is most likely withdrawal from Cymbalta.  Somewhere here it said people will feel "okay" 3-6 weeks out.  That is NOT acceptable for me!  I am a nurse and need to function.  I took a dose of the Cymbalta and within an hour I was feeling better.  Not 100% but probably 80%.  What am I going to do?

[fishinghat]

"Somewhere here it said people will feel "okay" 3-6 weeks out. That is NOT acceptable for me! I am a nurse and need to function."

 

We have had 1000's of members on this site looking to do it quick. Doesn't happen unless you are one of those who have minimum withdrawal (<30%). Three to 6 weeks? Not usually. If you have any significant withdrawal it is usually 8 to 12 weeks to see any improvement. 6 to 8 months to feel so so.

 

Now having said that there is one thing you might consider. There is a dr that used this technique on one of his patients that had particularly bad withdrawal. The dr weaned the patient slowly over a period of months BUT the difference is that each time the patient started getting withdrawal to the point where she couldn't function well then the patient took a few beads. This brings quick relief and the patient could continue on with life even if it was uncomfortable. She would stay at that dosage until the time between taking the extra beads was no longer necessary. The patient would then start dropping dose again. Nearly one year to come off the med if I remember right but was able to function. We have discussed that technique here but I don't know of anyone who has tried it.

 

By the way the FDA has warnings out about cold turkey and/or fast weaning, It can cause suicide, suicidal thoughts, seizures and other significant events. I can confirm that these can occur based on the reports from our members in the past. Don't under estimate this withdrawal.

 

 

Please keep us informed as to your progress.
 

[TryinginFL]

Welcome cadjsm!

 

You have come to the right place !

 

Even though you were on this poison such a short time, your story is a common one.  Everyone is different, but if you are sensitive to this med, coming off can be hell.  I went cold turkey off of 60mgs after 4 1/2 yrs and it was the worst thing I have ever done.  DO NOT DO THIS!!!

 

I have now been off for 3 1/2 yrs and wish that I had known about the bead counting but it is the safest and most comfortable way to go.  You control the pace but you must remember that this is not a race - it just takes as long as it takes.

 

Please come back with any questions you may have as there is always someone here to help you - please keep us updated!

 

Liz