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When Will I Get My Life Back?


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#1 AndipandiTx

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Posted 28 June 2017 - 04:31 PM

I've been on Cymbalta for a few years for anxiety. In January my dosage was increased to 120mg. Because of the financial cost of that dosage and side effects my Dr decided to switch me to Lexipro. 

 

I was told to fully stop Cymbalta and start on low dose of Lexipro with the addition of Fetzima and over a few weeks we'd phase out the Fetzima and increase the Lexipro. 

 

Day 1: Felt fine

Day 2: Brain zaps, headache, trouble sleeping (had the day off work)

Day 3: Brain Zaps, headache, body aches, zero energy, 15-20 min crying/sobbing episodes on an off through out the day, Dizziness, Sweating, Shivering, ears ringing, trouble sleeping, and lashing out at my family. (had the day off work)

Day 4: Brain Zaps, headache, body aches, low energy, ringing and fluttering in my ears, sweating, dizzy (had the day off work)

Today is Day 5: Brain Zaps, headache, ringing and fluttering in my ears., foggy head, confusion, unable to think of words when speaking (worked 1/2 a day and then called out sick)

 

I just called the Dr and I busted into tears when I started to speak. This is such a difficult process and I want my life back. I don't understand why she would have me stop it so fast. Or why the severity of withdrawal wasn't better emphasized.  My Dr is out of town for 2 weeks so I spoke the the nurse practitioner. Once she got me calmed down she explained she'd be changing me to what she thinks will be a "gentler transition". 

 

She's having me do 90 MG Cymbalta and reduce it over 3 weeks while increasing the Lexipro each week. I will start that tomorrow.

 

Right now my biggest challenge is the stupid Brain Zaps the foggy head and ringing and fluttering in my ears. I work in tech support. I need to be able to think critically and explain things well. It's pretty upsetting when I am having difficulty formulating thoughts and I feel like I can’t even really create complete sentences. I called out sick halfway through my workday...I can't keep doing that.  

I just need to know that there is an end to this. 

 

Questions from a newbie:

 

How long will this last? 

Is it normal for a Dr to have you go cold turkey and switch?

What if anything is recommended for the ringing and fluttering in ears and these terrible brain zaps?

I read that Omega 3 can help...anyone tried that?

 

 

Thanks!

 

Andrea


#2 fishinghat

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Posted 28 June 2017 - 05:33 PM

Welcome AT
 
You are in Cymbalta withdrawal. I must admit that what your dr has done is far from a standard method called cross tapering. I have cross tapered several times from one antidepressant to another as have many on here. The normal procedure is to cut the Cymbalta about 20 to 25% a week and increase the Lexapro by 20 to 25% per week.  This method provides a smother cross over. A standard withdrawal from Cymbalta without a cross taper can take from 2 months to 1 year. Luckily your withdrawal will only last until the Lexapro kicks in, around 4 weeks. Many on here have cross tapered to Lexapro. While some took a couple weeks to start improving I can say that some started improving in as little as 2 to 4 days. I hope this kelps you and I hope your Lexapro kicks in quickly.
 
Many members have used the 2000 to 3000 mg of Omega 3 to combat the brain zaps and fluttering sound with fairly good success. It is recommended that if you have an irregular heartbeat that you do not go as high as 3000 mg.

 

Please keep us posted on how you are doing and feel free to ask any questions you have.


#3 AndipandiTx

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Posted 28 June 2017 - 06:12 PM

Thank you! Feels nice to know I am not alone. 


#4 marylynn

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Posted 30 June 2017 - 07:32 AM

There is a great fb group called "Cymbalta is worse" if you aren't on it, get on it. It goes through tapering and has great support as well. It is a closed group so you will need to send a request.





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