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Successfully off cymbalta


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#1 friskykitty

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Posted 24 January 2010 - 04:34 PM

Just wanted to post to let you know you can get off this stuff! I was on effexor XR for 3 years and then did 14 months cymbalta after. I was on 60 mg daily. I started doing every other day of 60 mg cymbalta in December. Then I got down to one every 3rd day starting in January. I did this until last Sunday, which was my last dose of cymbalta. I then started 20 mg of prozac daily on Monday. I continued it daily until Friday. I am now taking it every other day with no problems at all. When I came off of effexor I had the worst side effects. Vomiting, diarrhea, dizzy spells, intense headache, and brain zaps. I literally was stuck in my bed. And that was with a slow weaning down and starting the cymbalta!

I am hopeful that I will be able to continue the every other day 20 mg prozac for this week and then drop it all together.

#2 Christene

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    Ready for this bad road trip on Cymbalta to be over! I began taking Cymbalta 3 yrs ago and started six weeks ago to get off of it (under care of NEW physician). Plan to take last 30 mg in 10 days after alternating 30 mg with "zero" for a 2 week period. I hope my experiences with this serious drug will help others and I know already that others who have shared their experiences has definitely helped me and made me even more determined to get through this withdrawal. We can do this, but not alone!

Posted 25 January 2010 - 01:02 PM

Hi guys -

Just wanted to post somewhere for the record that, ya, it's not the best time, but I did stop Cymbalta successfully (60 mgs per day for 2 years or so) "cold turkey." All the usual suspects: brain "zapps," nausea, sweating, oh and nightmares (eeek!). It basically felt like the flu. Benadryl helped me sleep through it at night. Took about a week, (not a super productive week, albeit) but all "symptoms" cleared up.

Hope this helps someone! These boards have been so helpful to me and I fear people are sooooo much more likely to post the negative than the positive, so the info you glean can be a bit skewed.

Best wishes to all. :(

I totally agree with you about maybe people posting more the negative than the positive. Of course the reports from others as to what they were experiencing helped me so very much to know that I was not losing my mind, but simple going through a withdrawal process. Like many, this was so foreign to me, finding myself in a place like this!!!! and at this time in my life!!!. But feeling better with my last dose 7 days behind me and symptoms subsiding, I feel too that it is important to post the positive. I am determined that this experience will not get the best of me, I feel that I am on my way to better days - am having them already. I must confess, this experience through this horribly dark tunnel, has made me realize the importance of family and good friends even more than ever. Also, I have learned to be kinder with myself and go more gently. I believe that every experience that we have has a lesson for us hidden somewhere in it. I think my lessons are many, some of which maybe I don't even know yet, I do know that I am wiser now, and I know that even while mired in my "fears" at any given time, that I did not give up hope and knew somewhere deep inside that I would make it through. We all can. Good things are happening now, better than yesterday, but not as good as tomorrow. Good luck to all and don't give up - I don't plan to. Christene

#3 Christene

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    Ready for this bad road trip on Cymbalta to be over! I began taking Cymbalta 3 yrs ago and started six weeks ago to get off of it (under care of NEW physician). Plan to take last 30 mg in 10 days after alternating 30 mg with "zero" for a 2 week period. I hope my experiences with this serious drug will help others and I know already that others who have shared their experiences has definitely helped me and made me even more determined to get through this withdrawal. We can do this, but not alone!

Posted 25 January 2010 - 01:04 PM

Hi guys -

Just wanted to post somewhere for the record that, ya, it's not the best time, but I did stop Cymbalta successfully (60 mgs per day for 2 years or so) "cold turkey." All the usual suspects: brain "zapps," nausea, sweating, oh and nightmares (eeek!). It basically felt like the flu. Benadryl helped me sleep through it at night. Took about a week, (not a super productive week, albeit) but all "symptoms" cleared up.

Hope this helps someone! These boards have been so helpful to me and I fear people are sooooo much more likely to post the negative than the positive, so the info you glean can be a bit skewed.

Best wishes to all. :(

I totally agree with you about maybe people posting more the negative than the positive. Of course the reports from others as to what they were experiencing helped me so very much to know that I was not losing my mind, but simple going through a withdrawal process. Like many, this was so foreign to me, finding myself in a place like this!!!! and at this time in my life!!!. But feeling better with my last dose 7 days behind me and symptoms subsiding, I feel too that it is important to post the positive. I am determined that this experience will not get the best of me, I feel that I am on my way to better days - am having them already. I must confess, this experience through this horribly dark tunnel, has made me realize the importance of family and good friends even more than ever. Also, I have learned to be kinder with myself and go more gently. I believe that every experience that we have has a lesson for us hidden somewhere in it. I think my lessons are many, some of which maybe I don't even know yet, I do know that I am wiser now, and I know that even while mired in my "fears" at any given time, that I did not give up hope and knew somewhere deep inside that I would make it through. We all can. Good things are happening now, better than yesterday, but not as good as tomorrow. Good luck to all and don't give up - I don't plan to. Christene

#4 nursedeborah

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    I am reallly trying to get off Cymbalta, and not having, well I am having nightmares even with the decreased does, and clanging in my head.

    I just found this site, and I really need help, I can't do this, I fear I willl never get off this brutal medication.

    Deboreah Wesson

Posted 25 January 2010 - 02:37 PM

I have so many differenf feelings as I read all the things said here by everyone.
First of all I am so grateful that the people that were here when I got here were
either like me, had been through what I had been through, and I was able to read
all the stories of others who had, had horrible time while either taking this drug
or awful withdrawls.

Sure it is different with everyone, but we really did find your types coming here,
why would you? What's the need is you didn't have any problem on it, getting off it
or now that your off it? Sites like this one to me has always really been desperate
people, so how can you expect us to be cheerful, and positive.

Do you know our stories, have you ever read what any of us have gone through, lost,
are losing all because of this drug. What about the new medical problems that have
been found now, that are proved to be linked to Cymbalta use.

This never was a happy group to begin with, but a place to come to get help that no
one else could give up, again desperate people.

Don't ever come in somewhere, and talk about something that you have no idea about
what I have lived through, or still am going through all because of a drug.

JUST BE GRATEFUL THAT YOU ESCAPED.

Debbie

#5 Rizen

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    There have been a number of times where i have been diagnosed with depression and have been prescribed drugs to manage it. This latest round has been the worse and have been prescribed 120mg dose of cymbalta which i will be coming off

Posted 26 January 2010 - 11:27 PM

Grats to all who are able to be free from this. It helps give hope to the rest to know there is light at the end of the tunnel, even if sometimes it feels that that light may just be on oncoming train.

All stories are good as is gives others an understanding or a different way of looking at the problem.

I was on 120mg Cybalta and backed up with Imovane. For the past ... well honestly i don't know how many years (Side effect of Immovane) I have felt nothing....i cared for nothing... i can not make a decision..... i just existed... if you could call it existing.

There are many aspects of each individuals experiences with this life debilitating drug and its great to hear the good with the bad.

My GP had never heard of either of these drugs and has no idea about them. I spoke to him regarding side effects and coming off and guess what...... He knew nothing about that either.

I have stopped Cymbalta CT. despite the numerous people saying not to. For the first time in a very long time i actually feel something.
Yes i have headaches. For a running count look at the post on High Dose.

I have not gone into the negative sides i have had with this drug such as relationship breakdowns etc. I think its best to focus on the possible and what the future holds.

I think it only fair to assume that everyone on this drug has had some serious negative issues in their life and we are all here for the same outcome. To get off this crap and look forward to a better quality of life. Any experience i have that can help anyone here i am happy to share.

Debbie, you mention some new medical issues related to Cymbalta. What medical issues ? Do you have a link we can look it up from.

Remember
Keep smiling
Well it makes people wonder what you have been up to.

#6 Junior

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Posted 27 January 2010 - 03:48 AM

I have so many differenf feelings as I read all the things said here by everyone.
First of all I am so grateful that the people that were here when I got here were
either like me, had been through what I had been through, and I was able to read
all the stories of others who had, had horrible time while either taking this drug
or awful withdrawls.

Sure it is different with everyone, but we really did find your types coming here,
why would you? What's the need is you didn't have any problem on it, getting off it
or now that your off it? Sites like this one to me has always really been desperate
people, so how can you expect us to be cheerful, and positive.

Do you know our stories, have you ever read what any of us have gone through, lost,
are losing all because of this drug. What about the new medical problems that have
been found now, that are proved to be linked to Cymbalta use.

This never was a happy group to begin with, but a place to come to get help that no
one else could give up, again desperate people.

Don't ever come in somewhere, and talk about something that you have no idea about
what I have lived through, or still am going through all because of a drug.

JUST BE GRATEFUL THAT YOU ESCAPED.

Debbie


Debbie

I don't think any of the posts above the one of yours that I've quoted, attacked you personally. Unfortunately, it seems that you took it that way. You really do need to try to understand that your experience is NOT that of everyone else. You've said yourself that you are very sensitive to medications.
There is nothing wrong with people posting success stories and trying to give others a bit of hope.

Please.. stop and consider before you respond with what appears to be pure emotion.

Kind regards
Junior

#7 Junior

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Posted 27 January 2010 - 03:57 AM

By the way, the woman named "nurse deborah" is also using prozac. It is written in this forum title "anyone having success using prozac" by guest_teddy. In her were words, "I used prozac." (past tense) "I used 20 mg per day." (past tense again) Then proceeds to say, "I still use it." (Present tense.) "I am down to 40 beads per day and will continue using prozac until I get off of cymbalta." No where on the forums other than that one, while she is counselling people on cutting up beads, does she say she is using prozac, a little help right? She just tells people to split beads but doesn't tell them she's on prozac while she's doing it. AN ADVANCED MEMBER is her title. I was also attacked when I posted I used prozac as a bridge to get me off cymbalta,just like Christene was, in this discussion) then I quit prozac. My method took just over a week. Nurse Deborah's on it for a longer duration, that's all. It's the same thing. I don't know if she choses to stay on it after or not. But this method is being used for people that want off of cymbalta. SOME doctor's are aware of it. Nurse Deborah says, "it's helping alleveiate her withdrawals," in her post to guest-teddy under topic title "anyone having success using prozac." So, doctor's are aware of it. On my success story by "bcgirl45" I have a link to a site that shows a woman named Bea who also used it for a month, then quit. Cymbalta has a short half life, prozac's life is longer so the cymbalta withdrawals are masked and you can quit the prozac easier because of a longer life, less or no withdrawals when used short term. You have to keep in account what other medications you are on, prozac is another dangerous drug. One woman couldn't use it that posted on my topic because it gave her high blood pressure etc. People are dying on prozac as well. But as you can see in these forums it is working for some of us. Short term as a bridge and apparantly long term as in Nurse Deborah's case. It's a gamble I felt I needed try, and it worked. TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR FIRST. A man named Steve responded to my posting and he took prozac for a week and he's off of everything. There are other listing of man on these forums that is on wellbutrin and prozac and he's very sick getting off of cymbalta and it's not working for him. It's different for everybody. Medications people are on, dosages, the whole nine yards. Just remember when you are counting out your beads and NURSE DEBORAH is counselling people, she's on 20mg of prozac a day and not telling people. Apparantly if the short term prozac method doesn't work for her, she just omits the fact she is on it and discounts another options. So way to go Friskykitty, Steve, and Christene for your wonderful posts. And I sure hope nurse Deborah starts telling people she's on prozac for a little help, other than just telling them how to split beads and omitting that fact while they're going through drug withdrawal. Instead of just saying, "This isn't how WE do it, you're doing it the wrong way." Telling them the whole truth. It's support through HONEST SHARED EXPERIENCE. Not a power position to counsel people by omitting, facts so you can just counsel people struggling. That's not fair. People are coming into these boards from all over the world.-bcgirl45 Off of klonopin 70 days and cymbalta 53 days. Getting stronger. Peace.


Hi BC-Girl

While I understand how you feel, I don't think it is right or fair to attack someone personally. Not on a public forum for everyone to read. I'm not discounting the facts but I, probably better than all of you, know just how hard this has all been for Deb. Among other things, she has recently been diagnosed with 2 types of sleep apnoea. No doubt this is messing with her ability to think clearly, as well as the withdrawal problems she has had.

Please bear in mind that everyone on this forum has had to withdraw from Cymbalta at some stage and the withdrawal effects have made life difficult for us during that process. C is a mind-altering drug and we need to be aware that some people aren't thinking very clearly when they post.

This board is not moderated (don't ask me why, it's just how it is) and I would hate to see it descend into nothing more than in-fighting. There are several here who really value the support they've had / are getting during a very difficult time. So let's keep things civil eh?

Regards
Junior

#8 friskykitty

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Posted 29 January 2010 - 06:16 PM

I have so many differenf feelings as I read all the things said here by everyone.
First of all I am so grateful that the people that were here when I got here were
either like me, had been through what I had been through, and I was able to read
all the stories of others who had, had horrible time while either taking this drug
or awful withdrawls.

Sure it is different with everyone, but we really did find your types coming here,
why would you? What's the need is you didn't have any problem on it, getting off it
or now that your off it? Sites like this one to me has always really been desperate
people, so how can you expect us to be cheerful, and positive.

Do you know our stories, have you ever read what any of us have gone through, lost,
are losing all because of this drug. What about the new medical problems that have
been found now, that are proved to be linked to Cymbalta use.

This never was a happy group to begin with, but a place to come to get help that no
one else could give up, again desperate people.

Don't ever come in somewhere, and talk about something that you have no idea about
what I have lived through, or still am going through all because of a drug.

JUST BE GRATEFUL THAT YOU ESCAPED.

Debbie

I certainly hope this was not directed at me. I didn't feel like my post was disrespectful in any way.

#9 friskykitty

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Posted 29 January 2010 - 06:17 PM

Update:

I am off cymbalta. Sunday will be 2 weeks. Last prozac on Wed. things going great thus far!

#10 bcgirl45

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    Quit klonopin cold turkey about 40 days ago. Cymbalta weaning and looking for info to get this OUT!

Posted 30 January 2010 - 03:47 PM

Just wanted to post to let you know you can get off this stuff! I was on effexor XR for 3 years and then did 14 months cymbalta after. I was on 60 mg daily. I started doing every other day of 60 mg cymbalta in December. Then I got down to one every 3rd day starting in January. I did this until last Sunday, which was my last dose of cymbalta. I then started 20 mg of prozac daily on Monday. I continued it daily until Friday. I am now taking it every other day with no problems at all. When I came off of effexor I had the worst side effects. Vomiting, diarrhea, dizzy spells, intense headache, and brain zaps. I literally was stuck in my bed. And that was with a slow weaning down and starting the cymbalta!

I am hopeful that I will be able to continue the every other day 20 mg prozac for this week and then drop it all together.

I just found 2 more people on this forum that had luck with this method dated Nov.8/09. which is pretty recent. About 2.5 mos. ago. Under the title "How to find support"-clicking on "prozac might help you" by itdoeswork, and another member under the name "Haleyanne" in the discussions had success as well. Unfortunately no taper methods, no information as to if they were on other anti-depressants as well. Still another point of reference right? And, yes, another dangerous drug, and so many unknown variables to why it works for some and not for others to get off of cymbalta. No more investigating for me. I just hope this helps somebody. God Bless, Tracy-bcgirl45

#11 MaureenV

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Posted 30 January 2010 - 05:49 PM

I just found 2 more people on this forum that had luck with this method dated Nov.8/09. which is pretty recent. About 2.5 mos. ago. Under the title "How to find support"-clicking on "prozac might help you" by itdoeswork, and another member under the name "Haleyanne" in the discussions had success as well. Unfortunately no taper methods, no information as to if they were on other anti-depressants as well. Still another point of reference right? And, yes, another dangerous drug, and so many unknown variables to why it works for some and not for others to get off of cymbalta. No more investigating for me. I just hope this helps somebody. God Bless, Tracy-bcgirl45



Hi Tracy,


without wishing to sound like I'm denigrating the prozac method (I'm not - it works well for many, brilliantly for some) itdoeswork and haleyanne were one and the same person 'talking' to each other about how well it worked; this happened after someone questioned halleyanne's unwise (later acknowledged) suggestion that we 'didn't need to do all this weaning' etc., just take prozac for a few days/weeks. Understandably, someone who WAS taking a significant dose of Prozac and STILL having to wean very slowly was sensitive to the comment and reacted.

'Steve' was one who kept in touch with us regarding his prozac method, which worked very well for him, along with many others.

I did a very slow wean from 30 to zero over about 12 weeks, and if I had my time over again (heaven forbid!)I'd certainly take the prozac route.

regards, Maureen.

#12 bcgirl45

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Posted 31 January 2010 - 03:36 PM

Hi Tracy,


without wishing to sound like I'm denigrating the prozac method (I'm not - it works well for many, brilliantly for some) itdoeswork and haleyanne were one and the same person 'talking' to each other about how well it worked; this happened after someone questioned halleyanne's unwise (later acknowledged) suggestion that we 'didn't need to do all this weaning' etc., just take prozac for a few days/weeks. Understandably, someone who WAS taking a significant dose of Prozac and STILL having to wean very slowly was sensitive to the comment and reacted.

'Steve' was one who kept in touch with us regarding his prozac method, which worked very well for him, along with many others.

I did a very slow wean from 30 to zero over about 12 weeks, and if I had my time over again (heaven forbid!)I'd certainly take the prozac route.

regards, Maureen.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh. You've all done so much research. Helping people. Unbelievable. And I very well may done a slow taper, had it not worked. The ironies. Yah, I was scared. Yah, heaven forbid, on all counts. It's funny, I really felt a bond with you guys, going through it, getting off of it. It was just so nice to know I wasn't alone. I have a very supportive boyfriend, but all of the internal specific factors were so confusing, and hard on him too. The support I found here, added so much. I'd never been on any board, before all of this. You're in my blessings too Rizen. Thankyou Maureen, Sincerely, Tracy. -The lone Canuck amongst all you wonderful Aussies. Would have loved, to have sat with all of you, if just for a day, on one of YOUR SPECTACULAR BEACHES of course. Over and out. :(

#13 Junior

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Posted 31 January 2010 - 04:22 PM

The beaches are just a 'fringe' benefit :(

#14 friskykitty

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Posted 31 January 2010 - 06:26 PM

My taper looked like this:
60 mg for 14 months (this was my therapeutic dose)
approx 1 month 60 mg every other day
approx 3 weeks 60 mg every 3rd day
1 week prozac 20 mg daily
1 week prozac 20 mg every other day
this week, 1 20 mg sunday, wed, and sunday (today)

I am not on any other medications or supplements, nor have I been

#15 MaureenV

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Posted 01 February 2010 - 02:29 AM

Ahhhhhhhhhhh. You've all done so much research. Helping people. Unbelievable. And I very well may done a slow taper, had it not worked. The ironies. Yah, I was scared. Yah, heaven forbid, on all counts. It's funny, I really felt a bond with you guys, going through it, getting off of it. It was just so nice to know I wasn't alone. I have a very supportive boyfriend, but all of the internal specific factors were so confusing, and hard on him too. The support I found here, added so much. I'd never been on any board, before all of this. You're in my blessings too Rizen. Thankyou Maureen, Sincerely, Tracy. -The lone Canuck amongst all you wonderful Aussies. Would have loved, to have sat with all of you, if just for a day, on one of YOUR SPECTACULAR BEACHES of course. Over and out. :(


Ah Tracy, you flatter us unduly! But thanks anyway. :() Most of the 'research' was 'on the run'. I was attempting to wean off with the alternate days method when the brain zaps led me to google 'cymbalta withdrawal'. I was advised on this blog about the tapering method; as I'd already been doing 30mg every second day for about 10 days, I started at 15mg per day, which alleviated virtually all of the annoying (frightening!) symptoms, but left me really depressed, which resolved itself after increasing to 20mg. From there I did a really slow taper, avoiding most of the problems, but still getting enough of a 'message' each time I dropped to know what I would have been in for if I'd done it more quickly.

I find it hard to remember exactly what it was like, but I have clear memories of a few days when I literally felt as though I was going to explode into little pieces. Cymbalta withdrawal involves such a strange combination of symptoms that we all need to feel validated (particularly those suffering ongoing depression) about what we're feeling.

The great thing is, with the support of this site, we can all turn into success stories, and be one less customer for Eli Lilly! Hoo - flipping - ray.

regards, maureen.

#16 MaureenV

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Posted 01 February 2010 - 02:55 AM

The beaches are just a 'fringe' benefit :)




If that was a joke, it went straight over my head. :(


We did squish you into the suitcase when we left, but the sniffer dogs were out in Christchurch and I think you may have been removed as contraband. Mind you, given how we had to force the cases closed, I think you may not have enjoyed all that fresh air after becoming accustomed to such a confined space anyway. :(

cheers, Maureen.


p.s. will send a separate email, see if we can catch up.

#17 Junior

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Posted 01 February 2010 - 03:37 AM

If that was a joke, it went straight over my head. :(


We did squish you into the suitcase when we left, but the sniffer dogs were out in Christchurch and I think you may have been removed as contraband. Mind you, given how we had to force the cases closed, I think you may not have enjoyed all that fresh air after becoming accustomed to such a confined space anyway. :)

cheers, Maureen.


p.s. will send a separate email, see if we can catch up.



Hmmmph.... I LIKED my little joke. *pokes tongue out at you*


Ok..now I KNOW you didn't take me with you. I really don't think you could squish me AND your clothes into ONE suitcase. Besides, I would definitely top the 23kg limit :(

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. I LOVE Christchurch. I keep telling hubby I want to move there :)

Looking forward to reading your email
Junior

#18 friskykitty

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Posted 05 February 2010 - 08:38 AM

Hi. New to the posting thing, but yesterday I started to experience the first signs of withdrawal from stopping Cymbalta, and checked the site to see if this was normal. Apparently, it is.

I started tapering off in December. I started taking out 1/2 of the beads for approximately 2 weeks. Then I started to take 1/2 every other day for about 2 weeks. Then i dropped down to 1/4 every other day until 2 days ago. During the tapering period I was fine. A few dizzy spells and head zaps, but nothing I couldn't handle. But then hell started yesterday. I have flu-like symptoms, don't want to get out of bed b/c I'm tired, nauseous, just generally like crap. I am in law school and don't need this right now b/c I really need to do work, but I'm too close to being rid of the drug to go back. Can't wait!!

How long are these symptoms going to last? I can make it through the weekend feeling like this, but I really need to get back to the books. Would Prozac help in my case??

everybody is different. So the symptoms last varying lengths. When I cane off Effexor I was sick like that for a week and it still wasn't getting better. Prozac will definitely help.

#19 Olivia2

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Posted 07 February 2010 - 04:26 PM

I have so many differenf feelings as I read all the things said here by everyone.
First of all I am so grateful that the people that were here when I got here were
either like me, had been through what I had been through, and I was able to read
all the stories of others who had, had horrible time while either taking this drug
or awful withdrawls.

Sure it is different with everyone, but we really did find your types coming here,
why would you? What's the need is you didn't have any problem on it, getting off it
or now that your off it? Sites like this one to me has always really been desperate
people, so how can you expect us to be cheerful, and positive.

Do you know our stories, have you ever read what any of us have gone through, lost,
are losing all because of this drug. What about the new medical problems that have
been found now, that are proved to be linked to Cymbalta use.

This never was a happy group to begin with, but a place to come to get help that no
one else could give up, again desperate people.

Don't ever come in somewhere, and talk about something that you have no idea about
what I have lived through, or still am going through all because of a drug.

JUST BE GRATEFUL THAT YOU ESCAPED.

Debbie


#20 Olivia2

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Posted 07 February 2010 - 04:41 PM

Hello, I am new to this board and so grateful to have found it. I am currently trying to wean off Cymbalta. I have been on 30mg. for approximately 2yrs. I need advice because my Dr. has given me directions to wean off that are questionable to me. Just doesn't make sense and was wondering if anyone else has been told this. Basically, my Doc told me to take my prescribed dosage 4 hrs. later each day for 4 days. An example is: if my dose is usually at 9:00 a.m. then day 2 take it at 1:00 p.m., day 3 take it at 5:00 p.m., day 4 take at 9:00 p.m., day 5 stop taking entirely. His reasoning for this is because the Cymbalta has a "short half life." I am on day 3 of this routine. The reason I am getting off Cymbalta is due to the weight gain I have experienced. I should mention that prior to starting Cymbalta my Doc had given my testing (saliva samples, etc) which determined that my body produces very little seratonin. Cymbalta really helped me deal with things but I cannot tolerate the weight gain....almost 60 pounds! I know that I need to be on something and am considering Welbutrin because I have heard that it does not cause the weight gain. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks

#21 nursedeborah

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    I am reallly trying to get off Cymbalta, and not having, well I am having nightmares even with the decreased does, and clanging in my head.

    I just found this site, and I really need help, I can't do this, I fear I willl never get off this brutal medication.

    Deboreah Wesson

Posted 09 February 2010 - 08:26 PM

Hello, I am new to this board and so grateful to have found it. I am currently trying to wean off Cymbalta. I have been on 30mg. for approximately 2yrs. I need advice because my Dr. has given me directions to wean off that are questionable to me. Just doesn't make sense and was wondering if anyone else has been told this. Basically, my Doc told me to take my prescribed dosage 4 hrs. later each day for 4 days. An example is: if my dose is usually at 9:00 a.m. then day 2 take it at 1:00 p.m., day 3 take it at 5:00 p.m., day 4 take at 9:00 p.m., day 5 stop taking entirely. His reasoning for this is because the Cymbalta has a "short half life." I am on day 3 of this routine. The reason I am getting off Cymbalta is due to the weight gain I have experienced. I should mention that prior to starting Cymbalta my Doc had given my testing (saliva samples, etc) which determined that my body produces very little seratonin. Cymbalta really helped me deal with things but I cannot tolerate the weight gain....almost 60 pounds! I know that I need to be on something and am considering Welbutrin because I have heard that it does not cause the weight gain. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks


Olivia,
I don't have time right now to tell you everything, but that is no way to get off this drug.
Also doctor's know nothing about this drug, nor how to get people off this.

We learn here a very slow wean, and only decrease by 10% every 2 weeks, or 10 beads.
If you want the bead count to help you just let me know, and I will leave it for you.

Hang in there, you can do it the easy, gentle kinder way.

Debbie

#22 nursedeborah

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    I am reallly trying to get off Cymbalta, and not having, well I am having nightmares even with the decreased does, and clanging in my head.

    I just found this site, and I really need help, I can't do this, I fear I willl never get off this brutal medication.

    Deboreah Wesson

Posted 09 February 2010 - 08:30 PM

Well I have to say I have not been on Cymbalta more than 3 months and am currently weaning off of the medication. I am still getting the nightmares, insomnia and brain zaps despite the tapper! This too will pass!!


Terri,
What weaning systom are you using? Sounds like you reallly having
a hard time.

Maybe your going too fast?

Debbie

#23 friskykitty

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Posted 14 February 2010 - 08:32 PM

So one month out since I've had a cymbalta. Still getting a brain shiver here and there. Not a zap though, just a shiver.

#24 MaureenV

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Posted 14 February 2010 - 08:52 PM

my name says it all and not a great speller either! I survived Hurricane Katrina and about 6 months later I had a break down....my husband told me that i needed to see a doctor b/c something was wrong with me....so I said FINE and went in more of a "nothing was wrong with me and its all you" women method of thinking LOL - but I did find out I was depressed and it was manily b/c of the hurricane at first - I live in south Biloxi, MS - I started on lexapro and after 3 months I felt like zombie, doc changed me to 120mg of welbtran xl - then I had no sex life..LOL - doctor then but me on cymbalta 30mg - I started to feel a better but still felt like I was fighting to get up and moving - he then increased it to 60mg- in 2008 when my husband then turned my world upside down and left me stating he wanted a divorce....I ended up having an anoxity attack 2 months letter......to make a long story short at this time I cant afford to keep my mediation at this time and have to quit.....its either food and bills or meds well with 2 kids and my marriage still up in the air, stress is still high for me

I have not had my meds in 4 days and I can't stop yawning, I feel dizzy for a few hours and then feel fine....I sometimes cry but it passes after a few minutes....and I also feel like im having an upset tummy..oh and my lower calfs hurt like sore muscles....oh and I had to have a hystritamy in 10/09 which has helped me feel better emotionally

i've been reading alot of post on different sites and this site I like the best so far....I really do want to get off the medication completely b/c I feel in my heart that I only needed b/c of eveything that has gone on in my life....can anyone give advice on other non meds that worked or helped out for them - like taking vitium B, one a day, or anything like that to help with the side affects? thanks for reading god bless and good luck -



Hi Amy,

Without wishing to scare you, some people can find the worst of the symptoms don't hit for up to a week after stopping Cymbalta.

It is a drug which you shouldn't stop taking suddenly. You may be lucky and find you're one who doesn't have any more problems than you're currently having, but you may also be one who needs to taper down slowly.

Are you able to get some samples from your doctor so that you can taper down slowly?


regards, Maureen.

#25 MaureenV

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Posted 15 February 2010 - 03:35 AM

I'm grateful for this forum! I have been tapering off of Cymbalta - from a dose of 180 mg. Definitely a high dose - far above the recommended max dose of 60 mg (I believe). I questioned my psychiatrist when he increased my dosage over 60 mg - first to 120 mg and later to 180 mg. He said that he had seen positive responses in patients at even higher doses and I accepted his "expert opinion". I just wanted relief from my protracted and worsening depression. Since my depression broke through even the 180 mg dose and I didn't feel that I was getting the support that I needed, I began seeing a new psychiatrist in July 2009 and his assessment concluded that I had bipolar spectrum disorder and not unipolar depression as diagnosed by me previous doc. My new doc started me on Lamictal, but I developed the feared "Lamictal rash" and had to discontinue that medication. Since then I have started on lithium. Once I reached a solid blood level, I began tapering the Cymbalta. I went from 180 mg to 120 mg with just a day of intermittent dizziness and a marked increase in my mental functioning, energy, and productivity. 7 days later I went from 120 mg to 60 mg again with just a day of dizziness. Same for the transition from 60 mg to 30 mg a week later. Everything went so smoothly that I didn't anticipate how lousy I would be feeling after the final step in my taper. It has been two days and I have had constant dizziness, mild head zaps, nausea, diarrhea, and have been feeling feverish. Confused about how I was feeling, I decided to do some searching online and found this forum. It has been a great comfort to have my suspicions confirmed that my symptoms are most likely related to withdrawl from the Cymbalta. At this point I'm going to see how I feel tomorrow before deciding whether to count beads or request a bridge medication. Thank you to everyone who has shared their experiences and stories - know that you are helping those of us who are in the midst of this difficult process.

I wish that I could send Amyinms my leftover caps, but that's probably not okay. Seems like a shame to waste such expensive medication, but I'm just not interested in putting it into my body any more.

GLovesMom



Hi - a common story it seems; getting from the high doses down to 30mg hasn't been a problem for a lot of people, then they find that stopping altogether is a nightmare.

I'm afraid the only solution to dealing with the withdrawal IS to keep taking cymbalta. Without wishing to scare you, the worst may yet be to come, and may last for weeks. Can you really afford to be out of action for that long?

You can spend the same time feeling *almost* well by tapering very slowly with your remaining doses. It's not the drug itself withdrawing from your body causing theproblem, it's the LACK of it, and your body and brain need time to adjust SLOWLY to the reducing dose.

Good luck with whatever you choose,


regards, Maureen.

#26 nursedeborah

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    I am reallly trying to get off Cymbalta, and not having, well I am having nightmares even with the decreased does, and clanging in my head.

    I just found this site, and I really need help, I can't do this, I fear I willl never get off this brutal medication.

    Deboreah Wesson

Posted 15 February 2010 - 01:12 PM

I'm grateful for this forum! I have been tapering off of Cymbalta - from a dose of 180 mg. Definitely a high dose - far above the recommended max dose of 60 mg (I believe). I questioned my psychiatrist when he increased my dosage over 60 mg - first to 120 mg and later to 180 mg. He said that he had seen positive responses in patients at even higher doses and I accepted his "expert opinion". I just wanted relief from my protracted and worsening depression. Since my depression broke through even the 180 mg dose and I didn't feel that I was getting the support that I needed, I began seeing a new psychiatrist in July 2009 and his assessment concluded that I had bipolar spectrum disorder and not unipolar depression as diagnosed by me previous doc. My new doc started me on Lamictal, but I developed the feared "Lamictal rash" and had to discontinue that medication. Since then I have started on lithium. Once I reached a solid blood level, I began tapering the Cymbalta. I went from 180 mg to 120 mg with just a day of intermittent dizziness and a marked increase in my mental functioning, energy, and productivity. 7 days later I went from 120 mg to 60 mg again with just a day of dizziness. Same for the transition from 60 mg to 30 mg a week later. Everything went so smoothly that I didn't anticipate how lousy I would be feeling after the final step in my taper. It has been two days and I have had constant dizziness, mild head zaps, nausea, diarrhea, and have been feeling feverish. Confused about how I was feeling, I decided to do some searching online and found this forum. It has been a great comfort to have my suspicions confirmed that my symptoms are most likely related to withdrawl from the Cymbalta. At this point I'm going to see how I feel tomorrow before deciding whether to count beads or request a bridge medication. Thank you to everyone who has shared their experiences and stories - know that you are helping those of us who are in the midst of this difficult process.

I wish that I could send Amyinms my leftover caps, but that's probably not okay. Seems like a shame to waste such expensive medication, but I'm just not interested in putting it into my body any more.

GLovesMom


GLovesMom,
Just to let you know iI do send this med to people in the mail! I just put it in
an envelope with cotton balls or toilet paper, and have never had a problem.

The other thing is, is that my shrink told me over two years ago that they have
been using this drug as high as 120mg in Europe.

I can't even fathom what your going through!!! I had such a hard time on the drug,
and then delveloped sleep apnea at some point, the kind where my brain does not
send a message for me to take a breath during my sleep. Also even if I fell like
I am sleeping I am not!! So the two added, and the symptoms of both made ruined
my life. I am now waiting for the machine to arrive!!!

Also someone said that they can't get samples from their doc's office, but all
their doc's office has to do is to call their rep, and they will bring in cases
of this crap. Or there is the other option of calling the company, and they will
give it to you for free, yes it takes about 4 weeks, but still I would do it vs
going cold turkey as this does take a very long time to get off, and also 6 mo
to 2 years or longer for the withdrawls to go away.

I am already helping someone as I don't need my RX anymore, maybe there is someone
else who is willing to send this med to those who need it for awhile.

If your really that afraid of getting in trouble, you can put that persons name
as the sender too.

Debbie

#27 Junior

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Posted 18 February 2010 - 04:39 PM

Hi Cammy

So sorry to hear that you were put on this drug for nothing more than having normal feelings. Where do Drs get off doing this? Also, you said GP.. can I assume you are an Aussie? If so, since when are GPs qualified to make that sort of diagnosis? Grrr. Being a sufferer of GAD myself, I can tell you that it is a LOT more than just having a few feelings. Aside from the ruminations and overanalysing, it produces a lot of physical symptoms. I describe it as having a nervous system that operates in a state of hyperarousal. Anyway.....

As far as getting off Cymbalta.. your Dr has no idea. Don't worry. This is not unusual. Many Drs have no idea about the difficulties many people have in getting off anti-ds. By far the best way is to wean slowly. The general recommendation is to drop by no more than 10% each time and to wait 3-6 weeks for withdrawal effects to subside before reducing the dose further. With Cymbalta, many people find taking Prozac during wdl alleviates many of the wdl effects and it is said to be easier to get off later. It is possible to open the capsules.. but I'll leave it to others to explain since I was an idiot and went C/t :rolleyes:

Just re-read your post. If your Dr doesn't seem to want to listen (my GP learns from me), then ditch her. It is important that you feel comfortable with your Dr.

Regards
Junior

#28 friskykitty

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Posted 18 March 2010 - 06:15 PM

I don't think luck will help you much with that plan, I'm sorry to say. 60 to 30 was the easy jump for me. Every other day was a disaster for me and everyone else I've heard about trying it. Cymbalta simply does not work that way. Easy does it wins the race. People on this board recommend a reducing very slowly to make sure it's for good.

Every other day was fine for me. It was every 3rd day that got sticky. That little bit of prozac did the trick though. I have been free of all meds for a while now and am doing well!

#29 happygirl

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Posted 18 March 2010 - 06:45 PM

Terri,
Thanks for the encouraging words. I am going from 60 to 30 today. I plan to do that for a week and am contemplating just stopping at that point. I really cannot prolong the weaning process as from most of the posts it seems you have many symptoms anyway. I can only hope to do as well as you have done. :)

#30 Krazy Kid

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Posted 15 April 2010 - 04:13 PM


Hello, I am new here and just wanted to share my Cymbalta story. I was started on it in Feb. 2007. My father had passed away in Jan. 2007 (along with my cat of 19 years) and I had a car wreck in Feb. 2006. So my gp thought that the Cymbalta would help both my depression (was on Prozac previously) and the pain in my neck and shoulder from the wreck. Well after about a year on it, I completely realized that it was not helping the pain what so ever, and was so so on the depression. So I thought to my self, self, you really should just go back on the Prozac as it did just fine and was much less expensive, and I was also requiring a separate rx for the pain management. So I just quit cold turkey and refilled my Prozac. Well that was a huge mistake! Got very sick, flu like symptoms,huge black hole of depression, the whole nine yards! I called my doc after about two weeks and he told me to start back on the Cymbalta and quit the Prozac for two weeks, then to taper with the every other day method. Again, BIG mistake! My body could not handle the every other day method, so I just ended up giving up and staying on it. So here I am in April of 2010 and I start tomorrow with a true taper plan. I am lucky enough to have an apothecary (compounding) pharmacy somewhat close by!! (Since Lilly offers absolutely no help with this issue, the smallest dosages they offer is 20 mg) Depending on how it works, I will either have my doc call in this taper schedule or I will fill my 30 capsule, 60mg script (which is approximately 1800 mg.'s and I will need approximately 1300 mg.'s for this taper process), and take it in to the pharmacy myself. I am going from 60mg to 30mg tomorrow and will continue with the 30mg. for 2-3 weeks. then down to 20mg for 2 weeks. then down to 15mg for 2 weeks., then down to 10mg for 2 weeks., then down to 7.5mg for 2 weeks., then down to 5mg for 2 weeks., then down to 2.5mg for 2 weeks and maybe even 1.25mg for 2 weeks. I plan on adding in the Prozac right around the 10mg to 5mg drop, as it does take anywhere for 2-3 weeks to get into your system. It is a 12 to 17 week plan, however, from all of the information that I can find, and having been thru the withdrawal process twice, I think this is my best shot at getting off of this drug for good!! I bought a new composition book today and plan on keeping a daily journal, and if at the end, I am successful, I plan to send it to Lilly along with a bill for the compounding pharmacy charges! I know it is a pretty long taper schedule, however this way, I only have to pay for one more rx at the regular pharmacy, and pay the compounding fee's at the apothecary, and from that point it is just a matter of taking the damn pill everyday. I have done it for 3 years, so a few more months is not gonna matter, and hopefully with this slow of a taper and adding the Prozac, I will not be sick at all and will not have the return of the deep dark black hole I was in, when previously trying to get off this drug. I will try to keep this updated with my progress and let you all know how it goes. If it goes well, then maybe it will help someone else be able to get off of it if they so choose to. **getting out soap box** I am very upset with Eli Lilly right now!! They have put this drug on the market, and they DO have research that shows how bad the discontinuation symptoms are, however most doctors are not told of this, so when it comes time to ween patients off, the doc.'s are clueless! And it just results in undue agony for those of us who tried it and did not have the great results that were promised, and tried to get off of it, and simply could not.(hence more big bucks for Lilly cuz you gotta keep taking the damn stuff). It is pretty sad that you have to do so much research on your own to find a way out... and then have to go to a compounding pharmacy to fix capsules for you, because the company that makes the drug will not make discontinuation doses! Truly ridiculous for being a United States company! I actually live in Indiana, and may just hand deliver, in person, my personal plight with this drug along with the compounding bill!! I am not saying it is a bad drug! Don't get me wrong! I am sure it has done a lot of good for some people. What I have my feathers all ruffled about, is that they do not warn you at all of the discontinuation withdrawals and do not offer any type of assistance with discontinuation, and they offer no doses smaller than 20 mg. And as many of you already know, it is pretty tough to go from 20mg to 0mg. **putting soap box away**

Ok quick update. ^^^ this is my original post, and was not sure how to post at that time. Duh!

Day 2 of going from 60mg to 30mg. I take my pill in the a.m. because it causes insomnia for me if I don't.
Headache from hell.
Slightly dizzy when I stand fast.
Shaky. Very shakey. Had a hard time doing my mascara this morning, cuz my hands were so shakey.





That is all for now.





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