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#1 I am who I am

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Posted 10 July 2010 - 12:24 AM

I need some advice and support in weaning off Cymbalta. I will always answer honestly and want to find a place where I can talk honestly about quitting/getting off this medication. About me: I am in my late 20's. I have been on anti-depressants since high-school due to my abusive step-mother. I went through a lot of counseling in college to resolve all of that, and am a completely new and happy person now. But.. I also have painful memories and things that make some days really hard. Four years ago, I was in 2 bad car accidents within 6 months (both not my fault), a divorce, and my mom was killed in a car accident all at the same time. Before then I had thought of getting off my meds- but knew it would be best to stay on them as it was the one constant in my life. Ick.

I was laid off about 6 weeks ago from my job and lost my health insurance a few weeks later. I stocked up on a 90 day supply of Cymbalta at the time. I'm on/was on 60 mg a day.. and have been for the past 3 years. I also just moved out of state, away from my doctor.

Money is a huge issue for me right now (I do have unemployment though). And I not only don't have a doctor, but no insurance. I have about 2 months supply of my meds left.. Cymbalta and Trazedone. I have started to raion/wean now in order to make sure I have enough to get me through this whole period. I do have a prescription for both that is still good- but Cymbalta costs $6 a pill!!!

I was taking one 60mg tab of Cymbalta every day, and 20mgs of Trazedone every night for sleep. If I forget a tab of Cymbalta- I have immediate withdrawal. I hate the side effects as well. Drowsiness and fatigue like crazy- it takes me most of the morning to wake up. My sex drive is lowered. I now sweat when I sleep- it's disgusting, I have never done that before. and I have had a slightly stuffy nose ever since I started it. ALL of these side affects are also there as withdrawal effects but multiplied by about 10 times. My withdrawal is the worse.. MIGRAINES, dizziness, VERY emotional, and nauseous. I get so sick. IT's worse than the flu. I cry very easily (and usually I never cry). I am easily agitated, and I also have insomnia like crazy, and when I finally do fall asleep- I can sleep for a few days straight.

For the Trazedone, I also have side affects the next day like fatigue and drowsiness. But there have been days when I have forgotten one or the other and so have been able to notice what's what. I do not plan on quitting the Trazedone right now. I'm going to keep taking it as I wean off the Cymbalta.

Here is my plan: at first I tried to only take one pill every other day, and then one every 3 days. I got sicker.
Then I decided to start slow- so for this week, I am taking 3/4 of a pill- so 45 mgs, every day. Next week, it will be 30 mgs and I will do that for 2 weeks, and so on at 2 week intervals.

Like I said- I will stick with 20 mgs of Trazedone every night before bed through all of this. I noticed this week that I still am drowsy most of the day. And when I finally wake up, I want to stay up all night because I'm finally feeling 'awake'. One night I tried to go to bed early and just laid there with my mind racing. I tried meditating, no luck. So for now, I'm just going to sleep in until my body wants to get up and stay up until I'm tired. But still take my meds at the same time every day/night.

I have a dog, so get out for a walk a few times a day. And I also would like some advice on some good meditation and yoga CDs or DVDs, that I can listen to during the day or night.

Also- I don't know if I can write this... but to deal with the withdrawal affects... I have been hungover less than 3 times in my life, and one of those times- my friend told me that they give it to chemo patients with similar symptoms, and at the time I figured that I couldn't feel any worse. I tried it and it worked! So- I was able to get some now, and one of the days where I once again felt like I couldn't feel any worse, I tried it. And it worked! It took away the nausea- which is the worst part for me. And it also took away how achey and shaky that I get. It made me have an appetite again as well. Oh, I should add that about 2 months I started to eat more organically. At least 50% of my diet every day is organic. So- organic/vitamins supplements would also be options!

So, I need some help. Help weaning off, advice on how to do it successfully. Meditation and yoga tips. Herbal supplements? Prozac or other drugs are NOT an option. I want to be done with them all, not have more side affects or add to my already sensitive system.

I want to be healthier in every way, and want to do this the right way- so thank you to anyone who writes me! I should add that I don't really have any friends or family where I live now to talk with this about, so I really do appreciate this site. Thank you!


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Posted 10 July 2010 - 01:32 AM

Dear Friend:
I am sorry for your painful memories. The objective of antidepressants, should be to give an additional support in hard times, while one gets to the root of the problem, and gets off your chest the bad memories. You have been on antidepressants a long time, which could make your body get used to it, and build a tolerance, making them less effective. I am glad to hear that you are a happy person now.

Fatigue, low sex drive, sweating are side effects I have experienced.

Migrainces, dizziness, nausea, crying, are also withdrawals I have experienced. It also happens to me that it is hard for me to get to sleep at night, but then the next day I could sleep for hours and hours.

About your weaning plan. I´ve read on this site, that the –every other day approach- doesn´t work. That it is better to take a certain dose everyday.
To make your weaning plan, you´ll have to do the math, taking into account:
1. The amount of product that you have available
2. Determine the size of drops. (It should be 10% of actual dose).
3. Determine the period of time that you are going to stay on each dosage. (you mentioned 2 weeks)

I think it is GREAT that you are exercising and watching out your nutrition. I recently bought a dog. It is amazing how he has helped me with my depression. I am so into yoga and meditation!!!. However it is guided, I am not able to do it on my own if I don´t have my yoga instructor. Yoga helps to balance the chakras (energy centers of the body). If you cannot afford a class, DVD´s are fine!. Remember to breath, while on each yoga pose.

Nutrition is a great help for mood and brain. Eat lots of veggies, fruits, nuts. I take omega not through a pill, but by eating flaxseed and soy milk. I also take a multivitamin that includes B vitamins.

This site has been a lot of support. If your friends and family live far from you, you can always come to this site!

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#3 krisann

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Posted 10 July 2010 - 06:16 AM

I am who I am,

Welcome to the forum! Im at day 3 so I don't have a whole lot of helpful advice for you other than to tell you that I've kicked ambien, I've kicked xanax, and I will kick this too! smile.gif

Good luck to you smile.gif

KrisAnn


#4 I am who I am

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Posted 10 July 2010 - 10:38 AM

Thank you to you both.. it makes me feel so good that someone is out there and will listen and care. I suppose I am also on about day 4-5 of the weaning, after 3 weeks of trying the every other day approach.

I actually woke up when my alarm went off today! I haven't done that in weeks!! I really am so excited! I don't know what this means.. but the fact that I now have the whole day to do things- go run some errands, and finish painting my living room! How exciting! I suppose I should mention that I might have ADHD. Many doctors and psychiatrists mentioned it to me.. but I always dismissed it because I didn't want to have 'more problems'. Based on my reading and looking into recently, I definitely do have it... although it would be undiagnosed/not official. I have at least 8 projects going in my apartment at one time. Right now- it's sewing, beading jewelry, building a bookshelf, painting my living room, making a rock decoration thing, and then my regular things that I've been neglecting.. laundry and dishes and cleaning my bedroom. I can never start/finish one thing at a time. I immediately get distracted by the idea of something else.

About that- I agree and KNOW that it is bad.. and I thank you for your honest input about it. For now, I don't have any reason to not do it. I know that sounds terrible, and the reason that I justify it to myself is all the positive effects that it has had on me.. helping me eat, to calm down and focus, takes away my EXTREME NAUSEA and migraines, and it makes me a little high.. so not so down or worried about life. I should add that I'm smoking a piece that is about half the size of a pea. Literally. I probably get about 1.5 puffs off it, and I don't get super high, but that little amount is enough to let me be able to stand up and/or not puke that day. I have smoked about every 3 days for the past few weeks. Only when it gets so bad that I just have to go back to bed or that I start puking. Thank goodness I'm not working right now.

Anyway... today I feel GREAT! Even though I went to bed at almost 4am, I got up at 10am and am ready for the day!!

I'm going to work on the exercise more and also taking a multi-vitamin more regularly. I'm also going to look into some yoga/meditation CDs and will let you know what I find.

Will keep you posted!!!!


#5 krisann

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Posted 10 July 2010 - 03:50 PM

:) It is pretty typical for people with ADD/ADHD to be able to focus better on street drugs/alcohol. I am glad it is helping you, please be careful of trading one addiction for another. We ADD/ADHDers tend to be quite impulsive, so its easy for us to overindulge. ;)

I used to hate telling anyone I take ritalin for my ADD. People assume that Im some crackhead who convinced my Dr I have ADD so I can take "legal speed". That makes me crazy. People who are close to me or work with me can tell when I haven't taken my ritalin for a while. Now they "remind" me to go take a dose! lmao!

I love being ADD! It makes me creative, funny, and brilliant at times. The hyperfocus is amazing if I can channel it into something productive.

Keep up the great work, and good luck on painting! :)

KrisAnn

#6 I am who I am

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Posted 10 July 2010 - 05:04 PM

P.s. I just read the review/'about' section about that CD I mentioned and couldn't believe how great and applicable the last sentence of it is:

"Unfortunately, given the world's continuing conflicts, this music will remain too timely for too long -- but it offers a sublime way to search for faith amid the suffering."


WOW.

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Posted 10 July 2010 - 06:26 PM

I need help too. I just started withdrawing due to liver damage. I'm taking cymbalta for fibromyalgia. I can't stop crying and I'm afraid of becoming suicidal. All of these negative thoughts are running through my head. Plus, the fibromyalgia pain is more intense now. (Mary)


Dear Mary:
What were the symptoms you had to find out you had liver damage?????
It is shocking to hear that someone who took cymbalta for fibromyalgia (physical problem) ends up having emotional problems (crying, negative thoughts). But don´t worry they are just witdrawals. You will regain your mental balance again.
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#8 I am who I am

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Posted 11 July 2010 - 11:00 AM

Dear Friend:
Thank you for calling me "mom". I am 36 years old.
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Hahaha!! ok- I DID say that it's because she is the only one that I ever talked to about things like this. And also.. I don't have a mom now. She was killed in a car accident. I also just moved to the other side of the country and haven't met any friends yet because I'm unemployed.. so other than running errands- I don't get the chance to meet friend candidates. So this site is great not only for the honesty and ambiguity that I can have, but I also can meet other people who I can actually talk to about this stuff.

Also- Mary, I NEVER put this together until you wrote.. but I was diagnosed with a tumor in my liver around 6 months after starting Cymbalta. I went to the hospital with pains in my lower right side and long story short- it was kidney stones, and through all the tests they did- they also found out that I had 2 cysts on my right ovary and a tumor 1/3 the side of my liver. It was a pretty shitty day. First I recouped from my kidney stones, then went in for more in depth tests and ultrasounds of my liver and ovaries. It turned out that the tumor was surrounded by "too many blood vessels for them to biopsy". So, that was that. They told me it wasn't a big deal and just to live life as normal and it would be fine. I was training horses on the side at the time.. a very physical activity- I asked if I got thrown from a horse or just from galloping- could I injure my liver or cause the tumor to erupt? And they said no and "not to worry about it". I switched doctors after that. The final diagnoses didn't change- but my new dr was at least honest and more in depth in explaining things to me. The first one literally gave me NO information other than saying 'don't worry about it'. When they looked into my ovaries more.. it was scary. They said that my right one was really messed up and engulfed by the cysts and that my left one was not only way too small but also in a weird spot. GREAT. :blink: So- I went on a 3 month hormone therapy (basically it was like like taking birth control pills that were on crack) but it worked.. my right one cleared up and has been good ever since!

I hve never been sick in my life. Never had any physical issues like this, never broke a bone, or had weird pains or fricken TUMORS until Cymbalta. I never realized the correlation, but now I am starting to wonder and am going to add this to my list of things to research.

In other news.. I'm almost finished with my beaded project. I should finish it today and will post a picture later as I plan to mail it tomorrow morning.

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Posted 11 July 2010 - 10:23 PM

Hello Friend:
Oh I am so sorry about your mom´s loss. Yes, this site has also helped me. Hope you make new friends soon.
Yes, I´ve read that cymbalta shouldn´t be taken by people who already have liver problems. I haven´t read though that it causes liver damage.

However you can search in this site in the “SEARCH” session of the page (upper right) for the word liver, and you´ll find other people who had gone through liver problems.

The liver is one of the most important organs, because it is in charge of releasing the toxins from the body.
I´ve read that when people have liver problems, the illness can mimic flu like symptoms, and people also can suffer from itchiness.

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#10 I am who I am

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Posted 12 July 2010 - 01:46 PM

Hello Friend:
Oh I am so sorry about your mom´s loss. Yes, this site has also helped me. Hope you make new friends soon.
Yes, I´ve read that cymbalta shouldn´t be taken by people who already have liver problems. I haven´t read though that it causes liver damage.

However you can search in this site in the “SEARCH” session of the page (upper right) for the word liver, and you´ll find other people who had gone through liver problems.

The liver is one of the most important organs, because it is in charge of releasing the toxins from the body.
I´ve read that when people have liver problems, the illness can mimic flu like symptoms, and people also can suffer from itchiness.

hugs
Cookie


Thanks for the tip! I will check that out! I hadn't had any liver or issues physically until I started Cymbalta. Now i'm wondering what has been done by my body or what has been done by this drug. That is such a scary though. More things to look in to and be aware of. Either way though, there isn't anything I can do about it now and freaking out about it won't help or solve anything. Just going to keep on keeping on. :)

Thanks for your message!

#11 I am who I am

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Posted 15 July 2010 - 11:19 AM

Hello world!

Wow- I am feeling the best today.. better than I have for weeks. And that's on top of a wicked sore throat! I slept pretty well, woke up when my alarm went off (the second time in also many weeks.. normally getting up before 1pm is a chore since I have been weaning). I'm just happy to be alive today. My guy doesn't work late today so he is picking up something for me that I bought on craigslist on his way home from work (a gorgeous antique dresser!) and then tonight we are going to a blues show downtown. I'm just happy. YIPPEE!!

We had a really serious talk last night about me looking more seriously for work. He said he doesn't think that it's good for some as social as I am to be just around our place all day. I should add that the word "outgoing" doesn't even cover it when I'm out in the world.. the term used most often to describe me by other people growing up was "free spirit". I used to hate that phrase. In my small town, it wasn't a good thing. But you know what- I liked who I was then and I still like that side of me. Not being afraid of people and helping without others having to ask. And bet of all... I finally found a guy who likes that about me too. The person that I spend the most of my time with, likes who I am. Doesn't that make sense?!

Anyway- I'm off to the post office to mail my friends gifts that I made for her. Sorry that I didn't post this on here sooner- but here is the picture of the bracelet that I made her. I took it with my computer's camera- so the quality isn't the best.. but you get the 'picture'. ;) Also- this is my first time making something like this.. an embroidered cuff.

#12 I am who I am

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Posted 15 July 2010 - 11:22 AM

Anyway- I'm off to the post office to mail my friends gifts that I made for her. Sorry that I didn't post this on here sooner- but here is the picture of the bracelet that I made her. I took it with my computer's camera- so the quality isn't the best.. but you get the 'picture'. ;) Also- this is my first time making something like this.. an embroidered cuff.


Ok- apparently I can't read directions very well on attaching pictures.. here you go again!Attached File  Photo 77.jpg   53.92KB   38 downloadsAttached File  Photo 78.jpg   45.33KB   38 downloads

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Posted 15 July 2010 - 09:27 PM

Hello world!

Wow- I am feeling the best today.. better than I have for weeks. And that's on top of a wicked sore throat! I slept pretty well, woke up when my alarm went off (the second time in also many weeks.. normally getting up before 1pm is a chore since I have been weaning). I'm just happy to be alive today. My guy doesn't work late today so he is picking up something for me that I bought on craigslist on his way home from work (a gorgeous antique dresser!) and then tonight we are going to a blues show downtown. I'm just happy. YIPPEE!!

We had a really serious talk last night about me looking more seriously for work. He said he doesn't think that it's good for some as social as I am to be just around our place all day. I should add that the word "outgoing" doesn't even cover it when I'm out in the world.. the term used most often to describe me by other people growing up was "free spirit". I used to hate that phrase. In my small town, it wasn't a good thing. But you know what- I liked who I was then and I still like that side of me. Not being afraid of people and helping without others having to ask. And bet of all... I finally found a guy who likes that about me too. The person that I spend the most of my time with, likes who I am. Doesn't that make sense?!

Anyway- I'm off to the post office to mail my friends gifts that I made for her. Sorry that I didn't post this on here sooner- but here is the picture of the bracelet that I made her. I took it with my computer's camera- so the quality isn't the best.. but you get the 'picture'. ;) Also- this is my first time making something like this.. an embroidered cuff.


Nice to hear you are feeling well!
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#14 krisann

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Posted 15 July 2010 - 11:50 PM

Wow! Love the pics of jewelry! Very Very pretty! :)

KrisAnn

#15 I am who I am

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Posted 18 July 2010 - 01:00 AM

Thanks all! I'm glad it turned out well, my friend just called me today to let me know how much she liked it! :)

I came online now because I'm feeling really down. Just.. sad. I was unpacking more things tonight and came across a card that my mom had sent to me when I was 9 or so. It had 'return to sender' stamped on the front of it. I never got it or had seen it until she passed away and I was boxing up things from her house. It wasn't opened.. she just had held onto it for all these years. How sad. To put effort into a letter, a really cute card, a sweet message, and a small gift of some stickers and things inside of it... and to get that back without knowing why. I'm sure that my dad just saw it, didn't give it to us- and sent it right back to her.

Sometimes I wonder if my heart will just break. It aches so much sometimes. When I see things like this, in my life, or in others lives... small things that are a big deal. I can't even feel anger over this anymore between my parents. I will never get to tell my mom what I know now and all the things I found out that were lies about her while I was growing up. Things my dad and others told me about her.. and then I SEE the court papers, and read FACTS, and learn about how much about her isn't true.

On top of that- I found the left over scraps of cardstock that I had used to make my ex and I's wedding invitations out of. When it sadly rains, it depressingly pours. F*ck. :(


I actually had a pretty good day today other than the past hour. My guy was home most of the day and we ran some errands together. It was good.

I went grocery shopping tonight.. I have to ask you other 'withdrawalererers'.. HAS ANYONE HAD WEIGHT GAIN SINCE WEANING/QUITTING? I know I haven't been as active lately as I normally am, but I also can't seem to stop eating. I'm a fairly healthy person normally, and am well within my normal weight class or whatever it's called. Most of my life I've been pretty thin. But since weaning.. I'm hungry. REALLY hungry. I've never been so hungry in my life. Example- yesterday I had 2 pieces of pizza, then I had a full, huge plate of leftover chicken and dumplings (from the night before), and then I had some chips, and then celery and peanut butter. I finally just grabbed a glass of juice and made myself sip it to try to let my body catch up to all I had just consumed.. but I was still hungry. (and no, I haven't smoked for days, so that's not it). Before grocery shopping tonight, I looked up 'negative calorie foods' and fat burners... apples, berries, celery, carrots, cucumbers, etc. and bought most of those things at the store. I know I need to cut some calories if I'm not being as active as I used to be.

Anyway- that's my latest struggle.. my weight. I should add that I don't have a scale.. I can just tell that suddenly, I have this little extra flab around my belly button. Ugh. My number one craving is chocolate.. so, sweets/sugar. Could that be a withdrawal thing? I know the weight thing is probably just me, but what about cravings?

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Posted 18 July 2010 - 01:39 AM

Thanks all! I'm glad it turned out well, my friend just called me today to let me know how much she liked it! :)

I came online now because I'm feeling really down. Just.. sad. I was unpacking more things tonight and came across a card that my mom had sent to me when I was 9 or so. It had 'return to sender' stamped on the front of it. I never got it or had seen it until she passed away and I was boxing up things from her house. It wasn't opened.. she just had held onto it for all these years. How sad. To put effort into a letter, a really cute card, a sweet message, and a small gift of some stickers and things inside of it... and to get that back without knowing why. I'm sure that my dad just saw it, didn't give it to us- and sent it right back to her.

Sometimes I wonder if my heart will just break. It aches so much sometimes. When I see things like this, in my life, or in others lives... small things that are a big deal. I can't even feel anger over this anymore between my parents. I will never get to tell my mom what I know now and all the things I found out that were lies about her while I was growing up. Things my dad and others told me about her.. and then I SEE the court papers, and read FACTS, and learn about how much about her isn't true.

On top of that- I found the left over scraps of cardstock that I had used to make my ex and I's wedding invitations out of. When it sadly rains, it depressingly pours. F*ck. :(


I actually had a pretty good day today other than the past hour. My guy was home most of the day and we ran some errands together. It was good.

I went grocery shopping tonight.. I have to ask you other 'withdrawalererers'.. HAS ANYONE HAD WEIGHT GAIN SINCE WEANING/QUITTING? I know I haven't been as active lately as I normally am, but I also can't seem to stop eating. I'm a fairly healthy person normally, and am well within my normal weight class or whatever it's called. Most of my life I've been pretty thin. But since weaning.. I'm hungry. REALLY hungry. I've never been so hungry in my life. Example- yesterday I had 2 pieces of pizza, then I had a full, huge plate of leftover chicken and dumplings (from the night before), and then I had some chips, and then celery and peanut butter. I finally just grabbed a glass of juice and made myself sip it to try to let my body catch up to all I had just consumed.. but I was still hungry. (and no, I haven't smoked for days, so that's not it). Before grocery shopping tonight, I looked up 'negative calorie foods' and fat burners... apples, berries, celery, carrots, cucumbers, etc. and bought most of those things at the store. I know I need to cut some calories if I'm not being as active as I used to be.

Anyway- that's my latest struggle.. my weight. I should add that I don't have a scale.. I can just tell that suddenly, I have this little extra flab around my belly button. Ugh. My number one craving is chocolate.. so, sweets/sugar. Could that be a withdrawal thing? I know the weight thing is probably just me, but what about cravings?



Hello!
I had cravings when I started my weaning process. My appetite would change during the day, in the morning I didn´t have any appetite, but at night I my appetite increased tremendously and had cravings. After a few weeks it stabilized and now I have even lost some weight
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#17 I am who I am

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Posted 18 July 2010 - 02:30 AM

Hello!
I had cravings when I started my weaning process. My appetite would change during the day, in the morning I didn´t have any appetite, but at night I my appetite increased tremendously and had cravings. After a few weeks it stabilized and now I have even lost some weight
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Thank you so much! I do consider myself still at the beginning, so I hope that my extreme cravings do go away as I continue on this process. Now that you say that, I noticed that I am never hungry in the morning anymore.. usually not for at least 3 hours after I get up (no matter what time that is). And I am the most hungry (human garbage disposal) at night.

Maybe if I make myself do 5 push-ups for every different type of food I eat in one sitting- it will balance out? Or 8 pieces of celery per candy bar? sigh.. it can only get better.... right?

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Posted 18 July 2010 - 07:19 PM

Thank you so much! I do consider myself still at the beginning, so I hope that my extreme cravings do go away as I continue on this process. Now that you say that, I noticed that I am never hungry in the morning anymore.. usually not for at least 3 hours after I get up (no matter what time that is). And I am the most hungry (human garbage disposal) at night.

Maybe if I make myself do 5 push-ups for every different type of food I eat in one sitting- it will balance out? Or 8 pieces of celery per candy bar? sigh.. it can only get better.... right?


I love that phrase "It can only get better"

#19 I am who I am

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Posted 22 July 2010 - 05:46 PM

Hey all!

I haven't written in a while. We were out of town for a couple of days. And I was sick! Mentally and emotionally- I felt great. I was upbeat and happy. But I've had the worst diarrhea for 3 days in a row. I also have felt pretty dizzy. I'm down to 40 mgs now and will go down to 30mgs on Sunday. I don't know if I actually 'caught' something, like a bug or virus- or if it's just withdrawal symptoms. Starting yesterday I'm working on following the 'BRATTY' diet (for diarrhea) that I read about online. Bananas, rice, apples/applesauce, toast, tea, and yogurt. I don't know if I have something or what's causing this, but I'm trying to stay away from sugars and artificial ingredients while my body gets back to normal. Has anyone else had this as a withdrawal symptom??

Overall, I have been eating very healthy and actually exercising more too. I take the stairs a lot and take my dog on longer walks. I'm actually hoping whatever I have right now is just withdrawal. I can tough it out- but if it's something bacterial or parasitic- I'll need some meds to clear it up. And I don't have health insurance. I haven't had it for over 2 months now and honestly haven't been to the doctor in about a year. Yet, if I need just ONE visit- I either pay WAY too much, or have to get health insurance. It's one thing about our country that I find so pathetic. I'm not even 'for' the new healthcare plan.. I mean, if it will do what it says- than I am, but I just think that everyone DOES have a right to GOOD healthcare. Think of homeless people. Think of single parents. People like me who got laid off and don't want to put what little unemployment they get into health insurance- which I would need because of how much hospitals charge (and they charge that much because of the health insurance!!).

OK- there's my rant.

Gonna grab a yogurt and iced tea and lay down again. Hope everyone is doing well!

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Posted 22 July 2010 - 09:30 PM

Hey all!

I haven't written in a while. We were out of town for a couple of days. And I was sick! Mentally and emotionally- I felt great. I was upbeat and happy. But I've had the worst diarrhea for 3 days in a row. I also have felt pretty dizzy. I'm down to 40 mgs now and will go down to 30mgs on Sunday. I don't know if I actually 'caught' something, like a bug or virus- or if it's just withdrawal symptoms. Starting yesterday I'm working on following the 'BRATTY' diet (for diarrhea) that I read about online. Bananas, rice, apples/applesauce, toast, tea, and yogurt. I don't know if I have something or what's causing this, but I'm trying to stay away from sugars and artificial ingredients while my body gets back to normal. Has anyone else had this as a withdrawal symptom??

Overall, I have been eating very healthy and actually exercising more too. I take the stairs a lot and take my dog on longer walks. I'm actually hoping whatever I have right now is just withdrawal. I can tough it out- but if it's something bacterial or parasitic- I'll need some meds to clear it up. And I don't have health insurance. I haven't had it for over 2 months now and honestly haven't been to the doctor in about a year. Yet, if I need just ONE visit- I either pay WAY too much, or have to get health insurance. It's one thing about our country that I find so pathetic. I'm not even 'for' the new healthcare plan.. I mean, if it will do what it says- than I am, but I just think that everyone DOES have a right to GOOD healthcare. Think of homeless people. Think of single parents. People like me who got laid off and don't want to put what little unemployment they get into health insurance- which I would need because of how much hospitals charge (and they charge that much because of the health insurance!!).

OK- there's my rant.

Gonna grab a yogurt and iced tea and lay down again. Hope everyone is doing well!




Hello Friend!
Congratulations on your 40mg.
However, dropping from 40mg to 30mg seems a huge drop to me.

I´ve read that one should drop a maximum of 10% each time (to 36mg).

Since I started weaning from cymbalta I´ve had diarrhea as a symptom. However never had it for 3 days in a row like you. It comes and goes.

Be careful because if it is a withdrawal symptom, then decreasing from 40mg to 30mg like you planned could make your diarrea worse.

When I was a kid and had diarrea or stomach problems my pediatrician would tell my mom not to give me any dairy, bananas or orange juice. Chamomile tea is good for ones stomach. Is your ice tea natural? Because processed once usually have sugar.

I hope you feel better.

Hugs
Cookie

#21 I am who I am

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Posted 25 July 2010 - 06:50 PM

Hello Friend!
Congratulations on your 40mg.
However, dropping from 40mg to 30mg seems a huge drop to me.

I´ve read that one should drop a maximum of 10% each time (to 36mg).

Since I started weaning from cymbalta I´ve had diarrhea as a symptom. However never had it for 3 days in a row like you. It comes and goes.

Be careful because if it is a withdrawal symptom, then decreasing from 40mg to 30mg like you planned could make your diarrea worse.

When I was a kid and had diarrea or stomach problems my pediatrician would tell my mom not to give me any dairy, bananas or orange juice. Chamomile tea is good for ones stomach. Is your ice tea natural? Because processed once usually have sugar.

I hope you feel better.

Hugs
Cookie


Thank you so much for the note! That's a good thought.. I don't know what to do. I'm so antsy to be done with this drug. I already took only 30mg for today. I think I will stick with it for a few days and see what happens- if it needs to go up- I will do that.

I read about that diet online and it did kick my diarrhea within a few hours of eating those things. I had always thought the same things about dairy for sure. I do use an organic tea. Chamomile is my most favorite tea, but I have been out the past week. I will definitely go get some more of that.

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Posted 25 July 2010 - 11:23 PM

Thank you so much for the note! That's a good thought.. I don't know what to do. I'm so antsy to be done with this drug. I already took only 30mg for today. I think I will stick with it for a few days and see what happens- if it needs to go up- I will do that.

I read about that diet online and it did kick my diarrhea within a few hours of eating those things. I had always thought the same things about dairy for sure. I do use an organic tea. Chamomile is my most favorite tea, but I have been out the past week. I will definitely go get some more of that.



Dear Friend:
I am also impatient!. However I´ll have to stay on 19mg for 3 more weeks because of family commitments and trips.
Keep me posted on how it went with the last drop to 30mg
Hugs
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#23 I am who I am

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Posted 28 July 2010 - 08:36 PM

Things are going really well with ME emotionally.


Wish I could say the same for my relationship! I'm frustrated and sad and just not sure what is going on with it. I don't want to write about it on the internet, but somehow.. regardless of how BIG of a thing that this is in my life.. I'm somehow ok. I feel like I am still strong, still happy, and somehow optimistic. I don't even have any other options if he and I break up. I just moved across the country with everything I have. But I still don't feel scared or helpless. Maybe it's almost a bad thing.. that I should be more scared. We are on what I guess people would call a 'separation'.. not broken up, but not together really. OK- now someone tell me what the heck that means??!!? Exactly. That'sexactly how I feel right now. The first day was hell and I cried and cried and thought my heart was breaking. The next day was bad, but I felt a little better. Then yesterday we had a REALLY great day together. Then today- was crap all over again. I'm not sure if I really am thinking about him and I breaking up anymore like I thought on the first day.. I see us together in the long run and that this is just a rough patch. Maybe I'm just putting off the eventual disappointment.
.......I'm just going to work on myself. I love him, but I can't change him or how he has been lately. I can just work on making myself the best that I can be, find an awesome job, love those around me, and be happy.

OK- but, this is about medication and such. I'm still on 30mg. I've felt weak the past few days, but nothing too bad or that I am not willing to put up with. Mostly sorta dizzy/light headed. I did get my period waaay to early. UGH!!! I actually do think that might have to do with the weaning and drop to 30mg. But I haven't had any diarrhea or upset stomach (I still don't know if that was from the meds or a little bug or food poisoning, or what last week!). I haven't been as tired this week. I haven't been getting that much sleep, and when I do fall asleep- I toss and turn all night... BUUUUUUUTTTT I wake up- refreshed! WHAT?! It's amazing! I wake up EARLY and within 1-2 snooze buttons. And then I am excited to do things throughout the day! I've felt happy and wonderful during the day! (Minus any boyfriend interactions which make me want to either go to bed, cry, melt into a puddle of misery, or all of those).

So- as far as weaning goes. I'm doing it. My life around me is raining, but I'm dodging the lightning, hiding from the thunder- and splashing in the puddles! ;) HA!

#24 I am who I am

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Posted 31 July 2010 - 02:12 AM

Yesterday was a bad day... well, I should say July 29th. It's now 3am so technically that was 2 days ago. I just couldn't wake u or get out of bed. I did, but didn't leave my place all day except to take the dog out.

Today was a little bit better. I made myself get up and be productive. I wore a dress about town to do errands. I looked nicer than I felt on the inside. It's so hard for me to know what's really me right now, OR what's being caused from my relationship breaking up.

I still don't know what to do. I don't have much money. Definitely not enough to start over right now. I couldn't afford any places on my own that allow a dog. I feel really lonely too. My only girlfriend is back home and we can talk on the phone.. but it's hard when he no longer loves me, I moved here for him, and I don't know ANYONE else besides his family here. I've talked to his brother just a little about what's going on... and he agrees with ME. Not so much 'agrees with', but agrees that his brother (my guy) is being ridiculous and cannot see what he is doing to me.


With meds.. still on 30mgs. I felt a little dizzy and shaky today. I have felt more creative lately though, I bought some paint supplies today and painted for a little bit tonight. That felt really good and I liked my finished project. It wasn't perfect but I was ok with it, although I tend to be a perfectionist when it comes to things like that- so am happy with myself that I am even ok with it.

So- I guess not much is new as far as SINbalta is concerned. Like I said- I don't know what is me being affected by the drug, or being affected from my relationship and my heart breaking.


I was going to marry this man. I was going to be with him for always. I gave up everything for him. ................. : (

#25 I am who I am

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Posted 31 July 2010 - 02:18 AM

I just posted this on someone else's wall.. and thought- this should be on MY page too!!

Anyone who reads here needs to check this out!!
__________________________________________________

A friend recently sent me this blog, and I had to pass it on to some of my favorite people on this site- anyone who has felt any 'rage' will love this post!

Check out any of her other posts as well... but be careful if you read them at work- you will laugh out LOUD!! They are HILARIOUS!!!


http://hyperboleanda...ate-spiral.html

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Posted 31 July 2010 - 09:37 PM

Dear Friend:
You are going through a tough situation. It must be hard to be in a city where you do not know anybody.
Try to talk to your girlfriend back home whenever you need it.
It´s good that you are walking with your dog.

Hope you feel better
Cookie

#27 I am who I am

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Posted 05 August 2010 - 03:45 PM

Well.. last night, we broke up. It just wasn't working anymore. BUT then he said.. do you want to go for a drive? We ended up going for a 5 hour road trip.. listened to good music and talked along the way. Stopped at a few shops and just had fun together. We haven't had that feeling for so long.. being all 'adult' and stuff the past few months... too much responsibility. It was good to get away. And then.. we made up. And now, things feel good again- like when we started dating.. nervous and giggly and fun. One of the last things of the night that I told him was that this is his last chance.. I will still love him, but if he starts to get distant again and be careless with our relationship.. I can't be in limbo with my heart.

So- for now.. things are good. Great. Amazing. I hope so badly that it stays like this.

In other news.. 30mgs went great.. tomorrow starts my job to 20mg. I know that is a big jump, but I'm almost out of pills.. I've rationed them out so that I won't run out before I'm ready.. but since I'm not working- it's easier to just go down and deal with the side effects. From 20- I'm going to go 5mgs at a time.. 15mg, 10mg, then 5mg, and stay at 5mgs for a few weeks.

What do you guys do below 5mgs? Just stop at some point? Or do I take like 10 beads/balls a day for a little bit??

Any suggestions?


Also- healthwise.. I'm feeling really well. I sweat less when I sleep and I have noticed that I seem to be sleeping 'harder' at night. Does that make sense to anyone? I'm just not as light of a sleeper as before. I also don't feel so hungry all the time. My weight seems to be almost back to normal.. but I also have been being more active. Oh- I went for a RUN this week!! I haven't done that since college. It felt great and my dog loved it too. I did about 4 miles walk/run. It felt AMAZING! At one point though.. I didn't know if it was a runners high or if I was just about to pass out.. (ha!).. but I made it just fine. And only a little sore in my shins the next few days.

I've started painting too! I'm pretty happy with what I've been doing. They are turning out decently.... even though I've never done water color before. I'll have to post a pic or two.

Oh- and I got a call from the library today that my DVD and CDs of some yoga and meditation came in. I'll test them out and let you guys know some pros and cons. I hope to find some gems to share!

Will keep you posted.

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Posted 05 August 2010 - 08:30 PM

Dear Friend:
Things sound GREAT!!!!
I am so glad you are back with your boyfriend!....external things and the environment have so much to do in the way we feel. It is so important that you explain to him that you will go through tought times during weaning, and if you are moody, or experience anger or crying it doesn´t have to do with him, it is just withdrawals. His support is very important at this time.

Going from 30mg straight to 20mg will be a huge drop. It´s good that you are not working.
For me going from 30 to 20mg was the hardest.

My suggestion would be that once you reach 5mg you do not go straight to 0mg. It is better if you take just one bead out a day.

I´ve been experiencing insomnia. It is hard to fall asleep. I also don´t feel so hungry.

was just about to pass out.. (ha!).. but I made it just fine. And only a little sore in my shins the next few days.

Keep on running and painting! good luck with your meditation and yoga DVD´s

I am glad you are glad! :)
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#29 I am who I am

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Posted 07 August 2010 - 09:06 PM

Thank you so much for writing! Things are still good- this week has been amazing!

Today was a weird day though.. last night, I feel asleep on the couch around 2am, but woke up about every 15 minutes because I left the TV on. I finally went to bed around 4:30am. Ick. Then I was tired all day today. I woke up at 11am, but just couldn't get out of bed. I finally did get up and out of bed around 3pm.. only to take a nap later on in the day, and woke up for real about 6:30pm but had the worst migraine. I took some ibuprofen and feel much better now.

20mgs has been ok. I've felt dizzy and light headed sometimes, so just have been taking it easy. I have seen some of my normal side effects not be as strong though.. which has been wonderful to see those things go away.

Thanks for the tip on dropping off from 5mgs. I'm so excited to get there! Just a couple more weeks!!

#30 I am who I am

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Posted 10 August 2010 - 11:53 PM

Not much new to update.. still on 20mgs. Still feeling dizzy a lot during the day.

Things with my guy are ok, but I worry about one major thing that he does that I just don't know that I can ever accept. I don't think he will change (they say that guys/gals never do).. so I feel confused about what to do with my life. And it's worse because my own love blinds me.

Otherwise.. I've been eating well. Not getting enough good sleep though. And I feel tired a lot during the day. :(

Watching Bob Ross paint late at night on the 'Create' channel is one of the best late night things I've ever discovered. He is so great and soothing. "Maybe there's another happy little stone right here. But it's your world.. you just put little stones wherever you'd like".... :D this is great.



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