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Long Lasting Ssri Effects


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#1 fishinghat

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 06:16 PM

I just found an article which studied the long lasting effect of ssri withdrawal symptoms. They noted that some of the psychological effects from the withdrawal lasted up to a year. Based on this research the WIki site states that "Most cases of discontinuation syndrome last between one and four weeks, but a substantial minority, perhaps up to 15% of users, have persistant withdrawal symptoms evident one year post withdrawal." UP TO A YEAR? FOR REAL? 15% is a lot of people.

 

A reference to the actual article is;

 

 


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#2 lady2882Nancy

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 09:11 PM

Of course did you notice where the study originated

University of Bologna, Italy

I don't suppose that any of the big companies cares how long the discontinuation side effects lasted in the US or Canada :angry:

 

Oh I am in a negative mood now aren't I


#3 maudelady07

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 10:26 PM

Thanks for the article...I've been trying to do some research today although I can't really concentrate or make sentences very well...


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#4 baroness

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Posted 16 May 2013 - 12:13 AM

Ugh. Not looking forward to this.


#5 fishinghat

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Posted 16 May 2013 - 08:55 AM

Well maybe you will be lucky baroness and be in the 85% that are over withdrawal much quicker.


#6 fishinghat

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Posted 16 May 2013 - 08:59 AM

Just incase it is not obvious when you read the study the researchers used paxil in there study.


#7 knucklehead

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Posted 30 May 2013 - 07:50 AM

This is incredible - for a medicine to affect you for that long after you stop taking it is criminal.  How can this be promoted on television legally?  I think everyone involved in promoting this medicine should have to go though the withdrawal - well, no I don't, I wouldn't wish this on anyone.  But they should be required to read every account of someone who has gone through it.  According to the FDA, over a million and a half in the U.S. and climbing.


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#8 lady2882Nancy

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Posted 30 May 2013 - 07:55 PM

Oh I don't know, I kind of would like to see some of those responsible at Eli Lilly and the ones that approved it at the FDA suffer going on this drug and then stay on long enough that they had side effects getting off. But I would want to know that they were suffering so they would have to post on their own site.

That may sound nasty but the stomach problems I have had since starting this crap have not gone away yet even though I am 9 weeks off. This is definitely getting to me today. I cannot sit down and enjoy a proper meal. Since hubbie is a farmer and it is seeding time, meals are pretty erratic so most of the time I don't get to eat with him. I never did enjoy eating by myself.


#9 Heartfeathers

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Posted 31 May 2013 - 08:50 PM

I have been drug free for over a year now and have been thrown back into withdrawals due to weight loss.  The poison hides in your fat cells and leeches back into your body when you burn fat.     A YEAR LATER!!


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#10 lady2882Nancy

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Posted 31 May 2013 - 09:19 PM

HI Heartfeathers and thanks for the reminder

 

Just lovely for those of us who need to lose weight. .

 

Every May and June I have a ton of yard work to do and tend to lose weight and turn the winters extra pounds into muscle. It has only been in the last week that I have been able to go out there and work, which could explain why I feel ill as if going through The CW again.

 

Oh well I was going to try to lose it anyway why not suffer now instead of later.

 

Take care of you


#11 sk8mom

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Posted 01 June 2013 - 01:16 PM

Geez I guess I better lose the weight now...before I start weaning...I have a good 30 lbs that I gained while on cymbalta,,,I have a hard time losing the weight now because I keep having really bas sugar cravings, chocolate cravings,,,like I never was that bad before now I could eat sugar all the time...especially at night...I can't have any in the house!!!  So I have to be even more motivated now to lose that weight before...


#12 lady2882Nancy

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Posted 01 June 2013 - 02:31 PM

Hi sk8mom

 

Wouldn't hurt to lose now but if you get some of the side effects I had while discontinuing some of the weight will come off then anyways. I had and still have a terrible time with the evening munchies but eating an orange seems to help.

 

I used to love dark chocolate, but I lost my big desire for it when I completely stopped the cymbalta. Now it is pineapple that I crave and it has to be fresh not canned. 

 

At least it is easier to exercise in the summer so you have that going for you.

 

Take care


#13 NParcher

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Posted 04 June 2013 - 02:14 PM

I wish more people would return to this site to tell how they are after months/years off of Cymbalta.  I am almost 2 years Cymbalta free but I never returned to my previous self.  The severe withdrawls ended after a couple months but I am left with severe muscular pain 10 times worse.  I was always happy and energenic but now I rarely leave the house and have crippling anxiety (that I never had before taking Cymbalta) and no desire to enjoy life.  Sunlight hurts, walking hurts, and brain fog continues.  I hope more "Cymbalta Survivors" come back to tell their stories!


#14 lady2882Nancy

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Posted 04 June 2013 - 02:35 PM

Hi NParcher and welcome

 

It would seem that once people get back to whatever their normal is they forget about this site. I have made a promise to myself that I will keep coming back and let everyone know how I am doing once I am well. I am one day shy of 10 weeks off and am also dealing with extreme anxiety which I absolutely did not have before Crapalta (sorry my name for it). I feel like I struggle just to get through the day.

I was like you before and now I am like you too. I was always busy and going somewhere. I was cheerful and always up for a challenge. I'm still hoping that I will start to improve by the 12 week timeframe, but honestly I am beginning to doubt it.

 

I found out yesterday why the sunlight is too bright for the eyes. Anxiety makes your pupils dilate therefore too much light is going in the eye. I have been very light sensitive since I first went from 60mg to 30mg and just thought it was because of the headaches but the headaches went away for awhile and the eyes still were light sensitive. Now I have headaches if the light is bright and I don't wear my sunglasses.

 

If you ever need someone to message just to let it out, this is a great place or you can send me a personal message.

 

Take care of you


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#15 chimera

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Posted 04 June 2013 - 05:52 PM

I wish more people would return to this site to tell how they are after months/years off of Cymbalta.  I am almost 2 years Cymbalta free but I never returned to my previous self.  The severe withdrawls ended after a couple months but I am left with severe muscular pain 10 times worse.  I was always happy and energenic but now I rarely leave the house and have crippling anxiety (that I never had before taking Cymbalta) and no desire to enjoy life.  Sunlight hurts, walking hurts, and brain fog continues.  I hope more "Cymbalta Survivors" come back to tell their stories!

this is so sad. what are the doctors suggesting for you, this is a terrible outcome. to ditto the sunlight comments, yes I've noticed this too, it actually physically hurts. and the time to adjust from sunlight to indoor light is far longer than it ever was, it's like being temporarily blinded and has nearly led to accidents.even sunlight through the window today had this effect as it dazzled off the cars, and leads to headaches and eye pain. 


#16 NParcher

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Posted 05 June 2013 - 02:01 PM

Thanks gals for responding.  I truely believe Crapalta (good one Nancy!) has changed my brain chemistry and caused nerve damage.  My primary doc has finally said this may be who I am forever.  The neurologist said there was nothing he could do for me even though my neuropathy has no explaination.  I am in finanacial ruin due to medical bills.  This all started around 6 years ago when my doctor put me on this horrible pill for migraines and fibro.  The first year was great but slowly I became so depressed and anti-social.  Then the neuropathy set in.  I knew I had to get off this poison.....OMG the withdrawls almost caused me to take my life, but I found this site and used every recommendation to ease the withdrawls.  Like so many here my specialists look at me like I am crazy.  I am housebound and fearful to seek more help because my thought process is so limited I can't stay concentrated.  Specialists have limited time to try to make a diagnosis and just want to load me up with more meds.  I refuse to have more mind altering meds and never ever will take antidepressants again!!!  I never took them before Crapalta.  We must find others who are struggling and hold Eli Lilly responsible.  I hope others find this site and we can unite. 


#17 lady2882Nancy

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Posted 06 June 2013 - 12:54 PM

I hear you there. No more SSRI's or SSNRI's for me either.

I am hoping that the Psychiatrist I am seeing on the 25th will understand that I want to do everything as naturally as possible.

I will change my diet and go for therapy for as long as needed but I DO NOT want to stack on a bunch of meds that will only block the problems while I am on them.

My anxiety is so bad that I will not go anywhere without my hubbie and if that's the way it has to be for awhile that's fine too. It bothers him that I can't do all the things that I use to but this is who I am right now so he needs to accept me as I am.

I don't have problems staying home for the most part so if I can live with it then he will have to as well.

I'm sure in time we will get some answers and Eli Lilly will be held responsible.

Take care


#18 Heartfeathers

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Posted 26 August 2013 - 04:33 PM

I never had anxiety until Cymbalta. I never had any problems at all until Cymbalta.  Now I am barely fuctionaly OVER a year off of the crap. 


#19 fishinghat

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Posted 26 August 2013 - 07:15 PM

Heartfeathers, really good to hear from you!! I am sorry though that tou are still battling problems. IS there any sign that there is any improvements?


#20 Ape

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Posted 28 August 2013 - 05:29 PM

Fishinghat this scares me! This means I will get more anxiety that the one I have now that I am on the drug?

#21 fishinghat

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Posted 28 August 2013 - 05:38 PM

Not necessarilly. Like I mentioned 80% of the people come off with no effect. Others only have minor withdrawal so don't panic too much. Even if you do have some increase in anxiety from coming off cymbalta it should settle down in a few weeks. If it proves to be too much there are other medicines that will help you get through it. Myself, heartfeathers and others on this post are some of the people who had longer withdrawals than most. But there are a lot more who had a lot shorter withdrawal. My doctor put me on another ssri and lorazepam until I stabilized. Now I am weaning of these as I can.


#22 Ape

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Posted 08 September 2013 - 08:50 PM

I am on 1mg lorazopram to sleep because cymbolta doesn t make me sleep. I took 15 bids out And i am staying like this for a while before taking 20 out. My doctor doesn t want to withdrawl yet. So i am stuck.

#23 albergo11

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Posted 02 October 2013 - 04:49 PM

It is unlikely that your brain will never reverse to its original state, although it may take several years.  The post-acute withdrawal symptoms from various medications can certainly last beyond 24 months, as doctors often see in patients who have been absuing illicit substances for long periods of time in high doses.

 

Now, whether or not it is even remotely fair that this stuff is promoted on TV, is totally a legitimate concern.  Considering that the post-acute withdrawal effects can and sometimes do last for as long as a person, say recovering from heroine or crystal meth addiction, makes me extremely angry.

 

Don't give up hope !  The human brain is a very plastic organ, and with enough time and reverse stimuli, it is certainly possible to reverse the effects from a drug as strong as cymbalta.   


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#24 houtex

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Posted 10 October 2013 - 07:17 PM

I stopped Cymbalta just over a year ago.  The withdrawal lasted months for me.  My doctor did not believe me... said that it would only last a few weeks.  I am fine now, but it was a long, rocky road.  Finally, what helped me was Lexapro.  Now I find out that it too has withdrawal symptoms.  At least I feel like a person now.


#25 tomitsu

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Posted 11 October 2013 - 03:41 AM

I stopped taking Cymbalta in March 2012. I'm still feeling some of the withdrawal symptoms. It took 1 year to finally start to feel about 75% normal. Today I'm still getting twitching in legs and I get depressed and anxiety attacks. Insomnia is a big deal for me again. Not sure what I'm going to do. I was going to the gym and even that didn't help stabilize things for me. Withdrawal symptoms can go on beyond a year...perhaps more.

#26 tomitsu

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Posted 11 October 2013 - 03:44 AM

One more thing...once I quit cymbalta I did not take anything else other than Xanax but that was such a laughable dose that it was not an issue quoting that after 9 months. I have been med free for like 10 months. Cymbalta free for 1 year and 7 months.

#27 lady2882Nancy

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Posted 12 October 2013 - 11:50 AM

Hi tomitsu

 

That's just another drawback of Crapalta - exercise makes us lose body fat which is where that crap hides for who knows how long after we stop taking it. Thus when we exercise even if we don't lose weight we are losing fat and building muscle which in turn burns more fat and we are releasing the stored crap into our system. A temporary improvement in how we feel is followed by withdrawal side effects all over again.

Sucks......sucks......sucks

 

Eventually we should all return to normal in theory but no one seems to know how long it will take.

Of course then there are those who had undiagnosed mental health issues prior to taking Crapalta. No one can say if a return to normal is possible for them.

 

Good to hear from you all the same


#28 DinCA

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Posted 14 October 2013 - 10:40 PM

I have to say it......for probably the 1000th time...I dont see how any one could be the same post-crapalta...

 

Aside from the numerous biological or chemical, life changing effects that this stuff has on some of us (physical AND mental AND emotional).....JUST GOING THRU the experience has got to change you at some level.  The repercussions from the year on it and then those first weeks of crapalta  withdraw are enormous!   The fear and anxiety alone was all encompassing and has brought me to my knees many times, as I know it has so many of you.  The outbursts of rage  caused some real problems that I now have to live with....some of it is not fixable...and the apologies have been humbling.    The nightmares ...at the very least...brought on a spiritual re-evaluation.    The forgetfulness has been a constant source of embarrassment. When I came back and read some of my posts from those early days...I cringe and wonder how I made it thru the beginning at all....  I was frantic, desperate and lost   and really had no hold on reality.  Just simply terrified. 

 

The list goes on.  

 

  I have read enough stories here that I know I am not alone.   And THAT (and therapy) has been the one true saving grace for me.  But even if the lingering biological effects were to all go away tomorrow...just vanish by some miracle.....there would still be a huge difference in my life...my life has changed....   am changed.  Crapalta is  like a little personal nuclear bomb,  and there has definitely  been some fallout.  

yes...I am still impassioned over this little freaking pill.   There was a time when I could joke about it....and altho I can finally laugh again in my daily life...I really cant find anything humorous about crapalta anymore.  

 

I am with LadyNancy...I think a few of the ppl at Eli Lily could stand a good year on this med and then be yanked off it.

 

 

 


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#29 fishinghat

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Posted 15 October 2013 - 08:40 AM

DinCA, Amen to all of the above. I know I will not be the same fir a long time if ever.


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#30 claire26

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Posted 10 November 2013 - 05:07 PM

reading this has just made me cry, i honestly feel at my wits end and i thought i was doing well on week 5, cant even think of feeling like this for another day never mind a year, i really dont know what to do, me and my finacee had decided after xmas we would try for another baby i dont know if i can do this now if im still ill i cant, and what would getting pregnant do to me with this if its still in my system, i looked forward to xmas day thinking i will be well again, but now i cant see that from these posts, i came off cold turkey no cutting down, and it has been hard, i gave in on friday after a meltdown phoned my doctor and got some flueoxotine, to try and help the symtoms, but dosent seem to help, i am ill 24hrs a day with feeling sick and swishy head, i dont get a break, i have been going to sleep as much as i can as this is the only time i dont feel it, i am so low right now if i had a choice i would go back to cmbalta, but this drug made me try and take my own life so there is no going back for me, i feel lost, i cant win ither way now, the anger i feel to the company that makes this drug, i cant beleive this is legal, the doctors are too easy to hand this out and dont know enough about it, what have i done!! i have destroyed my life!


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