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Legal Steps Advancing 2014


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#1 xman

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Posted 01 May 2014 - 02:26 PM

I received a call back from a law firm, after posting a message on their website, that is putting resources into revealing the discontinuation syndrome from Cymbalta (aka crapalta). The name of the firm is Knox Ricksen LLP, www.knoxricksen.com in Oakland, CA. Zachary Johnson is one of the lead guys looking into claims about the dc syndrome.

 

Anyone who has what it takes to report what you have experienced, now is the time. He told me that at one time there was a big movement towards taking official legal action on behalf of ppl. who have suffered debilitating symptoms related to crapalta and those who had loved ones commit suicide while on this drug and after its use (aka the discontinuation syndrome).

 

Their phone number: 510-285-2500.

 

Some of us have complicated medical histories. Yet this is still an important issue for those who will come behind us-those who will seek out this support group... For those of us who have few other issues that muddy the waters, so to speak, this is the opportune time to have your voice be heard!

 

Now is the time for this drug to be outed for the irreparable damage it does to our brains and our lives. It could be a good distraction while our bodies attempt to heal from the damage...


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#2 TryinginFL

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Posted 01 May 2014 - 03:51 PM

Fantastic post, xman!!  I will be right in there too!! :) 


#3 FiveNotions

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Posted 01 May 2014 - 08:00 PM

Awesome xman! I'll call them tomorrow, and report back here....such a relief to hear this news.... :-)

#4 xman

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Posted 02 May 2014 - 10:02 AM

YAY!! I believe, with all my heart, this drug is bad news for everyone who takes it as well as their families. TY FN and Liz. :D


#5 adri

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Posted 02 May 2014 - 03:43 PM

So do we call them? Or can they be emailed? My anxiety is really triggered by social situations and I can't handle calling right now but definitely want to help since this is the first drug I have been on "long term" for depression and have no other health issues besides well controlled asthma. I know for a fact that this poison has damaged me.


#6 GonnaMakeIt

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Posted 02 May 2014 - 04:50 PM

I feel the same as adri and probably would not be able to talk on the phone but find it much easier to type things.  I have never in my life been like this before and it's kind of like I have social anxiety which I'm hoping goes away as soon as this crap is out of my system.

 

I'm just so angry right now at all of the doctors that I'd been sent to, all the testing, poking and prodding only to tell me that they can't figure out what is wrong with me and causing all of my symptoms.  Not one of them ever considered this drug could be causing it just waived the thought away any time I asked if they were sure it couldn't be caused by medication.  REALLY?  What do we pay them for? 

 

I solved my own health issues so maybe, my health insurance should pay me their salary instead of them!  Sorry, having an emotional, frustrating day!


#7 thismoment

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Posted 02 May 2014 - 05:43 PM

GonnaMakeIt

 

I hear you.

 

Many of us ran terrified to the doctor with these phantom symptoms. We saw specialists, we were prescribed carloads of additional medication, and we innocently consumed vast healthcare resources. We are the first victims of a brand new plague, and it's like nothing they've ever seen before- and without the internet, we never could have figured it out. 

 

Are the drug cartels any more sinister than Big Pharma?  Certainly they have one thing in common- profits first!


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#8 GonnaMakeIt

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Posted 02 May 2014 - 06:38 PM

thismoment - you are so right!  I am so thankful that my friend sent me to this site and honestly, don't think I would have made it much longer as I was definitely on the verge of the unthinkable.  I know I still have a long way to go but I have found so much strength in just the two days since I hit that link to brought me here and I will make it!

 

I truly hope that whatever happens with the legal stuff, more people will be made aware of this horribleness and it will prevent any one else from having their lives ruined or worse .....


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#9 Xanazul

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Posted 03 May 2014 - 12:33 AM

Can they be emailed?

#10 xman

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Posted 03 May 2014 - 05:16 AM

Yes they can be e-mailed. Go to the "contact us" ,and then  "Free consultation"  drop down box.  In comments ask Zachary Johnson to send you an information packet in the mail re: the discontinuation syndrome of Cymbalta.-I think it'll be a documentation process-type form.


#11 GonnaMakeIt

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Posted 03 May 2014 - 09:49 AM

Awesome, thanks so much for everything, xman!


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#12 TryinginFL

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Posted 03 May 2014 - 11:19 AM

Just finished filling out a form online regarding Cymbalta discontinuation.  I hope it will help the cause! This was available through the above-mentioned website.  Thanks, xman!! :)

 

Received confirmation email from them indicating they would be in touch w/me either by phone or email.


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#13 xman

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Posted 05 May 2014 - 05:04 AM

zdj@knoxricksen.com is an e/m address as well.


#14 Jillybean

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Posted 07 May 2014 - 06:13 PM

I am new here- well new to posting. I've been reading posts on/off for several months. I just want to thank you for the info re the attorney in CA. I spoke with someone yesterday. I want awareness out about this because I am soooo sick and the Dr is not helping me.

 


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#15 thismoment

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Posted 07 May 2014 - 06:43 PM

Hi Jillybean

 

Welcome. Yes, we all would be thrilled if physicians knew about Antidepressant Withdrawal.

 

I watched an episode of Dr. Phil the other day and was shocked. There was a woman who had fallen into some destructive behaviour, but during that time she was withdrawing from antidepressants and going through hell. The withdrawal aspect received zero attention from the good Dr, and he kept prodding her with questions like, "Why did you say that to your husband?", "What were you thinking when you did that?", "What was your reasoning for doing those things?"  Incredible!

 

But it all made sense to me a few minutes later when Phil brought out frequent guest and Corporate Pfizer pill pitch-woman Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall! She's selling antidepressants for Pete's sake- so you're not going to see Dr. Phil discussing the horror show of Antidepressant Withdrawal as long as the Pfizer Corp is handing out cash to the Dr. Phil Show. Makes me sad.


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#16 Jillybean

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Posted 08 May 2014 - 05:14 PM

I received a call back from a law firm, after posting a message on their website, that is putting resources into revealing the discontinuation syndrome from Cymbalta (aka crapalta). The name of the firm is Knox Ricksen LLP, www.knoxricksen.com in Oakland, CA. Zachary Johnson is one of the lead guys looking into claims about the dc syndrome.

 

Anyone who has what it takes to report what you have experienced, now is the time. He told me that at one time there was a big movement towards taking official legal action on behalf of ppl. who have suffered debilitating symptoms related to crapalta and those who had loved ones commit suicide while on this drug and after its use (aka the discontinuation syndrome).

 

Their phone number: 510-285-2500.

 

Some of us have complicated medical histories. Yet this is still an important issue for those who will come behind us-those who will seek out this support group... For those of us who have few other issues that muddy the waters, so to speak, this is the opportune time to have your voice be heard!

 

Now is the time for this drug to be outed for the irreparable damage it does to our brains and our lives. It could be a good distraction while our bodies attempt to heal from the damage...

 

Hi Jillybean

 

Welcome. Yes, we all would be thrilled if physicians knew about Antidepressant Withdrawal.

 

I watched an episode of Dr. Phil the other day and was shocked. There was a woman who had fallen into some destructive behaviour, but during that time she was withdrawing from antidepressants and going through hell. The withdrawal aspect received zero attention from the good Dr, and he kept prodding her with questions like, "Why did you say that to your husband?", "What were you thinking when you did that?", "What was your reasoning for doing those things?"  Incredible!

 

But it all made sense to me a few minutes later when Phil brought out frequent guest and Corporate Pfizer pill pitch-woman Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall! She's selling antidepressants for Pete's sake- so you're not going to see Dr. Phil discussing the horror show of Antidepressant Withdrawal as long as the Pfizer Corp is handing out cash to the Dr. Phil Show. Makes me sad.

I would not have been able to watch that. I sob  reading the stories on here and I felt interrogated on Monday when I called to get something for relief. She almost went through the roof when I started to mention the bead counting. She would've had me go to 20mg and then off. Unfortunately I felt sick almost from the beginning of the withdrawal.


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#17 sodone61

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Posted 15 May 2014 - 10:38 PM

This is great news.  I ended up hospitalized for a day from dehydration due to vomiting.  My liver has been compromised and I'm probably 12 weeks into "discontinuation" (cold turkey) and still dropped about four days out of the week.  My friends and acquaintances probably don't even believe me when I tell them I'm sick anymore.  It's isolating, heartbreaking and I feel like, which is probably the truth, I'm sitting at home waiting for my life to start.  I was healthy, active, employed and happy prior to this crap and it's all gone.

I'll get better.  I'm determined.  but sometimes I even wonder if it's all in my head myself!  I'm not hypocondriacal by history so I'll give myself a little more time then I'm going to get additional help.  The doc wants me to dose every few days but after the hospital stay... I just can't do it.  At least I'm out of bed.  barely... Love you all.  Hope you're all getting better each day.  God bless.. :wub:   Pam


#18 thismoment

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Posted 15 May 2014 - 11:33 PM

Hi Pam

 

Sorry to hear you are still struggling.

 

What did they say caused your liver to be compromised?

 

It IS all in your head-- it's the inside part of your head (your brain) that's been messed with. It needs time to physically create new pathways -kind of re-wire itself- to find equilibrium. The meds caused it to change its physical structure and its manner of functioning, and now its struggling to self-erect and re-create itself into some form that can function. It takes time and patience, but things will improve a lot!!

 

"The doc wants me to dose every few days. . ." What does this mean? Dose with what? Surely not Cymbalta-- that would be incredibly irresponsible advice!

 

Take care.


#19 fishinghat

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Posted 16 May 2014 - 08:45 AM

DO NOT go back on Cymbalta again if you can help it or you will be doomed to repeat your withdrawal. There are a lot of other things that can be given to help. like TM said, benzos are available as is hydroxyzine. Both have been used successfully help with the withdrawal.

 

The withdrawal should be showing signs of letting up by now. I would expect you to be having some fairly good days mixed in with the bad. Do you see any signs of improvement?


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#20 Jillybean

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Posted 16 May 2014 - 09:19 AM

This is great news.  I ended up hospitalized for a day from dehydration due to vomiting.  My liver has been compromised and I'm probably 12 weeks into "discontinuation" (cold turkey) and still dropped about four days out of the week.  My friends and acquaintances probably don't even believe me when I tell them I'm sick anymore.  It's isolating, heartbreaking and I feel like, which is probably the truth, I'm sitting at home waiting for my life to start.  I was healthy, active, employed and happy prior to this crap and it's all gone.

I'll get better.  I'm determined.  but sometimes I even wonder if it's all in my head myself!  I'm not hypocondriacal by history so I'll give myself a little more time then I'm going to get additional help.  The doc wants me to dose every few days but after the hospital stay... I just can't do it.  At least I'm out of bed.  barely... Love you all.  Hope you're all getting better each day.  God bless.. :wub:   Pam

It is in your head but not in the negative light that many want to use that terminology for. It is pretty rough but keep up that determination. I can sadly relate to the feeling that I am sitting here, isolating again, and waiting for my life to start. I am on the verge of losing my apt due to long term unemployment and simple inability to work right now and I really don't want to be homeless. I am learning to accept that if I am to be homeless then so be it. In any case YOU keep pushing through one hr or even one min @ a time. Deep breathing in through nose out through mouth does help. It helps you to focus just on that and does bring in vital O2 to help your entire body repair itself. You WILL make it through. Keep reaching out on here it is sooooo wonderful and helpful as others in our lives are unable to understand and it is frightening to them as well.


#21 Jillybean

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Posted 16 May 2014 - 09:23 AM

DO NOT go back on Cymbalta again if you can help it or you will be doomed to repeat your withdrawal. There are a lot of other things that can be given to help. like TM said, benzos are available as is hydroxyzine. Both have been used successfully help with the withdrawal.

 

The withdrawal should be showing signs of letting up by now. I would expect you to be having some fairly good days mixed in with the bad. Do you see any signs of improvement?

I am finally seeing some improvement. I do have benzo- clonazepam but I weaned down on that one to just a morning dose- prior to weaning off of cymbalta. That was just as brutal so I am hesitant to take it. I will be seeing a new Dr on 5/23 and I have some supplements: l-theanine, l-tyrosine that do significantly help. I just really needed to constant brain zap to ease up. It's still there but not as often. Thank for your caring words. Hope you are well!


#22 fishinghat

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Posted 16 May 2014 - 10:13 AM

Jillybean, part of your problem might be the clonazepam. It has a half life of around 30 hours. So you take one in the morning and your blood levels go up. By the next morning (24 hours) your are nearly down 50% in your blood. This may be providing a weak daily witdrawal symptom from the clonazepam. Are the evenings worse? Do you wake feeling particularly bad? If so you  might consider a half pill in the morning and a half pill in the evening (12 hours later). Just something to think about.


#23 Jillybean

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Posted 16 May 2014 - 11:09 AM

Jillybean, part of your problem might be the clonazepam. It has a half life of around 30 hours. So you take one in the morning and your blood levels go up. By the next morning (24 hours) your are nearly down 50% in your blood. This may be providing a weak daily witdrawal symptom from the clonazepam. Are the evenings worse? Do you wake feeling particularly bad? If so you  might consider a half pill in the morning and a half pill in the evening (12 hours later). Just something to think about.

Mornings I wake up with bad anxiety so I know I need the pill in the morning. However I did not consider 1/2 in morning and 1/2 late afternoon. Evenings I have an all over restless feeling- not anxiety just restless and uncomfortable. I will try this tomorrow as I already took the full morning dose. I was on 1.5 mg daily but I was not able to sleep so I am not willing to take at HS. Thank you so much for this suggestion, Fishinghat, have a great weekend and enjoy some fishing, :)


#24 Blackbird

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Posted 11 June 2014 - 12:24 AM

I put myself on 5htp with b vitamins, and it helped asap with the anxiety and constant crying after going off Cymbalta.   I was exhausted ALL the time though.  What helped that is mucuna pruriens, which increases dopamine.  Now I have energy to get things done. Also vitamin c, 500 mg am and pm.  And avoiding sugar.  These two things help naturally with depression.  Hope this helps.


#25 anna4043

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Posted 14 June 2014 - 08:11 AM

xman - Do you know anything about the lawsuit having complications due to the introduction of generic cymbalta and its unique withdrawal effects?  Is the lawsuit only for users of name brand cymbalta?  Because I was on name brand cymbalta and withdrew from it a few years ago and had very minor withdrawal symptoms.  I went back on cymbalta, and without my knowledge I was put on a generic (should have done my research I guess - should know better than to trust my doctors) and coming off it this time around (with the generic), the withdrawal symptoms are absolutely terrible.  On a side note, the side effects of the generic were also terrible compared with the name brand.  I have also heard similar things from other consumers.  Just wondering if you knew anything about that.  Thanks!


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#26 FiveNotions

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Posted 16 June 2014 - 04:41 PM

Today I spoke with a member of Knox Ricksen's legal team team that's dedicated to the cymbalta discontinuation syndrome issue.

We must ALL contact him, this is critical to their success. The more people they have, the greater the weight their actions on our behalf will have.

His name is Zachary Johnson, and he's in the firm's Oakland, CA office. I think, but did not confirm, that he's either a law clerk or a senior paralegal assigned to new client intake for this effort. His phone number is 877-713-5669.

He accepted my case, and is mailing me a new client packet, with a number of forms to be completed, this afternoon.

He was just wonderful with me on the phone. He, and the rest of the team, are fully aware of what this drug, trying to quit, does to us. He listed patiently to me try to summarize my own encounter with it, and all the difficulty I had remembering dates and details. He was empathetic and sympathetic, and came across as completely dedicated to our cause.

I did the best I could to jot down notes of what he told me:

The firm has taken this on as a personal crusade, because the wife of one of the partners had the hard withdrawal and they saw first hand what it did to here and how she suffered.

They are still actively seeking and accepting new clients.

They are fully aware of the lack of knowledge about withdrawal in the medical field....doctors,shrinks, therapists, pharmacist....and, even disability lawyers do not know about this and likely do not know how to plead this as part of SSDi applications.

In order to recruit more clients and to educate the medical and legal profession, they will start TV advertisements relatively soon. I forgot to ask if this would extend to print, radio and the internet.

For now, their plan is to handle each of us as a separate case, on behalf of us as individuals.

This will allow them to attempt to intervene in some ongoing damage settlement cases against Eli Lilly that are, I think, being handled by other firms.

Then, the next step of their plan is to bring all of our individual cases together into a class action.

They are doing it this way because trying to get us included in another case that has reached settlement talks, if it works, will bring faster results. Perhaps, if successful, this would mean we would receive payments for the damage we've suffered. I forgot to ask.

The class action will be a long and arduous process and effort. He's fully aware that Eli Lilly is not a "nice" company. But the firm is prepared to take them on big time.

Knox Ricksen's needs our help, each and every one of us needs to contact Zachary. NOW.

I'm going to start a new discussion topic with this information and include the link to this discussion that xman started.

I'm also going to contact the angel who started and administers this site and tell him about this and ask him to pin the topic to the top of the board, so it remains as visible as possible.

I feel immense relief, and yet am exhausted by all this. So, I'm going to see if I can take a nap. :-)

#27 TryinginFL

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Posted 16 June 2014 - 05:32 PM

FN, I have already received a package from this firm and need to get going on it - unfortunately I have an enormous aversion to forms of any kind but must get it moving!

 

Thanks for putting all of this out there - it is of utmost importance!


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#28 navywife43

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Posted 16 June 2014 - 06:27 PM

Sent an email. Thanks for the information! :-)


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#29 FiveNotions

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Posted 16 June 2014 - 06:53 PM

The big thanks goes to xman for finding the firm in the first place!
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#30 FiveNotions

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Posted 17 June 2014 - 09:23 AM

Fishinghat, I told Zachary at the firm that I'd send him the link to that article you posted about extended withdrawal syndrome...written by a japanese scientist I think, and referencing just one woman...

I can't find it ....would you repost it here? Also, have you found anything else about this? I'm going to do some searching myself, but can't get to it until this evening or tomorrow....

Zachary said theve got legal researchers working on this for the cymbalta team, but he said he'd really appreciate knowing about anything we've found just in case they missed it....seemed pretty amazed that we also do our own research! ;-)



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