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#1 Bearfan

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Posted 18 July 2018 - 01:51 AM

So I'm now a month and 4 days off of cymbalta. Been on Zoloft 100mg for 10 days, but been on this as a whole for a month and a half. 

 

I noticed some relief of my depression and OCD with the increase in Zoloft, but I guess I'm still going through withdrawal symptoms. Compared to what is recommended on this site, it seems I withdrawed rather quickly. Started from 60mg and did a 10mg reduction each week until the last week when I would pour some beads out, then stopped it completely about 5 weeks after I started tapering. 

 

For the people who have seen me on this site, you've seen what I've mentioned in other threads in regards to what I have experienced. It's been just as horrible as the last time, though it didn't start out as bad since this time wasn't cold turkey.

 

I just want to update periodically for support with what I encounter.

 

Recently, my physical anxiety levels have gotten pretty high. I was having sharp head and neck pains and basically had a panic attack yesterday. And by panic attack, I mean all the adrenaline got released and rushed through my system. I just try to sit through it, though. Since I have experience with panic attacks, ones I get now may seem invisible to others since I am able to sit through it without visibly freaking out.

 

Now, I'm noticing something that happened last time I withdrawed from cymbalta, over 3 years ago when I was diagnosed with serotonin syndrome and yanked off it. 

 

I noticed another user posted this, too. I get breathing problems basically. I stand up, and my core feels super tight and burns, and I get short of breath from just going up stairs. And I get bad back pain when this happens. My heart is pounding nearly 24/7 now, as well. Can really notice it when sitting or laying down.

 

I remember 3 years ago when it first happened, I ended up calling 911 because I had no idea what was going on. All I knew was I could barely catch my breath from unpacking a box and going up stairs. I thought I had heart problems at a measly 19 years old. Did all the tests to check and I was fine. Parents not happy either with the medical bills through all that.

 

I guess I understand now all this is somehow related to withdrawal and possibly side effects of all the adrenaline in my system.

 

So, yeah, as of now, a little over 1 month off, not doing too bad mood-wise like before, but still feel awful physically and in terms of anxiety-related stuff. I will use this as my thread to talk to you all.

 

Thanks

 

 


#2 Bearfan

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Posted 18 July 2018 - 02:17 AM

Also, a couple other things I have going on which I imagine some other members have had as well:

 

-Pain and pressure in my ears

-Twitchy face and head muscles - have had bad twitches on the back of my head - they tighten up pretty bad

-Vision sensations - like when I'm watching a scroll bar on the bottom of the TV, then look up, the whole TV looks like it's moving 

-Sensations of randomly falling, like the floor was suddenly pulled out from under you


#3 fishinghat

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Posted 18 July 2018 - 08:16 AM

Several members have reported the breathing problems. "I guess I understand now all this is somehow related to withdrawal and possibly side effects of all the adrenaline in my system." You hit the nail on the head.

All those symptoms you mentioned in your second post are fairly common. Some will fade over the next 3 or 4 weeks and don't be surprised if others take their place. Luckily the Zoloft should minimize the discomfort.
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#4 Bearfan

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Posted 28 July 2018 - 06:47 PM

Well the ear stuff seems to have faded, and like you said, have basically been replaced with other stuff. Facial tingling that I used to get is coming back. Hot flashes, hard time bending over due to hot flashes and lightheadedness, etc. 

 

Sadly the only improvement on zoloft has been my depression and mood, but I've read that if these things improve early it's a good sign that the medicine is working, and may take a couple months to get full effects, not to mention I'll probably be in this withdrawal to some extent for multiple months. 

 

Still fighting. Thanks for being there guys. 


#5 gail

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Posted 28 July 2018 - 07:12 PM

Bearfan,

That is good news concerning depression and anxiety, a big part.

With time and Zoloft, the rest should improve also.

Thank Bearfan for updating, it's so appreciated, more than you know!
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#6 Bearfan

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Posted 30 July 2018 - 10:14 PM

Welp, ear symptoms are back and they're painful lol. Guess I'm just gonna have to accept this is gonna be a multiple-month-long deal. 


#7 gail

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Posted 31 July 2018 - 06:03 AM

Fishinghat, are ear problems related to withdrawal? Or could it be something else?
By the way, Hello Bearfan!(lol)!

#8 fishinghat

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Posted 31 July 2018 - 08:37 AM

Gail, ear problems are common with withdrawal but of course it could be something else. There is a large section on tinnitus and other ear ailments in the thread Summary of Cymbalta Withdrawal.

#9 Bearfan

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Posted 31 July 2018 - 08:13 PM

Never had tinnitus. This is just pain that usually comes after a lot of mental activity. I'll only see a doctor if I start feeling congestion or see discharge. Just another weird symptom I assume. People seem to get all kinds of weird stuff, but I mainly got the typical stuff, besides this ear pain. 

 

But, yeah, it sucks not knowing or having an answer. I was in living hell 3 years ago when I was getting even cardiac and breathing problems and had no idea wth was going on with my body. 


#10 Bearfan

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Posted 01 August 2018 - 09:12 PM

Yeah, I'm feeling really physically awful. Dizzy, getting a lot of muscle twitches, and pain in my legs and arms. 

 

Is it common for symptoms to pop up after being off the med for a while? I've been off now a month and a half. Feel much worse than when I was on at my regular dose, so I would assume this is related to the medicine change, no? 


#11 fishinghat

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Posted 02 August 2018 - 07:08 AM

Symptoms go through a series of changes for several months after coming off Cymbalta. What you mentioned is not uncommon. Hang in there it gets better.
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#12 jenibee

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Posted 17 August 2018 - 03:19 PM

The physical (exercise) symptoms are really the hardest on me.  Off Cymbalta completely since July 3rd, feeling pretty good mentally and want to work out hard and run like I used to, but exercise makes me feel like I'm going to die.  I try to stay calm and not freak out since I am fairly certain it is just from the withdrawal, but it is really hard not to panic when you are out of breath and exhausted.  I'm just trying to count my blessings that the symptoms are slowly diminishing over time and pray that I will be my old self physically again at some point in the future.


#13 fishinghat

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Posted 17 August 2018 - 04:24 PM

You will Jenibee. You have only been off for around 45 days. It may be another 3 or 4 months until the exercise begins to be easier. In the mean time just do the best you can. Remember, the harder you push it now the longer to recover.


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#14 jenibee

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Posted 19 August 2018 - 11:30 AM

Thanks FH!  Do you think it would be better to stop trying to exercise until some more time passes?  I tried just going for a walk today and the same ridiculous level of exhaustion occurred on a simple walking loop I used to be able to complete with almost no effort in the past.  I worry, as you state above, that perhaps I am just making this all harder on myself and maybe I should just rest instead.  Not sure though, so appreciate any tips and tricks you might have for me!


#15 fishinghat

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Posted 19 August 2018 - 12:47 PM

I believe in small steps. Walk 100 ft tomorrow. IF you don't have an7 issues walk 200 feet the next day. Slowly find your limit and expand that once a week until you get your strength back. You remember the old joke? Do you know how to eat an elephant?....One bite at a time.

 

Patience.


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#16 Bearfan

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Posted 24 August 2018 - 12:39 AM

Welp, bad news. Been a while since I posted and there's a reason. I suffered my 2nd concussion this year on the 3rd this month accidentally banging my head on the granite in my kitchen. And then subsequently in the next 2 weeks I suffered 2 additional blows to the head, one from banging my head on my refrigerator and another from my dog running into my skull. 

 

This is absolutely awful. Cymbalta withdrawal causes chemical brain changes, and so do concussions. I'm going through both right now, and it is HORRIBLE.

 

I constantly have this nagging feeling of anxiety and it is accompanied by brain zaps, worse brain zaps then I've ever gotten. I feel depersonalized. Haven't been able to leave my house because of light and noise sensitivity. This is the first day I've opened my laptop and it hasn't made me feel like I'm looking directly at the sun.

 

Another thing i'm gonna have to wait out. And this is excruciating. Just can't catch a break this year.

 

I've actually felt so bad where it looks like I'm going to be getting a medicinal m******** card to help with the head injuries. I've read about people with bad post-concussion syndrome and CBD helps them. So I'll be looking to get a high CBD, low-THC strain, as I don't want to get high. Did that 6 years ago a few times and I know it would make my anxiety skyrocket nowadays. Thankfully I've found same strains called Harlequin and ACDC that won't get me high. Multiple researchers have expressed the benefit of CBD on brain recovery apparently, so I'm gonna give it a shot.

 

However, the process takes 3 months at the least and I have to do a crap load of paperwork and other stuff, and I can barely read a news article currently.

 

Yeah, this sucks.

 

Word to the wise for all of you going through withdrawal, protect your head at all costs. 

 

This withdrawal or whatever I'm experiencing wasn't nearly as bad before August 3rd when I dinged myself. In for another long ride. Hopefully I'm better by the holidays or something. 

 

edit: Looks like that word is censored for some reason, but it should be apparent, 


#17 gail

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Posted 24 August 2018 - 07:25 AM

Good grief! Bearfan, wow, a month to be left behind!

I'm in awe, I don't know what to say! A motorcycle helmit perhaps, I know it's not funny. You seem in a lot of pain over this, I'm sorry for that. And adding this to the withdrawal! Holy macaroni!

I do hope that you had it checked, brain scan or something else.

Fishinghat will have a lot to say on that, CBD oil is good for so many things, even for dogs.

Update us on this, we have a member using it for arthritis or something and she feels much better. Best of luck!

#18 fishinghat

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Posted 24 August 2018 - 08:01 AM

I am not much of an expert on MJ but I do agree with Gail that you should be checked out by a neurologist and maybe have a brain scan just to be sure. Otherwise just hold on and be patient.

 

Have you taken anything for the brain zaps?

 

Also Omega 3 has been shown to help the brain recover from trauma and it also helps brain zaps.


#19 Bearfan

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Posted 24 August 2018 - 06:19 PM

Oddly enough, I had seen a neurologist last month on the 31st for some of the ongoing concerns I had that weren't really related to cymbalta withdrawal. She ordered some tests. I ended up getting an MRI on the 5th of this month, 2 days after my first hit to the head. It came back clear. 

 

She also ordered some blood tests. I had an abnormality here. On my Vitamin D levels, I was extremely low. The normal range is >50, and mine were only 5. So she had to prescribe me a high dose of Vitamin D that I have to take once a week, then after a month I take a slightly lower dose once a day. And continue to do that for 3 months until get my levels checked again.

 

And as for Omega-3, yes I have taken that almost daily for the last 5 months, starting after my first concussion. 

 

Can tell my brain chemistry is messed up again because the vivid dreams are back, and worse. I have a hard time remember if something happened in a dream or in real life. Like yesterday I was sure I told my Dad about the Tiger Woods vs Phil Mickelson match later this year, but it turns out after asking him I had only dreamt about saying it.


#20 fishinghat

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Posted 25 August 2018 - 07:42 AM

WOW, that low of a vitamin D can cause severe depression and really complicate your other symptoms. Getting that level back to normal should really help. It can also cause vivid dreams. If you have had your first shot then things should pick up soon.
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#21 gail

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Posted 25 August 2018 - 08:06 AM

Bearfan,

You did all the right things to do, thank God!

Now we wait for the vit D to pick up and see what goes! Keep updating us please!
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#22 fishinghat

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Posted 25 August 2018 - 09:05 AM

Here is some info you should be aware of....

Vitamin D - Cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol

No Research shows Vitamin D, in any form, anxiolytic.

FH - You are definitely correct about taking the D3 with the calcium but would caution about watching out for immediate changes in behavior, clarity of thought, constipation, nausea and vomiting as these are symptoms of an allergic reaction that require immediate medical attention. If taking vit D3 you should have your calcium and D3 levels checked every 6 months. Long term use can cause hypercalcemia (too high calcium levels).

Vitamin D - The two major forms are vitamin D2 or ergocalciferol, and vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol.

Vitamin D deficiency (depression)

https://www.ncbi.nlm...pubmed/23377209
http://ajcn.nutritio...87/4/1080S.full
Vitamin D deficiency is now recognized as a pandemic. The major cause of vitamin D deficiency is the lack of appreciation that sun exposure in moderation is the major source of vitamin D for most humans.
https://www.scienced...41202111148.htm
And many more.

Vitamin D Deficiency (anxiety)

https://link.springe...0067-006-0348-5
https://www.ncbi.nlm...iciency anxiety
https://www.ncbi.nlm...pubmed/26203431
and many more.
Fairly Common due to improper diet, not enough sun, dark pigmented skin, kidney disease, digestive absorbtion disorder, genetics, and obesity.
https://www.webmd.co...-d-deficiency#2

Vitamin D toxicity is on the increase due to over use/overdose of Vitamin D. Currently Vitamin D supplementation is very popular and routine levels of your vitamin D should be performed if you are taking the supplements.

Potassium/Sodium
Deficiency of sodium and or potassium are linked to depression and anxiety during dehydration and low Vitamin D levels. If you have low vitamin D be sure and routinely check your potassium and sodium levels.


The fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) are likely to be better absorbed if taken with a meal that contains fats. In fact, one study found that taking vitamin D with dinner rather than breakfast increased blood levels of vitamin D by about 50%.


#23 Bearfan

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Posted 25 August 2018 - 08:03 PM

Thanks for the info. 

 

Anxious to see what kind of positive changes I will have when my levels get back to normal, though I would assume this may take a long while since they were so low. I've read about people with D levels of 18 that were prescribed more than I was.

 

As of right now, my most uncomfortable thing I'm going through is these brain zaps, specifically because I didn't really get that many when I initially stopped cymbalta and was weaning up on zoloft. So it kinda scares me that I'm getting them now. I get them mainly when I move my eyes, which I've read is a common trigger. 

 

I imagine this is all due to some complex combination between the lingering cymbalta withdrawal, and then tacking on a couple concussions to change up my brain chemistry temporarily. 

 

I'll update when these go away. This is the 9th day I've gotten them now. Hopefully not too much longer. 

 

Thanks as always guys.


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#24 Bearfan

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Posted 02 September 2018 - 08:17 AM

You know what, I've kinda been forgetting just how much of my struggles are cymbalta withdrawal. I mean, back in '15 I went off of just 30mg and that royally effed me up for 9 months until I got back on it.

 

This time, I was on double that at 60mg, and for slightly longer than I was on 30mg. This generalized anxiety I'm getting, sleep problems, circadian rhythm problems, intense vivid dreaming, etc., all started after I tapered from the drug. 

 

Thankfully Zoloft has helped my depression, or else I would be in a potentially dangerous situation of losing hope. 

 

I remember back in '15, it was September, 6 months after I came off, and I vividly remember crying my eyes out in my bedroom because I was struggling so much with no help or relief in sight. My anxiety had me so on edge. My face was tingling to the point of me wanting to pass out. It was ROUGH, and that was half a year after I came off that small dose of this poison.

 

Just have to ride this one out again, and thankfully I know what symptoms this drug withdrawal causes, so I can save myself the 8 or so trips to the ER with wacky symptoms thinking something's legitimately wrong.


#25 fishinghat

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Posted 02 September 2018 - 07:45 PM

Oh do I remember the anxiety and crying. Terrible fear as well. Your going to be fine bearfan.


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