Hello, I am new at this!!

Hello everyone,
I am a 30 year old mother of two and a wife. I thank God that I came across this site because I was about two steps away from admitting myself to a mental hospital. I did NOT have any support from any of my 4 doctors, yes 4 (GP, Neurologist, Ob/Gyn, and Physical Med. Dr.). I had no idea what was going on with me and was so tired of the rolling of the eyes from my doctors and the overmedicating that I myself began to think it was "in my head" and I was crazy. It takes all I have to sit here and type this without mistakes or loss of focus. (Sorry ahead of time for errors, I seem to have an oncoming of dyslexia which has NEVER been a problem for me). I will try to make this short. I was prescribed cymbalta 4 years ago while still in college for anxiety. I thought it helped and I guess I got so used to taking it I never thought of getting off of it. I started getting recurring horrible headaches and had MRI's, CTs, etc. Many migraine medicines only to be disappointed. It took my mother telling me I was not the same person I used to be to decide it was time to get off of the cymbalta. Talked to my Dr. about the issue and was told to "wean" myself off of it by lowering dose from 60 to 30mg, then every other day and so on and so forth. I was to the point of taking none when I experienced debilitating leg pain. Went to ER, went to Physical Medicine Dr, went through physical therapy, etc. One weekend the pain was so horrible I couldnt even get out of bed to care for my children. Called the on-call Dr in desparity only to hear that nothing was wrong with me and to take some advil. I WAS SO DESPERATE that I took a cymbalta pill, one hour later pain gone. The pain was such that no tylenol, advil, or pain pill for that matter would even phase it. So then DR says I have neuropathy and need to stay on med plus addes LYRICA and XANAX. Yes, I feel like a zombie. Afraid of losing my job due to mistakes I am making for no reason, just confused and out of it. I think if the doctors dont understand, my boss surely isnt going to. I have to come home everyday to take a nap at lunch and have missed alot of work and paid ALOT of co-pays for doctors, specialists, mri, ct scans, etc. Saw a neurologist last week and had nerve conduction study done, confirmed neuropathy. Neurologist is concerned because he says I am too young for this condition and no rhyme or reason for it (no diabetes, no family history, injury, etc.) He does support my effort to cease Cymbalta but still is uneducated I believe in the process of getting off of it. I do not know the results of my most recent mri but I am willing to bet it is normal. I am starting to believe all my health conditions are related to this horrible drug, cymbalta (headaches, neuropathy, moodswings, fatigue) I immediately went from taking 60mg to 30mg a day and yes I am experiencing all the effects that come along with that. I am now just looking for support and any help any of you might have. I have been communicating with "christie" through e-mail (Thanks Christie) and decided to join this board. Sorry my story is so long and if you made it to the end, I would love to help anyway to get this crap off the market!! I dread the road ahead of me but look forward to it at the same time. Finally after 3 years, I feel some sense of hope. Thanks to you all!

Hi,

everything you've said will make perfect sense to everyone here.


So welcome and hang in there.

regards, maureen.

Hi, Just have time for a quick reply. You have taken a step for yourself that you won't regret. So many of your issues either I have experienced, or have read about others experiencing on this forum. I also wish you welcome, and good luck to you.

-Nancy

amarshall,
You made perfect sense, and worthy of having every word read to the end.
Welcome, so glad that you met Chrisyt, don't know her, but so glad she
set you here.

Nothing is wrong with you, just like your expecting as you said from the MRI.
It's all the frigging withdrawlws from this drug, and that was a huge drop!

We have all found a way here to decrease it to the amount that wee can
tolerate, despite what the doc says. They have no clue about the withdrawls
and are not going to be told about it by the reps, nor is it in the inserts.

It does say to not stop it abruptly, and people come here saying they are being
told to go cold turkey!!!!

I am so glad that you now know you have tons of supprot, and can find lots of
great information here.

Check this site out for you sanity about withdrawl symptoms http://prozactruth.com/cymbalta.htm

Always here for you,
Debbie

AMarshall

I am so glad you found us. Sorry you have to be here but glad you found us nonetheless.

I think everyone here can relate to what you said - and yes, it made perfect sense :)

My recent ups and downs (over the past 7-8 months, mainly due to switching a/ds 3 times in that time) have taught me a lot about the power of these drugs. And you are right, many medical Dr's know very little about how long it can take to get off these drugs, to say nothing of the withdrawal symptoms!

We are here for you
Junior

AMarshall,
Well just checking in to see how your doing. I have not seen you around, and so I
do get worried about what might be happening.

I know you were just having such awful withdrawls, and I just hope that you have
found a way that is better for you to get off this nasty drug.

Write, amnd let us know how you are when you ready.

Debbie

nursedeborah,
Thank you for checking in on me. The last few days for me have been horrible. Starting Wednesday evening my muscles starting spazing uncontrollably and so much pain and confusion, I thought I was dying. Slept the next day until 4pm and then had horrible nausea all day Friday. My muscle hurt so bad in my legs, back, and neck. This is horrible, havent driven and havent been back to work and have no idea how long this will last?????? Thanks again for checking in on me! Im finally at least able to sit at the computer.

AMARSHALL:

Your initial post says you went from 60 mg of Cymbalta to 30 mg of Cymbalta. Are you taking any Cymbalta at this time? If not, how many days has it been since you stopped. If you are taking Cymbalta, how much and when? Are you having withdrawal symptoms other than muscle spasms, pain, confusion, nausea and fatigue??...like that isn't bad enough.

I am very versed on muscle spasms and pain....it was the reason I was given Cymbalta in the first place. You need to be sure you are well hydrated and it is ok to put a little of the gatorade or propel in your water for the minerals for hydration they provide. I don't use the full strength as the stuff is full of calories and really for big time athletes, which I am not. Also be sure you get plenty even extra potassium and magnesium.

There seems to be all kinds of 'different' causes for nausea during withdrawal. OTC medication you can try to see which one works for your own nausea are Pepcid and Dramamine or Bonine. Some people report good luck with ginger. Get the real ginger root and peel off the outside. Then peel shavings and seep into a tea. Ginger is supposed to be very good for you. Some others like peppermints and have reported sucking on them helps their nausea.

I have nerve damage from a neck injury that shoots down my chest and Lyrica does help this. I do not take it every day unless the nerve pain is at its worse. I did not like how I felt on the Lyrica every day and I felt that it didn't work as well when I took it daily as it does when I take as needed.

You have had such a horrible time. I am so sorry. Houdi

Amarshall,
So glad that you got a little bit of energy, and was able to respond. I am just worried about you.
Going from 60 mg to 30 mg brought me to my knees by the 6 th day due to the nightmares, not
being able to hadle the sleep disturbances, the things that you described, my memory, severe
anxiety, oh my God I was just so scared out of my mind.

I callled the doc, and he said it wasn't the Cymbalta, and to just go back on the full dose, so I did
and within a few hours I started to feel better, and by the next day I was normal.

That'a when I went looking about this drug, and found this place, and it really saved my life!

You will find so many answers here, I did forget to give you the withdrawl symptoms site so here
http://prozactruth.com/cymbalta.htm

Look it up, this will help you during this time to see what is withdrawls. I was blown away by what I saw, but got
so much relief knowing that what I was experiencing was just withdrawls.

Your still on the 30 mg right? I didn't read that you stopped that too? Let me know if you off the drug !00%
As then it really a different story!!

Feel better, and know I am here.

Debbie

Wow...so many of your symptoms are similar to mine. But I never thought that Cymbalta could be causing them. You are on the right path...take care of yourself!

Hello everyone and thanks for responding to my posts. I have not had a very good week and I have no where else to turn. My side effects are still pretty bad but I want to go back to work so called dr. and was crying by the end of the conversation because he told me to go to the ER for psych. treatment. I waited and eventually went to the ER because I either need to know how long I will be off or get a note to go back to work. ER doctor basically said he could not help and it was a waste of my time (which i knew ahead of time). However, I did take the fda report with me and the ER doc listened which is a start of getting information out there i guess. So yesterday went to the doc to get a note and advised him of what happened at the ER. Tried to show him the FDA report and was completely ignored, he wouldn't even look at it. Told me to be aware of online support groups or any kindof lawsuit talk because it could be a hoax made up. Huh...what Im feeling is not made up. So then he said my main concern at this point is major depression. I am not depressed, I am MAD because I have no one to turn to. So he tells me to completely stop Cymbalta and Lyrica and to start Lexapro. I told him I would advise my family so if i went into shock or died perhaps, they would know I had "his permission" to do so. I did not take his advice or orders I should say at this time I am still taking 30mg/day and was fixing to start removing granules daily. I have no idea what to do now, he's got me thinking I am depressed. Any help is appreciated.

Angela this is the very problem with anti depressant withdrawal syndrome. Some pathetic doctors are so convinced that just because we've had mental health issues, we're, well, not capable of working out what's best for us.

I'm sorry, but your doctor is a patronizing, arrogant, ignorant pratt. How DARE he automatically assume that anything you've read on the web is rubbish - does he assume that when HE'S reading or does he use his own intelligence to sort the wheat from the chaff? In fact that would be a good response next time a doctor says that: Do YOU get duped by dodgy sites? If they say no, suggest that you've actually got a bit of intelligence yourself and might just be able to think for yourself, too.

If you have sufficient Cymbalta available then you must take it at your own pace, and not reduce until you feel able to do so. Be kind to yourself. Remember everyone her knows exactly what you're going through.

(Except I don't have a drop-kick for a GP. However I've had a lot, A LOT, to do with doctors in my time, and know exactly the sort you're talking about. I once had a doctor describe something in medical terminology and turn to me as though I was a kinder kid saying 'and do you know what that is' in the most patronizing voice. I couldn't resist after several experiences with him responding with 'oh no, I spend my day worrying about monopolistic oligopolies* - I come to you for the medical stuff'. He treated me a bit differently after that.)


* I didn't really, I was about 25 and working and studying for a degree at night, and had just come across the term in an Economics subject and liked the way it rolled of the tongue. :))

take care, Maureen.

Maureen... I LOVE it!!! I LOVE your sense of humour and I LOVE that term!! hahahhahahahahahahahahahaha

MY GP is really good. I almost feel on an equal footing with him since I've done so much training in psychology. He treats me more like an allied health professional too. But he is like that anyway. He really listens to his patients and wants to know what WE want to do. Hmm.. guess he is using the same approach as so many 'allied health professional' and social workers, mental health workers, support workers etc, in the community - 'person centred'.

I think I am actually educating HIM at the moment. Because another GP did the referral to the psychiatrist for me, of course the psych will send a letter back to the other GP. My GP wants a copy. He is very interested in what happens from here. He's also learning about terms like "poop out"!! and is interested in what I've relayed back to him from forums. I told him that just over a week ago I thought I was sliding into depression but found out that it's actually a symptom of withdrawal! As I pointed out, it felt qualitatively different to 'normal' depression. Meh.. there's a heap of things in this...but you get the picture :)



AMarshall
If you PDoc isn't listening to you and thinks he knows better - find another one. YOU are the focus of any 'treatment' and have the right to decide for yourself. He might have medical training but as I heard on a medical TV show (lol) "medicine is not an exact science". The best doctors are the ones who are prepared to learn from their patients. We are the ones living the experience. He also sounds like he has a control / power problem. Ditch him!

As I mentioned above, you are not suffering from 'real' depression. What you are currently feeling is due to withdrawal. Your brain needs time to 'rewire' itself. ( I have yet to go through this and it scares me witless). A slow taper is the way to go. However, I am not a Dr so I can't tell you what to do. I can only suggest things. So whatever you decide, I wish you all the best

Cheers
Junior

Hey Everyone and thanks for responding, I was desperate!! No doctors in this wonderful town I live in believed me or would help so I finally went to a health food store on Thursday. The nutrionist there is great and listened to EVERYTHING I had to say even though he was in a hurry and running late for his radio show. He listened and agreed and KNEW how bad these withdrawals can be. I am SOOOOO greatful. He gave me a list of good foods to eat and I take about 8 vitamins a day but its def. worth it. I felt ALOT better the last two days than I have in probably the last 4 years (length of time I was on cymbalta). I now take 7 granules out of each 30mg capsule everynight and take all of the vitamims and I feel lots better, my family even notice a dramatic change in me. So grateful to have had that nutrionist and everyone here or I might have lost my mind. If anyone is interested in the vitamins Im taking or has any questions, let me know!

AMarshall

So glad to hear that things are improving for you. It was interesting hearing about the person at the health food store. I wonder how many people in our situation just give up on our Drs and go the natural health way. I've been seeing a naturopath and she has me on several different pills at the moment. But, it has been worth it :)

Keep in touch
Junior

AMarshall,
Yes what vitamins are you taking?
Do tell?
Glad you doing so well.

Debbie

nursedeborah,
I now hate the thought of taking pills but knowing these are natural vitamins and the fact that it eases the withdrawal process helps. I got information from another site and the nutritionist and following are all the vitamins Im taking and why:

Omega 3-6-9(supports acetylcholine production in the brain, heard its good for lots of other things too!)
Mega Multi Mineral (Amino Acid Chelate)
Lecithin 1365 mg (Has choline in it)
Vitamin B-12 lozenges 1000mcg (helps with nerve pain for those who have it, really helps my leg pain)
Ginkgo Biloba 120mg (Increases blood flow in brain which supports creation of neurotransmitters)
Mega B-Stress
Suntheanine (L-Theanine) for mental calmness and relaxation
Tranquil Sleep (5-HTP, Suntheanine, Melatonin) For Insomnia

Lots of stuff but I honestly feel ALOT better. It takes a few days I guess for it all to get in your system but after just a few days, I felt much better. I even quit taking my Lyrica cold turkey and still feel good!!!!

I got some information from a website that stated the reason we all feel like crap is because of an effect Cymbalta creates called an "anticholergenic rebound". Means there has been an interruption in the production of the essential neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Hence, anything you can do to enhance or support acetylcholine production will assist in alleviating withdrawal symptoms. From 30 mg dose I have been taking 7 more granules out per day for a rate of 5mg less/week. This really seems to be working great and if it continues to work I will be Cymbalta free in 40 days. YAY!! Please pass this on to anyone else having a hard time. I am new here and not sure exactly what I'm doing so I just posted it here! I really hope some if not all of this helps you like it did I. BEWARE: I did buy St. Johns Wart because it prevents acetylcholine breakdown BUT I did have an interaction known as SEROTONIN SYNDROME which was horrible so DONT MIX this vitamin with cymbalta especially if your taking other meds like I was (Lyrica and Xanax).

AMarshall,
WoW thanks for giving me all that info. I have tried the vitamins, yet they don't seem to
help my withdrawl symptoms at all.

I don't know what this drug did to me or why I am having such a hard time with the withdrawls.
So much of it when it get's bad is just like it was when I was on the full dose.

I have been decreasing since about the 18 or 31 of Aug off of 60 mg of Cymbalta, and I am now on
day 14 or 15 of 25 mg. I am just going to stay here for awhile, and let my mind, and body rest as
it is either so very tired, or I have all this gloom, and doom thinking going on, which by the way if
you have seen the withdrawl symptoms that it just what will happpen. Some actually get paranoid
coming off this stuff!! Oh how I can see that happening.

I know we are all different, and I am just so happy for you that you found something that helps you at
this time.

Debbie

omg Mad Tabby! Anti-social personality disorder??????????????????? I've done to Honours Level in Psychology and I can tell from talking to you online that you don't have that! That is a total abuse of power. Can you report these Drs? Same goes for the one who kept adding pills to the mix. That is irresponsible. Where do your psychiatrists get their degrees? Out of a Weeties packet? Seriously! And they obviously don't care about any ethical codes. I'm amazed. Unfortunately I've heard similar stories about the system in the USA. Maybe you guys should migrate to Australia? :-p

I'm guessing you've done some self-diagnosing. What did you come up with? I'm interested....

Junior

Oh Mad.. you have been through a lot. And I hate hearing how Drs have just thrown drugs at you to try to 'fix' things. It doesn't. Even if you DO have a disorder, it needs to be properly investigated and assessed before just throwing you onto a Magic Pill. As I've described elsewhere, I DO have disorders. Five episodes of depression in my life time makes it pretty obvious that I have Major Depressive Disorder. Depression and Bipolar also run in the family. I self diagnosed with GAD but only after 20 yrs of living with it (no DR could tell me what was wrong because it wasn't in the DSM during that time) first. I found out it had a name while I was studying psychology!

For you, though, if you are in therapy (I think you've said you are) then you are definitely on the right track. If you've had a bad childhood then no doubt there are a lot of issues in there that you need to work through. I like your plan. Get off drugs and find out who you are. Any issues that are unresolved (and it sounds like there are a few) will come to the surface when your psyche is ready to deal with them. Go with that.

For what it's worth, I believe in a combination of medication and therapy. Sometimes one on its own is sufficient, sometimes it isn't. For instance, if someone is severely depressed, then they won't be able to respond to therapy until medication lifts them to a better level of functioning. On the other hand, simple phobias can be treated with therapy alone. Mild depression can often be treated with therapy alone. Or a course of a/ds. It depends.

This will obviously be a lengthy process for you but you are intelligent and will get through it. I really hope you can find peace.
Junior