second day off cymbalta ????
#1
Posted 02 October 2009 - 07:39 PM
#2
Posted 02 October 2009 - 08:05 PM
I posted the following reply to you on your post from earlier. It may not answer all your questions, as I just don't know if you will have an issue...I'm so sorry.....
Dear libbyloo:
Welcome to the forum. I am sorry that you have to be here. We cannot give you medical advice, as we are not physicians. We will give you our stories; successful forays into withdrawal and our mistakes. From there, you are going to have to make your own choice, what you think will work best for you. And you should always consult with that illusive MD of yours. :) Ring up on Tuesday...well, that's helpful, huh??? I'm sorry.
First of all, from stories told here, the severity of Cymbalta withdrawal doesn't correspond to the amount of time with the drug. You may very well get off this drug without much of an issue. I think you are wise to be very concerned about your experiences of suicidal thoughts. You must be very careful, and if you feel that you will hurt yourself, please call for help immediately.
Are you taking Cymbalta now? I know you were at 60 mgs. And your MD talked you into staying on the medication. And you say this is your second day off, but then there is a discussion with the pharmacist telling you it will take 6 weeks to be effective. So are you completely off? Are you having any withdrawal symptoms if you are off totally? Or are you cutting down on the dose? I'm sorry, so many questions. Last question, what do you want to do?
Hope to hear from you soon....Houdi
#3
Posted 02 October 2009 - 08:26 PM
#4
Posted 02 October 2009 - 08:43 PM
Although I cannot and will not tell you what to do, I hope you would reconsider the cold turkey stop, especially since it is only day 2. I was weaned off over 3 week period (way too fast my doc now knows). Im day 14 (I think...confusion still w/me) since last dose. From everything I have read on these posts, and also learned from docs that this is one drug to really ease off of. Had I not already been on day 6 off when I saw my doctor, I may have followed his suggestion and gone back on so as to reduce more slowly. I also didn't think I would still be in such bad withdrawals after 2 weeks. I have had no let up in the symptoms. As others have stated before, everyone is different on how they will react, so maybe this will work for you. I really hope it does. We all do!
B
#5
Posted 02 October 2009 - 08:49 PM
I posted this to terrigirl on another thread, but the same applies to you IF you start getting withdrawal symptoms. I love hearing that you have a tight network of supporters close at hand. Of course, you have the full force of the members of this forum too. Valium will help with the sleep, but as you know, it is really addictive. So be careful with it. Remember, you may not be a 'heap' withdrawal person. It may not be pleasant, but maybe no 'heaping'!!! I'm hoping :) no heaping...ok, that's just too much fun to type. Sorry.
Because I am so far 'out' from withdrawal, I forget some things until forum members bring up symptoms they are having. So please post what you are feeling, and I will see if I can dredge up any of the coping methods I used or others used that were withdrawing when I was going through this.
Benadryl helped me with the sinus pain, sleeping issues, and dizziness. I could only take it at night 'cuz it makes me sleepy. And I could only take one. Some people take something called bonine...kind of the same type of otc drug.
Dramamine helped me with the dizziness.
Ibuprofen and tylenol for general overall pain...body aches, headaches, muscle aches....etc.
Ginger root - I made a tea out of real ginger shedded and seeped into a tea. Helped with tummy issues and it is supposed to be really good for us.
Imodium - for diarrhea
Omega 3 - good for us withdrawing from antidepressants. Supposed to be good for us for other things too.
Potassium/magnesium supplements - natural muscle relaxants
I did add St John's wort, but not until I was really sure I was clear of any anti depressant in my system.
Lots of water and otc gerd medication, like pepcid, cuz I was so nauseous and couldn't always get to my ginger root tea. Someone else said peppermints are really good for nausea too.
Hope some of this helps you and I hope you are one of the really lucky ones that gets through this very easily. That'd be the best story I could read here from you.
Post often and let us know what is happening with you......Houdi
#6
Posted 02 October 2009 - 11:49 PM
#7
Posted 03 October 2009 - 08:20 AM
Honey, you may not have a 'day 6'....but you know that. For me, it seemed I got most of my withdrawal symptoms by like day 8. But I started 'googling' how I felt about day 4 'cuz I thought I was going nuts. And for me, I wasn't bed ridden and incapacitated from most activity. The 'brain zaps' drove me to distraction. But I found some otc medication that helped. I would lay down from time to time and cover my eyes with something to 'reset' my brain. I tried to alleviate loud noises, couldn't watch tv (too much eye movement), not a lot of computer work, and def no multi tasking. And no real confrontations. I didn't drive for a while either. Symptoms came and went. Some blossomed while others retreated, then they would show back up again...damn! Yes, I'd have a day here or there that I just didn't want to face the world, it was just too much. How much of a brave face can one put on somedays? But, I was able to get the 'have to' things done for the day, just not everything I had let pile up. Then I got much more energy and the ability to get things done I had put off since I started Cymbalta. It was thrilling! With that new focus, I could really push through the withdrawal symptoms. It was empowering. Then I'd have a set back day, and omg...I took it hard mentally. I didn't know it could happen. Phew, I was a puddle of emotional brown dung and had to pull myself together and figure out set backs do happen. And the good days came back again eventually.
Oh I ramble...sorry. The point being, just take this one day at a time. You will be just perfect...'cuz you are you! And it will be what it will be and you'll deal with it. Sure, you'll need some help from that great support system of yours. But that will happen if you are withdrawing from cymbalta or not...right? You are to say 'right'! Don't sit around and wait for a certain day or withdrawal symptom. Try using this thread to journal how you feel for each day. Not just physically, but mentally. You will have documentation of how far you've come and how well you've done it. Right now you are a little scared of the unknown. So, today just deal with what is in your day today. If you are a little woozy...ok...not bad...check. It's a good day.
Sleep well libbyloo....Houdi
#8
Posted 03 October 2009 - 08:32 AM
#10
Posted 04 October 2009 - 01:15 PM
Hi I was a say 6 person, but always remember everyone is different!!!! This is only
my experience. What happpened was by then I started to have nightmares, and my
sleep was really disturbed. It was as if I was awake, but not really, so hard to explain.
I also felt depersonalization, my skin was coming off in sheets, just on my shins, and
top of my feet, severe constipation worse than before while on it, urinating trouble.
So many things.
Here is my favorite site to give out it has all the withdrawl symptoms, and was so helpful
for me
http://prozactruth.com/cymbalta.htm
I still have bad withdrawls with each decreas, but just for the first couple of days, and then
I am much better. I am feeling so much more alive, and capable of doing things that I could
not do for the entire time I was on the durg. Did you know they call it "The Slug Drug"?
I do hope you find a way that works for you, and stay in the now. I had such a hard time with
that, and still do at time when I think about the next decreas, but then I just know it's the
stupid drug talking.
You can do this, we are all here to help!
Debbie
#11
Posted 05 October 2009 - 01:36 AM
#13
Posted 05 October 2009 - 03:48 AM
now where would we be without the likes of champagne, and what a wonderful excuse daylight savings appears to be for the lethargy we have experienced today. yes i am pretty happy with my progress and am less afraid of 'falling over' ( or as i call it 'falling off my perch') as each day passes. i will continue to post until i am not sure, if i get through this well then i think if i keep in touch with this forum then i can be a positive support for others journey. early days yet but sailing ok. dont let the french see you calling it champagne either or you might get into strife (tongue firmly planted in cheek). another thing i have found my sense of humour has returned. adios for now all, i am hungry and must dine. :)
#15
Posted 05 October 2009 - 05:42 PM
one that does to have any either.
The length of time on the drug makes no difference if a person wil get withdrawls or
not from what I have found out, not only here, but in other form's , and information I
have been gathering.
Just in case you do get them please don't think that your a failure if you have to start
taking it again, and wean yourself off slowly. The brain has become addicted to it, it
has nothing to do with willpower.
I wish you continued support.
Oh I know, I am in the US, Long Beach Calif. When do you guys change your clocks there?
We havn't done so as yet? OOPs , wellll I don't think we have,lol.
Debbie
#16
Posted 05 October 2009 - 05:46 PM
Don't tell me you all have woolsworth there in Aus.! !
I havn't heard that since I was a kid! Wow I used to
go there all the time, just loved the place.
So your having day light saving already where you
are, and now you two have me wondering if I have
forgotten to turn my clock back!!!
Dazed and confused(can't spell, or type)
Debbie
#17
Posted 05 October 2009 - 06:07 PM
#18
Posted 06 October 2009 - 03:46 AM
I am sorry to inform you that I suffered bad withdrawals despite only being on Cymbalta for 19 days (60mg). I had severe upper abdo pain, among other things. I hope you don't go through what I went through but be prepared. I was ok for the first 3 days. The upper abdo pain hit on Day 4.
Welcome to the board
Junior
#19
Posted 08 October 2009 - 03:58 AM
#20
Posted 08 October 2009 - 11:27 AM
I would first of all say that one sould never stop any medication cold turkey, and with Cymbalts all the more so.
I have been decreasing since Aug 31 from 60 mg x's 3 years, and it still is the hardest thing I HAVE EVER DONE.
My withsrawl symptoms didn't hit until the 6 th day, and yes we are all different, but have yet to find anyone who
has come here that does it cold turkey without it being the most brutal of brutals.
It is hard enough to just decrease it slowly for so many of us, and sometimes when we do we even have to go back
and add a few beads to get the right adjustment so the withdrawls are tolerable.
Everyone has to find their own method of getting off this crap, and even if you end up having to go back on it, and
do a slow wean, your not a failure, it just that this drug has made your brain addicted to it. That why all the horrible
withdrawl symptoms.
Here's the site so you can look at all of them, and know what's what http://prozactruth.com/cymbalta.htm
I wish you luck no matter how you do this. We are alll in the same boat either way, it's awful coming off this noxious
drug.
Debbie
#21
Posted 08 October 2009 - 04:04 PM
you know it still to this day amazes that this drug is available let alone prescribed. today is day 8 and last night i had my first decent night sleep. as opposed to waking every hour and getting up at 5 am. i slept in til 7.40 am this morning.delightful. the vertigo and nauseousness is very unpleasant but i have managed it to date without taking anything. i am just riding it out. they can put me in hospital for a month before i take another one of those insidious pills. must go now but will still be around. i am focussed on that light at the end of the tunnel. ok bye for now debbie, regards libblyloo.
#22
Posted 09 October 2009 - 01:20 PM
Glad you got some sleep finally! OMG that's one of the worst things about this crap.
I had been doing good up until about 3-4 days ago, and the bottom just dropped out again
for me. I get more of the mental stuff, and so tired. I was the same on the drug, so I
really get scared when it gets like this.
I also have some things going on with my finances, so that's got me in a dither, but I know
due to the withdrawls it's not making it any easier on me. I know this would be scary for anyone
but add all the withdralws, and what it does to the thinking process. I am just scared.
Talk to you later,
Debbie
#23
Posted 09 October 2009 - 05:23 PM
had the best night sleep i have had in a long time. i am more than pleased. i am sorry to hear about your situation. is it the drug talking perhaps? i dont know i just know that from my experience when i was on it, i was having irrational ridiculous thoughts, suicidial idealisations DEFINATELY NOT ME and uncontrollable crying. in fact i commented to a friend last night that i havent felt this alive in many years. also that everytime i popped a little 'happy pill' over my time it was a constant reminder as to why; i dont need a reminder particularly one in the form of a pill. also i think it just is a bandaid and a superficial remedy. also understand that it is necessary to take in times of getting through the worse periods of in my case depression. but now is my time to confront this with great determination and put it to rest forever. gee i also wonder whether i was as badly depressed as the doctor had me think. anyway i am taking alternative methods to my inner healing which i believe what all this is about. i like me, the real me. keep in touch and i look forward to the day soon where i experience absolutely no form of nausea and vertigo. bye for now libbyloo
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