11 replies to this topic

[albie300]

I have had depression bouts or episodes for all my life---was put on Cymbalta five years---tried to get off medication---now I have depression and anxiety worse than ever---including erectile dysfunction and suicidal thoughts---please help if you can.

Thank you kindly! I'm desperate!

Al

[MaureenV]

Hi Albie,


I'm so sorry to hear things are bad for you.

Are you saying you've stopped taking Cymbalta altogether?


This is a great place to have found; many of us have had our seriously bad moments and found the support we need here.

I don't know about erectile dysfuntion, but certainly the other aspects that you mention, ESPECIALLY anxiety is very definitely a withdrawal symptom, and of course if you're THAT anxious all the others would follow anyway.

Just keep talking to people here and you'll find hope again, I'm sure.

Take care, and let us know.

Maureen.

[Junior]

Hi Albie

Welcome to my world! I have what is known as Major Depressive Disorder (repeated episodes of depression) and generalised anxiety disorder. It's rotten, isn't it?

Depression and anxiety can actually be from the withdrawal of drugs like Cymbalta. I have found that they feel different to the 'normal' version though. So what you are experiencing may be withdrawal.

Can you give us more info as to whether you are still taking Cymbalta or not, and if you are, what dose you were on and what dose you are now? Just so you know, most people find that they need to taper very very slowly. A few people here even open the capsules and count the beads!

Hang in there. We are here for you
Junior

[MaureenV]

Albie, how are you doing ... ?


Please let us know ...

You've got me worried.



Maureen.

[albie300]

Dear Maureer and Junior,

I'm now back to 60 mg of Cymbalta after not really paying attention that I was stopping the medication because I was feeling so good---then, two ankle replacement surgeries (first did not work) and I'm hit with anxiety and depression like never before----I have not seen a psychiatrist in about three years as I believed that maybe I was okay---but, I now know that how foolish that thinking was----thank you so much for your sincere and kind comments!

Respectfully,

Al

[MaureenV]

Relieved to hear you're o.k. Al; do you intend to stay on Cymbalta, or try to get off more slowly.



Maureen.

[nursedeborah]

Al,
So much of what you said reminded me of how I felt on Cymbalta 60 mg for 3 years,
and alot more. I became so full of anxiety that I couldn't leave my home. I thought
my depression had become untreatable, so went, and saw the shrink again.

He cut my dose in half, and 6 days later I was losing it, having nightmares, couldn't
sleep right at all, abdominal cramping, bloating, itching, oh the list goes on, oh
no sex drive at all.

I too am wondering if you going to just do a slow wean like we have all learned how
to do here? Or are you going to stay on it?

I wish you the best, and Welcome. We are here to support you.

Debbie

[albie300]

Debbie,

Thanks---stilll on Cymbalta until I see a new psychiatrist--my thoughts are all about my past mistakes--feel so guilty and depressed----attempted to take my life in 2003 with these feelings----only feel good when I sleep---thank God I don't have to work----

Thank you so much for your concern!

Al

[Junior]

Hi Albie

It's good to hear from you.
Seeing a psychiatrist is good - for the medication side of things - but they are generally not trained in how to help you with your feelings. I recommend seeing a psychologist for that. If you have these feelings that you haven't dealt with - this would be a really good thing to do. You can still see the shrink for advice on what to do with your Cymbalta but proper therapy would help to set you up for life without medication :)

Cheers
Junior

[MaureenV]

I had a major depressive episode after a surgery.

Hubby asked a surgeon if the two could be connected and his answer was "no of course not!" I asked a psych nurse and she said that they see it all the time. Makes me wonder if that's why celebrities that have a lot of surgeries are so crazy.

I'd like to see some studies into it, but there haven't been any that I know of.

That made me laugh. Imagine getting a sensible answer out of some of those 'celebrities'.


Maureen.

[nursedeborah]

Madtabby,
I was a Psych Nurse, prior just a regular nurse. I would love to know what nut
your husband talked too!! Of course people can get depression after a major
surgery, especially if it alters their lives.

After I went in to just have a certain back surgery, and woke up, and he had
done something way different, severed a nerve to bowel/bladder, and just
destroyed my back to where I no longer can do my job, and have no way of
supporting myself, well I would say that did cause me some depression.

What an idiot!

Love the thing about the movie stars, and their being crazy due to all the surgeries
they have had. I won't name the ones I can think of.

Debbie

[nursedeborah]

Madtaby,
I am getting to where I want to not be on anything. I never had to be
before, until a few things happened, and since then I have been worse.

So many people do have a hard time with the anesthsia, can have all kinds
of symptoms, CHEMICALS!!!! If I didn't have to take my premarin, I would
stop that too!

i read that your using a cane. What happened? If you don't mind my asking?

Debbie