7 replies to this topic

[nursedeborah]

Okay, last night was horrible. I didn't sleep, had bouts of anxiety and panic, loose stools, excessive hot flashes, and orgasiams. I feel awful today. I feel like I am going through menopause again!

RanchHelper,
Your having severe withdrawls, that's just my opinion. I just know them all tooooo well!
I don't know how many beads you decreased at a time, how many days in between, but it is
not something one does in a few weeks.

This is the hardest drug to get off of as far as a/d's go as far as I am concerned, as I
have never gone through such hell getting off of the others. Paxil was a nightmare, and I
did that one cold turkey, but I didn't know anything way back then, and now I know why!!!

Let me know how you came off this drug, and if I were you I would take a normal does, and
then start doing a slow wean like the rest of us have had to do.

To answer your question about anyone ever getting off this drug, YES,YES,!! I have been so
lucky to walk through it with a few here, and they do come back, and let us know they are
still having a little trouble sometimes, but overall, they are doing so much better!

I know for me it's taken so long, but now I am down to 20 beads, never thought I would be
saying or seeing this day. It does get better!

If you have any questions, welll just let me know:)

Debbie

[Junior]

I started weaning off Cymbalta about 9 weeks ago by taking out several beads at a time. I was down to about 30 beads per capsule when I stopped taking it completely. I am on day 11.

I am feeling better right now, but I am not looking forward to tonight. I just hope I can sleep.

Thank you for your question.

Hi Ranchhelper

As silly as it sounds, your taper may not have been slow enough. Sorry to say that but for some people, it can take up to a year to get off a/ds. I talk to a number of people at another forum, Paxil Progress, and many there have windows where they feel good, and waves where they don't for 12 months or more. Of course, these are the severe end of the spectrum since people with little or no problems don't look for these forums! Anyhow, just wanted to let you know the score.

Hang in there and maybe look into natural supplements. They help some. The only one to avoid is Vit B as it ramps up the nervous system which is NOT needed in withdrawal. Magnesium is popular and calming.

Best wishes
Junior

[Doob]

Day 13 - GREAT DAY!!

I was able shop for 6 hours today and did not get tired at all. I couldn't do this while I was on Cymbalta because I was so tired all the time. I really thought I had Chronic Fatigue and I am so glad I am getting my energy back.

Yesterday was not a good day and I think I am very susceptible to the weather. It was dark all day yesterday and I noticed my mood was really down. Plus, I was so nauseous most of the day. Today was a beautiful, clear day and I felt so good. No nausea at all.

I also take Lunesta (3mg) at night and I am noticing that I am extremely sleepy and hard to wake in the mornings. Maybe I can cut this out later. Right now, I know that sleep is very important to my well-being.

[cmonk]

Day 14 - So far, so good. Slept really well. It's another beautiful day and I will be out in the sunshine today. As of yesterday, I am having no withdrawal symptoms.

RanchHelper,

I have been off this crap for 2 months. It took me 6 moths to get off and there were times that I lowered my dose to fast and had to go back up. Your body will tell you if you have lower to fast. I feel better now that I am off and I have more energy to.There is hope for you.

Candy

[Junior]

I was really hoping to be over the depression and not have to take anything but I don't know if I can survive without some help.

Hi RanchHelper

It is unlikely that you are still suffering from your original depression. What is more likely is that brain is struggling to return to its natural way of functioning, hence your symptoms. I urge you to consider reinstating at a lower dose and see how you go. I had this problem and it was relieved in just a few days. These drugs are addictive!

Regards
Junior

[Junior]

Hi RH

The inability to find words is a common factor in withdrawal. Don't worry, it isn't permanent and will improve in time. Having switched a/ds 3 times in 6 months, I had that problem when I first reinstated on Paxil. It drove me nuts (I've done to honours level in psychology study so I know how you feel) but it DID improve. I'm now back to my old self.

The thing with going cold turkey is that even if the worst of wdl passes quickly, there can be effects for up to 12 months. Some people have no trouble at first only to find they have a major wave at @8 months off. Don't want to scare you but want you to be aware.

You will be fine. Just hang in there
Junior

[MaureenV]

Day 21. I think I have finally kicked it! One thing that still bothers me though is that I have a hard time thinking of words. I finished by BS just a few years ago and if I had to do it now, I know I couldn't. I can't remember how to do simple processes that used to be so easy for me. This is really frustrating. I hate to say there is brain damage but Cymbalta did some kind of number on me. People need to know about this med. I can only hope and pray that I get better.

Don't worry - it will get better - it has for everyone else, anyway.

After weaning down to 10mg I tried to stop completely and the first withdrawal effect which forced me to keep tapering was the brain fog. Being self employed I didn't have the option of taking the day off, and I don't think I've ever made so many mistakes in one day in my life. I can only be thankful no one else's safety depended on me having my wits about me - cos I didn't.

regards, maureen.

[Doob]

Nice. I am on day 20 and feel better than I have in about a year.
In the words of GW "Stay the course"

Doob