Previously I explained that I have been in bed for a week (took 30mg Cymbalta for 2 weeks, then doubled to 60 last Wed (that is when my hell started and ended up in bed )- doctor had me get off of it on Friday. Since last Wed., these are my symptoms - racing heart..terribly high pulse - we're talking 160+ when standing dead still. I am under a doctor's care however, he makes me feel that I am the only one and he has never "had anyone have any trouble", however he does think it could be side effects. Today my standing pulse is better..120 standing dead still and sitting is 80. But, I did find myself wake up an emotional wreck! Angry (I think I yelled at every person taking the kids to school this morning)I have never been this angry in my life and everything is setting me off today! I have only been up for 4.5 hrs! I woke up trembling, I have been crying, I am soooo dizzy, and foggy headed. I also feel like I am having lightning strikes from my brain all down through me shoulders to my chest when shifting me eyes or head as previously explained. This forum has helped me understand that I am not alone and not losing my mind like I have been questioning. I also felt it is important to post this because I have not seen anything on a racing pulse complaint yet.
What a nightmare!
Started by bristen, Apr 02 2008 10:44 AM
18 replies to this topic
#2
schmb01
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Worker Bee
Posted 02 April 2008 - 11:01 AM
While I never actually took my pulse, I know that mine was racing too. There were times I actually felt my heart in my chest, for lack of better words, "flopping around". The feeling for me would start in my lower stomach, and work it's way up, and then it felt as if my blood pressure was rising at the same time. It was just horrible.
Since you are working with your doctor, have you discussed taking another med to help you through this? Perhaps Celexa or Prozac? My hope for you is that since you were not on it for a long time, it will pass sooner, yet it will still feel miserable. Perhaps you should give your doctor the link to this website and let him read what others have gone through, or are still going through. I think many doctors are surprised by the extreme withdrawal.
The brain zaps are common as well, and mine were also worse when I moved my eyes. I would feel/hear the sound or sensation, and I could also feel my heart flutter when that happened. I'm at day 31, and they have minimized a lot.
In the meantime, be sure to drink lots of fluid, avoid caffeine or at least limit it, and if you can get to a health food store, try buying a really good Omega 3 supplement. I started taking one a week into my withdrawal, and I do think it is helping me.
Keep posting here, and asking questions, it was what kept me from losing it completely during the worst of the process. Hugs to you, I so understand what you are saying!
Since you are working with your doctor, have you discussed taking another med to help you through this? Perhaps Celexa or Prozac? My hope for you is that since you were not on it for a long time, it will pass sooner, yet it will still feel miserable. Perhaps you should give your doctor the link to this website and let him read what others have gone through, or are still going through. I think many doctors are surprised by the extreme withdrawal.
The brain zaps are common as well, and mine were also worse when I moved my eyes. I would feel/hear the sound or sensation, and I could also feel my heart flutter when that happened. I'm at day 31, and they have minimized a lot.
In the meantime, be sure to drink lots of fluid, avoid caffeine or at least limit it, and if you can get to a health food store, try buying a really good Omega 3 supplement. I started taking one a week into my withdrawal, and I do think it is helping me.
Keep posting here, and asking questions, it was what kept me from losing it completely during the worst of the process. Hugs to you, I so understand what you are saying!
#3
bristen
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Posted 02 April 2008 - 11:21 AM
Hi,
I was on prozac off and on for 10 years and was switched to Cymbalta because of my fibromyalgia instead of upping the prozac that was starting to not work anymore. I have went off of prozac before with ZERO side effects that is why I am so confused with what is going on with me. I am so glad you understand the brain lightning ,as I now call it, and yes, I hear/feel it as it happens too. I have been searching for natural herbs now as it seems everything prescribed has side effects that I am now terrified of. I have found a natural herb that increases serotonin that I will check into later as I am swearing off prescriptions. Any suggestions on a good omega 3? Thank you so much for talking to me and hugs to you too!
I was on prozac off and on for 10 years and was switched to Cymbalta because of my fibromyalgia instead of upping the prozac that was starting to not work anymore. I have went off of prozac before with ZERO side effects that is why I am so confused with what is going on with me. I am so glad you understand the brain lightning ,as I now call it, and yes, I hear/feel it as it happens too. I have been searching for natural herbs now as it seems everything prescribed has side effects that I am now terrified of. I have found a natural herb that increases serotonin that I will check into later as I am swearing off prescriptions. Any suggestions on a good omega 3? Thank you so much for talking to me and hugs to you too!
#4
Sarah J
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Worker Bee
Posted 02 April 2008 - 12:46 PM
Bristen - The Omega 3 brand I take is by Nordic Naturals the Ultimate Omega formula, from the health food store. I have taken it for a couple of years, sometimes I follow the Zone diet, which recommends use of Omega 3, but found that the Omega 3 really helps with digestion. I have no idea if it was helpful with Cymbalta withdrawal, but others here swear by it.
I don't have fibromyalgia, but this weekend I read an article about Vitamin D in a magazine called Mother Earth News. I get the magazine because it has great planting articles. I looked on their webiste and the Vitamin D article was there, and it talks about how some doctors have found their patients with fibromyalgia don't get enough Vitamin D. Hope you can find some good info there:
http://www.motherear...upplements.aspx
I don't have fibromyalgia, but this weekend I read an article about Vitamin D in a magazine called Mother Earth News. I get the magazine because it has great planting articles. I looked on their webiste and the Vitamin D article was there, and it talks about how some doctors have found their patients with fibromyalgia don't get enough Vitamin D. Hope you can find some good info there:
http://www.motherear...upplements.aspx
#6
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Worker Bee
Posted 02 April 2008 - 02:26 PM
I take Nordic Naturals too, and I bought mine at Drugstore.com. It was cheaper there, but only because I buy other things and have the rebate dollars to apply, and shipping is free over $50 too.
I would use some caution with a supplement that messes with your seratonin levels. I saw that same supplement, I can't remember what it was, yet even though it is natural, anything that is messing with your seratonin levels could have a nasty impact. Just my opinion, but I would wait until you are completely free of the Cymbalta, and then evaluate how you are feeling. Again, I'm not a doctor, just my own thoughts here.
Good luck, we are here!!
I would use some caution with a supplement that messes with your seratonin levels. I saw that same supplement, I can't remember what it was, yet even though it is natural, anything that is messing with your seratonin levels could have a nasty impact. Just my opinion, but I would wait until you are completely free of the Cymbalta, and then evaluate how you are feeling. Again, I'm not a doctor, just my own thoughts here.
Good luck, we are here!!
#7
bristen
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Posted 02 April 2008 - 04:32 PM
Hi,
Yes, I am going to wait until my symtoms are gone - if they ever leave! I just woke up again. I should have mentioned that if I ever get depression from my fibromyalgia serious again, I am going to try the 5-HTP instead of my Doc going directly with the prozac.
I appreciate everyone here - I was feeling terrible and hopeless.
Yes, I am going to wait until my symtoms are gone - if they ever leave! I just woke up again. I should have mentioned that if I ever get depression from my fibromyalgia serious again, I am going to try the 5-HTP instead of my Doc going directly with the prozac.
I appreciate everyone here - I was feeling terrible and hopeless.
#9
Dianne
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Posted 02 April 2008 - 06:55 PM
I am new. I am on 30mg. of Cymbalta a day. Last Monday I called my doctor to let them know that I was out and to call me (no live person - I spoke to their voice mail). I never received a call. I should have called back until I heard from them. My doctor gives me samples and 2 of my daughters had previously worked at his office. They both have seen Cymbalta withdrawal. So I went 8 days with NO CYMBALTA!! Last night the "electric shocks" from the base of my skull to the tip of my tongue began. Usually they start sooner, if I am out of it. But I was foolishly telling myself that I was off of it and when I go in for my next appointment I will tell him I don't need Cymbalta anymore.
This morning I got up at my normal time. I was fine the first 30 minutes and all of a sudden I started losing control of my hands, my mind and I could not speak clearly. Studdering and slurring my words. Thankfully I have such a strong support system. My sister called my husband (who has been out of town for a few weeks) to tell him I was going to be fine and that my oldest daughter was on the way to the house. I called my psych. docs office and they told me that the girl who handles this part of the office would not be in until 2:15 to call back then, I was agreeable. My daughter told me to call my regular doc (not psychiatrist) to see if he could give me samples. He said get into his office and he'd will give me samples. I was nearly incoherant by this time. When I went to my doc, he insisted on seeing me before the samples were given out and he wanted to hospitalize me immediately and do a Cat scan. My blood pressure was high for me (137 over 100) In studdering words I tried to disagree with him and finally my daughter told him that it was definitly (sp) Cymbalta withdrawal and to let me take the meds and I'd be fine. Thankfully HE had samples (I do not have health insurance) and within 2 hours I was feeling normal again. He insisted that I come back in to see him next week and if any of the same neurological symptoms are there, he will hospitalize me, insurance or not.
We went across the street to see the psych. office staff to let them know what was happening. My daughter insisted on seeing the psych. and they refused and got quite snotty with her. I then went back in and studdered out what I could and when I made the statement that I got samples from my regular doc, the staff member stated loudly "so you're getting your medications from two doctors?" and I tried to explain that is not it at all, it was just until they can get me what I need. She just got snottier with me and said she never got my call last week, she had no samples of Cymbalta and I would have to wait 24 to 48 hours to see if he would either write a script or get some samples in, because "they were out." I was already a mess and then to be humiliated as though I was a drug addict in front of other staff members AND the people in the waiting area was horrifying. My psych has known me for over 5 years. He is insistant that I always get samples and he would have given me some on the spot, if they would have let him just see me and the symptoms I was having.
Revenge is sweet though, because that snotty staff member called me at 5:24pm to tell me that I can pick up my samples tomorrow. They lied about not having any samples and they humiliated me. I am quite sure that when they told him what had happened and that I had been there, that he ripped them a new rear-end for treating me in such a manner. This man offered to put both of my daughters through nurse practioner school and have them open a clinic in our small town for them to run and he'd consult. He respects me and my children and I know he would not want me in withdrawal symptoms.
I really thought I was okay and didn't need Cymbalta anymore. Today proved me wrong! If I ever have to get off of the meds, it will be done under his supervision.
I am just angry at such an inept staff he has and when I go for my appointment on the 24th of this month he will hear it from me and how humiliated I was. I am NOT a drug addict and anyone who looks at my meds list can tell with one glance what each med is for, who prescribed it and the amount I take. The list even has each of my docs name and phone number on the bottom!!! I have that list printed for my husband and my daughter and son to keep, in case I ever have a problem and they need to know what I take. Do "drug addicts" do this sort of thing??????? I think not.
So, it was a nightmare today and feeling human again is nice. I hope that snotty girl got her rear chewed for her stupidity. Yes.... "I" should have called them each day until I got a human voice or left enough messages, but I didn't. Once so many days passed with little symptoms, I thought I was not going to need it anymore and I let it go. From now on, I will leave 5 messages in a row on their voice mail telling them what I need. They won't EVER say they did not get my message again!
Shew....glad it's over now and I hope no one EVER has to go through what I did. Studdering, electric shocks, shaking, unable to speak, walk, drink, anger (the anger was a few days ago) and the rest of the withdrawal symptoms are horrifying!!! I will stay on this medication until my psych says otherwise, that's for damn sure!
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Dianne
This morning I got up at my normal time. I was fine the first 30 minutes and all of a sudden I started losing control of my hands, my mind and I could not speak clearly. Studdering and slurring my words. Thankfully I have such a strong support system. My sister called my husband (who has been out of town for a few weeks) to tell him I was going to be fine and that my oldest daughter was on the way to the house. I called my psych. docs office and they told me that the girl who handles this part of the office would not be in until 2:15 to call back then, I was agreeable. My daughter told me to call my regular doc (not psychiatrist) to see if he could give me samples. He said get into his office and he'd will give me samples. I was nearly incoherant by this time. When I went to my doc, he insisted on seeing me before the samples were given out and he wanted to hospitalize me immediately and do a Cat scan. My blood pressure was high for me (137 over 100) In studdering words I tried to disagree with him and finally my daughter told him that it was definitly (sp) Cymbalta withdrawal and to let me take the meds and I'd be fine. Thankfully HE had samples (I do not have health insurance) and within 2 hours I was feeling normal again. He insisted that I come back in to see him next week and if any of the same neurological symptoms are there, he will hospitalize me, insurance or not.
We went across the street to see the psych. office staff to let them know what was happening. My daughter insisted on seeing the psych. and they refused and got quite snotty with her. I then went back in and studdered out what I could and when I made the statement that I got samples from my regular doc, the staff member stated loudly "so you're getting your medications from two doctors?" and I tried to explain that is not it at all, it was just until they can get me what I need. She just got snottier with me and said she never got my call last week, she had no samples of Cymbalta and I would have to wait 24 to 48 hours to see if he would either write a script or get some samples in, because "they were out." I was already a mess and then to be humiliated as though I was a drug addict in front of other staff members AND the people in the waiting area was horrifying. My psych has known me for over 5 years. He is insistant that I always get samples and he would have given me some on the spot, if they would have let him just see me and the symptoms I was having.
Revenge is sweet though, because that snotty staff member called me at 5:24pm to tell me that I can pick up my samples tomorrow. They lied about not having any samples and they humiliated me. I am quite sure that when they told him what had happened and that I had been there, that he ripped them a new rear-end for treating me in such a manner. This man offered to put both of my daughters through nurse practioner school and have them open a clinic in our small town for them to run and he'd consult. He respects me and my children and I know he would not want me in withdrawal symptoms.
I really thought I was okay and didn't need Cymbalta anymore. Today proved me wrong! If I ever have to get off of the meds, it will be done under his supervision.
I am just angry at such an inept staff he has and when I go for my appointment on the 24th of this month he will hear it from me and how humiliated I was. I am NOT a drug addict and anyone who looks at my meds list can tell with one glance what each med is for, who prescribed it and the amount I take. The list even has each of my docs name and phone number on the bottom!!! I have that list printed for my husband and my daughter and son to keep, in case I ever have a problem and they need to know what I take. Do "drug addicts" do this sort of thing??????? I think not.
So, it was a nightmare today and feeling human again is nice. I hope that snotty girl got her rear chewed for her stupidity. Yes.... "I" should have called them each day until I got a human voice or left enough messages, but I didn't. Once so many days passed with little symptoms, I thought I was not going to need it anymore and I let it go. From now on, I will leave 5 messages in a row on their voice mail telling them what I need. They won't EVER say they did not get my message again!
Shew....glad it's over now and I hope no one EVER has to go through what I did. Studdering, electric shocks, shaking, unable to speak, walk, drink, anger (the anger was a few days ago) and the rest of the withdrawal symptoms are horrifying!!! I will stay on this medication until my psych says otherwise, that's for damn sure!
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Dianne
#10
schmb01
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Worker Bee
Posted 02 April 2008 - 09:46 PM
Well, your story illustrates exactly why a person can't go cold turkey safely. The ramifacations are both physical and mental.
Now, given the level of rage I felt on a couple of different occasions, that girl in your psych's office is lucky she is still standing! Lord help anyone who crosses a person going through withdrawal from Cymbalta! Yikes! It sounds like she has some kind of power issues. I mean really, if a person WAS seeking drugs from multiple doctors, it sure as heck wouldn't be an antidepressant!
I'm glad you are more stable now, and I'm so sorry you had such a terrible scare!
Take care!
Now, given the level of rage I felt on a couple of different occasions, that girl in your psych's office is lucky she is still standing! Lord help anyone who crosses a person going through withdrawal from Cymbalta! Yikes! It sounds like she has some kind of power issues. I mean really, if a person WAS seeking drugs from multiple doctors, it sure as heck wouldn't be an antidepressant!
I'm glad you are more stable now, and I'm so sorry you had such a terrible scare!
Take care!
#11
Dianne
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Posted 02 April 2008 - 10:13 PM
Thank you for replying schmb01. I really felt as though I was being looked upon as a drug addict. It hurt my feelings, which isn't hard to do. I'd like to be off all my medications, but I will never try it again on my own. I have cried a lot today and it is very unusual for me. I showed symptoms of withdrawal during the last week, but I didn't notice them. My husband did, but was not aware that I was off my meds until today. Now he knows what to look for. My daughter was a life saver today and I plan on sending her some flowers tomorrow. She is not genetically my child, but to seeing her take over, protective and loving me made me feel so special. I am blessed beyond words to have her in my life. We are a rare breed because we are so close.
I will be returning to this site often now. I will offer support to anyone who needs it.
Thank you again.
Dianne
I will be returning to this site often now. I will offer support to anyone who needs it.
Thank you again.
Dianne
#12
schmb01
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Worker Bee
Posted 02 April 2008 - 10:58 PM
No need to thank me at all, I'm glad to help. You will likely feel kind of emotional for awhile until you get stablized again. It is a very scary thing to feel so out of control, I know it just terrified me. Finding this site was such a blessing in the middle of the night when I thought I was going to lose it!
It sounds like you and your daughter have a special bond, and that is wonderful! A good support system also helps keep your head above water. Coming off of this drug is the hardest thing I've ever done, and looking back over the last month, I'm amazed I made it. There are still a few bumps in the road, but nothing like the beginning.
I'm so glad that you will be coming back. It makes me so sad to read some of the posts here, knowing how scared people are. I promise to keep coming back too, even when I reach the day that I can safely say I'm done with withdrawals. If we can help just a few people who are struggling, then it is worth it.
Again, I'm glad you are feeling somewhat better, and I think you will find that you will feel better each day. If you decided to stop this med at some point, wean VERY slowly with your doctor's help.
Take Care!
Babby
It sounds like you and your daughter have a special bond, and that is wonderful! A good support system also helps keep your head above water. Coming off of this drug is the hardest thing I've ever done, and looking back over the last month, I'm amazed I made it. There are still a few bumps in the road, but nothing like the beginning.
I'm so glad that you will be coming back. It makes me so sad to read some of the posts here, knowing how scared people are. I promise to keep coming back too, even when I reach the day that I can safely say I'm done with withdrawals. If we can help just a few people who are struggling, then it is worth it.
Again, I'm glad you are feeling somewhat better, and I think you will find that you will feel better each day. If you decided to stop this med at some point, wean VERY slowly with your doctor's help.
Take Care!
Babby
#14
schmb01
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Worker Bee
Posted 03 April 2008 - 12:57 PM
Heavens sake, don't apologize! Sarah has posted a link about doctors using prozac and other meds to help with withdrawal. You have to do what you can to feel stable, and to do this safely! Each of us has to find what works for us. As long as you are not ingesting the demon drug, then you are still on the right track! :mrgreen:
#16
Dianne
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Posted 03 April 2008 - 02:51 PM
I am so grateful I found this place and you guys! I have learned so much in the last few days. I will stay on this medication until my Psychiatrist says otherwise and then it will be only under his close supervision that I wean off.
I picked up my samples from his office this morning and miraculously the rude receptionist was nowhere to be seen. The young gal that was behind her yesterday when I tried to explain myself and problem was so kind to me. She asked me if I felt better today. I replied yes and she said she could see a major improvement and was happy for me. The doctor heard I was there and stepped in to say hello and I just told him THANK YOU! He smiled and said you're welcome and went back to his patients. I do not know if this rude lady yesterday is gone or not, but I am quite sure that she was reprimanded.
You are so correct Babby (if I may call you that) - I am a drug addict and I take anti-depressants!! Bahahahaha! What a moronic thing to even insinuate - especially from a staff member of a psychiatric office!! What is funny is that the last time I saw my psych. I even voiced concern over the medications I was on and if I was on too much. He smiled and told me that if I was "addicted" that I would not even ask that sort of question. He is wonderful to me and he is more like family to me, as he took great interest in my children when they were working there and even complimented me on how well I raised them. He always asks about them and wants to see their babies latest pictures when I am there for my scheduled visit.
I feel so much better today and I have saved this as one of my favorites and I will be here to give support to anyone withdrawing. I've been there and it's not fun in any manner!!
Briston.....we're here for you! It really does help to talk about this with someone who has been through it. People who have not had that electrical surge feeling in their brain cannot even fathom how scarey it is and cannot comprehend what you're feeling.
Again, I am happy to be here and I am going to support anyone who needs it. What a wonderful forum!
Back to work now. You all take care and I have it set up to let me know when a post comes up in my e mail, so I will be checking back often.
Hugs to you all!
Dianne
I picked up my samples from his office this morning and miraculously the rude receptionist was nowhere to be seen. The young gal that was behind her yesterday when I tried to explain myself and problem was so kind to me. She asked me if I felt better today. I replied yes and she said she could see a major improvement and was happy for me. The doctor heard I was there and stepped in to say hello and I just told him THANK YOU! He smiled and said you're welcome and went back to his patients. I do not know if this rude lady yesterday is gone or not, but I am quite sure that she was reprimanded.
You are so correct Babby (if I may call you that) - I am a drug addict and I take anti-depressants!! Bahahahaha! What a moronic thing to even insinuate - especially from a staff member of a psychiatric office!! What is funny is that the last time I saw my psych. I even voiced concern over the medications I was on and if I was on too much. He smiled and told me that if I was "addicted" that I would not even ask that sort of question. He is wonderful to me and he is more like family to me, as he took great interest in my children when they were working there and even complimented me on how well I raised them. He always asks about them and wants to see their babies latest pictures when I am there for my scheduled visit.
I feel so much better today and I have saved this as one of my favorites and I will be here to give support to anyone withdrawing. I've been there and it's not fun in any manner!!
Briston.....we're here for you! It really does help to talk about this with someone who has been through it. People who have not had that electrical surge feeling in their brain cannot even fathom how scarey it is and cannot comprehend what you're feeling.
Again, I am happy to be here and I am going to support anyone who needs it. What a wonderful forum!
Back to work now. You all take care and I have it set up to let me know when a post comes up in my e mail, so I will be checking back often.
Hugs to you all!
Dianne
#18
schmb01
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Worker Bee
Posted 04 April 2008 - 11:08 AM
To add to the racing pulse thing, for about 2 weeks, I was extremely sensitive to caffeine, and had to cut way back because of the racing pulse. I also tried benedryl, but I am one of the oddballs that gets anxious and not tired on it, so I had to quit using it too. Something to think about.
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