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[Oenghus]

I was on Cymbalta for 12 months and finally stopped as the side effects were causing severe problems. I have been on SSRIs before and had no issues with withdrawal so I decided to just go cold turkey 10 days ago.

Things didn't really become bad until day 3 when the vertigo started. I also had to be careful what I ate as I felt constantly hungry. The next day my joints (hands, wrists and ankles) felt stiff and painful and my calves were on fire. The sweats started and I couldn't stay still but it hurt to even think about moving. I honestly thought I had some kind of virus or infection as I could not believe how bad I felt. I felt absolutely shattered, bone weary but couldn't sleep and kept waking from extremely vivid dreams. Last weekend I just stayed in bed as I couldn't bring myself to get up. I found this site and read a load of stuff with many people having a much worse time than me. Some members suggested looking at supplements so I started a good multi-vitamin and added glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 and 6. I also take ibuprofen at night for the joint pain which helps me get to sleep. Today is my first day feeling a bit better. The vertigo is less and much of the tension, especially in my shoulders and neck has lifted. I still feel pretty fragile but I'm hoping each day will be an improvement. I realise that I wasn't on cymbalta for that long and the dose was only 30mg as I couldn't tolerate anything higher so this may be why I feel better so quickly compared to many.

I'm a bit puzzled by the "brain zaps" other members have mentioned as I'm not sure exactly what they mean. I often get a feeling where I get very disorientated and I swear I can hear a zipping noise, especially if I move my eyes to the side a bit quickly. Is that the feeling ?

My specialist did point out the potential side effects but quoted a load of numbers that made me feel that I had to have one red foot and a blue hand with orange spots for them to be a problem. I have to admit that the tremors and the sort of lock-jaw were the worst for me but they wore off after about a week. Odd that no-one mentioned the potential problems stopping the tablets and I couldn't find anything on the manufacturer's website about withdrawal. I know that I went against much advice and just stopped but I'd had enough problems and I was fed-up with everyone apparently knowing what was best for me. With all the issues over the last ten days, at least I feel that it was my decision and that I'm beginning to get back some control.

I know that everyone here has their own story, some much worse than mine, but I felt that I wanted to share my experiences and add my voice to the growing number that are trying to do something about this awful drug. It's hard, so please think carefully on what you feel will work for you and hopefully your physician will support you. Tell your family and explain the issues with withdrawal and don't be afraid to just take a break and do nothing for a while if that's what you need.

I wish everyone else who looks at this site the very best of luck no matter how they choose to stop.