2 replies to this topic

[ScottC]

Tuesday will make 3 weeks since quitting Cymbalta cold turkey. This is my 3rd attempt at getting off this evil drug. Each time it has been pure hell. The last 2 attempts I just could not continue with all of the withdrawal symptoms and ended up throwing in the towel after only a few days. However, I refuse to go back to this horrid little pill ever again.   

I was put on this drug about 5 years ago to deal with stress, anxiety, and severe OCD symptoms during a very difficult time in my life. I was immediately put on 90mg and stayed there at that dosage for 4 years.

I never really saw a marked improvement on this drug but it did seem to minimize the peaks and valleys. However, I suffered from major jaw clenching, almost emotional numbness and never felt like myself. I also began experiencing a myriad of other unpleasant side effects such as severe sexual side effects, chest pain, and ultimately hands and arms that are continually numb. Getting off this drug became more of a mission than just a desire. I ended up taking 6-7 pills a day just dealing with side effects. After feeling like having gone from my 40's to my 80's enough is enough.

I dropped down to 60mg a year ago hoping that would help me but the only thing to improve was jaw clenching.

In addition to all of this I am now working with my second cardiologist trying to chase down major angina and other cardiac symptoms. As this new doctor is coming back with little to no answers it becomes more clear to me that even these health issues may be pointing to Cymbalta side effects. This is what ultimately broke the camel's back for me. I have literally been bankrupted financially and emotionally by undiagnosed health issues in an attempt by my doctors to figure out what I am dealing with. I am now convinced it is all directly or indirectly attributed to this horrible drug. With a family history of heart disease I have undergone about every test and procedure and it amazes me that this drug is never factored into the equation. I wonder who else might be having similar problems as well as each person reacts differently.   

A little wiser from all of this I know I would NEVER have allowed myself anywhere near this drug had I known anything about it. For anyone considering this drug AVOID IT LIKE THE PLAGUE. I am perplexed how a medicine like this one could ever get passed by the the FDA. The negatives out weigh the positives to a 10-1 margin in my humble opinion. Having been in and out if doctors offices as often as I have been these past 5 years I have seen the complete lack of supervision and oversight by the drug reps enticing doctors to prescribe such horrid medications. Any doctor with even a modest amount of compassion for his/her patients would never have prescribe this pill.

After 3 weeks off Cymbalta the brain zaps continue without abating. They are worse in the evenings when I am tired. I have experience mind numbing migraines which now seem to be minimizing. At first, I could not sleep. Now, I am plagued with nightmares and very bizarre dreams. I often am awakened by these dreams sometimes 2-3 times per night. I am easily angered and agitated and have learned, for now, that I need to avoid people in general as being a very big guy could spell trouble if I were to let this anger get the better of me. Like others my emotions seem like they are off the charts into the bizarre. My mind feels fogged over and I have also had difficulty even recalling common phrases or words in conversation. Names, which were hard enough to remember before, are extremely difficult to remember now. I have never taken illegal drugs or drank alcohol in my life but I imagine this must be what quitting narcotics must feel like.

I came across this site a couple of weeks ago and  it has been a big help. I feel compelled to add my voice here because if I can save someone else from the fate of this drug or let others know you are not alone than maybe there can be some good come from this. As one who WILL NOT go back to this evil pill my hope is I am now on the outer edge of this dark cloud and will soon see some silver lining. I want my life back and hope I am still out there somewhere.

[cookie]

Dear Scott:
I hope you have happy holidays in spite of what you are feeling. It is shocking to hear, how difficult this can be. People doing many attempts to quit a drug.
I have also been taking this drug for 5 years. I guess we were all put on this drug at the same time.
I never saw a marked improvement from this drug either. And I also had to take additional pills to treat side effects.

Since I started weaning I began to have a long list of emotional and physical symptoms (all the physical are all new to me). It is like the drug has affected every single organ/part of my body. My hair is falling, my vision is blurred, my ears ache, I have sensitivity to noises, light and smells, my knees hurt, I have high blood pressure, I get electricity inside my brain, my hands itch horribly, I have gone through breathlessness, nausea, diahrrea, flu-like symptoms, dizziness, my skin bleeds and bruises easily, I am extremely thirsty, etc........

I have also had the anger, agitation, brain fog, difficulty remembering words, names.

So, the only good thing is that you are not alone.

Happy Holidays, Blessings, and Health

[ScottC]

Thanks for taking the time to respond. It's good to know there are people out there willing to write total strangers.

I wish you well in your quest to get off this insidious drug. Yes, the holidays were rough, especially with my current temperament. My kids sure have taken the brunt of this. But the good news is at least I am not at work during the darkest moments of coming off of this. I sincerely hope things will be much better in a week or so when it is time to go back to work.

Best wished to you in your undertaking and thanks again for your response and kind words.