5 replies to this topic

[Hopeful2011]

I went in and talked to my general practice doctor. I made sure I was prepared and educated on the topic. I've been on Cymbalta for about 3 years ( I switched from Celexa and I have taken other antidepressants over the years). At first she wanted me just to from from 60 to 30 to 30 every other day... umm no.
I talked to her about what I read and then she did some research on her own (especially regarding Cymbalta). I ended up with 30 mg cymbalta and 20 mg prozac that I took together at the same time of day. I've been just taking the prozac since last Friday (so it has been a week of no Cymbalta) and it hasn't been too bad. The main thing I still have is the "full head" feeling...like when you are getting a virus... full/foggy/dizzy. I take some Dramamine when my head is doing that foggy/dizzy thing and that helps some. I am also drinking water and taking fish oil 2 to 3 times a day. Some days I feel like I have a bunch of nervous energy and others I am very tired. However- I haven't had brain zaps and extreme irritability (like I normally would have if I missed a dose or two of Cymbalta. Eventually I will taper and quit the Prozac.

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Hello 'Hopeful2011':

You are very lucky you have a Doctor who is willing to listen, to do research and work together with you. I am glad that it hasn´t been that bad for you. I´ve had the tiredness too. Could you describe the "nervous energy" that you mentioned?.

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[Hopeful2011]

Hi

This board has really helped me figure out a plan.

I would not quite call my nervous energy feelings anxiety ( I know that too)...I would say it is hard to focus on one task for very long when I have the nervous energy feeling. If you've ever had to much caffeine...that is a good metaphor for the feelings. I don't want to run or exercise ( I wish I did), but it is hard to read or watch TV.

I will say that my family doctor is a younger doctor (she must be in her 30s)- I don't know if that is why she is more open to listening.

Yesterday, I did try to get away without taking the Prozac and that was a mistake...by midday I was no fun to be around at all...and I took my dose. Way too soon for that!

I will say that I am lucky enough to have some time off right now, and being able to follow my own schedule has helped. (I can nap when I want, etc...) I think a benefit is that it is summer right now too (I'm in the Pacific Northwest), and long days help.

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Hello Hopeful 2011:
I´ve had the same feeling. It is hard to focus on one task for very long. It´s like I am accelerated. It is hard to read, listen when somebody is speaking to me, watching a movie, etc.
I jump from one task to the other, not finishing any of the tasks.

[jstarcher77]

how long were you taking both meds together? I am currently on the same tapering plan and am having HORRIBLE side effects. She wants me off the Cymbalta completely after 2 weeks.