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[Thankful]

I am so thankful for this website and thankful for all of you that have posted your stories and your comments. It is comforting to know I am not going crazy, I don't have a major disease, and that I'm not alone in this process. You have given me hope ... I WILL be normal again and Cymbalta WILL NOT define who I am!

I was prescribed Cymbalta 60 mg about 2 years ago for chronic foot pain. I asked about the side effects and about prolonged use. I was assured that it was safe and to expect only mild nausea that would disappear within a week. I continued to have occasional nausea, chronic constipation, headaches, weight gain, and then began to withdraw from life. The depression seemed to increase and I recently decided to wean myself off this medication. I am on day 10 of an "every other day" regimen and plan to go to "every 2 days" next week, and then "every 3 days" etc. But after reading some of your posts I'm considering going cold turkey after next weeks regimen so as not to draw out this process. I have begun experiencing the withdrawal side effects that many of you describe: dizziness, inability to focus/confusion, memory loss, severe headaches, insomnia, being very cold or very hot, mood swings, irritability and anger, unusual tiredness, nerve zaps, and just yesterday the crying started for no apparent reason. I know this is not going to be a pleasant journey but I am determined to see it through and am concentrating on being drug free.

I never expected to be in this place, but only hope I can contribute to others by informing them about this drug.

Because of your posts, I know I will overcome this and be better. I encourage all of you to fight this good fight - you will be better too!

[Chw31]

After reading your post just now I had an "ah ha moment". I work part time at a job I couldn't love more. I adore everything about it! That being said, I just put two and two together...after I began taking it about a year ago...on my work days I didn't want to do ANYTHING else.

I didn't craft, cook, exercise, play with my dog, want to spend time with my husband, talk on the phone....nothing. It was like the one task for the day was all I could handle...and I haven't been able to fight the desire to do nothing. Housework went undone, the people in my life suffer and so have I.

I have let it take over. Just like the other things I have read on here from others, I am realizing, one, I'm not alone, and two, I'm going to get my life back. I've felt more depressed since being on this medicine than I ever did before.

Thanks for your encouragement and good luck to you! Keep your head up and heart strong!