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I Am Hitting The Wall!


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#1 smeagol

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Posted 03 August 2012 - 03:15 PM

I was put on Cymbalta (60mg) since Dec last year. I started to wean it off since late April. Now I am on 7.5mg per day and I guess I might hit the wall. I caught a cold last week so I feel so tired. I have to stop running or swimming this week. But I started to feel some familiar symptoms again: tremor (internal shaking), heart palpation, headache... I don't know if I should hold for a while or be strong to call an end to this cxxp drug. My weaning history is:

60mg to 30mg 15 days
hold on 30mg 45 days
30mg to 22.5mg 12 days
22.5mg to 15mg 12 days
15mg to 7.5mg 18 days till now

#2 Lazydaizy

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    I recently weaned off Cymbalta, after using it for 2 years for depression. The depression is gone, but now I'm in the withdrawal horrors

Posted 03 August 2012 - 05:04 PM

You are doing so well. That said, there doesn't seem to be an easy route through withdrawal.
I can't tell you what to do. Lots of people advocate a very slow wean, but personally I feel that just prolongs the agony. But that's just me.
My Dr warned me to prepare for 3 weeks of hell, and she gave me xanax to help me through the really rough patches.
I'm doing a little better every day now (I weaned down over about a month and stopped completely 17 days ago), but still suffer horribly with anxiety.
It seems to be trial and error to identify things that help each individual.
Some people find supplements (esp fish oils, high strength B vitamins and MG, calcium and zinc)help. Some drink gallons of herbal teas and cut out alcohol, nicotine and caffeine.
Some take st john's wort, 5htp and rhodoila and various other herbs.

I use many of these, but honestly, I think it just takes time and will power. I find it really valuable to write a post on this forum most days to keep track of my progress.
All my love and best wishes to you on your journey XXX

#3 smeagol

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Posted 03 August 2012 - 06:41 PM

Dear LazyDaizy,

Thank you very much for your reply and encouragement! To be honest, I am really confused now: are these symptoms caused by Cymbalta itself or caused by my tapering? I ask this because, to me, the chronic headache, stuffy nose and some anxiety are the side effects of Cymbalta on me and the major reason motivated me to wean it off.

During the past 3+ months of weaning, I suffered many symptoms like headache, muscle pain, shaking/tremor, you name it. But I never regret. I don't want to be stuck with this evil anymore. However, TO BE SAFE and functional, I have to know where I am and what is going on. Today I asked myself, am I tapering too fast? I don't know (actually I don't think so). I don't know if I should give myself like one or two weeks to stabilize, or, continue. But I have to confess that I am now at the edge of "not coping soon". I don't want to push myself too hard but I believe I was NOT tapering too fast. Maybe I am not brave and strong enough/

Here I have some questions:

1. I noticed that when I am on this SSNRI cxxp like Effexor and Cymbalta, my REST HEART RATE is so slow. I know my rest heart rate is always slow when I was a teenage, it has like 60-62 per minute. But now my rest heart rate is only 51-52. I am a 38-year old male. Is it OK? I mean, is it safe??? It is so ironic that I was so scared 5 years ago when I was hit by panic attack and anxiety with heart beat rocked up to 120. But now I am worrying about a low heart beat. I used to exercise when I was "normal" since I was 10-year old, like running, basketball, ping-pong, swimming, etc. If I keep exercising 10 years ago when I was under big pressure from the work and some personal issues, I won't be suffered from the anxiety.

2. Now I am holding on 7.5mg Cymbalta, which means I have 70 beads in a capsule. I can either hold on it for another week, and then reduce 7 beads per day for 10 days. Or, I will continue reduce it tonight. I am really struggling.

Anyway, GOD will make the way. Thank you again and all my best wishes for you. You are on your 17th day, so the 3-week hell is near the end!!!

#4 Lazydaizy

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    I recently weaned off Cymbalta, after using it for 2 years for depression. The depression is gone, but now I'm in the withdrawal horrors

Posted 04 August 2012 - 04:25 AM

Hey there,
Re the slow heart rate...I haven't heard of an SNRi affecting heart rate...but maybe if you cut down on caffeine/cigarettes and increased exercise etc that might account for some of it? 52 is pretty slow unless you're an athlete so maybe a quick visit to your Dr is in order. There are lots of conditions that can cause slow heart rate that are either benign or very treatable, but I wouldn't ignore it.
The "non-coping" stage is scary. I'm really starting to see that our bodies are trying to tell us something with all the pain they're presenting us with, but of course our natural instinct is to run like hell from pain. Try telling yourself that when you're in the middle of a panic attack tho! Maybe it might be wise to continue on the slow wean instead of pushing yourself over the mental edge? I weaned relatively quickly, but the anxiety I'm still experiencing is awful.
I hope you are keeping well, and get your ticker checked just in case XXX

#5 smeagol

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Posted 09 August 2012 - 09:40 AM

I feel so frustrated and upset today: I went to see my psychiatrist this morning. Based on my description of my "symptoms" like tremor, nervous and headache. He draw a conclusion that I still have anxiety and depression. He said it was the Cymbalta treated my problems. When I try to wean off it., the problems is getting back! I argued that I am not depressed, he said you told me you feel tired, a little bit lazy and a little bit difficult to fall into sleep, that's the typical sign of depression, though it is not that severe!!!

He suggest me going to the CBT group (which I agree!) and the medication adjustment (again!!!) He said he can switch me from Cymbalta to either Lexapro (Ciprolex) or Remeron. I shake my head and told him: after 5 years treatment by medication, I don't wanna take any SSRI/SSNRI!!!

He said well, it is up to you. You can consider it.

So, what should I do? The tremor and very bad headache is killing me. I don't want to reinstate the Cymbalta (I am now holding on 6mg Cymbalta). Another drug?!

#6 Lazydaizy

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Posted 11 August 2012 - 05:39 AM

Yep, I think it's important to try the other good stuff (cbt/light therapy/exercise/yoga etc) before loading up on drugs again.
Drugs just mask the underlying problem...they don't cure it.

That said, lots of people on these forums have found that a low dose ssri (as a temporary measure) has helped enormously to deal with the snri withdrawal. They seem to be much easier to wean from as well. It's just not nice to feel rail-roaded into it.

Keep posting! You are doing so well XXX

#7 smeagol

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Posted 11 August 2012 - 08:16 AM

Yep, I think it's important to try the other good stuff (cbt/light therapy/exercise/yoga etc) before loading up on drugs again.
Drugs just mask the underlying problem...they don't cure it.

That said, lots of people on these forums have found that a low dose ssri (as a temporary measure) has helped enormously to deal with the snri withdrawal. They seem to be much easier to wean from as well. It's just not nice to feel rail-roaded into it.

Keep posting! You are doing so well XXX


Thank you LazyDaizy!

I don't know what to do now!!! I want to totally stop this remaining 6mg Cymbalta, as it is really a low dosage. But I don't know how to deal with my symptoms. The shaking/tremor, headache, swelling eyes, and the feeling like sth. stuck in my throat/chest.

Yes I understand the doctors will give people low dose of Prozac to help the withdraw as Prozac is coming with the longest half life. I don't know...

I will give this another 2 weeks, to see if these symptoms would fade away. If not, I may have to either reinstate or switch. I feel so desperate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#8 smeagol

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Posted 13 August 2012 - 02:30 PM

OMG! The headache is killing me!!! I wonder how many of you suffer from the endless headache during or even after the weaning process? I have been holding on 6mg for 2 weeks. But there is no sign that the tremor (internal shaking) and headache is getting better. I am crazy now: when will these symptoms go away???

Shall I just completely stop taking it? I mean, c/t at 6mg is not a big deal???

#9 smeagol

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Posted 14 August 2012 - 02:04 PM

I tossed 7 beads last night. So I just took 49 beads in a 30mg capsule, which is less than 6mg. The major withdrawal symptoms are still tremor/shaking and headache. And seems like these symptoms are endless...

#10 smeagol

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Posted 24 August 2012 - 11:45 AM

Update:

I am now down to 14 beads of per day. It is less than 2 mg...

Question:

I don't have mentally problems now. Physically, I just feel so sleepy every day. I have disturbed sleep every night with tons of vivid dreams. So every morning I struggle to get up with swelling and red eyes the whole day. Other than that, I feel just a little bit dizzy.

#11 smeagol

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Posted 30 August 2012 - 11:30 AM

Update:

I am now down to 14 beads of per day. It is less than 2 mg...

Question:

I don't have mentally problems now. Physically, I just feel so sleepy every day. I have disturbed sleep every night with tons of vivid dreams. So every morning I struggle to get up with swelling and red eyes the whole day. Other than that, I feel just a little bit dizzy.


Update:

I am goanna completely stop taking Cymbalta tonight. These days I just feel so so so sleepy during the daytime. Don't know why. And shaking/tremor (doctors call it"internal shaking")

#12 TXcounselor

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    On Cymbalta for about a year for peripheral neuropathy. Withdrawal from the drug has been hellish and life-changing. Need support and want to support others.

Posted 31 August 2012 - 06:56 PM

I was told to stop when I got to 7.5 mg because the half life is such that it would keep withdrawal going longer to take it every day after that or smaller doses than that. Over the span of a month, I did 60mg, 30 mg, 15 mg, 7.5 mg, then stopped. I did each dose for about a week and dropped down on Thursdays so the hell would hit on a weekend. I dumped (didn't count beads) so my dosages were rough estimates. It was a month of hell during the weaning, 2 weeks of hell when I was off, one more week of extreme discomfort, and one more of plain 'ol discomfort and how I'm pretty much back to normal. DON'T get back on! I'm not a medical doctor, but as someone who has taken Cymbalta and a few others, I can say judging from what it did to me when I got off, it does scary things to people. We all handle medications differently, but Wellbutrin worked the best for me.

BTW, the withdrawal did affect my heart rate and blood pressure - both elevated.

This will pass. Hang on.

#13 salvadora

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Posted 31 August 2012 - 08:05 PM

It's really hard to know, isn't it? It could partially be that your mind and/or body are anticipating the final cut off from the drug and are throwing you for a loop. I've managed to develop some nasty asthma and total sleep disturbances, and the thing is that I'm pretty sure that it's my body telling me that it's under stress. Bodies can be a bit stupid that way - a long time ago I used to get really weird shoulder pain, and even after three doctors told me it was stress, I wouldn't believe them that my body would process stress by doing something so painful and so seemingly unrelated to stress, but when I finally gave in and decided it might be psychosomatic, it finally became manageable. My asthma at the moment is the same deal - a very stupid way for my body to tell me it's freaked out. :)

So that's not very medical, I know, but I'm hoping you might find it helpful to consider that some of these symptoms simply could be your body's way of going through the whole process, and if some symptoms seem strange or unrelated to the drug, they might not be really worth worrying about too much. I think you're doing great. Get off the darned stuff. You're almost there, and then even though it takes some time still, you can do it.

#14 salvadora

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Posted 31 August 2012 - 08:16 PM

It's really hard to know, isn't it? It could partially be that your mind and/or body are anticipating the final cut off from the drug and are throwing you for a loop. I've managed to develop some nasty asthma and total sleep disturbances, and the thing is that I'm pretty sure that it's my body telling me that it's under stress. Bodies can be a bit stupid that way - a long time ago I used to get really weird shoulder pain, and even after three doctors told me it was stress, I wouldn't believe them that my body would process stress by doing something so painful and so seemingly unrelated to stress, but when I finally gave in and decided it might be psychosomatic, it finally became manageable. My asthma at the moment is the same deal - a very stupid way for my body to tell me it's freaked out. :)

So that's not very medical, I know, but I'm hoping you might find it helpful to consider that some of these symptoms simply could be your body's way of going through the whole process, and if some symptoms seem strange or unrelated to the drug, they might not be really worth worrying about too much. I think you're doing great. Get off the darned stuff. You're almost there, and then even though it takes some time still, you can do it.

#15 Imasurvivor

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Posted 01 September 2012 - 05:03 PM

Well if you have read posts on this site you can see we all go through similar things. I went cold turkey at 20 mg because I forgot my medicine on vacation visiting my brother. Thank goodness I have a supportive family. I had been decreasing about every 3 months. But this last step to get off was hell. My blood pressure has dropped significantly as well n I'm taking naps in the afternoon or finding I'm asleep in bed by 10 pm n I have always been a night owl! So what you described sounds normal. I knew if I saw my dr during the first month of withdrawal she'd try to convince me I NEEDED an antidepressant. It's ALL THEY KNOW! To doctors medicine fixes problems, that's what they learn. We have learned to question that because it just doesn't make sense when we know in our hearts we don't need the drug anymore. My anxiety is very pronounced now but that was never an issue before n it's not why I started Cymbalta so telling you to go back on coz you need it is BS. Please get TO a holistic nutritionist or doctor who can help you or go to a health food store, many stores have an expert on what heals the body. You're worth it and please know you aren't crazy! Had I not found this site I think I would have really believed I was! Hang in there. Praying for you!

#16 smeagol

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Posted 01 September 2012 - 08:40 PM

Thank you all for advices and encouragement! I will fight!

#17 smeagol

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Posted 04 September 2012 - 07:56 AM

Thank you all for advices and encouragement! I will fight!


Today is the 6th day after I totally stopped Cymbalta. I started to feel better during the weekend. But I am still having good and bad moments. I am having disturbed sleep with vivid dreams. I am so sleepy everyday, particularly after lunch. I am having occasionally premature beats. I guess the reason is I am so tired.

The feeling of tremor disappeared yesterday, wow! However, it is creeping back again today. I guess the recovery is like a bumpy flight?

#18 Imasurvivor

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Posted 04 September 2012 - 09:44 PM

I'd take 5 steps forward and 3 steps back... Very slow progress. I'd have meltdowns and tell my family I didn't see the progress but they all did and kept encouraging me to keep it up that I was coming out on the other side. You too will come out on the other side. Don't give up. Cry but then realize how much you are moving forward.

#19 smeagol

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Posted 05 September 2012 - 02:46 PM

Update: Day 7 off Cymbalta

Everyday, after lunch, I feel dizzy and headache. What is weird is if I lay down, I have difficulty to breath (feeling like sth. stuck in my chest or throat), together with this breath difficulty feeling, I will have a couple of premature beats. 3 weeks ago I did 48-hr halter test and the result shows I only have 200+ premature beats during 2-day period. My family doctor told me this is quite normal and don't be nervous. But this feeling (breath and premature beats) stop me from falling into sleep, although I am really sleepy and want to have a nap!!!

Other symptoms: shaking/tremor, headache, irritated.

#20 smeagol

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Posted 05 September 2012 - 09:22 PM

Update: Day 7 off Cymbalta

Everyday, after lunch, I feel dizzy and headache. What is weird is if I lay down, I have difficulty to breath (feeling like sth. stuck in my chest or throat), together with this breath difficulty feeling, I will have a couple of premature beats. 3 weeks ago I did 48-hr halter test and the result shows I only have 200+ premature beats during 2-day period. My family doctor told me this is quite normal and don't be nervous. But this feeling (breath and premature beats) stop me from falling into sleep, although I am really sleepy and want to have a nap!!!

Other symptoms: shaking/tremor, headache, irritated.


Tonight after a heavy supper I thought I am dying!!! I feel bloated in stomach and the "gas" stuck in my chest. My head is numb and the ache in my eyes and head. OMG!!! Should I stop running from tomorrow, change the exercise to walking? I guess I need good rest.

This is scary! 2 days before I felt good! But now I know, it is coming...

#21 salvadora

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Posted 06 September 2012 - 10:27 AM

Tonight after a heavy supper I thought I am dying!!! I feel bloated in stomach and the "gas" stuck in my chest. My head is numb and the ache in my eyes and head. OMG!!! Should I stop running from tomorrow, change the exercise to walking? I guess I need good rest.

This is scary! 2 days before I felt good! But now I know, it is coming...


I also experienced problems breathing that interfered with my sleep - the feeling was something like not having enough space in my lungs, or like I'm trying to fill them with air but they're already full, I'm just not getting anything from it. I used to have asthma as a kid, and so I attributed it to this. I got a Ventolin inhaler - it clears the airways immediately and I can fall asleep. It might help to sleep propped up on more pillows, and leaving a window open. But I know how annoying it is to be tired and unable to breathe!

The exercise is great but you don't need to rush through the process, either, right? Don't feel bad if you change things up and postpone a workout. I also had my most difficult period (so far) start about 7-8 days after dropping the drug. I'm 20 days out myself and having only very minor Cymbalta-related problems at the moment, so keep going! The best thing to have is the optimism that it's all temporary, that'll get you through everything.

#22 smeagol

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Posted 09 September 2012 - 05:24 PM

I also experienced problems breathing that interfered with my sleep - the feeling was something like not having enough space in my lungs, or like I'm trying to fill them with air but they're already full, I'm just not getting anything from it. I used to have asthma as a kid, and so I attributed it to this. I got a Ventolin inhaler - it clears the airways immediately and I can fall asleep. It might help to sleep propped up on more pillows, and leaving a window open. But I know how annoying it is to be tired and unable to breathe!

The exercise is great but you don't need to rush through the process, either, right? Don't feel bad if you change things up and postpone a workout. I also had my most difficult period (so far) start about 7-8 days after dropping the drug. I'm 20 days out myself and having only very minor Cymbalta-related problems at the moment, so keep going! The best thing to have is the optimism that it's all temporary, that'll get you through everything.


Thank you salvadora!

Update: Day 11 Off Cymbalta

Symptoms:

Mentally OK.

Physically: still feeling like hell. 1) sleepy/fatigue; 2) headache (manageable); 3) feeling something stuck in my chest when I tried to lay down and have a nap, so I have to belch and this is really annoying and stop me from have a quality sleep in the afternoon; 4) heart beat is heavy and annoying

#23 smeagol

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Posted 10 September 2012 - 12:16 PM

Thank you salvadora!

Update: Day 11 Off Cymbalta

Symptoms:

Mentally OK.

Physically: still feeling like hell. 1) sleepy/fatigue; 2) headache (manageable); 3) feeling something stuck in my chest when I tried to lay down and have a nap, so I have to belch and this is really annoying and stop me from have a quality sleep in the afternoon; 4) heart beat is heavy and annoying


Day 12

HELL!!!

How long will these fxxking symptoms last? I've been struggling against them for 12 days and no sign of improvement! This fatigue, headache, blurred vision and tremor is killing me!

#24 smeagol

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Posted 13 September 2012 - 01:00 PM

Update: Day 15 off Cymbalta

I visited my psychiatrist this morning. Totally pissed off and frustrated.

He just try to label you, define you. Yes you are sick, you need treatment, you need take pills!

He said what I described (tremor, headache, cramping in the stomach, fatigue/sleepy, vertigo, dizziness, irritation) are NOT Cymbalta withdrawal! He said this is my own problem!

At the end when he asked me: last time I recommended you switch to another medication, what do you think?

I said "NO, at least as for now, NO"

Hence, after seeing him, I got shaking, frustrated and headache. I am shaking because I felt anxious, angry and hopeless...

Don't know what to say.

#25 TXcounselor

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Posted 13 September 2012 - 09:28 PM

Most doctors I ran into (including my own) denied there's any such thing as Cymbalta withdrawal. You know and we know that they're wrong! I wish more of them would try Cymbalta and see how it feels to get off of it. Hang in there...everyone still feels like Hell 15 days in, but it will pass. Hopefully you're halfway through (if not more).

#26 smeagol

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Posted 13 September 2012 - 09:36 PM

Most doctors I ran into (including my own) denied there's any such thing as Cymbalta withdrawal. You know and we know that they're wrong! I wish more of them would try Cymbalta and see how it feels to get off of it. Hang in there...everyone still feels like Hell 15 days in, but it will pass. Hopefully you're halfway through (if not more).


Thank you very much for the encouragement!

Today I did some research and sort of figured out maybe most of my current "symptoms" are related to the "over excited parasympathetic nerve", e.g.: slow heart rate (50+ per minute), premature heart beat (86 premature beats within 50 hours, not a bid deal but annoying and makes me a little bit worrying), fatigue/sleepy after lunch.

So I guess the exercise will help the balance between parasympathetic nerve and sympathetic nerve? Sounds like I should keep running everyday!!!

Well, back to the doc topic, I can't judge other special areas, but for most of the psychiatrists, they are arrogant, stubborn, and...useless!!! They are legal drug dealers. I agree there must be good psychiatrists however, whom I met here in Canada really pissed me off. They just don't listen to you.



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