4 replies to this topic

[curlykate]

Anyone else here bi polar 2 disorder? I have been weaned of Cymbalta and transitioned to Lamictal, with my doc prescribing Prozac on day 6 of withdrawal (I really lost it...scary times). Now, I am shakey and manic,organizing everythig except for my thoughts. Joint pain, random crying sessions lasting hours, migraines. Does everyone feel worse as the days go on? I was on Cymbalta for 18 months, when will these symptoms begin to dissapate instead of intensify? The tips on bathing aren't working, my skin feels so tingly and creepy crawly that even my hair and clothing are painful...lavender and any other smells are triggering migraines...lost all appetite...can't sleep...this really sucks! Help! :cry: I just want my life back.

[curlykate]

I am on day eleven of withdrawal after 18 months on Cymbalta. thankks for replying, sometimes it is hard to believe that things are going to get better. I am so relieved to have found this forum, I hope someone out there has been through the BP2 problem, can't do this cmuch longer

[curlykate]

Thanks for the support. I am just having such severe mania/pain/chills...you know, the ususal withdrawal, but I swear this is worse than when I detoxed in rehab 10 years ago. I have never been a very religious or spirtitual person, but in the past month I have really felt a need to connect with the world around me and be thankful for all that the day provides. And that is my new Mantra, when I can't possibly think of one good reason to get out of bed, I try to remember all of the beauty the day might share with me.
I will never forget when I was still young and living at home, my mom and step father would joke about things like "the next time you stay up all night cleaning the spice cupboard could use some work", or, "could you get to the tupperware drawer next time" ha ha. that has always stuck with me.
I just wish, of all things, i could get back a fraction of what I have lost to being depressed. I am sdo tired of people asking why I'm not better yet (c'mon katie, it's been like a week already) and then acting like I am purposefully choosing to be in tis state, trust me, I wouldn't wish this upon anyone.
Thanks again, something about just being connected to others who have been there makes me feel so much better. I hate trying to explain this to someone who has absolutley no ides how to relate.
Much love and peace

[CathyH]

Curlykate.........I have bipolar 2, and was prescribed cymbalta about 3 years ago. The whole reason I went to my doc and asked to be taken off cymbalta was because I had read that anti-depressants make bipolar symptoms worse, irreversibly worse. It took me months to wean from 60mg daily to 30mg daily to 30mg every other day. I suffered withdrawal symptoms every step of the way. I was the typical horror story that you read here. Very intense and awful. I'm at day 50 now, cymbalta free, and feel better than I have in a long time. It probably took a full 4 weeks for me to start having some real relief. Then, I was on the downslide, meaning it was getting better every day. It's not the same for everyone, some people it takes less time, some more time.

Do whatever works for you. I slept alot, and when I couldn't sleep, if I was able, I'd try to get focused on something (movies, mostly). When I wasn't able to do anything but suffer, I hung on this computer like a life raft, posting, and waiting for encouragement, and it came, the wonderful people here came through. It was a life saver.

One thing I felt the need to do was have my husband read some of the posts here. I didn't think he really got it, what I was suffering, and really, how could he? I made him come on and read, and it helped. He became much more tolerant. I could see the compassion in his eyes suddenly. He finally understood more, and realized that this was REAL, and others were experiencing what I was. That might be worth a try for you. Have your loved ones read some posts on here. I don't believe it's compromising confidentiality, as this is an open forum.

I can totally relate to the feeling of just wanting my life back. It CAN HAPPEN. It WILL happen, just hang on. I was at points too, during my withdrawal, where I didn't feel I could take one more minute. I hung on this computer like a clinging vine. It helped tremendously. You are in a very bad spot, right in the thick of the withdrawals, but I promise you, they DO LET UP.

Hang in there, hon, it will pass. Do whatever you have to do, besides hurting yourself in any way, to get through it.

Hugs,
CathyH

[Juls McCools]

I am also BP and wondered why the doctor prescribed Cymbalta at all -- it was as if she ignored the warnings. It did seem like I was more manic on the drug and had more panic attacks. I've been off for a little over 2 weeks now and this last week have felt pretty depressed. But, off the drug I'm having no anxiety and no stomach pain. I'm not sure what good the drug did for me if I am right back where I was before I started taking it almost a year go. What is really getting to me now is these sweaty hot flashes and then cold chills. The best I can do is take on small tasks, get a little exercise, stay present and wait. As far as the angy and crying jags, I am embracing it because I'm relieved to be feeling something again.

Juls McCools