201 replies to this topic

[perrypool]

Perry,

Sorry I had to drop out of this forum for so long..... BUT I have been following your posts.... they were the only logical reading during the "spam wars" here these past several months. I've also been busy with the other Forum.... thus my lack of posting here. (still SPAM FREE by the way...... it's dayly work to keep it that way)

YOU, my friend, have been doing GREAT! even though you didn't see it on your bad days, the whole process you have been gaining and not losing ground and you have always kept your positive resolve to beat this thing........ YOU HAVE beat it.... Even when you have a bad day or part day you bounce right back the next and that is something to be very proud of. I'm proud of You, we all are proud of You, and You should be proud of YOU too!


Keep your positive outlook and your wit..... they will get You to the happy place we all wish for!

As always, Best of health to You,

Peace man!
Greybeard

Dear Greybeard,

Thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement. I'm sorry that I don't post very often on your forum site but sometimes it takes all that I have just to post here. I'm sure you understand what I mean. I do tell people to check out your website whenever I reply to a private message and sometimes I put your addy right in my post.You are doing great work and it is always good to hear from you.

I'm doing my best to be proud of myself... guess I'm not a patient person cause I feel I should be further along. My very best friend( who is an alcoholic that has been sober for over a year now) tells me that I have to remember I have only been off the antidepressants for 2 and a half months after being on them for over 20 years. She keeps telling me that I'm doing great and that I will get better with time. I'm just hard headed...LOL... sometimes things take a while to sink in. Hearing you say that I'm doing great really means a lot to me. I hope you are doing good too! Please keep doing what you do so well. You help more people than you know and we are blessed to have you on these forums. In return, I promise to continue to do my best to gain back my life!

Sincerely,

Perry

[perrypool]

Day 117, 118, and 119: 73rd, 74th, and 75th day off of Cymbalta. After having two great days in a row day 117 was not as good. But on the bright side, it wasn’t as bad as some of my earlier days off Cymbalta were and that’s a good thing! I just felt tired and kinda out of it… really hard to explain… felt like I was just going thru the motions.

Sunday, day 118, found me wanting to do nothing except lay on the couch and watch football… so that’s what I did. My mind kept reminiscing about a job I had over 25years ago. I was thinking about the people I worked with and about how I felt at that time in my life. I have many regrets about some of the things I did and about how I reacted to things that happened there. It was one of several jobs I left because of my anxiety and panic disorder. At the time, I had no idea that’s what I had. I just knew I didn’t feel right. It was a job that I could have built a career out of. I find myself wanting to be back in that time of my life. Maybe I’m missing my youth. Maybe I want to go back and correct some things. I really don’t know. All I know was that my mind kept rehashing those memories. I’m hoping these thoughts are just part of the healing process. I found it hard to sleep and when I finally did I woke up with a panic attack about an hour later. It’s been a very, very long time since that last happened. Thankfully I was able to fall back to sleep pretty quickly. I didn’t sleep well but at least I slept.

Today, I’m feeling pretty tired as you might imagine. My nerves are raw and I’m very tense. I’m having to keep an eye on my temper cause I feel like I could loose it at any moment. As I have said before, I need to relearn how to live with my emotions without the mind numbing drugs. That is now the task ahead of me. I’m having a rough time just trying to gather my thoughts to write this. I think I’ll stop for today. I’ll be back to post again. I’m betting that I’ll be feeling much better when I do. Gotta stay positive. One step at a time.

Perry

[perrypool]

Day 120 and 121: 76th and 77th day off Cymbalta. The last two days have been pretty rough for me. The weather here as been downright dreary, cloudy and rainy. Last night I had another panic attack. I think it may have been brought on by being hungry. While I was on the anti-depressants my attacks were few and far in between. Hoping I’m just having some bad days and not a return to frequent attacks. Winter never has been a good time for me and not having the sedative effect of the meds is not helping. I just have to hang in there till things change. I know better times are ahead. I have started listening to my positive affirmation cd’s again so that should help. I’m not sorry I quit my meds. I just wish I could string together a bunch of good days.

Perry

[perrypool]

Perry:

I am always so impressed how well you are adjusting to your "new" and "renewed" life! You make sure you do all the great things to continue success! I love your posts.

Your friend! Houdi

Hi Houdi, Thanks again for your words of inspiration. You told me once that eventually my bad days would not be as bad as they once were... and you were right! I think slowly but surely I'm getting better. Thanks for always being there for me! If I don't talk to you before then, I hope you and yours have a very merry and blessed Christmas.

Perry

[perrypool]

Day 122 and 123: 78th and 79th day off Cymbalta. I’ve felt better these past two days! The sun finally came back out again and that definitely helps. Both yesterday and today I took a one mile walk. I think the exercise helped lift my spirits too. I still don’t feel 100% but then again I’ve been on meds for so long I really don’t know how I’m supposed to feel. I do know that it feels good to be able to feel again! I might not be where I want to be but I’m working hard to get there… and get there I will! I’ve gone thru too much hell to turn back now!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

[perrypool]

Day 124,125,126, and127: 80th, 81st, 82nd, and 83rd day off Cymbalta. Last few days have been ok, some days up some days down. I think the cloudy, gloomy winter weather has had some affect on my mood. I did however go to the mall Sunday to Christmas shop. It was the first time I have traveled out of the house and drove all by myself in a very long time. I did have a very short panic attack (the reason I was taking Cymbalta) while in a book store, but as I headed toward the front of the store it passed. I think the positive self talk I did when I felt it coming on help to dispose of it quickly. Instead of leaving I stayed in the store till I calmed down and then ventured back out into the mall. I’m really proud of the way I handled that.

I’m not in the best of moods today. I didn’t sleep well last night and I’m kinda depressed. Like a lot of folks my financial situation has added a lot of stress to the holidays and this year I don’t have the meds to mellow me out. It’s these types of feelings I need to start learning how to deal with and I plan on doing just that as soon as the holidays pass. I’ve decided that once I get to day 100 with no Cymbalta I will no longer post on this thread. Not only do I need to move on with my recovery but since I am no longer experiencing classic withdrawal symptoms such as brain zaps and crying spells, I don’t want my post here to discourage others that might be considering getting off of the Cymbalta. Its important that people know that at a certain point you will be free of this drug and you can then work on the issues that may have caused you to take it in the first place. This is the point I feel I’m at now. I do plan to still post here to encourage others and I will probably start posting in the anxiety, panic attack and agoraphobia sections of some of the forums where I post this thread currently.

Things are going to be a little hectic around here the next few days so I might not post again until after Christmas. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas holiday!

Sincerely,

Perry

MERRY CHRISTMAS !

[nossri4me]

Perry,
Looks like you are just about full circle now. You are exactly right- it's a whole other issue to deal with the symptoms and situations that put us on Cymbalta. No more dulling or apathy that comes with the drug. I am glad to read about your brave journey and you should know that you have been of great reassurance to me in mine.If I may offer any comfort, might I say you are exactly on track on and I admire your courage in taking on what remains ahead for those of us who have decided not to rely on this drug any longer. I wish you the very best.
N.

[perrypool]

Hiya Houdi,

Your words are always uplifting! You really have a knack for making people feel better about themselves. I know there were many times when your words of wisdom helped me make it thru the day. I've read many of your replies to others here and I'm sure they found you as helpful as I do. We are truely blessed to have you here! Thank you again for making my journey a lot less painful.


I hope you had a great Christmas and I hope 2009 is a wonderful year for you and your family!


Perry

Perry:

As the old commercial jingle goes, "You've come a long way baby."

You sound very "healthy" and the issues you are facing are real and manageable, if you choose to manage them....as we all know you have. The anxiety of financial issues can feel overwhelming for anyone. But, you will bring about real change/improvement as you make decisions that will affect you positively. Not a quick fix by any means, but a long term REAL fix for you.

You know, Cymbalta made some of us, maybe not you, but some of us feel it was ok to spend money we didn't have. It made us feel we wanted and needed things we didn't need. And it made the piling load of bills feel ok? So, there are lots of us out there that are facing the world without Cymbalta but with financial isssues to deal with and the every day worry and fret until that is fixed. But, the world without Cymbalta is a really great place, so just have to stay the financial course and make that ok too. Just as we had to get through the physical withdrawal from Cymbalta.

You are a great Ambassador for long term withdrawal, step down program from the hell we know as Cymbalta. I'm happy to hear that you will supporting other forum members in their quest to find their own way, via their own path, in their own timeframe. We've all done it here. Hopefully, we will be able to draw support from each other when we need it, for whatever comes our way, and then we won't have to rely on psych drugs. Though, some may need to return to medication for assistance through this life. That's ok too. It isn't shameful to need medication or help.

So, the story goes, we all need our friends, from this forum, from our neighborhoods, from work ???? and we need support and someone to listen. Not all things can be fixed in an instant and the journey is as fulfilling as the the destination in the long run.

I wish all of my "friends" here a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, a good winter and a fine 2009! And Perry, you are a treasure!

Your friend...Houdi

[perrypool]

Hi noss...

There are days, many days actually, when my question is " Shouldn't I feel much better than I do at this point?" I know that you and I share some of the same anxiety issues so when I hear you say I am exactly on track that makes me feel fantastic! You have been off Cymbalta about two to three weeks longer than I have, I think, so that makes your statement even more reassuring. Thank you for being so helpful and encouraging! I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season and may the new year bring us both the serenity that we seek.

Perry



quote="nossri4me"]Perry,
Looks like you are just about full circle now. You are exactly right- it's a whole other issue to deal with the symptoms and situations that put us on Cymbalta. No more dulling or apathy that comes with the drug. I am glad to read about your brave journey and you should know that you have been of great reassurance to me in mine.If I may offer any comfort, might I say you are exactly on track on and I admire your courage in taking on what remains ahead for those of us who have decided not to rely on this drug any longer. I wish you the very best.
N.[/quote]

[perrypool]

Day 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, and 133: 84th, 85th, 86th, 87th, 88th, and 89th day off Cymbalta. Whew! It’s been a few days since my last post! Let’s see if I can give you a quick recap and get back up to date.

On the day of my last post, the 83rd day off of Cymbalta, I was having a very bad evening… was feeling very anxious. I fought the feelings for a while then finally decided to take on of my Xanaxs. It was the first time I took an extra one (I take on in the morning and one at bedtime) since I had come off the Cymbalta. At first I beat myself up over having to take it but quickly realized that I have been doing a great job so it was ok that I needed a little help during this stressful time. I’m only human!

Christmas Day was a real test. It was my first Christmas in over twenty years without the mind numbing affects of an antidepressant! With a house full of people and screaming kids I had a few moments when I thought I would go over the edge but I didn’t. I must admit that some eggnog daiquiri had a hand in me retaining my sanity! I’m learning that it’s ok and normal to feel stress at times. Everyone experiences stress. The sensations that most people feel when stressed may feel even more heightened to us that are used to chemically enhanced brains. I just have to get use to feeling it without the meds and I don’t intend to use alcohol as a substitute either.

Since Christmas I’ve had some ups and downs but I feel I’m making steady progress all be it slow at times. The sun finally came out today after several days of clouds so that helps. I have noticed that lately I’m hungry all the time and the pounds are really starting to pile on. Looks like diet and exercise will be on my New Year’s agenda! I’m still having nighttime leg pain and bad dreams but I’m hoping that exercise will help with that as well. Hope everyone had a great Christmas and is having a wonderful holiday season.

Perry

[nossri4me]

Perry-
Funny, I try to hold off on the Xanax too. My anxiety is generally worse at night when I am not focused on work and have more time on my hands to chronically worry. Some days I really need it, some days I am ok. I never take Xanax at work because it makes me tired though, so that rules out weekdays.. I have tried to keep to exercise (easier said than done as I am basically lazy) and routine to help manage it and that does help. Coping with anxiety means stringing together a bunch of tricks to hold it off and keep it at a minimum. It takes way more energy than taking a pill but I have no regrets. I sympathize with you because I have had panic attacks many years ago and understand what they are like too. So I hope you are able to find ways to cope and get through anxiety and irritability. Also, I finally met my new psychiatrist and told her about just using Xanax as needed. She was ok with it- I was waiting for a lecture. Instead she said that staying on an antidepressant did not guarantee you would never have a depressive episode. As far as anxiety, her feeling was if the Xanax works, take it. I am allowed one 1mg pill a day that I dont always use. I wish I did not have this problem but I guess in the scheme of things I could do much worse. Anyway Perry, I am glad you are doing ok. And I think it is not such a big deal if you need an extra Xanax to help you so dont punish yourself. Sometimes we are out harshest critics.
N

[perrypool]

Perry-
Funny, I try to hold off on the Xanax too. My anxiety is generally worse at night when I am not focused on work and have more time on my hands to chronically worry. Some days I really need it, some days I am ok. I never take Xanax at work because it makes me tired though, so that rules out weekdays.. I have tried to keep to exercise (easier said than done as I am basically lazy) and routine to help manage it and that does help. Coping with anxiety means stringing together a bunch of tricks to hold it off and keep it at a minimum. It takes way more energy than taking a pill but I have no regrets. I sympathize with you because I have had panic attacks many years ago and understand what they are like too. So I hope you are able to find ways to cope and get through anxiety and irritability. Also, I finally met my new psychiatrist and told her about just using Xanax as needed. She was ok with it- I was waiting for a lecture. Instead she said that staying on an antidepressant did not guarantee you would never have a depressive episode. As far as anxiety, her feeling was if the Xanax works, take it. I am allowed one 1mg pill a day that I dont always use. I wish I did not have this problem but I guess in the scheme of things I could do much worse. Anyway Perry, I am glad you are doing ok. And I think it is not such a big deal if you need an extra Xanax to help you so dont punish yourself. Sometimes we are out harshest critics.
N

Hi noss,

We have so much in common. My anxiety is usually worse at night also, however the past few days its been bad all day. Too much time on my hands is one of my problems. I've been spending to much time watching tv and playing online poker when I should be listening to my relaxation and affirmation cds. After the holidays pass I plan to do just that. And I really need to hit the treadmill again, need to burn off some excess energy and pounds. I've really added a few since coming off the Cymbalta. My hope is to overcome some of this anxiety so I can rejoin the human race. It would be nice to have a job again. My agoraphobia has limited my ability to work. A lot of places are not willing to hire someone on meds that sometimes may have trouble getting to work. I can understand their thinking. When I asked my therapist what she thought would happen if I got off the Cymbalta, her answer was, "I think your anxiety and panic will return." Not exactly the answer I was looking for and not a good answer considering how people with panic disorder tend to have very suggestive minds. I'm having good days and bad but then again I had good days and bad when I was on the Cymbalta. I totally agree with you when you say that it takes a string of tricks to hold off the anxiety. I had started to rely too much on the antidepressants and got away from doing things like exercise, meditation and positive self talk to get me thru the day. Now that Xanax is my only med, I really need to get back to those things. You sound like you are dong really well without the Cymbalta and I am very happy for you. I know you dont miss the side effects. Keep up the good work! I hope the new year brings you continued success. Have a Happy New Year Noss. I'll talk to you next year!

Perry

[perrypool]

Day 134 and 135: 90th and 91st day off Cymbalta. There were times when I didn’t know if I would make it to the 90 day mark but here I am!!! I’m very proud of myself! Along the way I’ve met some wonderful people who helped and encouraged me. I know my journey would have been a lot harder without these internet angels. I can’t find the words to thank you enough!!!

So I’m wrapping this year up free from Cymbalta. I never thought the year would end like this but I’m glad it did! I hope we all have many more successes in 2009! Happy New Year everyone! See ya next year!

Perry

[nossri4me]

Happy New Year Perry,
You are so right about what the power of suggestion does to an anxiety patient. Tell me I will have problems and either I will or I will worry myself sick about it. I wanted to tell you that my all time favorite doctor suggested that the best thing an anxiety patient could do was learn Zen. I am between two major cities and there are classes...but I never could afford it. Realistically, exercise and a planned daily routine helps me. As far as weight gain: I am an emotional eater, I eat when I'm stressed. The only time I have beaten that habit is when I exercised daily (walking briskly for 45 mins to an hour) and kept the carb laden snacks out of the house. I have found planning for snack attacks with those Dannon 60 calorie yogurts, the 100 calorie Jello chocolate puddings, flavored decaf coffee, anything that is relatively low calorieand makes me feel full is a help. If I neglect this- I have woken up with an empty bag of crackers, cookies, whatever on the side me like an alcoholic with a bottle! Also, I KNOW when my Xanax starts to kick in I want to eat. Not sure why but I know I am especially vulnerable then. There truly is no perfect drug is there?
So- I need to get to the supper dishes and then the treadmill. I wish I could walk outside but I believe that I am far north of you and I hate the cold weather with a passion. Yesterday it was two degrees. And it felt even colder. Perry, try to plan a bit on starting some light exercise every day and what tactics get rid of the panic and bad anxiety. Many do not understand anxiety or agoraphobia. I am lucky I do not struggle with getting out of the house. I do understand whats its like to be at work and try to deal with others when I am in an awful irritable mood or highly anxious inside. (I avoid people (I'm sure they notice) or pretend I'm in a good mood.(It sucks! I just want them to shut up and go away. Aren't I awful? LOL!) Two faces have I, I believe that's from a Springsteen song. Well, time to get something done around here. Take care!
Nossri4me

[perrypool]

Happy New Year Perry,
You are so right about what the power of suggestion does to an anxiety patient. Tell me I will have problems and either I will or I will worry myself sick about it. I wanted to tell you that my all time favorite doctor suggested that the best thing an anxiety patient could do was learn Zen. I am between two major cities and there are classes...but I never could afford it. Realistically, exercise and a planned daily routine helps me. As far as weight gain: I am an emotional eater, I eat when I'm stressed. The only time I have beaten that habit is when I exercised daily (walking briskly for 45 mins to an hour) and kept the carb laden snacks out of the house. I have found planning for snack attacks with those Dannon 60 calorie yogurts, the 100 calorie Jello chocolate puddings, flavored decaf coffee, anything that is relatively low calorieand makes me feel full is a help. If I neglect this- I have woken up with an empty bag of crackers, cookies, whatever on the side me like an alcoholic with a bottle! Also, I KNOW when my Xanax starts to kick in I want to eat. Not sure why but I know I am especially vulnerable then. There truly is no perfect drug is there?
So- I need to get to the supper dishes and then the treadmill. I wish I could walk outside but I believe that I am far north of you and I hate the cold weather with a passion. Yesterday it was two degrees. And it felt even colder. Perry, try to plan a bit on starting some light exercise every day and what tactics get rid of the panic and bad anxiety. Many do not understand anxiety or agoraphobia. I am lucky I do not struggle with getting out of the house. I do understand whats its like to be at work and try to deal with others when I am in an awful irritable mood or highly anxious inside. (I avoid people (I'm sure they notice) or pretend I'm in a good mood.(It sucks! I just want them to shut up and go away. Aren't I awful? LOL!) Two faces have I, I believe that's from a Springsteen song. Well, time to get something done around here. Take care!
Nossri4me

Hi Noss....

Hope your New year is going well. I also have found that a planned daily routine has helped me in the past. I find that when my life has structure I feel much better. Thats part of the problem I'm having right now. Since I no longer have a job, I have no real schedule that I must keep so I have too much down time which gives my mind time to quell on my problems, anxieties and depression.And now that I'm off the anti-depressants my thoughts run wild so I really feel like a scatter brain! Hopefully thats all about to change starting today. If all goes as planned I will be resuming my daily treadmill exercise, something that I stopped doing too many months ago. I will also start working on a "Conquer Anxiety Program" that I also quit doing many months ago. I was feeling so much better when I was doing these things before but some how I got away from them and was relying solely on my meds. Now that the only med I take is Xanax I think I need them more than ever.

Thanks for the food suggestions. I eat yogart with my breakfast but forgot that it does make a great snack during the day. And I love Jello pudding! I'll have to put that on the grocery list! I also find that the Kashi brand granola bars help fight the hunger. They are high in protein and low in sugar. I give them two thumbs up!

I hope we both make positive progress with our anxiety issues this year. By the way, do you find your anxiety is worse in the winter? I know mine is. In fact it acts up everytime the seasons change. I know that I have Seasonal Affective Disorder and it seems worse this year now that i'm off the meds. Well I'm off to post now...take care noss.

Perry

P

[perrypool]

Day 136, 137, 138, 139 and 140: 92nd, 93rd, 94th, 95th and 96th day off Cymbalta. Hi everyone. For the past few days my anxiety has really been acting up but it has nothing to do with me not taking Cymbalta. I had anxiety before I started taking Cymbalta so it only makes sense that I would have it after discontinuing it. Remember I was on Cymbalta and various other anti-depressants before that for anxiety and panic disorder along with some depression. I was naïve in thinking that I would feel better once I got off the drug. Don’t get me wrong, I do feel better in some regards. At least I CAN FEEL now instead of living in a haze. What I failed to do was to plan for and start working on things that would help me feel better once I quit the Cymbalta. So starting today I will begin to do things I did in the past,( such as exercise, relaxation and affirmation cd’s and a program designed to conquer anxiety) that helped me to deal with my anxiety and depression issues Let my error be a lesson to you. You can wean off Cymbalta, but you should have a plan of action on how to deal with the issue that made you start taking it in the first place. I think if I had started doing these things sooner, I may feel better than I do right now. Then again, maybe I had to get to this stage of my withdrawal to feel well enough to do these things. Whatever the case may be, I know that I don’t want to go back to the meds unless all else fails. I’ve come too far to turn back now!

Plan ahead, believe in yourself and take it day by day is my advice! I wish you all the best!

Perry

[nossri4me]

Hi Perry,
I have a tendency to be more depressed and anxious in the winter and I believe that is for two reasons: One I get outdoors much less as I hate the cold- walking on a basement treadmill is definitely not the same. Working out in a dank basement is just not the same as being in the sun. Two, although I am not clinically depressed my mood gets low after many days of dark and cold and I begin to feel kind of trapped and the anxiety increases along with it. Not sure if that makes any sense but that's how I can explain it.
That was a nice warning you wrote to others about preparing to cope with anxiety. What burns me is how lazy the practice of psychiatry and therapy has gotten...its all about taking a pill and no helping people learn skills to cope with what they can. Any hey, quit being so hard on yourself. You'll be okay and if in the end you absolutely need another med, well, so be it. I am certainly not encouraging this but only you can evaluate your quality of life once you have done every thing you can to be off them. Well there's my two cents for today. Take care and be well.
Nossri4me

[perrypool]

Hi Perry,
I have a tendency to be more depressed and anxious in the winter and I believe that is for two reasons: One I get outdoors much less as I hate the cold- walking on a basement treadmill is definitely not the same. Working out in a dank basement is just not the same as being in the sun. Two, although I am not clinically depressed my mood gets low after many days of dark and cold and I begin to feel kind of trapped and the anxiety increases along with it. Not sure if that makes any sense but that's how I can explain it.
That was a nice warning you wrote to others about preparing to cope with anxiety. What burns me is how lazy the practice of psychiatry and therapy has gotten...its all about taking a pill and no helping people learn skills to cope with what they can. Any hey, quit being so hard on yourself. You'll be okay and if in the end you absolutely need another med, well, so be it. I am certainly not encouraging this but only you can evaluate your quality of life once you have done every thing you can to be off them. Well there's my two cents for today. Take care and be well.
Nossri4me

Hi noss,
Thanks for writing. Sorry it took me so long to reply. I totally understand what you mean about feeling trapped. Cloudy winter days make me feel as if my world has gotten smaller... like all that exist is my anxious inner thoughts. Then on sunny clear days it feels like the skys the limit, no pun intended. Overall , winter sucks for me. I can't wait for spring! Luckily my treadmill is next to a window. Maybe you need to get yours out of that basement! I've only been using mine for a few days now and thankfully I allready feel better. Hope you are doing well too noss. Bye for now...

Perry

[perrypool]

Perry:

Is tomorrow day 100 off Cymbalta for you? I've been watching and waiting.... It's like the Times Square ball dropping on New Year's Eve. And you are just as beautiful!

I can't stand this forum being hit with all this spam. I'm trying to provide more support at http://www.cymbaltasurvivors.com now. This spam issue is just so frustrating to people looking for help and those of us trying to support them. I wish the forum administrator would do something to get this junk off the forum. Phew, didn't know all that would come out!

Hi Houdi,

Thats so sweet that you have been counting the days down! Yes.... today is day 100! I have to say, you were right all along. You said that I would begin to feel better and each day I have. Sometimes its hard to see a diiference from day to day but when you look back week to week you can definitely see the change. I'm sure you are much more beautiful than I am, but I am starting to like myself again. Guess thats another sign that I'm feeling better.

I agree with you about the spam. It's discouraging cause I really like the layout and functionality of this site. I also go to cymbaltasurvivors.com. GreyBeard does a great job with that site! I didn't post my journey off Cymbalta there because I signed up after I had allready began posting it here. I also post on depressionforums.org under the Cymbalta column. They have many topics there and I think its another great site!

Houdi, thanks again for always being there for me! I'm sure our paths will cross again on the forums. I read alot of the things you post to others and you really do a great job helping and encouraging them. Please keep up the good worK. You are a godsend! Talk to you soon,

Perry

[perrypool]

Day 141, 142, 143, and144: 97th, 98th, 99th, and 100th day off Cymbalta. Well here it is….100 DAYS OFF CYMBALTA!!! I must honestly say there were many times that I thought I would never make it. But I did!!! It almost feels like a dream! As I stated before, I will no longer post on this thread (unless it is to reply to someone) because I don’t think Cymbalta or the lack of it is affecting how I feel now and its time I move on to post about my other issues such as anxiety and agoraphobia. I truly believe that I am feeling better everyday and will continue to do so. Again, I want to sincerely thank everyone who helped and encouraged me along the way. I could not have made this journey without you.

If you are reading this and are considering weaning off your Cymbalta or you are already doing so here are some things I learned that may help you:

1. Consult your doctor before you change anything related to your medicine.
2. Plan ahead on how you will take care of the issue that caused you to begin taking Cymbalta in the first place.
3. Weaning is a process that takes time so take it slowly. Try to remain focused on the moment, not on the end result.
4. Everyone reacts differently to Cymbalta withdrawals so don’t judge yourself to how others have done or are doing.
5. Eat when your hungry, rest when you’re tired, cry when you feel like it!
6. It’s ok to lie around and do absolutely nothing if that’s what it takes to make it thru the day.
7. Look into the benefits of Omega-3 tablets. Many, including myself, have found it helpful.
8. Drink plenty of water. It will help cleanse your system.
9. Read the forums. You will find plenty good info there.
10. By all means… POST to the forums. The love, knowledge and support you will find there will be immeasurable!

I hope that you have learned as much from my post as I have from yours! I wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year!

Sincerely,
Perry

P.S. Perry has left the building.
(11. If possible… Try to maintain a sense of humor. It really does help!)

[Yoursewsweet]

Perrypool,
Your words are very comforting and it really feels good to have hope. I am on my 7rh day after a 5 week weaning process. I feel all the different things people are saying but I think the most scary part is am I going to be able stAy off of Cymbalta completely. Im checking how I feel every minute of he day. I have to keep reminding myself to take each day as it comes. I really do appreciate your words of wisdom.
Shana

[snowdrops]

hello, its snowdops. just wanted to let you know im on cold turkey from cymbalta (60mg two years...day 28. ) I have mad fatty food cravings,,,,which i never really had before and am experiencing the anger bursts...which not that plesent. Very confusing because that is so not me....anymore ...two years ago stress could make me freak. on the cymbalta id look back at it and think,,,,i did, said that? what was i thinking. Hope it not a stress think. just wnted to let you know your not alone on that one. lol