8 replies to this topic

[LowMo]

Yes, I am afraid you have read this correctly. Perhaps if you are attempting to get off of Cymbalta you should not read this.
First of all I apologize for not getting back on here sooner. I am shocked at the number of people writing in saying how horribly they are feeling.

I "weened off" of Cymbalta in February. I continue to have a headache, ear ringing and IBS that started during that process. Until about 3 years ago (when I started the cymbalta) I had maybe had 3 headaches in my whole life- for the past 7 months I have had one everyday of my life. You know that feeling you get the morning after a realllly good but realllly loud concert? Every day after noonish I get that too. My intestines are a mess, and I have tried every kind of diet to make them better.

I am sorry if I am a Debbie Downer here- but I am crying for help- please- does anyone out there experience any of the same symptoms as I this far after the process?

I know that all the countless doctors I have seen in the past 7 months think I am either making up the pain, or that I am complaining too much. They tell me this has nothing to do with going off of Cymbalta, that that is all a coincidence. I know in my heart that this is the cymbalta- that I have been poisoned. I have had A LOT of nasty tests done on my lower GI, countless blood draws and tried a ton of things for my headaches. My next step is getting an MRI for the headaches- but I wonder if any of this will really end. . .

Can anyone relate???

MOlly- 7 months. . . free?

[LowMo]

Thank you greybeard for your understanding and insight. I suppose right now I know I just need to have patience- but it is very hard sometimes.

I have been reading lots about all the posters who have been enduring a similar hell as I did not long ago as they end their dependence on this poison.

[Momoftwo]

Hello. I just wanted to let you know that the first time I weaned off of Cymbalta....it caused horrible IBS! I was nine weeks out and it was going strong. I had intestinal pain EVERY DAY and diarrhea up to 12 times a day. Needless to say, I was a wreck. The doctors assured me that it wasn't Cymbalta--of course I thought I had cancer or crohn's disease or something worse. I also have had every test known to man on my intestines---all coming back normal. The GI doc must of thought I was a nut job. Basically my GP told me it was my body's way of saying it wasn't ready to come off of Cymbalta. Because I was stupid and believed her, I let her talk me back into going on it. So, I am back on 20mg a day, and surprise...the IBS is completely gone. I am now working with a psych doctor. He is familiar with Cymbalta withdrawal. For the past six weeks, he has been ramping me up on purified Omega 3's. He also did a bunch of bloodwork to check things like B12 levels, etc... When I see him next week, he is going to decide what vitamin complex to add. He also put me on a high protein (he said do not eliminate carbs) diet. He said to eat whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies, and lots of protein to help heal the cells of the body. This is all in preparation for getting off of Cymbalta again. Have you filled out an adverse drug reaction form with the FDA? I hope you feel better soon. Have you tried some of the nutritional changes? My doc also suggested eating 6 small meals a day. He said to use high protein bars or shakes for AM and afternoon snacks. Evidently your body goes into total stress response once you get hungry. Good luck and let us know how you are feeling. I have my next appt. on Tuesday and am hoping this will be the one when he gets rid of the Cymbalta.

Kathy

[Momoftwo]

GB--I will definitely ask him if he has any recommendations. The p-doc I am seeing is very holistic in nature. Please keep your fingers crossed he can get me off of this nasty junk!

Molly---One other thing....the p-doc said majority of your serotonin is actually in your gut and that an imbalance can certainly affect IBS, etc... especially if your body experiences a sudden shock (i.e. too fast of wean). Let us know how you are feeling.

Kathy

[sumer]

Molly & Greybread,

I think that it is possible to have continuous problems for some up to a year after the fact. now, this is coming from my Neurologist and not me. I, unfortunately, had one of the worst cases (still living) of adverse side effects and withdrawals from Cymbalta. I had similar symptoms like you Molly until week 4 and now it is periodic . Now, I must point out that is only because I have seizure activity in my brain so I am monitor and on the lowest dose of Topamax (25 mg). I now only have migraines 2 times a week. During my 2 month withdrawal it was everyday (I have NO history of headaches or migraines until then). I was originally placed on Cymbalta to help "prevent or delay my inner ear disease from taking my hearing". Sorta sad...but not really because I lived to tell my story. I may have to finger my story in the future (while I finger Eli Lilly) but these "withdrawals" vary from person to person. You may need a good Neurologist. Your symptoms may fade tomorrow. Diet....mild exercise, quiet and watch out for over the counter pain killers (aspirin,aleve....) well, Greybread can tell you about this! You may need extra help....and what other meds or over the counter meds are you on?

Blessings ----- and JOY )) sumer

[iliao93]

Sorry Molly & Sumer that you have to be here but glad for me that you have posted your intestinal pain experiences! I am on the last week of my final taper and my GI pain has been non-stop. I have been getting slight relief with Gas X as I am so bloated I can hardly breathe at times. No running to the bathroom tho...don't know if that is a bad or good thing. With the gas I'm afraid to try extra fiber and even tho I am not hunger I am trying to eat small and often. I have had IBS almost all my life but never anything like this. Thanks for your postings, at least I know it's probably the C kicking this up.
Be Well,
Bobbie

[LowMo]

Sorry Molly & Sumer that you have to be here but glad for me that you have posted your intestinal pain experiences! I am on the last week of my final taper and my GI pain has been non-stop. I have been getting slight relief with Gas X as I am so bloated I can hardly breathe at times. No running to the bathroom tho...don't know if that is a bad or good thing. With the gas I'm afraid to try extra fiber and even tho I am not hunger I am trying to eat small and often. I have had IBS almost all my life but never anything like this. Thanks for your postings, at least I know it's probably the C kicking this up.
Be Well,
Bobbie

Bobbie-

I was diagnosed with IBS when I was on a different anti-depressant (I guess I never thought that those two things could be linked) but when I went on Cymbalta is when it started to be more persistant and bothersome. Then, as I weened off of the Cymbalta it got horrible. I have constipation issues as well, and I was told this could have been the Cymbalta (not by a doctor of course).

It is almost funny (almost) that for the first time in over ten years that I feel mentally healthy, my physical health is a mess.
P.S.- I hate headaches- at this point I will do anything to make them stop, though I have become so much more tolerant of people who have migraines, or who are in constant pain. If it weren't for ambien I dont think I would get any sleep at all.

Does anyone know if you can just make an appointment with a neurologist, or do you have to be reffered?

Bobbie and everyone else, my thoughts and prayers are with you- know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
You know I was thinking, we should all get together to have one big complain fest- the problem is, none of us would feel like it. : (

[Momoftwo]

Hello...In regards to seeing a neurologist....I think whether or not you need a referral depends on your insurance. Even if you need a referral, it should be no problem getting with all the headaches you have been having. I really hope you feel better soon. Keep us posted.

In terms of your IBS...how are you managing your symptoms now that you are off of the Cymbalta?

[LowMo]

Hello...In regards to seeing a neurologist....I think whether or not you need a referral depends on your insurance. Even if you need a referral, it should be no problem getting with all the headaches you have been having. I really hope you feel better soon. Keep us posted.

In terms of your IBS...how are you managing your symptoms now that you are off of the Cymbalta?

Not as well as I would like to be! I had tried some different medications for the IBS, none of which took very well with the exception of Zelnorm, which unfortuately is no longer being perscribed in the US.

So, I am trying to eat non-controversial food (thinking mainly fruites, veggies, breads, and bland stuff) I am trying to exercise, though with my crazy schedule that does not happen much, And, my favorite one, I am trying to reduce or eliminate stress in my life- ha! They need to come live a day in my world!

I take about 2 tables spoons of milk of magnesia before I go to bed, I think this increases the gas a little, but I am able togo more often.

I find that after I eat my intestines hurt more, but my headaches feel a little better.