26 replies to this topic

[nossri4me]

After three years on Cymbalta 60mg to treat depression and GAD, I found myself needing to take Xanax 1mg to unwind at bedtime more nights than not. I mentioned this to my new prescriber who instantly suggested that I up my dose to 90mg ..."let's get rid of that anxiety and the need for Xanax! This should work really well for you! Bye now!" I was marched off with 30 mg samples to start taking immediately with my 60mg pills.

As soon as I went up to 90mg I got crushing headaches daily for two weeks. Now I previously had not linked the headaches I got randomly up to three times a week to Cymbalta..... but this gave me something to think about. Could there be a link?

Anyway: I began to contemplate that I have been putting very powerful drugs in my system (SSRI's) for ten years now...and do I really need them? Whats wrong with a Xanax a day for a chronic worrier like me? Is that really so bad? I think not. Never mind the articles I found online about placebos being as helpful as the SSRI in half of all cases studied. That the big drug companies want our docs to keep feeding us meds no matter what. Now dont get me wrong- this medication did help me with a serious depressive episode. But do I need it forever?

So I quit. I could not take the headaches. No titration, I just stopped taking Cymbalta.
Here's a rundown of my withdrawal symptoms. They lasted about eight days and then eased off significantly:
-feeling very spacey and disoriented
-inability to concentrate
-fatigue: and I mean no energy the first few days
-muscle aches: like you would have during the flu
-early morning awakening and not being able to get back to sleep: I woke up around 3am..I usually sleep thru to 5am when the alarm goes off
-those freaky brain zaps: randomly up to five a day
-vivid nightmares: I almost never have nightmares but I did during this withdrawal for three or four nights straight.
-dizziness on and off throughout the day:a woozey, dizzy disoriented feeling, expect lots of this one
-irritabilty: expect to be crabby and argumentive. Just getting to bed and resting at the end of the day is the best way to go. Explain to your family you simply don't feel so hot and this is not a good time to stress you out out with any major drama.

Talk about gaining some respect for how powerful this drug is! But my headaches are gone! And I feel back to normal now. My only other med is Xanax and it works nicely when I use it.

I have gone off SSRI's once before and unfortunately had my depression return after less than a year. However, I found a new psychiatrist who I will see in December. I had recently been switched twice to new providers (nurse practicioners) after my psychiatrist of ten years moved away. He was a master at med management and he helped me out of severe depressions twice. I am not impressed at how readily this latest NP wanted to up my medication and scoot me out of the office.

So that's what happened to me. I wanted to post this here as when I was withdrawing I looked all over the internet and found this site the most helpful. It seemed that some of the withdrawal stories I read about elsewhere were pretty overblown, but again, what do I know. I was able to tough it out and go to work everyday through this but I have a desk job. Not sure I could have done heavy physical work thru this. Just mowing the lawn was a major effort.

In the end: I survived. I'll stay in treatment. I pray I don't get seriously depressed again. I will work on my anxiety with healthly diet, exercise and other underrated activites that help one cope. (Owning an affectionate dog has been a big help, don't laugh).

Just wanted to let you know my story. If you want to come off this drug, it is possible and manageable. Well, it was pretty miserable. But you'll be ok.

[perrypool]

Dear Nossri4me,

Thanks for sharing your story. Knowing that you had some of the same withdrawal symptoms I am experiencing is reassuring. I too plan only to take Xanax when I am completly off the Cymbalta. I wish you continued success and please keep us updated on your progress.

Perry

[nossri4me]

Perry-
Just read your posts. We are the same age! Old! (kidding) I agree with much of your thinking about these drugs and have come to believe their use should be short term.
There is a light at the end of the withdrawal tunnel and you will feel better.
N

[mspat08]

Hi...today is wk # 5 for me,,since going cold turkey too..I was taking 60 mg too..Im not completely feeling better, but I have good and bad days..only thing that bothers me now besides that (Hot flash) :cry: ever so often...is that Im very irritable and get pissed off really quickly...thanks for sharing and God Bless You..

[dtrmnd]

My story - short version:

I have a mild case of GAD (who doesn't?) and my doctor and I have a philosophical difference of opinion. I would rather take a pill (Xanax) on occasion vs. taking a pill every day. Well, the doctor would not give me the Xanax script, but recommended Cymbalta instead. He told me it was a better way to treat my anxiety (and again, it's mild). He didn't want me to get addicted to the Xanax. Now, mind you, I have been taking Xanax off/on (more off) for over 10 years with no problems.

Shame on me for not doing due diligence. I was on 60 mg. of Cymbalta for 11 months when I had some routine bloodwork which showed a slightly elevated liver count. I did some research and made the decision to come off of Cymbalta ( and find a new doctor). The new doctor agreed with me and cut my dosage in half. I took 30 mg. for two weeks with no problems; went back to doctor and he cut it again to every other day. Again, short version - I would feel great one day, lousy the next - just a real vicious cycle and it didn't make sense to me. So I bit the bullet and stopped completely. Today is day five - how do I feel? Dizzy, dizzy, dizzy and somewhat confused at times. I actually had to concentrate in order to button my pants this morning and I write that with a smile on face because it's so ridiculous!!

I am taking it day by day and know I'll feel better soon. So thankful that I have a great support system and I can laugh about it all. It's absurd when I think of how quick doctors are to dole out drugs to those, like me, who really don't need them and how quickly we take them.

My message is not geared towards people who have been diagnosed with depression or other more serious forms of mental illness. I do believe there are great drugs out there for people who really need them.

I'm feeling slightly better every day - we'll all get through it!!

[nossri4me]

I get p.o. ed pretty easy myself now I'm three weeks out. Not sure if its the drug or I have a miserable personality. Realistically, though, there is alot going on with my extended family right now and they are totally annoying. Left alone or at work I'm fine. I have had some musle aches and stiffness too, again not sure if its withdrawal or my advanced age -47.
The positive is the clarity I feel in my thinking. I say: Xanax prn yes, Cymbalta, my ars, I'm not going back!
N.

[lulubele]

This day 3 for me - my doctor told me to just stop the Cymbalta(60) & start Wellbutrin SR the next day............the brain zapping is driving me nuts! WTF???

[nossri4me]

No kidding. I think these psychiatrists believe the drug reps who tell him what "clean meds" these are with minimal side effects and no withdrawal sx. Sorry you have to go through this.
N-

[shannon9371]

i am new here...not to sure how this works but here it goes... i have been on 60 mgs of cymbalta for several years .. was diagnosed with clinical depression about 10 yrs ago. iive been on probably every med out there... tired of the daily meds and the cost is killing me.. about 2 weeks ago i stopped cold turky... everything has been fine no withdrawal symptoms at all.. until last night.. i started hallusinating.. i was seeing and hearing shit that wasnt really there.. my husband and daughters wnted to bring me to the hospital... hell no i wasnt going to let them lock me up.. i made it past that but then went into major depression.. feelings of worthlessness.. not to sure what to expect now... i am exhausted as ive only slept about an hour... i dont want to be on meds any more.. and i dont want to be locked up either..will this pass or am i in a no win situation..dont know if i can handle any more hallusinations.. i am just glad i wasnt alone... dont know what would have happened then.. oh.. what do other posters mean be "brain zaps"???

[nossri4me]

i am new here...not to sure how this works but here it goes... i have been on 60 mgs of cymbalta for several years .. was diagnosed with clinical depression about 10 yrs ago. iive been on probably every med out there... tired of the daily meds and the cost is killing me.. about 2 weeks ago i stopped cold turky... everything has been fine no withdrawal symptoms at all.. until last night.. i started hallusinating.. i was seeing and hearing shit that wasnt really there.. my husband and daughters wnted to bring me to the hospital... hell no i wasnt going to let them lock me up.. i made it past that but then went into major depression.. feelings of worthlessness.. not to sure what to expect now... i am exhausted as ive only slept about an hour... i dont want to be on meds any more.. and i dont want to be locked up either..will this pass or am i in a no win situation..dont know if i can handle any more hallusinations.. i am just glad i wasnt alone... dont know what would have happened then.. oh.. what do other posters mean be "brain zaps"???

Shannon-
Brain zaps are are a strange sensation that occurs in the brain. Its like getting a little electic shock out of nowhere. Its noticeable and weird, but painless. The victim of a brain zap often thinks "what the hell was that?".
Anyway Iets pay attention to the auditory and visual hallucinations you are experiencing. Visual is usually related to something to do with the body, like withdrawal from alcohol , dementia or medical illness Auditory is common in some psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia. Note they are also par for the course in severe PTSD and severe clinincal depression. If you never had them before it could be psychotic depression but we cant rule out a medical or substance abuse issue until you are seen by a medical doc and have bloodwork, etc. Dont get insulted about my comment on substances, I don't know you and have no idea if its an issue for you or not.
There's also "rebound depression"; when someone stops meds the symptoms can come back even worse then they were to start with.

Important: if you are having thoughts or hearing voices telling telling you to kill yourself, you'd be better off dead, you have to let your family and a professional know about. They can help with a safety plan to determine what gets you though the thoughts without harming yourself. THE GOAL IS YOU GET THROUGH THIS AND FEEL BETTER PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY.
In summary: you should be monitored NOW by a competent clinical person (social worker, psychologist, nurse) with good mental health experience. They can refer you to a psychiatrist for medication if its needed. (The hospital is a last resort but it serves its purpose for at least keeping you safe if you need it.) Please, get yourself to a professional who can get you through this. And keep your family involved, it sounds like they are supportive and care about you.
I wish you the very best though this difficult time.
N

[lulubele]

Now this starting to scare me...........Wellbutrin is a totally different action than Cymbalta - Why would my psychiatrist tell me to stop cold turkey one drug & start the other?
The only thing that seems to stop the zaps & swimming feeling is hydrocodone & tramadol - what's causing what & why wouldn't he tell me?
I have major back & trauma arthritis issues so the hydro & tram are for that....plus ibuprophen 800 3x. I just want to feel like a normal mother again - Now I'm crying... AGAIN!
lulu :|

[shannon9371]

thanks for the answers... i am not affended by the "substance" comments.your right you dont know me. i dont use drugs not prescribed for me and i only drink socially.. i havent had a drink in months.. so i know drugs and alcohol are not the cause.. i wasnt hearing voices..basically, to quickly describe what i can remember was hearing relly loud rain hitting the house(but it hasnt rain hear in about a month) my computer screeen started moving and when i looked away so was the picture on the calander on the wall..after that all hell broke loose...since then just feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness. cant think of anything positive.. no feelings of suicide,, just want to run away... oh and yes i do also suffer from ptsd... due to childhood sexually and physical abuse.

[shannon9371]

oh brain zaps.. i am so glad they have a name...been having them for a long time now but was affraid to tell anyone.. didnt want people to think i was "crazy"

[nossri4me]

I am sorry you have to struggle with childhood abuse issues..they linger through a survivors adult life. You are a strong person whether you know it or not. Get the support of someelse who has lived through it- a group , even online could give you some comfort.Hearing what others are doing to cope with PTSD really helps. Keep your head up. It seems you are fine and caring person.
N

[lulubele]

Greybeard: I have 2 doctors prescribing...supposedly in sync with each other so that they don't double prescribe the narcotics. I have been taking Cymbalta , Tramadol & hydrocodone together for over a year so I'm guessing there's no toxicity. I have regular bloodwork done to check kidney & liver function & that is okay.....I didn't know that Tramadol was an SNRI! Get this - I have also been taking Neurontin for over a yr as well! I know I've read about that being a mood stabalizer, however I am taking it for nerve pain....& Ambien CR to boot! I hate taking all these drugs but pain is pain & when you're in it [i]chronically[i] you'l ltake just about anything to feel normal!
Fortunately alcohol doesn't do it for me so at least I don't have that to worry about.

Well thankyou for posting & replying....I feel a little better about it & intend to call the doc on Monday. :|

[lulubele]

Yes, I was aware of the fact that it is a synthetic opiod, just never knew it was SNRI .
I just found this forum today so I will look in the archives to read the discussions.
Always good to know what you are swallowing :ugeek: ! Thankyou very much!

[shannon9371]

i've been reading alot of the posts trying to learn as much as i can from others.. yesterday morning when i first stubled upon the sight i had only had about an hours sleep after a very rough night of withdrawal symptoms so things were kinda fuzzy.. i have a new question.. i had asked about "brain zapps" yesterday and after they were explained to me i realized i had had them but didnt realize they were called something and that other people experienced them too.. but after reading more i think i am confused... are people experiencing these brain zapps as part of withdrawals?? cuase i had them quit regularly while on the meds...please help me out with this confusion..

[nossri4me]

Shannon-
I didnt have the brain zaps until I was withdrawing from Cymbalta.
N.

[lulubele]

I had them with Effexor too

[lulubele]

Okay, for anyone who is interested I saw my primary care doc today - she said DEFINITELY these are withdrawal & gave me a lower dose(30mgs) to take every other, every 2, etc....the Wellbutrin SR that my shrink(who I don't think I will continue to see) switched me to would not have kicked in yet so give that more time.
But you know??
I AM FEELING!!! Cymbalta did it's job because I had several deaths to deal with & I needed to be in control.....but I was flat, Numb. A-sexual. Nueter. Null. ZIP! Crying actually feels good despite the buzzing in my head :?

[jean]

Hey everybody thought I would check in. I have been off the Cymbalta for a month now. Last dose was Sept. 9. I continue to be on Prozac 20 mg. May continue for awhile as I still have some withdrawal symptoms. But the good news is that starting last week my symptoms have really lessened. I was still having lots of problems with pounding headaches especially late in the day when I was tired. I did notice if I had time to nap in the afternoon it helped but really I can't always do that. But I have discovered that by severly limiting my caffeine intake my headaches are almost gone. I have 1 cup of coffee in the am and that is it. Any further coffee is caffeine-free and no Pepsi or Coca Cola. Wishing you all the best in this very long journey and hope the no caffeine idea works for you. Jean

[nossri4me]

Hi Jean,
My headaches disappeared when I stopped Cymbalta but restarted this week. I do drink four cups of coffee every morning though. Perhaps I will ease off. I hate to do it though, coffee is my only remaining bad habit...health habit that is! :roll:
Thanks,
N

[jean]

I know it was hard for me to give up my afternoon Pepsi. But I am still headache free. I bought some caffeine-free cola and use decaff coffee so I at least can pretend I am having my caffeine break. Good luck. Jean

[jyls]

Glad I found this forum.
My psych advised me to stop taking Cymbalta completely since I've been having hives-like side-effects. But after being off for about 4 days now, i've been feeling ultra edgy and just irritated easily. I don't like the feeling since I almost always find myself arguing with my boyfriend for these past couple of days. Plus I'm also feeling a little bit of those brain zaps. Pretty uncomfortable but hopefully they won't get worse.

Overall, just feeling crappy and fatigue.

[nossri4me]

Jyls-
Yeah its a miserable withdrawal but its worth it.
N

[nossri4me]

Update: So its been over two months off Cymbalta and basically...things are good. Yes I have noticed some spikes in my anxiety level now and again but they quickly subside. I can handle it. It amazes me that I choses to stay medicated for all those years. Do doctors ever encourage anybody to get OFF antidepressants once they are on them? No. The "take a pill mentality" has to change.

As I have said before: Cymbalta did help me out of the abyss of a deep depression several years ago. And only time will tell; I know relapse for depression goes at least to the sixth month off medication mark.
I think we need to be our own careful advocates in health care and especially mental health care. There is a need for medications at times, no doubt. But know when they are necessary, when they are not and when it's time to try life without them. And keep in mind, these very very powerful medications. I am convinced that they do dull everything out emotionally- a double edged sword.

[dneaks9624]

Please be careful, cold turkey is not for everyone........and the withdrawal affects can be severe if stopped abruptly,
just use extra caution..........thanks