15 replies to this topic

[BRoss]

Hello Everybody.  I was so happy to find such an online community devoted to the open communication on this drug.  My doctor put me on Cymbalta 11 days ago.  I was hesitant but I have chronic lower back pain and I've tried many things with no success.  That plus I deal with mild depression so I thought, "why not".  I'm dealing with some funky side effects and now that I've educated myself I really want off this drug.  I called my doctor on Friday and asked if I should I get off and she told me no.  I'm planning on quitting cold turkey and I'm hoping that I won't have that bad of withdrawals.  Any thoughts or suggestions?  

 

Thank you. 

 

Started with 30mg/day for the first 7 days

Been on 60mg/day for the last 4 days

[lady2882Nancy]

Welcome BRoss

I was put on Crapalta for the same reasons as you but didn't do my research as soon as you did. I was on for 5 weeks, 5 days at 30mg and the rest at 60mg. I dropped back down to 30mg to see what would happen and it didn't take long for me to know there was no way I could go cold turkey from there.

But you haven't been on long so you definitely could try "cold turkey" and see what happens. Crapalta 1/2 life is 12 hours but it takes 2 1/2 days for most of it to get out of your system so you would know fairly quickly if it is going to be a problem or not

I would suggest that you get some good quality omega 3 and a good multi vitamin and start taking both right away. Take mega dose of omega 3 of 1000  for 3 times a day. These help alot and maybe you can avoid any serious side effects.

If you do get some bad withdrawals (I know they say this drug isn't addictive but the side effects of stopping can be worse than some that are) then you could go on 30mg for a few days to settle back down and then do a rapid taper.

If you have anymore questions post them here and they will be answered.

Let us know how if goes for you. We all love it when Eli Lilly loses a customer.

Take care of you

Nancy

11 days off and still not Crapalta free

[BRoss]

Thanks Nancy, I really appreciate the advice.  Admittedly I'm scared to come off cold turkey, but like you said hopefully it won't be that bad since I haven't been on it long.  I'm kicking myself for not doing my research before taking this drug.  I'll be sure to keep everyone posted and lean on you all for support.  Thank you so much.  

[BRoss]

Here we go, day 1 of quitting Cymbalta.  I got up this morning and went to the gym and I feel o.k.  I'm trying to stay positive.  

[crazyenough]

Good morning everyone trying to get off crapbalta (lady2882Nancys word for it)!
Today is day 15....and I am still not out of the woods not by a long shot. BUT, I am strong willed and this too shall pass! I still have brain zaps, vertigo, nausea, heart pain (?) pain all over like the flu, tired, and DEPRESSED and crying. I see it as this; either I do this for me or stay on it for the DR's that get their pockets lined with lots of money for putting people on these horrible drugs! Guess I am doing it for myself. Ha I will not retreat and let a mindaltering drug take my life away,whats left of it anyway.
So, I want to encourage everyone getting off this drug from the pit of Hell..YOU CAN DO IT! Do not tell your shrink that you are getting off it unless YOU trust him/her. I do not trust mine so I am not telling him. I have had depression all my life and could NEVER tolerate medication and I AM still alive. I can get through the rest of my life w/o being numbed. So can you! Suicide runs in my family. Mother and grandmother. I will not let the devil take what is my right, my life to be snuffed out by anything. Be positive in the midst of your pain PLEASE! The darkness that befalls you will pass. I know its happened too me since I was 3yrs old. Life is a test and we have to make it through it. We have people here that really CARE> And I am so grateful for every post from all that pour out their heart and soul from the angusih. Do not despair. IT will be easier everyday...so today is my 15th day. Not all bright and sunny but its better than day 1. I am getting my resolve back, my feelings, my oldself..Yay Remember, these drugs are not tested for very long anymore before they roll them out to medicate the masses. It is dangerous and all for Big Pharma. Do not be a guinea pig anylonger. YOU CAN DO IT... PRAY even if you never have, do it anyway and let God help you! Have a good blessed fruitful day....focus on YOU not the drug, OK?
crazyenough
P.S. I am taking approximately half of a 20mg now with applesauce. I am gonna win, you can too!

[BRoss]

Hello crazyenough- thank you for your encouraging words.  From your post I can tell that you are in a tough situation and I truly wish the best for you.  It's almost like you said exactly what I was thinking but unable to put into words.  If you don't mind me asking, how long were you on the medication?  I'm praying that I don't have those withdrawal symptoms but only time will tell.  Whatever happens I've made a firm resolve to stand up against anything that gets in my way from stopping this drug.  You said not to tell your doctor.  Why is that?  I was about to call my doctor this morning and tell her but I'm not sure. 
 

[lady2882Nancy]

That is just a personal thing. It depends on your relationship with your doctor. I was nervous about telling my doctor too but he was 100% supportive.

[BRoss]

Well here I am on day 2 of my cold turkey halt of Cymbalta.  I was dreading waking up this morning but to my suprise I woke up with absolutely no withdrawal symptoms.  so I jumped out of bed and went to the gym.  I'm still a little cautious as I know it could hit me anytime, but for now all systems are go. 

[lady2882Nancy]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you

[BRoss]

Thanks Nancy, how are you feeling these days?  

[lady2882Nancy]

Each day is a little better and now starting to be able to concentrate on things so that is good.

How about you? Everything going ok?

[BRoss]

Will this was day 3.  I had my third epidural injection to my lower back which definitely helped with my chronic pain.  I had an incredibly horrible headache though which I'm not sure is related to the Cymbalta.  Other than that I seem to be doing o.k.

[lady2882Nancy]

Hi BRoss

Could be the Crapalta headache but sounds like you are doing good and that's great to hear.

Hope that injection lasts a long time, back pain is a royal pain in the a_ _ lol

Take care of you

[crazyenough]

Hello BRoss,

Sorry I have not gotten back on here to read. I am on day 21 withdrawaing from crapbalta. It is getting easier. Brain zapsnot nearly as bad. One thing though, I am eating like there is no tomorrow. Not good as my back is really in bad shape and I cannot walk well.

The answer to your question; I have been on Cymbalta since August 25,2012. I do not tolerate antidepressants whatsoever and told my DR. (medicaid) and he put me on this crap anyway! Thats why I am not telling him, I see him tomorrow and I am going to be as happy as possible so he will not get wind of what I am doing. These Dr's get such kickbacks when they write the scripts,no wonder they all live in pink houses (John meloncamp 80's song) LOL

I hope you are doing well.

And Miss Nancy lady2882, has been most helpful. She is what inspired me to stick with this and GET off it. I am strong willed but there are those times that these drugs are stronger. PHARMEKIA that is a no no. Any mind altering drug I want NO part of. 

Give me a holler when you want and tell me how you are doing. I am praying for the thousands on here. God Bless

I CAN SEE THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL !! YAY

[lady2882Nancy]

Good to hear from you crazyenough.

Glad to know that you are doing better.

I am on day 18 off and woke up with a much clearer head than I have had for a long time.

Thank you for the wonderful compliment. It has been a privilege to offer support in any way that I can and to receive all the help and support from everyone here.

I see you have a dog. I don't know what I would have done without my dogs during this process especially my Rocky to comfort me when I feel down. They are so wonderful with their unconditional love.

I think that I am the same when it comes to anti depressants but this is another lesson learned.

Thank you again

 

Take care of you

Nancy

[lady2882Nancy]

I guess the biggest reason we get people here is because Cymbalta is not as effective as promoted for many of its approved uses so many people decide not to take it anymore and discontinuing it is not as easy as Eli Lilly would have us believe.