6 replies to this topic

[Jorsen]

Hello All,

 

I was Diagnosed with Anxiety and Panic Attacks about 5 years ago. I've been on various medications with the most recent being Cymbalta 60mg one per day which I have taken for about 10 months to almost a year.

 

I just started something called the Linden method which tries to offer a more natural approach to helping with anxiety and panic attacks. One of the thing it recommended was to ask for a doctor's help with getting off your medications.

 

So, now I am off Cymbalta for 4 days. The thing that is strange is the weird effects I have been experiencing but I cannot tell if its Cymbalta withdrawal or what?

 

1: Moderate Rebound Anxiety

2: Mild Dizziness

3: Irritability

4: Difficulty Concentrating

5: Fatigue

6: Twitching of my right Eye, not constant but way too often.

7: Crying much easier than normal.

8: Feeling overwhelmed

 

This is just a small sample, but I guess I just wanted to get some feedback.

 

Thoughts?

 

Thank You for taking a moment to read.

 

-Jorsen

[chimera]

hi:) I'd say definitely, the eye twitching thing I also had a few days in. it is a bit annoying but I was actually glad of it, as it was kind of a physical proof of the withdrawal. my mother only took it vaguely seriously when this happened lol.

[lady2882Nancy]

Hello and welcome Jorsen

Yup chimera's right those are definitely withdrawal symptoms.

Do you take omega 3? If not I would get some as it helps alot as does a vitamin B complex or good high potency multivitamin.

Any questions we are here.

Take care of you

[LindaVandy]

I'm sorry, but my first reaction to your post was to LMAO, which is totally inappropriate, but that is one of the side affects of crapalta withdrawal. I remember when that was all I had to deal with. Let's try to focus, something I'm having difficulty with right now, stick with us. Most have us have have been there, done that, and we care about you. Even though you were only on crapalta for less than a year, your brain has been altered, a virus has crept in and re-written your operating system, your task is to cling to who you are, and not let those nasty brain chemical imbalances freak you out. Sorry, I'm in a full tilt CW insanity, but I'll be sane soon. Just have to wait for it to pass. Someday when we're better we will work towards ensuring no one ever has to do this alone again. 

[lady2882Nancy]

Yes, finding something you identify with can seem so outrageously funny when you are in the middle of The CW (crapalta withdrawals) which are really discontiuation side effects even though anyone who has been thru it will tell you that withdrawals is a more accurate description of how it really feels. And if you should take a small dose (even 10 tiny beads) the feel good rush that you get can only be described as a high. For those seriously affected by crapalta can tell you that the same effect occurs when they are a few hours late in taking their daily dose.

Scary when you really think about it that this legal medication can so alter the chemical balance in some people's brains that they will have withdrawal like side effects from missing a dose and in taking the dose late will feel a euphoric high. How do I know this? Because that is what I experienced while I was on it. I had to have fasting blood tests and I absolutely could not take it on an empty stomach without becoming violently ill. I had to wait to take it until after the blood tests when I could eat something first.

[Jorsen]

Thank You all for replying...

 

I have been feeling rough. At first I thought that perhaps some of this was self induced. You know...reading up on things and "looking" too much into things.

 

Part of the problem is I think I picked what is perhaps the worst possible time to get off of this drug...but I REALLY do not want to take it anymore!!!

 

I am overweight, about 320 pounds 30 year old male that is separated going through a possible divorce. I've had a lot of cardiac workup's done over the past few years due to pestering my doctor over and over again. Needless to say they have all come out OK, but I have started to over the past few months to feel very very icky. I feel so physically unfit. I have decided to try and start walking again...but needless to say I have some decent Exercise Anxiety...everytime I start feeling my pulse climb and start exerting myself I start to get nervous as the feelings remind me so much of panic and thus I assume I am about to have a cardiac event.

 

So here I am...on the close of Day 4 and I started to try and walk 20 minutes around my apartment and I am not walking but 3 minutes in and I nearly have a panic attack! I calm myself and keep on walking...I just feel so absolutely ill.

 

My step daughter had her birthday party today...so I had some cake and icecream...such a mistake...I felt so weak after that...I just don't know what's wrong.

 

My wife needs my vehicle so she can take the kids and work, so I am going to be riding the bus for the next 4-5 days. Its pretty sad when your so nervous that its difficult to walk to the bus stop, wait for the bus, then ride the bus without flipping out, manage through 8 hours of work, then take the bus home at night without panic.

 

I have just felt SO very unwell! I think ever since I started trying to get off of this drug I have been having a rather noticible increase in anxiety. I cannot tell you guys just how bad I want to call 911 and have them drag me to our local ER and get some tests done. Yet, I have put some relaxing music on and I have a glass of chamomile tea steeping and I am going to try and calm myself down.

 

Good grief This is such a scary time...

[lady2882Nancy]

Jorsen you are not alone.

The anxiety is such a real side effect when getting off this drug.

 

I am 51 and although I have suffered thru social phobias and anxiety years ago, I had worked that out back then. I actually worked as an instructor for the adult classes in the company I worked for just 5 years ago. Since getting off Crapalta it is like I am back in my 20's again only worse. I don't know if you take anything for anxiety but if things get bad you may need to.

 

Currently I am taking L-theanine 200mg in morning and another 200 mg in afternoon and it seems to be helping. According to my pharmacist it does not conflict with any medications that she could find as it is something that is already present in the brain.

I hope you have some omega 3 as it helps keep my mind clearer and the multi vitamin should be a vitamin and mineral formula as this has the other elements that the brain needs to heal.

 

Crapbalta (sorry I have a hard time calling it anything else) is an SNRI but the symptoms for discontinuing are the same as an SSRI and I don't think anyone could worry themself into having these symptoms.

 

But you are among friends here and we understand exactly what you are going thru so don't worry.

You may have already read some of the posts done on bad days and this really is a good place to vent. So much better than taking it out on family and friends. Besides there will always be someone around who will agree with you.

 

Come back often

Take care of you

Nancy