23 replies to this topic

[Kathrynjl]

So I have been weaning off cymbalta for the last month and a half. I was taking 60mg for almost a year and have bern doing well enought that we decided to wean off. My dr gave me 5 weeks of 30mg and told me to take one a day until I was done. Well my last pill was Monday. Since I've been weaning off my most noticible side affect was I can't SLEEP! It sucks! I end up taking Advil PM to sleep. Tonight I'm trying wine but I am doubting it will work. Today I also feel like I'm in a cloud and when I turn my head its like I'm moving so slow. It's so hard to explain. My bf isn't very supportive since he never wanted me on this drug to begin with. He constantly says I'm bat crazy or I'm loosing my mind or the B word and yes I agree I but I really can't help it! At night I constantly rambling because I can't sleep and just want to talk because my mind won't shut off. Please tell me this will go away. I have a 4 yr old half the week and sometimes I'm just too exhausted and can't keep up w her. HELP!

[lady2882Nancy]

Hi Kathrynjl

You need to get your bf to read some of these postings. It is a tough struggle getting off this drug. I would think that he would be more supportive in helping you get off it since he didn't want you to be on it. You need some good support and help when going through this.

 

Your doctor thinks he has helped you wean off but you are more than likely going to have withdrawal side effects as going cold turkey even from 30mg can be hard. The medical community is very unaware of the difficulties in stopping this drug.

 

What you have been going through up to this point is the side effects from lowering your dose and things could get worse now for the next 14-18 days or so. Let your close friends know what is happening and maybe they will act as your support people since your bf isn't supportive. Most of us need someone during this time.

 

If nothing else we are here and will help you as much as possible

 

Take care

[chimera]

Hi Karthrynjl

as Nancy said, get your bf to read your postings. mine had no idea until I showed him a couple of mine, it made a lot of difference (though it is still pretty alien to him).

you're having to do a sharp withdrawal there from 30, but it can be done, you will get there. the sleep issues will gradually ease, and this site is invaluable for support (and seeing others having exact same symptoms, which is reassuring when you feel like you're going crazy).

[Kathrynjl]

Thank you both! I guess it gets worse before it'll get better. I have an appointment Monday with my psychiatrist because this is the worst feeling I've had in my life. Now I understand brain zaps even though explaining that to someone else they don't understand. I get dizzy then I puke. When I drive I have very little patience. Yesterday I probably honked at 4 different cars. And I'm spinning up so fast when I get into little spats w my boyfriend. He's learned to just keep quite and walk away. But I do spin up fast. Like I mentioned i have very little patience with people. I was trying to do a price match at target and I was getting the run around and I felt myself getting upset or anxious that I told the manager to
Forget about it im coming off medication and that I need to leave before I go off on him. Ugh! I'm praying ill get through this soon.

[chimera]

Thank you both! I guess it gets worse before it'll get better. I have an appointment Monday with my psychiatrist because this is the worst feeling I've had in my life. Now I understand brain zaps even though explaining that to someone else they don't understand. I get dizzy then I puke. When I drive I have very little patience. Yesterday I probably honked at 4 different cars. And I'm spinning up so fast when I get into little spats w my boyfriend. He's learned to just keep quite and walk away. But I do spin up fast. Like I mentioned i have very little patience with people. I was trying to do a price match at target and I was getting the run around and I felt myself getting upset or anxious that I told the manager to
Forget about it im coming off medication and that I need to leave before I go off on him. Ugh! I'm praying ill get through this soon.

you're in the eye of the storm here, it's extremely hard to keep going with normal life whilst you are in the worst of it. it's good that you've got the appt on Monday. if you can possibly keep driving to a minimum (not easy if you live somewhere remote/have to do it to go to work) it'd be advisable. not because I think you'll get road rage, but just because it's harder to concentrate when you are feeling off balance, specially when you're moving:)

patience will be at its lowest ebb ever, it's normal, and the worst of it will be over by 3 weeks say (the physical symptoms and erratic moods). you may not feel 'you' for longer, but honestly the worst parts are over by then in general. 

ah boyfriends:( no sooner had I posted to you about this, today mine has reverted to square one! we are giving each other a wide berth for now lol!

[lady2882Nancy]

Absolutely not meaning the men on this site here, but men in general are not the easiest to explain and have them remember anything that they have not experienced themselves.

At any time that we seem better they automatically think that we are over whatever it was and are back to normal so when we have a return of Cymptoms they are surprised and often confused.

My hubbie is the same.

Just because I can get a bunch of things done one morning or afternoon does not mean that I can do that every day. That is a concept that elludes him lol.

I don't know how many times I have heard "But I thought you were better now".

It's hard for him to understand that "I'm doing better" does NOT mean that I am no longer suffering from any side effects or problems.

Poor boys lol - we confuse them so much.

[fishinghat]

Being one of those 'Poor boys' I can atest that it doesn't take much for us to get confused and even less for us to be more confused because we started out confused before things even begun. Now if one of you guys could explain to me what I just said it would help. lol

[lady2882Nancy]

Gee I understood that perfectly lol

Maybe you have been talking to us girls for too long on here fishinghat lol

 

 for you too fishinghat from me

[chimera]

Absolutely not meaning the men on this site here, but men in general are not the easiest to explain and have them remember anything that they have not experienced themselves.

At any time that we seem better they automatically think that we are over whatever it was and are back to normal so when we have a return of Cymptoms they are surprised and often confused.

My hubbie is the same.

Just because I can get a bunch of things done one morning or afternoon does not mean that I can do that every day. That is a concept that elludes him lol.

I don't know how many times I have heard "But I thought you were better now".

It's hard for him to understand that "I'm doing better" does NOT mean that I am no longer suffering from any side effects or problems.

Poor boys lol - we confuse them so much.

lol at 'I thought you were better now'. quicky on here today, sprained wrist speak longer soon

[Kathrynjl]

Just to update all of you. I have my dr apt today. The brain spasms,farts,zaps or whatever you call them seem to be a lot less frequent which is comforting to know. My monthly friend is visiting me this week and has made me a bit more emotional than I'm used to. I cried during Mulan which I've seen a bunch of times and last night instead of sleeping I wrote my thoughts down. This morning I read it and was like wtf I'm crazy! I guess it's something to share with my shrink. Sleeping is getting a little better but last night it just took longer to fall asleep.

[lady2882Nancy]

Poor Chimera

Nothing like adding to the discomfort. I have a bad wrist so I know how aggravating that can be.

Hope the wrist heals up quickly for you.

 

Take care

[lady2882Nancy]

Just to update all of you. I have my dr apt today. The brain spasms,farts,zaps or whatever you call them seem to be a lot less frequent which is comforting to know. My monthly friend is visiting me this week and has made me a bit more emotional than I'm used to. I cried during Mulan which I've seen a bunch of times and last night instead of sleeping I wrote my thoughts down. This morning I read it and was like wtf I'm crazy! I guess it's something to share with my shrink. Sleeping is getting a little better but last night it just took longer to fall asleep.

 

Hang in there girl, you can do it. Glad the sleeping is getting better as that makes a big difference.

 

Take care

[fishinghat]

You are begining the heart of the withdrawal. You are not going crazy. I remember once my wife left the room to get me a drink of water. When I saw her leave the room I suddenly felt soooo sad she wa leaving and I started to cry. Yup, just a little over-emotional. I know you are entering the tough times know but just hang in there it will get better.

[chimera]

Poor Chimera

Nothing like adding to the discomfort. I have a bad wrist so I know how aggravating that can be.

Hope the wrist heals up quickly for you.

 

Take care

thanks Nancy, a lot more comfortable today, my own fault for ignoring it for days! x

[chimera]

Just to update all of you. I have my dr apt today. The brain spasms,farts,zaps or whatever you call them seem to be a lot less frequent which is comforting to know. My monthly friend is visiting me this week and has made me a bit more emotional than I'm used to. I cried during Mulan which I've seen a bunch of times and last night instead of sleeping I wrote my thoughts down. This morning I read it and was like wtf I'm crazy! I guess it's something to share with my shrink. Sleeping is getting a little better but last night it just took longer to fall asleep.

as the others said, yes this is normal and though disconcerting, it'll pass. it's good you wrote your thoughts down, even if the next day you thought wtf! it's better that than tossing and turning all night with them rampaging through your head;)

[Kathrynjl]

Well my psychiatrist was no help at all. He seemed so shocked about my symptoms. He said going from 30mg to nothing should not have caused these type of symptoms. I was shocked. I was like so you've had no patients weaned of cymbalta with withdrawal symptoms? He never answered my question. Instead he just considered trying to put me on something else. I said no way. I rather be free of drugs than go through this again.

Last night I slept great and didn't need Benedryl either and I overslept about a couple hours it was really nice but I did have more brain spasms than the day before. Those I hate the most.

[fishinghat]

Kathrynjl, FYI, there have been several studies on withdrawal from cymbalta. In the studies 19 to 31% (depending on the study) has withdrawal!! Suprising huh? My psychologist says that her experience is around 20% having withdrawal. Man, those lucky 80%!!

[lady2882Nancy]

Well my psychiatrist was no help at all. He seemed so shocked about my symptoms. He said going from 30mg to nothing should not have caused these type of symptoms. I was shocked. I was like so you've had no patients weaned of cymbalta with withdrawal symptoms? He never answered my question. Instead he just considered trying to put me on something else. I said no way. I rather be free of drugs than go through this again.

Last night I slept great and didn't need Benedryl either and I overslept about a couple hours it was really nice but I did have more brain spasms than the day before. Those I hate the most.

 

That is pretty typical of the medical profession although that doesn't make it any easier for you. Most of them figure that meds is the answer to all problems. Good for you for saying no to more meds.

 

Withdrawals are exhausting so any extra sleep is a good thing for you. Hang in there those brain things do go away. 

 

Take care

[chimera]

Well my psychiatrist was no help at all. He seemed so shocked about my symptoms. He said going from 30mg to nothing should not have caused these type of symptoms. I was shocked. I was like so you've had no patients weaned of cymbalta with withdrawal symptoms? He never answered my question. Instead he just considered trying to put me on something else. I said no way. I rather be free of drugs than go through this again.

Last night I slept great and didn't need Benedryl either and I overslept about a couple hours it was really nice but I did have more brain spasms than the day before. Those I hate the most.

sigh how in this day and age, when there is so much documented about other antidepressant withdrawal symptoms, can they still be so shocked! him being a psychiatrist too, it would only take him a brief foray online to see how much stuff there is on this, and has been for years. 

sleep is very good- I found too that the zaps did tend to be worse on those oversleep days, but it's worth it as you need the rest:)

[Kathrynjl]

So just an update. It's been almost 3 weeks since off Cymbalta. My brain zaps are practically gone and the sleep has returned to normal. I've notice my patience isn't what it use to be. It's still very low and now I have a lot of anger which in trying to manage. I am not sure if that's withdrawals or not. Has anyone experienced this?

[lady2882Nancy]

Hi Kathrynjl

Yes the anger is a very real side effect of stopping. The anger and irritability seem to last longer than the crying for me. Very unsettling when you are not normally an angry person. It is like I have lost control of that part of my emotions. Most of the other has settled down now (I'm 13 1/2 weeks off) but still have some anger issues but much less than it was. More easily angered than is normal for me. I still take the L-theanine as have tried going without and then the anger is worse. I think it just takes time for the brain to rebalance itself. The chemical balance in the brain is rather sensitive and so I expect getting the balance back to normal will take some time for some of us.

Hope you are feeling more balanced soon.

Take care

[Kathrynjl]

This is very discouraging as my anger is very bad and my relationship is really suffering from it. Sigh!

[chimera]

So just an update. It's been almost 3 weeks since off Cymbalta. My brain zaps are practically gone and the sleep has returned to normal. I've notice my patience isn't what it use to be. It's still very low and now I have a lot of anger which in trying to manage. I am not sure if that's withdrawals or not. Has anyone experienced this?

yes, it's ok, it's normal. I am nearly 11 weeks off and have only just started to be more normal where that is concerned. the anger is very disconcerting sometimes, as it's just 'there' all the time, even if there is nothing specific triggering it at the time. with that kind of low level 'bubbling', it doesn't take much at all to create real problems with self-control! 

exercise if you can, it helps. I don't mean anything proper even, just a walk or some housework will do. it takes the edge off. it's good your sleep has regulated back, so that helps (the less sleep you get, the far worse this becomes). as soon as you feel yourself about to lose it, walk outside the house or apartment. even if it's only for a minute, it helps to arrest it in its tracks. then go back in when you're ready. go somewhere private and mutter/swear if you want! sometimes the only privacy I'd get was in the bathroom or taking the trash out. all good opportunities for a quick curse/kick or whatever I felt I needed to spare others my wrath!

posting on here helps, you can just do a 'rant' post if it makes you feel better;)

[fishinghat]

I have to agree with Nancy and Chimera, it was around 8 or 9 weeks post cymbalta before the anger started really fading away.