2 replies to this topic

[dynamaticgrl]

I JUST joined this site about 5 minutes ago. I have no idea how this works or how or where to post. All I know is that I feel miserable on every level and I need help!

 

I have been taking Cymbalta since 2008. Like all medications tend to do at some point, this drug seems to have lost its affect, and I need to try something new. Here is where the probkem arises... I can't seem to stop taking the Cymbalta without either wanting to kill myself OR feeling like I'm already dying. From the little bit I've read so far, it sounds like most of you are taking 60 mg or lower. I've actually been taking the maximum dose of 120 mg for FOUR years now. In the past, doctors have tried to wean me off of the drug, and I would instantly become severely depressed.

 

Well, a few days ago, I decided, for some idiotic reason, to go cold turkey. (I'm insane, I know!!) Today has, by far, been one of the worst days of my life. Not only do I feel like killing myself, but I also have terrible physical symptoms. I'll be fine one minute, and then I burst into tears and have a panic attack. And that's just the start of it!! There's also the nausea, the diareah, the dizziness, and the vertigo. These feelings are really scary!! What am I supposed to do?! Am I going to be stuck taking this drug forever?!

 

I didn't mind taking it when it was still working, but there's no need to take it now that it is no longer helpful. I want to quit taking it and move on with my life. I feel like an addict. PLEASE tell me I'm not alone here. Has anyone else experienced anything like this??

[Jones]

I hope you get a thousand replies to your letter. My heart just breaks reading your post. I detoxed from only 60 mgs. It was pure misery when I tried cold turkey. Three e.r. Visits. Incredible headaches and I am still having them. Suicide sounded like the only answer. I went back on and did the bead counting and several times I had to just not take any more beads out until I could level off.
It was a long painful journey. So, please rethink your cold turkey method. Possibly your doctor or a different doctor could prescribe some other low dose anti d to help you through this and please go slowly. There are people here who know of supplements to help too. Hopefully they will respond.
There are people here you have never met who will support you.
I will keep you in my thoughts.

[fishinghat]

You sure aren't alone. You will find literally thousands of stories like yours on this post. And like I say you are not alone. Spend sometime on here and read about bead counting. There are no easy ways to get off this stuff but it works the best. You might want to read some of the posts about supplements. They can take some of the sting out of the withdrawal.