29 replies to this topic

[Fjohn]

In the past three months I have gone from 60-20mg of Cymbalta. Tomorrow I will see my psychiatrist to see what the next step in withdrawal will be. I have had severe weakness, balance issues, palpitations and anxiety.

I am going off of Cymbalta  because the side effects have outweighed the benefits.

I have been on Cynbalta for 4 years. 

I have been a licensed marriage and family therapist as well as an elementary school (kindergarten) teacher. Since retired.

 

I thought if I could help someone with similar issues, we could help each other.

I pledge to listen to you and do my best to help you.

 

 

[thismoment]

Hello Fjohn, welcome!

 

Without a doubt, you will be a great asset here. Everyone is open and honest and eager to help one other.

 

You've come down 40 mg in three months, and it sounds like you've still got some withdrawal symptoms. Timbo posted several internet addressees on another thread that may interest you. Here's a place to start.

 

http://beyondmeds.com

 

Since you are seeing your psychiatrist tomorrow, here is a quote from that site that may be useful:

"Withdrawal syndrome is almost always misdiagnosed as relapse or emergence of a psychiatric condition."

 

This subject comes up a lot. It is apparent that withdrawal syndrome symptoms may stay around for a very long time. 

 

Best wishes!

[thismoment]

Fjohn, Timbo's weblinks are under "Other Information/Links Regarding Cymbalta, SNRI's, SSRI's, Etc".

[Burgoslucky7]

@fjohn I know what you mean, I was having so many health problems like numbness, tremors, balance problems and memory problems are just some so I quit cold turkey about a month ago it's been hell and today has been a blessing!!!! Best day so stay positive and know it will get better than bad than worse and back to good. Just know your not crazy like I thought I was

[equuswoman]

Welcome to the forum. Glad that you're here. I am doing the "bead" counting method to rid myself of Cymbalta...

[grandmax2]

Hello everyone, I am new here and so in need of help. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia over 6 years ago and placed on Cymbalta and Lyrica. I was taking 120mg Cymbalta every morning and 75mg Lyrica 2x daily. I said "was" because I am day two of cold turkey. I am a very strong person and told myself that I can do this, but after only two days, I am not so sure. Do I stay cold turkey or go the bead method? I wish that I could read all the topics and replies but my brain/eyes are not cooperating right now, hopefully tomorrow will be better.

[Donnaprashad]

@grandmax2. I am day 20 cold turkey from 60 mg. it has been truly awful! Today was the best day so far and I think I'm nearing the end of the worst of this. But you have been on 120 mg and on lyrica. You may not want to try this cold turkey. It's very very hard even for the strongest person! But there are others on here who have been at this longer. Look for posts by thismoment and fishinghat. To me they seem to have done a lot of research and have more experience. I will tell you this - I trust the people here for advice more than a doctor! You will find help and support here. We all understand what you're going through. Don't give up!

[Timbo]

Welcome, grandmax2 - lots of support in these forums.  Let me make sure I understand...so 2 days ago you were taking 120 mg of Cymbalta/day and 75 mg of Lyrica 2x daily, and today you are taking nothing?   I'm hoping I misunderstood you.   Have you spoken to your physician about that change (assuming that is what you are doing)?   Even the drug companies that make Cymbalta and Lyrica don't recommend cold turkey.   Since you are taking both, I would definitely speak with your physician first for some guidance.  I have tried Lyrica prior to Cymbalta - I don't recall if it helped .  I took it about a month before my surgery.  After that, I was hoping to be pain-free.  Obviously, that wasn't the case; and Cymbalta was prescribed.  

 

I would think that it would be easier to get off of one drug at a time.  Lyrica isn't known to be quite as difficult to stop taking as Cymbalta is.  If you truly want to stop taking these drugs.  I would think that it would be better to start with Lyrica.  

 

Do you mind me asking why you have chosen to stop taking them?  Of course, I am coming from a strong opinion AGAINST taking Cymbalta.  I am just concerned that combined with the reason you started taking these drugs (fibromyalgia) combined with the risk of side-effects, you may be setting yourself up for a difficult (and potentially dangerous) venture.   

 

I'm not trying to scare you...I am just concerned.  Please proceed with caution - and definitely speak with your physician.  

[thismoment]

Hi grandmax2, welcome.

 

I can't say what you should do, but I can relay some information that (like you said) is buried withiin this forum, that may help you decide.

 

You quitting Lyrica too?

 

If you decide to stay cold turkey, please understand that it could be a rough go.

 

The step from 120 mg to zero is steep, and if you are one of the unfortunate ones that will suffer side-effects, they will begin in earnest in a day or two, and could be very powerful. They could be very strong for 3 to 4 weeks or longer, then taper off to more tolerable levels over the next few months, and within a year you should be pretty much back to normal. If you are working, it would be wise to take a few weeks off at the beginning.

 

I don't know what the interaction of Lyrica would be if you're quitting it at the same time. How about just do the Cymbalta, then consider weaning off the Lyrica at a later date?

 

Advise your physician, as you may need some follow-up.

 

Should you elect to withdraw slowly, do it without steps: make the withdrawal in a linear fashion, reducing the amount by the same increment each day.  For example you might reduce by 1% per day over 100 days. Day one take out 1% of the beads; day two take out 2% of the beads; day 3 take out 3% of the beads and so on to day 100. Should you encounter some rough days with strong symptoms, you might want to stay at that dosage for a few days until things stabilize- you may want to add a few beads back for a few days. Listen to your body.

 

The withdrawal side-effects are diminished by tapering off like this, but you can anticipate some uncomfortable days. There is some anecdotal evidence that suggests your brain will heal more satisfactorily by slow-tapering rather than going cold turkey.

 

The choice is yours. Should you go cold turkey and encounter unbearable side-effects, you can go back on the drug at your last dosage and stay there until you stabilize before beginning to taper off.

 

NOTE: The manufacturer (Eli Lilly) recommends a slow tapered withdrawal, and DOES NOT recommend cold turkey.

 

You can do this. Have someone who you can call. Stay healthy. Walk. Drink lots of water. And go slow.

 

Best wishes on this journey!

[grandmax2]

I have joined a lot of fibromyalgia face book support groups and have found that the vast majority of our symptoms could be caused by the meds that we are taking. Everyone had the same thing to say, on this medication, on that medication, doing this, doing that. Nothing singly nor collectively is helping. I wondered if possibly there was a different approach to fibromyalgia. Through reading posts/blogs I concluded that I am going to clean my diet and rid myself of the cocktail of med's I took every day. I am a very strong person that has been through a lot, so how hard could it be to stop taking a few meds? Right? WRONG, so here I am, in a world of hurt, doing something that I have never done in the past.....asking for help.

 

PS looking for a new Dr, mine only wants to up my dose.

[grandmax2]

Thank you all for being here,

 

I can't believe how bad I feel after only two days of being off my meds, I think its best for me to do the bead method. I have an adult multiply-handicapped son that requires 24/7 care from me and there is no way that I can do him justice if I feel worse that this.

[Timbo]

I have joined a lot of fibromyalgia face book support groups and have found that the vast majority of our symptoms could be caused by the meds that we are taking. Everyone had the same thing to say, on this medication, on that medication, doing this, doing that. Nothing singly nor collectively is helping. I wondered if possibly there was a different approach to fibromyalgia. Through reading posts/blogs I concluded that I am going to clean my diet and rid myself of the cocktail of med's I took every day. I am a very strong person that has been through a lot, so how hard could it be to stop taking a few meds? Right? WRONG, so here I am, in a world of hurt, doing something that I have never done in the past.....asking for help.

 

PS looking for a new Dr, mine only wants to up my dose.

Yikes...sounds like you definitely need a new doctor.  it should be your decision whether you take more medications or not.  I'm with you - I am looking forward to the day when the cocktail of medications is gone (I have used that same statement myself to my doctor).   

 

You will certainly find support here.  But, ultimately, the decision is yours on what process you choose to follow.  My recommendation (which is worth a penny) would be to taper SLOWLY.  I thought I was tough, too...but the effects of this experience exceeded my expectations of what "awful" felt like.    Even physicians who are supportive of their patients getting off of this drug recommend some form of tapering.   

 

The effects of what it's going to be like will probably not hit full force until you have been off of it for about a week.  If it gets too much to handle, you can always go back to where you were taper down.  

 

Keep the questions coming - hopefully, you will see information that fits the paradigm you feel fits you best.  

[Timbo]

Thank you all for being here,

 

I can't believe how bad I feel after only two days of being off my meds, I think its best for me to do the bead method. I have an adult multiply-handicapped son that requires 24/7 care from me and there is no way that I can do him justice if I feel worse that this.

I'm glad to hear you thinking that way.  I can't imagine going through this cold turkey and trying to care for another human being - I'm not sure my plants would even survive.   If you already feel badly after 2 days, you can anticipate that it will only get worse as the medication levels continue to decrease in your blood levels.  

 

I know I said this earlier, but I can't say this enough...PLEASE talk to another physician.  Your blood levels impact so many different things.  Sudden changes like that can result in some very serious effects (such as seizures).  I really do like to keep things positive, but your situation concerns me.   It is up to you, of course.  i'm speaking as an observer.  You can always tell me to mind my own business.  ;-) 

[grandmax2]

In the past three months I have gone from 60-20mg of Cymbalta. Tomorrow I will see my psychiatrist to see what the next step in withdrawal will be. I have had severe weakness, balance issues, palpitations and anxiety.

I am going off of Cymbalta  because the side effects have outweighed the benefits.

I have been on Cynbalta for 4 years. 

I have been a licensed marriage and family therapist as well as an elementary school (kindergarten) teacher. Since retired.

 

I thought if I could help someone with similar issues, we could help each other.

I pledge to listen to you and do my best to help you.

 

I'm glad to hear you thinking that way.  I can't imagine going through this cold turkey and trying to care for another human being - I'm not sure my plants would even survive.   If you already feel badly after 2 days, you can anticipate that it will only get worse as the medication levels continue to decrease in your blood levels.  

 

I know I said this earlier, but I can't say this enough...PLEASE talk to another physician.  Your blood levels impact so many different things.  Sudden changes like that can result in some very serious effects (such as seizures).  I really do like to keep things positive, but your situation concerns me.   It is up to you, of course.  i'm speaking as an observer.  You can always tell me to mind my own business.  ;-) 

Timbo your compassion is very appreciated as well as your advise. I will heed your warning and follow up with my physican tomorrow possibly if I stress my insistence in stopping these meds he may be inclined to listen.

[Timbo]

I'm relieved to hear that, gmx2 - Remember that it is your right to choose - not your doctors.  I work in the medical field myself.   There is this thing called "informed CONSENT" - your doctor has an obligation to tell you what the drug does and must get your consent to accept the treatment plan.  If that doesn't happen, you need to get another physician.   

 

Anyway, I know I don't know you, but I was genuinely concerned about you.  Good luck with your doctor! :-) 

[Fjohn]

Not sure if I am replying correctly. I do know that there are many splendid people that listened to my initial words. So, I may be of danger of responding to my own message. Oh well...

I am on 20mg Cymbalta after tapering off from 60mg. Yesterday the psychiatrist added 20mg Prozac to the Cymbalta. I will do this for a week. I then will cease Cymbalta and remain on Prozac for a week. Then (hang in there) I finish with Prozac on a half dosage for a week and then stop all meds.

I know members have all had their schedules, some have worked and some have not. The key for those that have succeeded is that they believed their schedule will work. Belief. The partner of belief is hope. Hope.

When you reply, be assured that you will receive belief and hope from me.  

[Donnaprashad]

@Fjohn.  I agree!  Belief and hope are essential! 

[Fjohn]

Anybody having a good day? Just drank a glass of water. My granddaughter gave me a high five and a smile. I think I am in heaven!

[Fjohn]

Who is this bronco Guy? He is on a roll. What is happening with him is Momentum. He is moving forward and has a lot of energy. These kind of people

have a habit of dragging others along with them in a positive manner.

Take me, Bronco.

[thismoment]

Hi fjohn- a high five to you!

 

I wish you success on the plan your psychiatrist has made. My comment is this: it's a stepped approach and it's steep! It's not far from cold turkey.

 

You said, "The key for those that have succeeded is that they believed their schedule will work. Belief." And I think that's true for the placebo effect in initial trials where the power of suggestion can trick a healthy brain. But perhaps it's not as true where there has been physical injury to the brain. Just a thought.

 

I agree with you that 'hope' is necessary to carry on. It's an abstraction open to a rainbow of interpretation, but for me it means the prospect of a brighter future, that faint glow through all that dark and cold; for some reason I always associate it with light-based metaphors.

 

But belief is another kettle of fish, and I don't think about it too much.

 

My universe is simply driven by cause and effect, and augmented by randomness.

 

Please keep everyone posted with your progress!

[fishinghat]

Just a note fjohn. This switch from cymbalta to prozac and then coming off the prozac is a common one BUT the schedule your doctor gave you is far too fast. It takes prozac 6 to 8 weeks to reach its full effect  You should also reduce the cymbalta much slower over that 6 week period. If you follow the drs orders you will only be at about 20% on the prozac when you come off the cymbalta and that simply isn't enough prozac to help. Just my thoughts

 

Hang in there and let us know how it goes.

[Fjohn]

Thank you Fishinghat. Today is day #3 without my friend, Cymbalta.  I am on 10mg of Prozac.

I am going to go to therapy to deal with my anxiety. No matter when cymbalta leaves, anxiety will be around.

Even when cymbalta leaves, I will need to develop a relationship with it. Not one of dread, pain, but one of acceptance

when cymbalta or any other med can pay a visit. 

"Hello, glad you paid a visit, sorry I have moved on."

Lots I have learned and I am the better for it. 

[Carleeta]

Fjohn. .Great determination. Great Plan of Care for yourself...Your post will be very beneficial and helpful to others here dealing with cymbalta ' s w/d's and making decisions concerning the drug..Best of luck to you..Thank you for your genuine honesty.

[Fjohn]

How Sweet, Carleeta. Tell me how you are doing. Have you noticed that the last withdrawal (20mg for me) is the most difficult? 

"Do the Loving Thing." 

Best Regards,

fjohn

[thismoment]

Fjohn, that's interesting. For me, the worst symptoms appeared below 15 mg while weaning off.

[fishinghat]

I didn't have any withdrawal until I got down to 5 mg!! Boy the bottom sure dropped out then!! lol

[Carleeta]

How Sweet, Carleeta. Tell me how you are doing. Have you noticed that the last withdrawal (20mg for me) is the most difficult? 
"Do the Loving Thing." 
Best Regards,
fjohn

Fjohn as you read the posts below your post to me; both Thismoment and Fishinghat have the answers for you as I didn't drop in mg from Cymbalta. The both of them have and experienced this and shared their experience. .Best of Luck to you...keep us posted...

[equuswoman]

Help me understand please. The further we get toward the 'end' the more likelihood of increased w/d symptoms?

[thismoment]

Here's something I came across today, and I will try to find the link and post it.

 

The time required to fully upload Cymbalta into your system to the point where withdrawal is a serious issue, is 6 weeks.

[thismoment]

Help me understand please. The further we get toward the 'end' the more likelihood of increased w/d symptoms?

 

Equuswoman hi.

 

You are tapering very slowly and  dealing with the symptoms by levelling off, thereby allowing the flow of serotonin to catch up.

 

On the other hand, I dropped steadily from 30 mg to 0 over 42 days with no levelling off whatsoever. I didn't get a symptom until after two weeks. By day 21 (15mg), the symptoms were strong, and continued into the last week of weaning. Then things slowly got better.

 

I don't think the 15 mg point is significant at all; my weaning technique was faulty.

 

I think your slow weaning with attention to slowing down when it gets rough will take you smoothly through to the last vile, evil bead. I know that even with slow tapering it's damned uncomfortable for you and those around you. 

 

The best to you my friend!