45 replies to this topic

[Timbo]

You know when i started taking them meds i was grateful to have them - i needed something to help me get through that time.  but my goodness if its so bad to stop taking them then why is it ok for the to prescribe them for goodness sake. 

 

fishingthat - Thanks its helpful for to know a possible window - gives me light a the end of the tunnel.

 

 

Timbo - I thought about it after reading these many many pages - but would be afraid of a setback or like it would be starting over.  and i have the pills - i had just renewed a 90 prescription.  but after all of this week, i am afraid to do that.  But, I've not been quite strong enough to flush them yet.  lol

 

Thank you all for being here.  I needed to place to talk . . . . and NOT on Facebook.   I always think the people we are related to and work with are the most judgmental.  If I am Cranky today - I don't want them to know why - they want to blame it on something. . . . as a supervisor, i  want them to just simply know they pissed me off. . . .  .lol

I completely understand your concerns about the potential setback.   I had my reservations as well - but that was based on my own experience with the effects from the discontinuation.   It's good to know that you at least have the option if the side effects do get to be too much to handle.  You might hang on to the medication available just in case.  You might be wise to hang on to them for a few more days just in case.   Don't be too hard on yourself if you do find yourself needing explore that other option.  It's more important that you have a quality of life that allows you to function.  Only you know what you can tolerate.   As Fishinghat said, there is a broad spectrum of experiences people have when stopping this drug.   There is a good chance that you are one of the many who tolerate the discontinuation well.    

[FiveNotions]

Don't flush them...Fishinghat posted on this....the drugs go straight into our drinking water....aargh......

[sodone61]

hi.  I'm so glad I found this site.  This is my first day not dosing and I can't wait to be free of this chemical prison I signed up for.  I'm exhausted and rarely leave my room anymore.  That's not me.  Also, I have face skin lesions (ya, not good) and swelling.  At one time it looked like someone threw acid on my face but now it's subsided to one or two small areas of pain, redness and swelling.  I'll miss that, for sure.  lol  There's more but if it wasn't for the two I just mentioned, I'd probably stay on it.  I'm done.  On to supplements and meditation for me.  thanks all.. Pam

[Carleeta]

Sodone61...Welcome and thank you for your post..So you have already stopped cymbalta? It sounds like you had an allergic reaction to Cymbalta? Did you just stop cold turkey? How long were you on it? How many mgs were you taking?

There are maby members here who will be supporting you through this...You have found an extraordinary group of members here who are very dedicated to their decision to quit cymbalta and continue to be support group for you and other new members.

Best of luck to you...

[sodone61]

I don't know if I had an allergic reaction but I went to several doctors who just couldn't figure it out but now that you mention it.. that makes sense.  Actually, today is day 1 without dosing.  I will probably go as long as I can tolerate it cold turkey.  If it becomes too much I'll take a few of those little pearls.. but I can't take the isolation, lack of sleep (then sleepy all the time, what is THAT?  lol) etc.  thanks for your response!  it's so nice to have people who understand.  omg... understatement 

[Timbo]

I don't know if I had an allergic reaction but I went to several doctors who just couldn't figure it out but now that you mention it.. that makes sense.  Actually, today is day 1 without dosing.  I will probably go as long as I can tolerate it cold turkey.  If it becomes too much I'll take a few of those little pearls.. but I can't take the isolation, lack of sleep (then sleepy all the time, what is THAT?  lol) etc.  thanks for your response!  it's so nice to have people who understand.  omg... understatement 

How long were you taking it?   

[sodone61]

timbo:  I have been on it for about 18 months.  I've d/c'd twice in that time but didn't give myself enough time to pass through the w/d. I've tried this before and it's pretty bad as far as my body adjusting to the discontinuation of this stuff.  Please bear with me while I learn how to respond etc on this forum.  Pam

[FiveNotions]

Sodone61....

Skin lesions are very very rare, but cymbalta does cause them...see the stats in the quote below......wow!

If you haven't already, you must talk to your doctor about this...

Here's a link....http://www.rxlist.co...precautions.htm

Quote: Severe Skin Reactions

Severe skin reactions, including erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), can occur with Cymbalta. The reporting rate of SJS associated with Cymbalta use exceeds the general population background incidence rate for this serious skin reaction (1 to 2 cases per million person years). The reporting rate is generally accepted to be an underestimate due to underreporting.

Cymbalta should be discontinued at the first appearance of blisters, peeling rash, mucosal erosions, or any other sign of hypersensitivity if no other etiology can be identified.

[GinnyKim61]

Hi again, Wow! there is so much info. on this site. I don't quite get how to use the site yet but every time I check something out I learn something new. It's wonderful. Welcome to all of the new people on here. You are going to love this site. I'm am blessed to have found it and you will be too. Love you all, Ginny

[Carleeta]

GinnyKim61. .What a beautiful post. .Your posts are so beneficial to so many others..Every post you post will mean something beneficial and special to members and guests. ..Thank you for you complimenting the members here..and compliment out to you

[equuswoman]

I tried cold turkey but that didn't work so I did what you are outlining. Started taking five beads out a day but some days that just didn't always work, so just added one or two until I leveled off. I am so grateful to have found this site for direction.
It took a while but it got done !
Good luck on this journey. There are many posts and good people on this site that can direct you to supplements that can help and provide moral support.

 

what has worked for me is dropping one bead at a time. I take it one day at a time. Wishing the best for you Jones!

[chiggs]

Fivenotions ? if i shouldn't flush them, then what should i do with them?    I haven't done anything with them yet, it has been a rough couple of days - have had hot flashes - sweating and no one else around me is cold - completely exhausted by the end of the work day - last night i went to bed at 7:30 and today took an hour nap when i got home from work.  Hands feel numb - cold, disconnected (i do type a lot).  

 

However, laughed about something today though and really meant it. . . .that was nice.    I really don't think i realized how many things i did not feel over the last 2 years . . . . .really strange, cuz i would have my days and be moody and what not!  

 

It has been 11 days and Dramamine is still my friend!  ;-(

[FiveNotions]

Chugs said: Fivenotions ? if i shouldn't flush them, then what should i do with them?

Well, personally, my own first choice would be to put them in my doc's coffee.... ;-D

However, after I read what Fishinghat posted, I decided to keep them....I superglued the cap on, added a white label with the word "poison" in big red letters...and put them in the cabinet with my spices...right up front where every time I open the cupboard I'll be reminded of my cymbalta nightmare and what never to do again....

[fishinghat]

Chiggs, in Missouri each major city has a drug turn in day to the local drop off for hazardous chemicals. If you have trouble finding one in your area let me know.

[Timbo]

timbo:  I have been on it for about 18 months.  I've d/c'd twice in that time but didn't give myself enough time to pass through the w/d. I've tried this before and it's pretty bad as far as my body adjusting to the discontinuation of this stuff.  Please bear with me while I learn how to respond etc on this forum.  Pam

Pam, I apologize for just responding to you.  I was wondering how long you were taking, since there was question about you having an allergic reaction.  If you were taking it that long, it would seem unlikely that the reaction was due to an allergy to the medication.   But I could be wrong.  

 

How are you doing, now, with the withdrawals? 

[Jones]

Agree with Fishinghat...JG61, that's the way to go! And welcome to the group...Keep us posted and we're rooting for you!
Jones, are you out of withdrawal and in recovery mode? How long? And wow, congratulations!

Thank you for asking. I think it has been almost a year since I have taken cymbalta. Is it possible I am still trying to recover. I don't think I will ever be the same. I damaged some relationships I had. Still isolated. May be my home situation. I used to be more able to handle things. I'm lost now.

But on a brighter note, I do have some very good moments !