23 replies to this topic

[thismoment]

The best advice I can give on the subject of Cymbalta is this: Don't Start!

If the triage protocol had been applied before we got the prescription for Cymbalta, probably many of us wouldn't have started taking it. In other words, write the prescription last.

At the beginning, could the physician not utilize some temporary, benign, calming medication as required, and immediately introduce the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist for assessment? Get the talking started right away.

I imagine a well-advertised, properly-staffed ER for patients with psychological wounds. These facilities could be attached to regular ERs, or they could even be mobile, like some other clinics. Ah yes . . . funding. Well, there needs to be a groundswell of outcry, culminating in a critical mass of outrage that leads to action.

Kids, know this: most of us who took this drug (or drugs like it) will never return to what we knew as "normal", so just Don't Start!

[fishinghat]

ThisMoment, the problem is that you are using common sense and logic. None of which applies to the medical profession or pharmaceutical companies. lol

[Wagtail]

This moment, years ago when I was in my thirties , I had my first panic attack & was referred to a psychiatrist . I remember asking him " can I talk myself out of this ?."
He told me no , & prescribed anti- depressants & Valium .. Looking back , I was in a bad way with 3 little children to care for .
I didn't like how the drugs made me feel so stopped taking them after approx a week .
If he had used cognitive therapy I know I would have healed quickly , as I am very open to suggestion .
I had many ups & downs from then on & sought out as many natural remedies as possible.

I avoided drugs until I was in my fifties & had a breakdown which landed me in hospital for three weeks .
It was there that I was finally convinced to take anti-depressants
I had always had Valium in my cupboard for emergencies but never took it unless it was absolutely necessary .

Fast forward to now & you find me here ,struggling to rid myself of this dreadful scourge CYMBALTA .
I THINK I HAVE DONE IT & am now 5 months free from the claws of Eli Lilly ..
I make it my mission to warn anyone I meet of the dangers of anti-depressants
If I stop just one person from ruining their life , a I will be happy.

[thismoment]

Wagtail

What a thoughtful and heartfelt response! We are on the same page.

I didn't get to the talking part until long after my brain was sizzling in the SSRI Deep Fry. The sessions with the psychologist at that time were mostly non-productive due to the SSRI which had re-painted my emotional landscape; I struggled for authenticity.

After 20 months off Cymbalta I can now identify how I feel and what hurts. Looking back, psychotherapy with a Cymbalta dead-flat emotional landscape was tedious and just half true. It's like slow dancing wearing bear costumes-- frustrating! I made more progress in therapy in two months clean than I did in 2 years on Cymbalta!

That's why I know Psycho-Triage (I made that term up) is so critical.

[fishinghat]

I don't know how it is set up in Aussie Land but here a psychiatrist (who is an MD) only prescribes meds and does not do therapy. A psychologist (usually a phd in psychology) does the therapy and does the diagnosis. The diagnosis is then to the psychiatrist. You must remember most psychiatrists become one so they know how to self medicate. (in my opinion they need it).

[thismoment]

I see how things have changed in America (Yank Land) lol. Here's a quote regarding psychiatric practice.

 

"Weekly, 45-minute appointments are largely a thing of the past. Many psychiatrists see patients for 15 minutes, one after another. Instead of listening, they ask a series of questions, write out prescriptions, and refer their patients to a psychologist or to a social worker for therapy."

 

Wiki

[equuswoman]

Sad so sad..Drug companies make the drug. Drug reps push it. Physicians write the scripts..I hate I ever took the first capsule that rearranged my brain. However the Cymbalta hell is behind me. I will do the best I can for my future..

[fishinghat]

I know in Missouri there is an estimated 25% less psychiatrists that 25 years ago.

[FiveNotions]

Where have they gone, FH? Joined the Witness Protection Program perhaps? Hehehee

[fishinghat]

The last one I new that quit the field said it was just to much politics with the meds. And too much politics with court hearings. He became a dairy farmer and is doing well. As they are MDs, several I know went into general practice.

[FiveNotions]

Wow... Witch doc to dairy farmer....that's one heck of a "career transition"! I sure hope he isn't feeding his leftover cymbalta and other med samples to the cows....

But, it's encouraging to know that at least some p docs recognize the politics involved....

[xman]

A hahaha! Can I hear an Amen?! Yes indeed, I have yet to run across a good PsychMD. The only ones I know are wealthy. Now I know this is my personal perspective and can't be the case everywhere, but in my 36 years at the bedside (and a few experiences IN the bed), I have agree with FiveNotions.

 

Even 25-35 yrs. ago they were expensive, worthless and pill-pushers. My mother, rest her soul, was subjected to ECT therapy (electro-shock therapy)  back in the day (circa 1970) for depression related to a cheating husband, a busy career & raising children on her own. Pills and THEN shock were the order of the day.

OMG I still remember it like yesterday. Thorazine and it's other happy companion drugs were thrown at this woman, my mother. What did she really need from the medical community?? In retrospect I think support, acceptance and a GOOD doctor, which are truly far and few between.

I am not discounting ECT as relevant therapy, and it is certainly widely used in Texas in an out-pt. setting every single day.  But is it really indicated every time...The witch docs seem to think so. I remember my mother being opposed to drug therapy all those years ago. She succumbed to them at the urging of the psy.MD. Oh well.

Back to the topic, Wagtail said it in a way that under-scores the need to try something 1st before leaping to other options. The dreadful crapalta is truly evil.

 

I think ThisMoment you are really on to something with your triage protocol! Did you know that in the Affordable Care Act there is actually more $$$$ supporting mental health going forward? I hope there is not a resurgence of psychiatrist...Could we possibly staff the clinic with ppl who are there to help others instead of for the money?

[fishinghat]

I agree with yoou on the pdocs. They are real idiots. I have had 1 good one (she just retired) and right now I am on the fifth one. If they are a peice of crap I WILL change.

[TryinginFL]

I will  consider myself lucky after reading all of the above posts!   YIKES!!! My psychologist was recommended by my doctor when I told him how I was feeling after I lost my mother and my daughter (He was my mother's dr as well). I feel the psychologist helped me enormously.  I was allowed (and still am, tho I only go once a month now) a full 50 minutes.   Unfortunately, it was the MD who prescribed the wonderful wonder drug Crapalta.  I knew nothing at the time and was in such a state that I really thought I was having a breakdown - I would have taken anything.  I'm so sorry now that I asked no questions and did no research - I just blindly took it and started to feel better (I guess FEEL NOTHING was more like it.) Oh, if only....

  

 

Now I tell everyone about the millions Eli Lilly makes but they give out  no info re withdrawal from the poison.  I so hate what it has done to me, and my sons (both being on the west coast) are not much help.  My younger son was a sales rep for Abbott Labs several years ago, so at least has knowledge of this type of drug and what it can do.  I cannot thank my dear friend and neighbor enough for how he has helped me - and no coddling either!  Nothing but the honest truth and he has given me much insight.  His own mother had 4 nervous breakdowns in her life, so his knowledge is very helpful.

 

OK, that's enough of my crap for the evening...

 

As always, my hugs and prayers to all of you wonderful, kind and caring people,

Liz

[thismoment]

TryinginFL

"I'm so sorry now that I asked no questions and did no research." I believe you are completely innocent-- you did nothing wrong: you have no reason to bear any guilt! We can't self-diagnose and self-triage.

It's great that you have a beneficial relationship with your therapist. I think we agree that the prescription for antidepressants is often written too quickly, usually before the patient receives psychological help.

[fishinghat]

TFL, I agree with your assessments of psychologists. I have had 2 very good ones. When I said pdoc I meant psychiatrists. They suck!!!

[xman]

Yes they do!

[sarahb]

I just started 5 days ago. After reading this I think I want out. I have two little boys to take care of and haven't been on an antidepressant for over 4 years partly because of the awful withdrawals. Any suggestions?

 

[BelaLugosisDad]

I just started 5 days ago. After reading this I think I want out. I have two little boys to take care of and haven't been on an antidepressant for over 4 years partly because of the awful withdrawals. Any suggestions?

Hi, I answered your original post. You won't find any fans of Cymbalta here.

You best bet is to do lots of research and make and informed decision in consultation with your doctor.

If you must take an antidepressant you may find it better to take one with a known dicontinuation protocol.

Good luck.

[thismoment]

Hi Sarahb

 

I agree with BLD. If you didn't get the full Informed Consent briefing from your physicians, it would be a good idea to ask for it ASAP. Cymbalta is serious business with serious consequences- while on it, and getting off.

 

If I had it to do over, I would seek out a psychologist long before taking the pills. 

 

Taking Cymbalta has changed me, and I view taking it as the biggest mistake of my life.

[equuswoman]

I will  consider myself lucky after reading all of the above posts!   YIKES!!! My psychologist was recommended by my doctor when I told him how I was feeling after I lost my mother and my daughter (He was my mother's dr as well). I feel the psychologist helped me enormously.  I was allowed (and still am, tho I only go once a month now) a full 50 minutes.   Unfortunately, it was the MD who prescribed the wonderful wonder drug Crapalta.  I knew nothing at the time and was in such a state that I really thought I was having a breakdown - I would have taken anything.  I'm so sorry now that I asked no questions and did no research - I just blindly took it and started to feel better (I guess FEEL NOTHING was more like it.) Oh, if only....

  

 

Now I tell everyone about the millions Eli Lilly makes but they give out  no info re withdrawal from the poison.  I so hate what it has done to me, and my sons (both being on the west coast) are not much help.  My younger son was a sales rep for Abbott Labs several years ago, so at least has knowledge of this type of drug and what it can do.  I cannot thank my dear friend and neighbor enough for how he has helped me - and no coddling either!  Nothing but the honest truth and he has given me much insight.  His own mother had 4 nervous breakdowns in her life, so his knowledge is very helpful.

 

OK, that's enough of my crap for the evening...

 

As always, my hugs and prayers to all of you wonderful, kind and caring people,

Liz

Liz Please always post your crap whenever you feel like it. I enjoy reading it and I know that just venting makes you feel better. It sure does "me"... This forum was a life saver for me. It was by the grace of God that I "found" it when I did. I am thankful for the ppl here who helped me to make it through hell and back. God bless them & "you" my sweet friend! TheEquusWoman

[sarahb]

You help me. I was 5 days into taking it and I came across your groups. While I do have issues and sometime to the point of suicidal and last year could barely take care of my kids for a few weeks, I was suspicious about getting back on a SSRI. As I had moved again, I found a therapist who I thought was going reevaluated me and rediagnose me. It turned into talk therapy. Right before my breakdown I was trying a stimulant because I wanted to work on my ADD symptoms. He was very good about explaining  the medicine had added benefit of lifting my mood but them dropping off in the evening making me feel down. At last someone understood a medicine's subtlies an even it's generic. He question why I wasn't willing to take an antidepressant if I was willing to take this stimulant. He pointed out that there were non SSRI I could take. I listened but was skeptical that, that was the right solution. I didn't have the words and maybe all the reason's at the moment, but they were something like this: " I worked really hard to get off. It's been 4 years I'm not sure I want to start some that I'm not sure will even work. One medicine I went off almost killed me. And another took going to a therapist 2 day a week for months to taper off. This was all before kids. I  have two toddlers who I can barely find child care to for to get to you once a week or every couple week." Any way I asked my inlaws to come for emergency help. This was big since we don't generally get along. 

 

Over the next several months I improved and I figured out that the stimulants helped some days but possibly others they were keeping me awake, making me lose my appetite and possibly adding to me anxiety. So I decided the side effects outweighed the benefits so I went off. I did miss the decreased appetite and was gaining back weight. I know it wasn't for the right reasons (decreased appetite) I gave the pills another shot. I had about 4 left. Those 4 day went great and I managed to finally get in to tell my doctor about all my ailments. She convinced me to give the medicine another shot. So I went on and made sure to get the non generic form. When I went back two weeks later to discuss my blood work to go over my blood work (which wasn't even in!), I told her that the stimulant was very helpful. She said, "we are on the right track....Are you ready to try Cymbalta?" I thought this was the right choice because I have CF symptoms and a long history of depression.

I actually waited about a week to take the pills because I was on an antibiotic I hadn't previously been on and was noticing side effects. Nothing serious but I just wanted to know the difference between the side effects of that and Cymbalta. So on the last day or two of my antibiotic I started my Cymbalta.

 

When my doctor had never heard about my jaw pain side effect. I could clearly see online people had the same problem. I thought, "Oh no what have I gotten myself into. What if this medicine never works or has eve worse side effects. What if I have to get off of it? What about the withdrawal side effects. What if she doesn't know about the withdrawal side effects like my doctor when I was younger?" So I kept looking for actual people's experience on this drug and found you.

 

As it stands so far I was on the drug 5 days, now off 2. I am not noticing any withdrawal symptoms.  I discussed with my husband all my finding and we agree that this drug is not for me. And on top of that we will avoid all SSRIs and probably anti-depressants at all costs. Thank you again for your experience.

[thismoment]

Sarahb

 

I am cheering for you!

 

I think your story clearly demonstrates how we are left to take this on alone, understandably confused, partly-sedated, and from the inside trying to get out.

 

We need some strong advocates within the medical industry to help us negotiate this disease created by antidepressants.

[fishinghat]

Absolutely agree with thismoment. This is a great decision as long as you can find a medicine that can deal with the suicidal issue. Too erratic results with ssri/snri as well as strong links to suicide while on it or even coming off. Please try to find another route. Please let us know if we can help in any way.