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#1 madspinx

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Posted 08 April 2014 - 10:58 AM

Day 9 or 10 going c old turkey off Cymbalta.  Didn't have money for copay (haven't met deductible) so I didn't pickup the rx.  Now I will not pick up the rx due to all the issues I am having.  Called doctor for something to help detox off the Cymbalta this morning but have not heard back.  Nausea is horrible.  Cry fits are in the evening usually (they get worse as day goes on).  Today I am having severe neck pain, am nodding off (not good since I am at work), and brain is bouncing off every thought, word and sound.  I could use some help or ideas.  I was put on Cymbalta by pain management doctor after 5 neck surgeries in 2 years.  No warning or comments about the medication.  I will never take another medication any doctor prescribes until I have researched it completely.  I really feel like I am losing the battle with these withdrawal problems.


#2 thismoment

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Posted 08 April 2014 - 01:37 PM

madspinx

 

You could have 4 to 6 weeks of struggle ahead of you before there's light at the end of the tunnel. Cold turkey can be a rough go, and hopefully yours won't be as rough as some.

 

You have a few options.

 

1. Go back on the drug to your former dosage and stay there until you feel stable. Then wean off in a slow linear taper over perhaps 90 days (you'll need 45 capsules of the drug, and 45 empty gel caps). Day 1 you take the full capsule, and on day 90 the last capsule has just one or two beads in it.

 

2. Go back on the drug to your former dosage and stay there until you feel stable. With your physician's help, start reducing Cymbalta in the slow taper as described above and introduce another longer half-life antidepressant like Prozac that has proven to be easier to get off. You kind of piggyback on Prozac, and when the Cymbalta is done, you start the slow withdrawal process to get off Prozac.

 

3. Stay cold turkey and tough it out. You'll probably need to take some time off work. Have some backup in place- a loved one like your mom (someone who can help you get through the first 4 to 6 weeks). You could have a variety of symptoms that feel like other diseases, and you may feel compelled to go the doctor once or twice. That's ok, go- just advise up front that you are withdrawing from Cymbalta. 

 

Your physician may or may not be familiar with withdrawal symptoms from antidepressants. 

 

We will be here. Please post your progress.


#3 madspinx

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Posted 08 April 2014 - 01:56 PM

Thank you.  I have a question regarding your response - #1.  What do you mean  slow linear taper and needing 45 capsules   How?   Is there someplace that describes this?   Next doctor visit is end of May.  I have severe frustration due to leaving several messages without a return phone call. 

I live on my own (a good thing considering) and time off is not an option.  Naively I thought I a week of detox.  I am a strong person but not sure I can do this cold turkey.  Any and all advice is welcome.


#4 madspinx

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Posted 08 April 2014 - 02:04 PM

Aha - bead counting!  I'm slow - I know it, my thought process is like my brain is underwater.  I will fill medication tonight and begin regular dose until no side affects.  Then start removing a bead a day.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Will keep you posted.


#5 equuswoman

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    In the future want 2B off Cymbalta! The physicians are no help. Looking for understanding, support & encouragement as I know this is a difficult process. Want 2 be of help 2 others who will find this site looking for same things as I.

Posted 08 April 2014 - 04:24 PM

Day 9 or 10 going c old turkey off Cymbalta.  Didn't have money for copay (haven't met deductible) so I didn't pickup the rx.  Now I will not pick up the rx due to all the issues I am having.  Called doctor for something to help detox off the Cymbalta this morning but have not heard back.  Nausea is horrible.  Cry fits are in the evening usually (they get worse as day goes on).  Today I am having severe neck pain, am nodding off (not good since I am at work), and brain is bouncing off every thought, word and sound.  I could use some help or ideas.  I was put on Cymbalta by pain management doctor after 5 neck surgeries in 2 years.  No warning or comments about the medication.  I will never take another medication any doctor prescribes until I have researched it completely.  I really feel like I am losing the battle with these withdrawal problems.

I couldn't do this cold turkey...I weaned slowly off this nasty drug using the bead counting method. Is there any way that you could do this? Glad that you found the forum. The ppl here are so very helpful. Prayers for you. Let us know how you're doing. TheEquuswoman :hug:


#6 clearglass

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Posted 08 April 2014 - 04:54 PM

Aha - bead counting!  I'm slow - I know it, my thought process is like my brain is underwater.  I will fill medication tonight and begin regular dose until no side affects.  Then start removing a bead a day.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Will keep you posted.

Welcome Madspinx.  I used the bead counting method too. I'm 3 weeks off and doing very well, only a brain zap every other day and little tired.

Tip: If you're going to bead count, save the beads you don't take, to make capsules later.  You can buy empty capsules online. 

Welcome to the forum. There's a lot of support here and helpful information.

clearglass :hug:


#7 TryinginFL

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Posted 08 April 2014 - 06:56 PM

Welcome Madspinx...  I see that you have already met some of our wonderful, kind and supportive ppl here!  So happy that you have found this forum - you will get wonderful info and meet more of our knowledgeable members.

 

I am a cold turkey survivor but do not recommend this process - I am now in my 12th week of withdrawal and finally feeling almost human again!  :)

 

Everyone here wants to help and we all care!

 

Please keep us posted as to your progress...

 

Take care,

Liz


#8 madspinx

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Posted 09 April 2014 - 07:42 AM

I disliked the thought of going back on Cymbalta even to taper off, however I believe that is the way to go.  I was not coping well, I also had was low/poor impulse control - I was acting out on my thoughts.   Final straw, so I picked up my prescription and took a capsule last night.  I still have jumpy eyes and nausea but most of the other symptoms have calmed down to some extent.  I am definitely starting the bead counting tonight - or tomorrow, depending how the day goes.  I have learned due lesson on this one and will never taken medicine blindly again.  Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts and advice.  So very glad I found this site.


#9 xman

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Posted 09 April 2014 - 11:37 AM

These are good people! I am so glad I too have found this site-the good people continue to help me...very very humbling.


#10 FiveNotions

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Posted 10 April 2014 - 08:30 PM

Hi madspinx, glad you've decided to reinstate until stable and then bead count....

Like TryinginFL I quit cold turkey .. I do not recommend it .... I made the withdrawal process harder for myself....

That said, every bit of the lousy withdrawal was worth it....a million times over.....I feel alive and happy again....something I lost while on the poison.

#11 madspinx

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Posted 11 April 2014 - 02:54 PM

Thank you to everyone for their kind words and help.  I feel pretty good today, so I believe that I will begin the bead counting tonight.  I think beginning over the weekend will probably be a good thing too! I will keep everyone posted and I am sure I will be asking for help and advice along my journey.  I cannot wait to get off this awful, awful medication. 





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