22 replies to this topic

[cambert]

Hello, Im a new member and its so fantastic to see this forum exists!

 

 

I have been taking 60mg cymbalta once daily without issue for approx 18 months. My therapist suggested I try lexapro, so I was given cymbalta 30mg for 4 days, one day off then started on lexapro. 

 

Soon followed was the worst 4 days of my life, incredible anxiety, no appetite, constant panic and the works. When my actual GP found out it had happened she put me straight back onto Cymbalta 60 mg and said we would develop a proper plan to take me off. 

 

I noticed an improvement later that day, However Im still having bouts of high anxiety. How long will it take for the Cymbalta to settle in my system again, even if only missing totally for 4 days? 

 

Ive been back on 60mg for 3 days. 

 

Any help would be unrel!

 

[thismoment]

Hi cambert

You just experienced the first few days of Cymbalta Cold Turkey! No fun!

First control the anxiety- consider a benzodiazepine like Ativan (lorazepam). Take only as required.

Continue the Cymbalta and wait. You should be a lot better even tomorrow, and stable in a few days. But don't be surprised if you feel a little different than you did before going off the Cymbalta. That's okay.

Give it a couple of weeks to settle down before considering weaning off. As you know, getting off Cymbalta takes some time, but you can do it! There are a few ways to taper off, and there many knowledgeable folks here that will help you out when you're ready to start.

Take some time and flip through this forum. Relax- its going to be okay. Plan to wean off Cymbalta over a period of about 90 days. Recovery times vary- more on that later.

Best wishes!

[thismoment]

Hi Cambert

See fishinghat's advice to huskerlee17- he outlines 3 withdrawal processes very nicely.

Regarding the benzodiazepine (there are many brands as well as Ativan), you need a prescription. But you could borrow a few until you get your prescription, if you know somebody who has some.

Or when you call the doc who gave you the Cymbalta and explain the anxiety, and he or she will have benzo samples at the office and will write or call in the prescription.

[cambert]

thanks for that. I am in australia so hopefully there will be something available! 

[Wagtail]

Cambert ... Hi , I'm from Australia too.

If I had to do it again I wouldn't hesitate to do the tapering ... I went from 60 mgs to zero in 4 weeks & have been to hell & trying to find my way back .
Take time to stabilize before you consider doing anything .
You can ask you GP for something to control the anxiety but only for a short time , otherwise you will need to withdraw from that as well .
It's all doable if you do it slowly .. Good luck mate .

[cambert]

Thankyou Wagtail, its very re-assuring to know Im not alone. 

 

My GP said it took take over a week for me to start to feel better. Ive only been on 60mg for 3 days; and Im still struggling with really obsessive thoughts!

 

Can anyone recommend any good ebooks or ideas to help with my really high anxiety?

 

I am determined to get better!

[FiveNotions]

Hi cambert,

A couple of weeks ago, Gail started a thread on "inspirational books".....you might get some ideas there...
https://www.cymbalta...rational-books/

And I posted some anxiety resources in Australia for wagtail that might also be of interest to you...here's the list....

Anxiety Panic Hub for people with an Anxiety Disorder
http://www.panicattacks.com.au
The main menu on the upper left margin includes a link to "Telephone Counseling"

Anxiety Treatment Australia
http://www.anxietyau...iety-disorders/
The menu across the top of the page includes links to "Find a Therapist" ; "Treatment"; and "Group Therapy & Workshops"

Reconnexion: treating anxiety, panic, depression, and tranquilizer dependence
http://www.reconnexi....au/Default.asp

ADAVIC Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria, Inc
http://www.adavic.org.au
"Grass-roots" support, information, and resources to help people manage anxiety and depression, including: archive. Anxiety, stress & worry; Panic Disorder ...

The Panic Room South Australia: Anxiety Assistance Adelaide
http://www.thepanicroomsa.com
Specialised counselling, education and support groups for people experiencing anxiety or panic in Adelaide, South Australia and beyond.

Anxiety Online
https://www.anxietyonline.org.au/
Mental Health Online is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. under the Telephone Counselling, Self Help and Web-Based ...

Australian panic and anxiety disorders associations and foundations -- contact info
http://www.australia.../23/6/artid/414

BlueBoard: Support for anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder ...
https://blueboard.anu.edu.au/
Panic Disorder. Sub-Forums: Living with panic disorder, Taking care of ourselves ... Centre for Mental Health Research - The Australian National University.

[cambert]

thankyou again for those. Is it normal to be experiencing this much anxiety going back onto my meds? I was only off completely for 4 days

[FiveNotions]

I can't speak to that, cambert, as I quit cold turkey and didn't go back on it....others here have mentioned this issue, however....I don't recall who, but I'm sure they'll respond to this question....

Have you told your GP about this? Do you have anything to take for the anxiety?

Also, do your GP and therapist communicate about your treatment? Is it the therapist who prescribes or just the GP?

Just hang in there for a bit longer, and keep posting and reading here.... You'll get through this!

[fishinghat]

Cambert, welcome. Because of the 12 hour half life you dropped to near zero cymbalta in the blood after 4 days off. It will take 4 more days for the blood levels to get back near normal. Due to the shock to the system expect another 2 or 3 days to get back to where you were. I must admit though that this is just an educated guess.

 

This has occurred before to people on this site and they usually return to'normal' within a few days. Hang in there and keep us posted on how your doing. Experiences like yours also gives us insight on how to answer similar questions in the future.

[cambert]

Thankyou.. I have been back to my normal dose for 4 days (this mornings dose was my 5th), and am still feeling very anxious. I suppose everybody is different. 

 

Is it normal to still feel this way after this amount of time? 

 

I am going to go to the pharmacy (drug store) this morning to find some relief. Ive read that benedryl can really help taking the edge off..

[fishinghat]

Xambert, be careful. Benadryl is an antihistamine and can cause heavy drowsiness.

[cambert]

I thought I will update everyone. 

 

I went to my GP this morning and they said it was totally normal to take Vallium at the moment until the Cymbalta starts to work. I have it, but i havent taken it yet. 

 

Just knowing I have it is a reassuring thought you know?

 

I figure it this way, Everyday i feel this bad, I wont have to feel again. I will never be this unwell again, so everyday I am is a step toward getting better, 

 

My issue is the anxiety is ever present, its constantly there bugging away at me. 

 

The GP and chemist both said the Valium will make a big help until my meds settle in

[FiveNotions]

Excellent news, cambert!

Now, just go easy on yourself and get stabilized....and give yourself permission to use the Valium....it has a long half life, so isn't as easy to develop tolerance to....and you need to get as must rest and relief from the anxiety as possible so you can get stable....

Then, you can begin a slow, controlled process to get off the crapalta....we'll be happy to help you any way we can!

Keep us posted....

[Wagtail]

Cambert , go easy on yourself & take the Valium, start with the lowest dose & work your way up if needed.
It's better to be in control & settle the anxiety .
I have taken Valium before & didn't become reliant on it .
You can do this & knowing that you're suffering from withdrawel will make it easier to cope .

Good luck ..

[cambert]

Thanks for that. 

 

I go in and out of waves of high anxiety, i just want to be back to myself again! I do believe today has been an improvement. 

 

Waiting for my brain chemicals to settle is taking longer than I thought

[thismoment]

Cambert

Why are you choosing to endure the anxiety?

"Every day I feel this bad, I won't have to feel again." That just isn't true- but this is: the more stress you put on yourself via the anxiety, the longer and more difficult your withdrawal will be.

[FiveNotions]

Yes, cambert....TM is right....the continuous anxiety is only prolonging and worsening your withdrawal from cymbalta.....how can you rest and heal? Let yourself use the Valium.....it's there to help you through the process....

Keep us posted!

[cambert]

Hi Guys, 

 

Im not withdrawing from Cymbalta though? I was put back on 5 days ago......

[thismoment]

Sorry, of course- I got running down that one-way street called Withdrawal Boulevard. But don't suffer with the anxiety now that you're back on. 

[FiveNotions]

Oops.....me too......I totally overlooked that you're back on it....."Withdrawal Boulevard"! Now that's hilarious, TM!

[cambert]

Hahahah that's OK ! Ivebeen on my full Dose for 6 days (including just now). When will it calm down ? I was only off for approximately 4 days

[cambert]

has anybody else been through a  similar thing? feels like there is no light at the end of the tunnel!