6 replies to this topic

[jenny867]

Hi,

 

I'm currently taking Duloxetine DR 60mg, manufacturer Actavis. I've been taking it for less than six months; I don't remember exactly how long though. I do not want to be on it any longer, however.

 

I tried coming off of it cold turkey, and I'm having brain zaps. Funny that term...I didn't know it was an ACTUAL thing until I found this forum, nor did I realize it was being caused by not taking the duloxetine. I hate it. It's like 3-4 ZAPZAPZAPs to my brain, that I can hear and feel and see, and I feel dizzy and just weird. I'm also nauseated and having anxiety. This is being off of it for only two days.

 

Is there any chance the number of beads for these is known? I tried several times to count, but I have extreme problems with both memory and numbers due to a medical condition so I wasn't successful. I can try to get a friend to help if the number isn't known.

[TryinginFL]

Welcome Jenny!

 

So happy that you have found us!  Bead counting is by far your best bet as to safely and more easily get off this crap.  Having taken it for less than 6 months, it should not be as difficult for you as for those who have been on it (like myself) for 4 years or more.  Age also has a lot to do with the severity of the withdrawal.  Us old folks (over 50) also have a much harder time.

 

It appears that you have found the forum on bead counting and please feel free to come back with any questions that you may have.  Since you have only been off for 2 days, I suggest you go back on your original dosage until you feel stable and then slowly start your bead counting down.  There are others here who can give you a good schedule for that.

 

 I was one who went cold turkey off of 60mg in Jan. of 2014.  Talk about the year from hell!  I strongly urge you not to try this!!

 

I wish you the best - please keep us posted and ask for help if you need it - we are always here for you!

 

Are you on any other meds and what was the crap drug prescribed for?  Do you have anything for anxiety as it will most likely appear at some point.  Take care and be kind to yourself...

 

Liz  

[jenny867]

Thank you, Liz. I'm 42. I have, since making the post, gone back on the regular dose because I just couldn't take it.

 

Unfortunately, I am on a crap-ton of other medications. Most of which I probably do not need, as I JUST found out I was mis-diagnosed with the medical condition(s) they were prescribed for. But I am stuck taking them for now as I can't quit taking them cold turkey. I was prescribed the Duloxetine for depression and pain. Depression due to the fact that I wasn't getting any better in spite of the diagnosis and the meds (well no wonder, now I know why lol) and my doc picked that particular med because I have a lot of pain as well.

 

I'm also currently taking gabapentin, trokendi xr, tizanadine, methocarbomol, hydrocodone (almost successfully weaned off of this one completely now, yay!), isometh/acetaminophen/dichloride, pancrelipase 5000, diclofenac sodium (will need to stay on this one), ondanestron (occasional), and doxycycline (antibiotic, temporary). I do have a script for temazepam for the occasional sleepless night than I can use for anxiety if need be (it is in the benzo class).

 

I am currently undergoing treatment for the proper diagnosis, and my doctor will start dealing with the other medications I do not need in time, but I didn't want to wait and put more Duloxetine in my system if I didn't have to.

 

I appreciate any and all help and support. =)

[thismoment]

jenny867

 

That's very good advice from Liz.

 

Here is the list of Drug Interactions for the drugs you are taking:

 

http://www.drugs.com...05-0,2216-16309

 

Look it over and consult your physician if you have concerns.

 

Take care.

[fishinghat]

I can sure identify with your situation. It is a very slow process to come off that number of meds. Be patient. It will be well worth it. I am a lot more clear headed and stable than hen I first started on all those meds. Keep us posted.

[jenny867]

Great, I had no idea the nausea med was dangerous with the depression meds too. WHY do docs not check this stuff?? and WHY does my pharmacy not warn me? I get everything filled at the same darn place. This is SO frustrating!

 

I do greatly appreciate that you provided that link for the interactions, though. Thank you.

[tria]

jenny - I can relate to your situation.  I also have numerous health issues and at this point am trying to wean off several drugs including the Cymbalta. I've had a really hard time weaning off the Cymbalta but it seems like I am the exception - not saying by any means that it is easy for others but I seem to be extremely sensitive to any drop in dose (I am lowering my dose by only 1 pellet every 2 weeks).  I should have known better than to ever start this drug.  I tried many many anti-depressants and migraine meds (like Imitrex which has SSRI properties) and I had awful reactions to all of them. But every dr was so insistent the Cymbalta would help so I gave in.  Of course at that time, I had been misdiagnosed with fibromyalgia when in fact I have a rare mitochondrial disease.  Doctors = next to useless!