9 replies to this topic

[umopepisdn]

Has anyone done this?  I am extremely active at work, and work in a high school and need to be alert at all times.

Has anyone taken a medical leave for withdrawing?  I honestly feel like i would need it.  To be quite frank, I almost feel like I need a rehab facility to monitor and tie me down.  The self injurious aspects are very strong, I am hoping tapering first will lessen that.  But I am curious to know if anyone needed to do this. 

[gail]

Yes, Umo, many did take leave of absence for that. Worth it as you cannot function right in cold turkey withdrawal. No way!

That is why we recommend bead counting.

[lady2882Nancy]

Yes Umo

 

I know of several people who had to take medical leave but they were ones who did it cold turkey.

As long as you are not trying to taper too quickly then you should be okay to keep working. If you taper fast then you will have withdrawals and need a leave.

If you think you may harm yourself then definitely go to the hospital although being in a Psych ward can be quite traumatic in itself. Do you have someone to talk to like a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist? I did go through a spell where I wanted to harm myself but with talk therapy and some other medication was able to get me through that. 

 Sorry to seem nosey but is the self harm something new for you? I am Bipolar II which was diagnosed after being on Cymbalta. One of the many gifts that Cymbalta left me with . I also went through a period where I have a very strong urge to harm myself. Cymbalta actually made me very depressed and I was going to end the pain but my pharmacist realized that something was wrong and talked to me. I broke down and confessed all to her and she helped me get off the Cymbalta. The doctor I had at that time still does not believe that Cymbalta can have withdrawal symptoms when stopping it . That's okay I have forgiven him for his poor treatment. I will never talk to him again about anything to do with my mental health though and never trust him either

If you need to talk all of us are here and there is also private messaging if you want to talk to just one person. Either way we are here for you.

Take care of you

Nancy

[DebMorris]

Hi Umo,

  Just to let you know I have been on Medical Leave from my job since June of 2015 from withdrawal. Admitted myself to the hospital & they put me back on Cymbalta & was told to get stable & wean off but my Psychiatrist kept me on it.  I asked to be taken off in Sept which she did but did it to fast which landed me in another Psych ward.  When I was in that psych ward they took me off Xanax & put me on Klonopin.  They only put me on Klonopin for a day & took that away which put me in withdrawal from a Benzo, not good. I left after 3 days & was totally suicidal & thought this was the end. With a month of no sleeping and being put on different Psych meds that did not help I was admitted to Psych ward at the hospital & was given Ativan & Imipramine.  I spent 5 days in there.  I am finally stable & in the process of weaning myself from Ativan very slowly which I am being monitored by a Psychiatrist that actually is understanding things.  My journey has been hell but I tell you if you have a family that supports you & is helping you through this you will make it, I promise!!! 

 

I am finally going back to work hopefully the beginning of April   Don't be scared to take a leave, believe me it is for the best.  It also helps that my employer has been wonderful.  Right now I am on long term disability and get some $$ each month that helps with the bills.  Look into what your employer provides in disability. 

 

Debbie

[gail]

Debmorris, hello!

That is what we call a trip to hell.

And you are on your way back, so glad for you. Thanks for the update Deb!

[DebMorris]

Thanks Gail   Honestly I still have my days as far as crying but it is a short cry.  I do remember you or someone else on here having the same thing even though we have been off the crapalta.  I take one day at a time & I appreciate everyone who has been here for me.  I am not going anywhere & hope to be some help to people on here as you and all the others who helped me.

Thanks Again,

Debbie

[gail]

Hi again Debbie,

Do stay with us, we need all the help that is offered.

Your experience is worth a lottttt! Thanks!

[umopepisdn]

Hi Nancy, 

 

The self harm is something new.  I have never felt this way before.  It only came upon when i hit the withdrawal state of taking cymbalta. (accidentally.. but now i'm trying to come off of it intentionally with bead counting).  I am dx with Major depression, and anxiety.  The fibro dx is new, on top of a previous RA dx.  

 

I have (had) a therapist, that i went to for years.  I'm not currently seeing her, but i could.  I have family to talk to, it's hard because they do not understand. I did disclose to my partner that i needed his help with the bead counting and explained why.  We have a toddler together, so he understands.  I also disclosed to my chiropractor and he is working with me to manage any pain that i get to the best of his ability.  

 

I started researching all of this. and realized that the increase in weight and depressive mood and irritability all came with the Cymbalta.  I have learned so much about myself and the effects of this medication in the past few months.  I'm so grateful for this forum.  

Thank you for the offer to reach out.. and i will if i need to. 

[umopepisdn]

Deb, 

 

Thank you so much for sharing your story.  I appreciate all the information.  I just started bead counting to try to wean off last week.  So far I am okay.  I also disclosed to my family that the effects I feel are very very hard to deal with, and let them know that if I seem off.. or ask for help. I really need it.  

[DebMorris]

UMO,

  You are very welcome.  Good Luck to you & keep your mind focused on the result.