4 replies to this topic

[AmyeSnipes]

First I want to say thank you to everyone who has posted here. I am in tears reading all the posts so happy that I am not alone.

 

I was taking the lowest dose of Cymbalta. I noticed that if I missed it for 2 days I started to have withdrawl symptoms. I talked to my Dr and he said he had never heard of these symptoms and the best thing to do is just make sure I don't miss a dose. I recently moved to North Carolina which meant I had to find a new Dr. I was going to talk to him about weaning off.

 

I am currently with United Healthcare on the Affordable Healthcare Act. Yes that means I pay a lower premium because I make no money. I have Fibromyalgia and the pain got so bad I had to quit my job which is why I got on Cymbalta in the first place. Well United decided that they were only going to cover my cheap pills. They won't give me a reason why so I just assume it is because they don't want to pay the extra for my Cymbalta. They know I can not afford to get it on my own, even the co-pay of $80 was really more than I could afford. So thanks to them I am having to go cold turkey.

 

I am now on day 5. I feel like death. I can't stand or move my head without extreme dizziness. The brain zaps almost never stop. I keep forgetting the simplest things like why I turned on my computer. I am irritable and got into the worst fight I have ever had with my husband last night. I am nauseous and can't concentrate on anything.

 

My dr wants to put me on Effexor because it is cheaper but from what I have read online the withdrawal symptoms are the same. I am not willing to go through this again. The excruciating pain from my fibromyalgia is 10x better than the withdrawal symptoms.

 

Sorry to be rambling.......

 

I guess my main question is how long do these symptoms last and is there anything I can do to lessen them? Is there an herb or supplement that helps? I heard fish oil might help, has anyone tried that? I feel so lost and hopeless right now. I don't know what to do.....

 

Thank you for all your help!

[fishinghat]

Welcome Amy

 

Your story is a familiar one to us. And you are right....you are not alone.

 

Some options for you. Go back on Cymbalta and wean off slowly (sounds like that is not possible). Second go on something like Zoloft, Prozac or Lexapro. That are in a similar family but don't have as bad a withdrawal (they also won't help with fibro). And the last option is to tough it out (could be a rough trip). Things that help a little is...

3000 mg omega 3 per day

500 mg Vit C per day

and stay very hydrated.

This is not a cure but it will help some.

 

You can also take Benadryl for the anxiety. Caution, it can make you very sleepy during the day AND the anxiety effects only last a couple weeks before your body gets use to it. After you are off it a couple weeks you can use it again for a while.

[fishinghat]

By the way some have had very good success with Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar for their fibro. There is some medical research that supports this. If you do a search on this site you will find several discussions about it. Be aware it is acidic so it can upset the stomach. The reason the Bragg's is the only Apple Cider Vinegar that works is that it is unpasteurized and therefore has all the original components. If you have any questions about the Braggs let me know and I will try to answer them.

[TryinginFL]

Hi and welcome Amy!

 

Regarding United HealthCare - I have that insurance as well and just found out about Optum RX - I was informed of this while calling in my payment for my RX coverage (which I pay 63.70/month)  Medical coverage is another thing...

 

If you have the United RX coverage, you can contact Optum at 877-889-5802. This is a mail pharmacy.  They checked my meds for me and all were tier 2 and by using Optum there is no copay at all.  I hope that this is of some help to you.  Needless to say, I'm quite sure that would only help with the generic not name brand.

 

I agree about getting back on the Cymbalta to stabilize and then you will be able to bead count your way down. Bead Counting is covered in the topic Are You New Here?  Move down a bit and you will see Bead Counting - How to do it

 

I also have fibro and arthritis as well.  I did not feel that Cymbalta helped with pain at all.  I went cold turkey off of 60mg in Jan of 2014 because I did not know about the bead counting.  I DO NOT recommend you do this - your symptoms are typical of withdrawal, but I did not have brain zaps - everything else and more, yes!

 

I spent the year from hell and hope that you will be able to wean off safely and avoid this

 

Please keep us posted and come back with any questions you may have - remember, we are here for you!!

 

Liz 

[AmyeSnipes]

Thank you all for your help! I will definitly try all of your suggestions!