4 replies to this topic

[DonB52]

Hi all, I am brand new to the Cymbalta withdrawal nightmare. I am a retired Electro-mechanical CAD Drafter/Designer and a U.S. Air Force Vietnam veteran. I've suffered chronic depression my entire life and have been treated with many drugs including Cymbalta. For over 2 years I have been taking 120mg daily. Last July, my wife and I sold our house in Massachusetts and moved lock, stock and barrel (including 3 cats) to North Carolina. I finally got accepted into the VA medical care system in February this year. My prescription for Cymbalta from my former MD ran out last week and the VA can't or won't prescribe it to me. So, I'm suffering major withdrawal symptoms. About the only symptom I don't have is nausea! To add to the "train-wreck", my VA PCP sent me a letter (it arrived yesterday the 13th) informing me he was leaving the VA.
Any advice for coping with the withdrawal would be greatly appreciated at this point, since it is unlikely I will be getting help from the VA anytime soon. I intend to contact my Senators and the Congressman from our district in hopes of getting their help with the VA. Meanwhile I will be fighting with the Patient Advocate at the Hickory VA CBOC in an attempt to get my med represcribed.

[fishinghat]

If you can't get any more Cymbalta to wean with see if you can get either Zoloft, Lexapro or Prozac instead. These are ADs with a longer half life and will help take the edge off or even bring complete relief. If you can find a dr who will prescribe one of these you may be able to find a pharmacy with a discount drug plan that offers a low rate on the generics. My pharmacy only charges $5 per month for sertraline (generic Zoloft).

 

Meanwhile some things that may help....500 mg vit C per day, 3000 mg of Omega 3 per day and stay hydrated. These aren't cures but can help.

[gail]

Hello Don and welcome,

No Doctor with a straight mind should prevent you of those meds, specially cymbalta. Cold turkey from 120 mg is real cruel. Don, knowing your history here, even no history, this is an outrage. My language is french, cursing is special in french, and you should hear what is going on in my head. If I write it, I will be forced out of the forum.

I can just imagine your turmoil here.

Fishinghat, what about generic cymbalta? Better than none, right? Just asking.

This is an insult, no one with a right mind does this. Shame, shame and shame!
*****, that has my hear spiked up, no spray, no gel. I am MAD.

Do contact the higher powers for this matter, I am so, so sorry for the stupidity, the ignorance of some doctors. Do no harm...I will stop here, forcing myself to stop!



Take action Don, we are not talking about Tylenol here...
Sorry, I keep calling you Bob..edited the post here

[fishinghat]

Yea generic would be fine Gail. I just assumed (which I shouldn't) that if he can't get Cymbalta he probably couldn't get the generic. My bad.

[Carleeta]

Don   Welcome.  Please take the advice on the above posts with the best alternate choices for anti depressants. I would like to say its an honor to have you here and have served our country the way you have.  I understand all too well how the VA hospitals work and know exactly what you are going through.  I would definitely contact your Senator and Congressman. For all you did for your country its time they pay you back and forward.  Good luck and keep us posted.