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Have I Done The Right Thing Going Off 'cold Turkey'? Need Some Comfort And Encouragement!


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#1 Spark33

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Posted 29 September 2016 - 06:45 AM

Hi. I'm afraid I am one of those people who when they make their mind up to do something. ... It's all or nothing. I went off Cymbalta 60mg just over three weeks ago and just wanted to say that this forum is making me feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel even though I am still experiencing pretty severe symptoms.

I went on this drug 2 years ago for GAD which I have had in bouts throughout my life. I was going through a tough time with the passing of close family members and a number of other stresses which elevated my Anxiety levels. I am about to enter retirement and a new sea change lifestyle and thought I would get myself off this drug as I have been drinking alcohol to excess and experiencing emotional outbursts which has never been a personality trait of mine. I want to focus on a healthy lifestyle free of all drugs.

I just wanted some comfort please on this forum that in my case, I am doing the right thing by going cold turkey. I feel like I have insomnia daily even though I am going to bed early and getting enough sleep. The nightmares in the beginning were horrible but seem to be settling down, I have waves of nausea and diarrhoea every day and that horrible heavy headed, dizzy feeling as if I have just gotten off a long haul flight.

I truly don't want to go back and wean off as some people have advised as I hate this drug and don't want it in my body. I feel it has been poisoning me. Is there anything natural I can do to help with the symptoms? How long can I expect to have them?

#2 gail

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    5 months on cymbalta, scary side effects, to get help and to return the favor if I can.

Posted 29 September 2016 - 08:56 AM

Hi Spark,

Welcome home! Natural products like omega, vit C, lots of water are recommended. You are 3 weeks in, at this point you may as well continue cold turkey. How long will it last? From what I have seen here, and read, and been through, eight to twelve weeks before you see improvement.

People going cold turkey do have a rough time, and they surely don't recommend it. So tie yourself to the mast! Many have succeeded, and you will too.

Takes time and a lot of patience. You might want to read in the Nutritional support to see what people recommend. I wish that I could butter it up, I would lie.

We have suggestions regarding anxiety if you suffer from it. Also about adding a low dose of Prozac or Zoloft to help you through this. Come back anytime, others will chime in later!

#3 fishinghat

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Posted 29 September 2016 - 09:03 AM

Hang in there Spark. We are here for you.

 

Benadryl (diphenhydramine)  can be use to help with sleep and to control anxiety but don't use it continuously as your body gets use to it and it will stop working.


#4 BobbieBoop

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Posted 29 September 2016 - 01:58 PM

Spark33

 

I went off cold turkey almost 3 months ago.  I have had some pretty bad days.  Overall I think it is getting better.  The last few days have been hard for me. I went on this medication for a neck injury.  I know have anxiety and it is horrible.  I think my neck injury is what is acting up right now.  I have weird stiffness and also aches and pains. I know how you feel about putting this medication back into your body I felt the same way. I'm hoping that my withdrawal will end soon.  I do use a lot a benedryl and that seems to help a lot. Hang in there and welcome to the form.  There are many on her that are so helpful.





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