12 replies to this topic

[Patti100]

Just found this site and been reading and reading.  Lots of great info.  My doctor stopped my Effexor (after about 20 years) and put me on cymbalta 60 mg. about 2 months ago.  From reading they are both the s ame type of antidepressant.  Should I just stop the Cymbalta since I have already been off the Effexor (150 mg) for 2 months now?

Was on Xanax for awhile.  Can this be taken to lessen some of the symptoms I am having?

Thank you one and all

 

[fishinghat]

Xanax can be taken to reduce the withdrawal. It is not recommended by the manufacturer to stop Cymbalta cold turkey as it can cause suicidal thoughts and seizures among other things. Considering how short of a time you have been on the Cymbalta I would suggest that you drop to 30 and see how it goes. You might get away with that and can then drop slowly from there.

[Patti100]

Thank you for the reply.  Appreciate it.

[gail]

Hi Patti,

Same thinking here, go to 30 and if too tough, bead count your way down from 60.
Advice is not to cold turkey this, effexor and Cymbalta are know for their crazy withdrawal symptoms.

[Raven72]

Hello,

I agree with the others. While I stopped the Cymbalta cold turkey I would advise against it. Hang in there, we are here for you.

Raven

[Patti100]

Did not take Cymbalta today.  I have been bleeding again (was in hospital beginning of April for GI bleed).  Just found that Cymbalta can increase your risk of internal bleeding if taking a blood thinner (which I am ) 

[fishinghat]

Absolutely. I am glad you caught this. Did they give you anything for the hemorrhaging? Are they going to run tests to see where the bleeding is located? Hang in there.

[Patti100]

Had a endoscopy, colonoscopy and small camera I had to swallow.  Since I had stopped bleeding (and had 2 units of blood infused) they could not find anything.  Made an appt with GI doc for Wed and GP on Thurs.  Figured since I went off the Effexor cold turkey but was given Cymbalta instead I have had a lot of side effects.  I know they are the same type of medication but I still feel off.  I just want to be medicine free except for heart meds.  All I want to do is cry

[fishinghat]

That's normal Patti. You can get this all dealt with. It is just a matter of time. Typically the blood thinner and the Cymbalta act together to irritate the lining of the stomach which will seep some blood. This would not necessarily show on an endoscopy. Lets hope it is that simple. Any stomach irritation? Do you sort of feel achy and hungry all the time?

[Patti100]

I am always achy!  Hungry, sometimes.  What does this have to do with bleeding?

anyway, I just feel in a fog.  Getting better as the days go by, but had a bad fall in the middle of the night.  Now black and blue.  Always something with me.

[fishinghat]

The type of bleeding usually (but not always) caused by Cymbalta with an anticoagulant it due to irritation on the lining of the stomach. This irritation causes an increase in release of acid from the stomach which in turn causes an increase in hunger and a general achy feeling especially as the stomach empties of food.

 

Hang in there.

[Patti100]

Saw the doctor today.  She said I did not need to reduce Cymbalta, just stop. Okaaayyyy! Whatever.  Then she said since I was stopping most of my meds I probably did not need to see her anymore!! 

She knows that I am an informed patient and will do what I think best so I guess she will adjust.

Thank you for your help.  Off to read some more and yes, I will get through this

[fishinghat]

Good for you Patti!!!  Hang in there.