I have been on Cymbalta since 2008. Was prescribed post Breast cancer, for pain and depression, and seemed like a miracle at the time. I have been off and on AD since my late 20's, and am now 63. Way back in the 80's there was tofranil, then prozac, paxil, wellbutrin and so on. Of course at some point most worked to some degree, but Cymbalta was totally different thing...I got described as "cheerful" for the first time in my life! I am (was) a Substance Abuse counselor so, of course read all the known data, at time and was thrilled to find this "superdrug". Never looked back, or followed up on new drug updates. didn't occur to me. DId have increases in dosage up to 120 mg, and then reductions due to finances or lack of insurance. During these years I have experienced major depressions, memory loss, neuropathy, insomnia, weight gain, etc. I have always assumed this was "chemo brain" , increasing age...heredity? Moving forward, for whatever reason, I forgot to take the cymbalta for a couple of days (I am VERY compliant with medication taking, so this was weird). When I remembered to take I did, but sporadically, and then it occured to me ...just stop, save money. So I did. Within days, I was experiencing full blown withdrawal, and not recognizing it at all...nightmares, songs stuck in head, zaps, confusion, just about everything down the list. Found this site, and started investigating, and realized how bad I was, and how strong this withdrawal can be. But, being more than albit stubborn and probably arrogant...the "i can do this alone", I've beaten other addictions...blah blah...and then the rage...total irrational full blown RAGE. at people I love. Animals I love. My mouth is taking me places I do not recognize. I am hateful and MEAN. crying one moment, weird joke and laughing next. Forgetting how to speak, joint pains,and a host of other fun effects.
To help myself I have been drinking a lot of water, plan on getting Omegas tomorrow. Benadryl available. I am at point I am open to starting low dose, if that will help. This is crazy. (or I am.) Suggestions? And lastly...where do we go from here? Once totally off Cymbalta and a median norm can be "re-established", assuming anxiety /depression returns ...full blown...where do we "go" for help? thanks for any input.