Jump to content



Photo

Never Felt This Way In My Entire Life


  • Please log in to reply
34 replies to this topic

#1 DepressedGramma

DepressedGramma

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 15 posts

Posted 04 January 2019 - 09:30 PM

After taking Cymbalta 120 daily for over 4 years along with Buproprion XL,weaned to 60 daily Cym only. After a year at that dosage, currently weaning to get off it completely since it doesn't work. OMG I am in a living hell. No bead counting needed cuz I have 20mg and 30mg capsules. My Escitalopram started on 12/21/18 taken with 50Cymbalta. Each week Cym decreased by 10mg. Today I am at 30mg.For the past 2 weeks I have been miserable:
Uncontrollable crying,suicidal thoughts, paranoia, irritability off the charts!
Had to join outpatient psychiatric program..avoiding hospitalization.
New MD has given me Valium today cuz Clonazepam makes me worse. I am so scared.

#2 PrincessNutella

PrincessNutella

    Good Friend

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPip
  • 178 posts
  • LocationTurkey

Posted 05 January 2019 - 08:28 AM

Welcome, welcome!

Before FishingHat gets on, I wanted to express my opinions. I think your symptoms are a result of weaning too fast with too much. I don't know if you read any of the threads, but most people here try to wean %1-3 a week.

Don't be scared, you have us to help you. And my advice would be to reinstate a dosage where you feel stable enough, and go from there. And "Summary of Cymbalta Withdrawal.." topic has got you covered.

I hope I did you justice, FishingHat.

#3 gail

gail

    Site Partners

  • Site Supporter
  • 6,016 posts
  • LocationSherbrooke, PQ
  • why_joining:
    5 months on cymbalta, scary side effects, to get help and to return the favor if I can.

Posted 05 January 2019 - 10:03 AM

Hello DG,

Before Fishinghat comes along, what is the dosage of the escitalopram?

Ozgun is right about going to fast, I would also advise you to get back on the dosage that you felt comfortable with. Like 50 mg. Stay there till you're better. And then you bead count.

Fishinghat will come by later, we don't want seretonin syndrome, so we need your escitalopram dosage. You will be all right with all of us standing by you. Promise!

#4 invalidusername

invalidusername

    Site Admin

  • Site Supporter
  • 6,195 posts
  • LocationKent, UK

Posted 05 January 2019 - 02:00 PM

Hi DG and a welcome from me.
 
So 4 years of 120mg, 1 year at 60mg and now 2 weeks at 50mg with escitalopram, and 30mg as of today.
 
The girls have already covered you with the main point. Whilst the 10mg drop may have seemed like a small move, it wasn't. The further drop today to 30mg is a no-brainer. 
 
All your symptoms you have listed are textbook for withdrawal, so for now try your best to tell yourself that it is the medication doing this to you. I know that doesn't help in the moment, but thinking long-term, where it is the effect of the pills, it has to pass... and it will.
 
But for now, as the girls have said, get back to your last stable dose - this is after all what it says in the patient information leaflet. Then we can start getting you cross-tapering on an easier schedule.
 
As Ozgun has rightly pointed out to another member, you are going from an SNRI to a SSRI. The chemical compound, and therefore the levels being controlled in your brain, are going to be all off. The "N" is no longer being regulated. This "N" is norepinephrine which balances out your adrenaline response. With this out of whack, you will be going backwards and forwards between depression and anxiety - and everything in-between. 
 
You've done exactly the right thing by coming here. We'll look after you :)

#5 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 05 January 2019 - 05:34 PM

Welcome DG. It sounds like these guys pretty well covered everything. The ssri usually take 4 to 8 weeks to kick in and in the mean time just hold on. I don't know if the dr told you but the clonazepam and valium are benzos and they can have a wicked withdrawal as well. Did you stop the clonazepam and if so when?


#6 DepressedGramma

DepressedGramma

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 15 posts

Posted 06 January 2019 - 04:45 PM

Thank you ALL for ur replies. So is my psychiatrist wrong with the weaning?
Dropping 10mg weekly is too drastic?
Escitalopram is 10mg daily. I was crying too much a year ago while on BOTH Buproprion XL 300 and Cymbalta at 120.
I'm convinced that my longterm usage of psychotropic meds has messed up my brain..long term

#7 DepressedGramma

DepressedGramma

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 15 posts

Posted 06 January 2019 - 04:48 PM

The Clonazepam doesn't help. Valium is lowest dose at 2mg. I had a bad episode of anxiety so new MD at outpatient center made this change.

#8 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 07 January 2019 - 08:16 AM

I have no problem with your dr dropping you 10 mg every week on your Cymbalta IF he/she is making similar increases in your Escitalopram. You started on the Escitalopram Dec 21st so it may not really kick in until the end of January. This is a fairly routine cross over but you will definitely suffer until the Escitalopram kicks in.

As far as the clonazepam/valium is concerned, benzos work well for anxiety for most but I personally prefer to try hydroxyzine and or clonidine first as they are not addictive and no withdrawal. If they don't work then you can always go to the benzo. Benzos are very addictive and so are to be used only for 4 weeks or less. Their withdrawal is pretty tough as well. I have heard that long-term use has been linked to dementia but haven't had a chance to confirm that yet.

It has been well documented that these psych meds do effect the nerve cells in the brain and once the patient comes off these meds it takes around 2 years for them to recover. If you are planning on coming off them then you better plan on a slow long term weaning.

#9 DepressedGramma

DepressedGramma

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 15 posts

Posted 07 January 2019 - 06:53 PM

I have had no increase in Lexapro dosage. I really need to discuss the meds situation with new psychiatrist at outpatient program. We ae awaiting results on genetic testing done and hoping for useful information. Thanks for your support..oh I am in the States..so time difference is reason for my delay in reply.

#10 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 07 January 2019 - 07:01 PM

No problem. I am sure the dr will kick you up to 20 mg on the Lexapro when you have come off more of the Cymbalta.


#11 DepressedGramma

DepressedGramma

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 15 posts

Posted 19 January 2019 - 01:12 PM

Genesight test results show that I am a poor metabolizer of a long list of antidepressants. In addition, I possess a genetic variant that is associated with poor response to SSRI's ...interesting, complex, my younger self responded fabulously to Prozac. Alas..my brain has aged and been bombarded with too high doses of Cymbalta for these past 5 years. Fishinghat..doc suggested increasing Lexapro just like you said, but I don't want to do that fearing both poor responsive and Serotonin Syndrome.
My current plan:
I drop to 20mg Cymbalta today along with the 10mg Lexapro, 2mg Valium and WAIT FOR IT..going to begin a mood stabilizer, 25mg Lamotrogine(Lamictal)today. Doc does not support the practice of opening capsules and bead counting. My goal is to be done with Cymbalta. Thank you dear friends.

#12 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 19 January 2019 - 02:08 PM

Sounds like a plan. You know, just my opinion but I have not been too impressed with the genetic testing results so far. Hopefully with time they will be able to say this one will work for you but that one won't. Something a little more specific without going through this trial and error.

Please keep us informed on how you are doing as that is the way we can all learn and be better educated for the future.

#13 gail

gail

    Site Partners

  • Site Supporter
  • 6,016 posts
  • LocationSherbrooke, PQ
  • why_joining:
    5 months on cymbalta, scary side effects, to get help and to return the favor if I can.

Posted 19 January 2019 - 02:28 PM

DG,

I do think that's a good plan, lowering one at the same time your are upping the other.

So, 20 mg Cymbalta with 10 mg lexapro. At that rate, I don't see a serotonin syndrome.

Don't worry about Lamictal, it's a smooth mood stabilizer, and at 25, I see no problems.
I remember starting it slowly, can't remember the reasons, but they were serious.

Fishinghat, am I rigt when I say thAt seretonin syndrome is improbable in this case?

#14 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 19 January 2019 - 02:46 PM

I agree Gail. Just watch for feeling bad with a spike in temperature (> 102F) but you should be OK.

#15 invalidusername

invalidusername

    Site Admin

  • Site Supporter
  • 6,195 posts
  • LocationKent, UK

Posted 19 January 2019 - 03:54 PM

...or hyperactivity - feeling wired. That is a sure sign. But fever usually accompanies most as Hat said.

 

20mg Cymbalta is no more than 5mg Lexapro equivalent, so no issues for sure, unless shown previously to smaller doses, which is extrememely rare.

 

From what I have read about genetic testing, there is a looooong way to go. Looks promising, but unfortunately results are far from accurate at the present time. I wouldn't put any stock in it myself. Prevention rather than cure should be for all, not only those who are prone to mental health. There are schemes trying to take off over here in the UK for government funding to teach about mental health in schools. This is what we need in the short term. And given that it is costing the NHS stupid amount of money, I fail to see why they aren't backing it yet. Silly sods.


#16 DepressedGramma

DepressedGramma

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 15 posts

Posted 24 January 2019 - 12:19 AM

Thanks for your support!

#17 gail

gail

    Site Partners

  • Site Supporter
  • 6,016 posts
  • LocationSherbrooke, PQ
  • why_joining:
    5 months on cymbalta, scary side effects, to get help and to return the favor if I can.

Posted 24 January 2019 - 09:12 AM

DG

Come back anytime, we're here for you. I hope that all is better for you!

#18 DepressedGramma

DepressedGramma

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 15 posts

Posted 29 January 2019 - 10:12 PM

I see the MD this week. Plan to increase Lamictal to 50 from 25mg..we don't think Lexapro is going to be effective, so keeping it at 10mg, but he is going to suggest going from 20mg Cymbalta to zero..he cut my Valium down to one 2mg pill daily, take 1/2 in morning, the rest at bedtime.

#19 gail

gail

    Site Partners

  • Site Supporter
  • 6,016 posts
  • LocationSherbrooke, PQ
  • why_joining:
    5 months on cymbalta, scary side effects, to get help and to return the favor if I can.

Posted 30 January 2019 - 09:41 AM

Hello DG,

Nice to see you back. If you can, insist on not going from 20 to 0 Cymbalta. To 10 would be better. Less withdrawal.

Lamictal 50 is still a low dosage. No problem here. I'm just worried about the big jump from Cymbalta. Insist please. Lexapro has not had the time to fully kick in. He may bring you to 15mg, that would be a good move. Others will chime in.

#20 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 30 January 2019 - 09:49 AM

I agree with Gail. Lexapro takes 4 to 5 weeks to kick in but other than that I see no problem.

#21 invalidusername

invalidusername

    Site Admin

  • Site Supporter
  • 6,195 posts
  • LocationKent, UK

Posted 30 January 2019 - 09:51 AM

I agree with Gail here - the jump is too much at any point within withdrawal.

 

To reduce the Valium at the same time also seems madness. This needs to be monitored and adjusted as you see fit rather than simply reducing it for the sake of it.

 

Regarding the Lexapro, again I agree with Gail, it is too early to tell. However that said, I am now 7 weeks into 15mg and I have started to go backwards... signficantly. Whilst this may not be the case for you, it is possible...


#22 DepressedGramma

DepressedGramma

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 15 posts

Posted 30 January 2019 - 10:24 PM

Okay,thank you all! I opened a capsule and the beads are a "bloody" mess! Tiny and stuck together, I need a microscope and sharp instrument to separate and count them. MD will not be happy if I do this....

#23 invalidusername

invalidusername

    Site Admin

  • Site Supporter
  • 6,195 posts
  • LocationKent, UK

Posted 31 January 2019 - 10:01 AM

Yes - it can be a bit of a shock when you first open a capsule! But do not let the MD's opinion put you off - this is your body and your mental health here, not his. We want what is best for you not him!

 

Some other users opt for micro scales to alleviate the stress of bead counting. The following would be ideal;

 

https://www.amazon.c...ds=micro scales

 

This way you can weigh the beads rather than count them - and if some of them are stuck together and are different sizes, this would be a better way to go as it would be more accurate. 

 

Therefore, if you get the scales, you would put a small container on, zero the reading, empty the beads from one capsule out, and for arguments sake, we'll say it reads exactly 20mg. Then simply canter beads into another container off the scales and re-weigh. When you reach 10mg, you will have both containers with the right amount. Put both back into a capsule each - and it is job done! 10mg capsules of Cymbalta!

 

It is a lot easier once tried...and the lab "environment" of the scales should please your MD more than counting each bead individually!!


#24 gail

gail

    Site Partners

  • Site Supporter
  • 6,016 posts
  • LocationSherbrooke, PQ
  • why_joining:
    5 months on cymbalta, scary side effects, to get help and to return the favor if I can.

Posted 31 January 2019 - 10:11 AM

IUN

Perfect explanation. For someone who's never done this like myself, that is an answer that would get me dancing or singing. Again, thank you for your time given to the forum. Lovage

#25 invalidusername

invalidusername

    Site Admin

  • Site Supporter
  • 6,195 posts
  • LocationKent, UK

Posted 31 January 2019 - 11:36 AM

Always a pleasure... thank you Gailage


#26 DepressedGramma

DepressedGramma

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 15 posts

Posted 31 January 2019 - 02:52 PM

Okay,thank you all! I opened a capsule and the beads are a "bloody" mess! Tiny and stuck together, I need a microscope and sharp instrument to separate and count them. MD will not be happy if I do this....

#27 juli

juli

    Good Friend

  • Site Supporter
  • 149 posts

Posted 04 February 2019 - 02:05 PM

Hi there. Please don't go from 20 to zero.  there is a good chance that it will go very badly. Put the pills on a black tshirt and use a toothpick to separate into piles of ten. order some gel capsules off of amazon and fill.  also please please please up your lexapro as you go down. increase 10 to 15 one week and 15 to 20 as needed.  you dont have to tell your doc that you r bead counting.

love you and want you to be ok.

juli


#28 invalidusername

invalidusername

    Site Admin

  • Site Supporter
  • 6,195 posts
  • LocationKent, UK

Posted 04 February 2019 - 06:58 PM

That black t-shirt idea is genius... why didn't I think of that :)


#29 DepressedGramma

DepressedGramma

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 15 posts

Posted 05 February 2019 - 03:04 PM

Today is day 2 at zero Cymbalta. I counted 100 beads in a 20mg capsule. Ready to bead count if necessary, and I love ur suggestion, but mainly the love and support. Thank you

#30 gail

gail

    Site Partners

  • Site Supporter
  • 6,016 posts
  • LocationSherbrooke, PQ
  • why_joining:
    5 months on cymbalta, scary side effects, to get help and to return the favor if I can.

Posted 05 February 2019 - 04:00 PM

Hello DG

You will see how you feel, just remember that if things get too hot, you can take 10 mg Cymbalta to ease the passage.

Ready to bead count if necessary, I like that. What I don't like is the 20 mg to 0 mg.

I wish you the best, always welcome for questions or simply venting. Love!



0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users