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Today is day 20 off cymbalta..Thinking of what withdrawl symptoms I'm facing today..It occurred to me most of what I post on here is the awful side effects. Today I would like it to change my post and post the positive progress I've made in some areas of this journey. In doing this, I sincerely hope it will help others to reflect on those and gain their strength to keep going forward because we can and will get through this. I myself feel when I read these forums and read the suffering we all endure on this journey, I begin to feel these withdrawls will never end. Or, we are all looking for the answer to "When will these symptoms end?".
I find myself looking for these side effects and fearing what next symptom will I have.
Therefore, today I will begin listing my progress through one of my symptoms from the horrible withdrawl from antidepressents.

Anxiety/Panic...today I walked out to my car because my battery was dead and the service men came to get it started..It's below zero outside today. Had to wait 30 minutes for it to get started. Once started I was told to have it run for 45 minutes..Ok, I said to myself.."What am I going to do for forty five minutes?" Well I decided to go back in the house and wait...Although was not happy to take off all the heavy clothing, boots, gloves, hats, and etc...just to put them back on to go outside aand turn the car off..Therefore I sat on the couch, fully winter dressed and thought how much I didn't want to get out of these clothes and back into them again because it was to nerve racking for me. I decided to text my son and ask him if he wanted anything from McDonalds..He texted back "huh?"..Yup that's right he couldn't believe his eyes..I hadn't driven in over a month due to extreme anxiety. .I text him back.."Let me give it a try..I'll drive down the road, if I get to panicked I'll turn the car around and just come bacj..He texted back "ok"..I in my winter getup walked out the door, got in my car and started to drive (knowing all the time I could just turn around and go back) and contained to drive and found myself at McDonald's (drive thru of course) giving my order, paying for my order, receiving my order and chatting with one of the workers. I felt such confidence from this whole experience throughout the entire day. My family was so excited they gave me hugs and kisses.
I also told my family to not expect this from me tomorrow because tomorrow is another day and today was my start of doing something I fear horribly.

I am sharing my positive progress today..I do feel empowered.
Tomorrow I will share only my positive progress on this thread. Whether it be the littlest thing..I will share it..

God Bless you all....

The first six reasons come from a book.

 

The Six Reasons People Attempt Suicide from Happiness in this World by Alex Lickerman M.D.

 

1. They're depressed. This is the most common reason. The person says, "Everyone would be better off without me."

 

2. They're psychotic. They hear malevolent voices from within.

 

3. They're impulsive. Often drug and alcohol abuse lead to a snap decision.

 

4. They're crying out for help. The person is waving a flag, an alert to their anguish.

 

5. They have a philosophical reason to die. It's based on a "reasoned" decision- an attempt to take control of destiny.

 

6. Games gone too far. Often starts out as a fun game- risky, often sex-based. Asphyxiation is one type.

 

………………………………………………………………………………….

 

That all sounds pretty reasonable, and clearly it's been well-researched. However, permit me to add Reason Number 7, and Reason  Number 8.

 

Reason Number 7.

Another reason people arrive as Suicide's Door is due to Antidepressant Zombieosis (I made that term up) where the patient on an antidepressant is left with all emotions stripped away, flat-lined, zombie-like. The patient becomes a vacant shell, a hollow man, form without content aimlessly shuffling off to nowhere. The thought of suicide arrives not on the frothy wave of emotion, but rather on the bleak granite slab of nothingness.

 

Reason Number 8.

Another journey that transports us to Suicide's Door is Withdrawal or Discontinuation from Antidepressants. It's important to note that it isn't necessarily depression and anxiety that gets us started on antidepressants- many patients are prescribed drugs like Cymbalta for pain, and these folks often end up standing incredulous at that door too! 

 

We are misled by the propaganda that tells us withdrawal only takes two weeks- no problem. This misinformation is handed out to physicians on a pamphlet with a 100-dollar bill taped to the backside. The physician is happy (and even happier when solicited to present a seminar or write up a "study" for more cash). Likewise the media is compelled to bury the truth about antidepressant withdrawal as long as BigPharma is one of their sponsors: Dr. Phil is sponsored by Pfizer, so you won't hear anything negative about SSRIs on his show.

 

We are blindsided by hidden information. Perhaps it shouldn't be surprising that physicians often mumble as we're leaving the office, "You could be on these for the rest of your life . . .". The doctor often senses there's an anomaly present, but it's elusive.

 

We begin our withdrawal in earnest, enthusiastically! (Two weeks- I can handle that!) But soon we feel like something's wrong: "I should be over this by now! These symptoms must mean I've contracted some disease!" 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months- Nausea, vertigo, muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, tinnitus, sex life ended, cognitive impairment, loss of sense of smell, anxiety and panic, more depression, memory gaps and so on. It's deep deep water!

 

It takes months, not weeks; you have to be patient.

 

Understandably, the patient often ends up on another antidepressant because the physician is convinced this is a NEW condition altogether- especially if the drug had been prescribed for pain: The physician now sees depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, or fibromyalgia! Remember, there's nothing in the literature about this- in fact we are the pioneers, we are writing the history. It's really not surprising the patient finds himself or herself standing at Suicide's Door. 

 

And it's during withdrawal and discontinuation that we encounter profound rage: mass murders have occurred during discontinuation from antidepressants, and the suicide often follows.

 

This is what it feels like to be set-up, to be deceived.

 

But now you know, so don't do nuthin' dumb!

Hi Grace, I also just found this website and hope to help others. I have come off of Effexor years ago and HOLY COW. Now, I am in the 4th week of weaning off Cymbalta. I have been on Cymbalta about 1.5 years. I decidied to come off of it and talked with my OB/GYN doctor. I am also a Registered Nurse. I was on the drug for chronic hip pain.

I did the following to wean:
Dropped from 60 mg daily to 30 mg daily for about 2 weeks.
Then went to 30 mg every other day for about 10 days.
Then went to 30 mg eery two days for about a week.
Once I made it 3 days and was in the throws of withdrawl, I decided to just stop taking it and ride the waves. I did not go on another drug to help.

Good news: Constipation is cured. I have started seeing the scale change as in losing weight. My libido is back. And I can have orgasms again. Novel concept.

The Tough Part- it is tough because you feel like crap for several weeks. YESTERDAY I acutally felt somewhat normal but still off and on I through the day I had moments.

I described it to my husband and children like this: I feel like I am about 10 weeks pregnant, very hungover but drunk, coming down with the flu, premenstrual with a brain tumor.

Brain electrical volts, hot flashes, cold flashes, head swishing around, motion sick, nausea, decreased appetite, crying, (ya, I can cry on DEMAND. A melting iceburg on TV can make me cry. It is rather comical) laughing, moments of anger, tiredness, and the list goes on. Regardless of the symptoms, I am realy glad I made the decision to go off the drug and am really PROUD that I am doing it with the above symptoms. It is a journey/process but it does end.

I am finally feeling better today. I still have a weird sensation in my head but I do know it ends. MY family was just educated that "this is going to suck" but we all recognize that when Mom is crying because I can;t find my way to a new pool, it is just the Cymbalta withdrawl.

What I have found most helpful:

Educate the people around you
Keep living life - go to work etc, as you feel crappy if at home or if at work
Drink lots of water. Cold water tastes best for me
Eat smaller meals because of the nausea.
Avoid alcohol during weaning.
Get your sleep. Rest. It helps
Excercise or at least take walks outside.
keep your social calendar limited for about a month


Be strong, You can do this. I am proof. Here is to living chemical free!

TC

Yes Son - you are spot on. The best way to withdraw is to do so with as close to steady stream of cymbalta in your system. To put it in a mathematical formulae;

 

1 + 2 beads - taking 1 bead at 8am and 2 at 8pm - note that it take 3 hours to reach max serum level

11am - 225% (100% from 1 bead morning dose, 25% left from previous morning 1 bead, 100% from previous evening dose)

11pm - 300% (50% left from morning dose 1 bead, 50% from previous evening 2 bead, 200% from evening dose)

 

Sorry if the math is a bit confusing, but you can see that you will have a spike in the evening, which will reduce every morning and induce a mini withdrawal of its own

 

1 + 1 + 1 beads - taking 1 bead at 8am, then 4pm, then 12am

11am - 238% (100% from latest dose, 67% left from 3am dose, 46% left from 7pm dose  25% left from yesterdays 11am dose) 

7pm - 238% (100% from latest dose, 67% left from 11am dose, 46% left from 3am dose  25% left from yesterdays 7pm dose)

3am - 238% (100% from latest dose, 67% left from 7pm dose, 46% left from11am dose  25% left from yesterdays 3am dose)

 

So evenly spaced beads will give you a steady level of serum throughout the day. You won't have the massive 75% drop in doses (which constitutes a third of the dose) which believe me can make all the difference. So odd doses can be dealt with this way which will help maintain the serum levels and alleviate the associated issues.

 

Hope that gives you a suitable picture....

 

IUN

 

p.s. Hat - feel free to check my math!!

Well my name is Christie. I wanted to let everyone know that yes I am looking for an attorney to sue. I have actually gone 1 round myself with the Eli Lilly Legal dept. heres there number 317-276-5674. I was told by them they dont get calls that Cymbalta gets people sick and that it helps thousands of people. Well I want to thank this site for what I knew when I went my round with her LOL. I tore her apart. She asked me what I wanted. I basically told her this is a dangerous drug and that its going to kill people and started telling her what I knew. The only answer I got was UM pretty much. They have a claim process but they wont guarantee anything. Basically they wanted my Medical records to see why it wasnt Cymbalta.

I actually contacted Erin Brockovich because Im like it cant hurt. Her staff actually emailed me saying they believed she was looking into it because the firm she worked for did LOTS of pharmaceutical cases. Im trying to get people to email her and tell her your personal story of getting sick on and or going off this drug. I figure the more she hears the better the chances are she will get involved. heres her email erin@brockovich.com or you can email me either. Ive decided Im not going to stop till the drug is off the market. I told Eli Lilly the one thing that they didnt want to hear they got the wrong person sick

My husband keeps telling me that anyday now we are going to be seeing ads on the tv saying "call us if you have ever taken the drug Cymbalta". I was never warned about the hell I would go through on this drug or getting off this drug.

Let it all go.

 

It's natural to want to resist the assault of withdrawal- we hate it! But we soon see that we just can't stay strong forever- it's exhausting, and it spikes up the anxiety. When we fight the withdrawal symptoms, and when we covet a certain expectation of recovery-- the setbacks feel even more profound! 

 

You are on this merry-go-round and you can't get off until it stops.  You can't shorten this event, you can only make it worse!  Let it all go. Focus on those personal chores that support your dignity and self-esteem: shower; dress in something that makes you feel good; put on your makeup; get outside; and put your need for sympathy on the shelf for an hour and find somebody to thank.

 

Turn on your engine of compassion and take it out for a spin. 

 

Let it all go. I know it hurts-- your world has a broken heart. When it's time to cry it's time to cry-- that's one valve you really need to open wide.

 

The greatest strengths you need in withdrawal are non-judgement and non-resistance-- it is what it is, and it's done when it's done. 

There are many different posts about symptoms and side effects of Cymbalta and Cymbalta Withdrawal. I wanted to begin a thread to compile a thorough list of effects and symptoms that are related to Cymbalta. (Pleae list symptoms/effects that are confirmed to be related to Cymbalta via your doctor or you just suspect them to be). Also, break your symptoms/effects into two categories: Side Effects (while taking Cymbalta) and Withdrawal Symptoms (while coming off Cymbalta). Also, please note "Dr" by a symptom that was confirmed by a doctor. I'll start by listing mine.

Side Effects:
Depression worsened
Lethargy
Irritability
Trouble sleeping
Nightmares
Withdrew from friends and family
Rage
Agitation
Spending/shopping out of control
Overall health declined: sick frequently
Weight gain
Suicidal ideation
Memory problems
Concentration problems
Vision problems

Withdrawal Symtpoms:
Nausea
Diarrhea
Headaches
Brain “zaps”
Dizziness
Numb fingers
Flu-like symptoms
Sinus pain
Runny nose
Hot flashes
Rage
Mood Swings
Crying
Suicidal ideation
Cold chills: Shivering accompanied by chest and abdominal muscle tightening
Memory problems
Concentration problems
Nightmares

There is no scientific evidence that any mental disorder-- including depression-- is caused by serotonin abnormalities. Dangerously high serotonin levels resulting in serious illness and even death, however, are often caused by serotonin drugs like SSRIs and SNRIs-- especially when a patient is prescribed two or more of these drugs simultaneously.

 

Dr. Wayne Goodman, Chairman of Psychopharmacologic Committee of the FDA said, "Biological psychiatrists have looked very closely for a serotonin imbalance or dysfunction in patients with depression or OCD, and to date it has been elusive. [They found no link] Although an SSRI or antidepressant may work well in an individual, this doesn't prove there's an underlying imbalance, defect, or dysfunction in the person's serotonin system."

 

The four current guesses why antidepressants may work are the following:

1.  Changes in neurotransmitters.

2.  Placebo effect.

3.  Neurogenesis (new brain cell growth).

4.  Amphetamine-like side-effects give the patient more energy.

 

How do antidepressants work? Nobody knows.

Antidepressants physically alter the brain. Once drugs are withdrawn, does the brain fully restore? Nobody knows.

What are the long-term effects of antidepressants? Nobody knows.

in lower back and just my joints in general. I dunno but seems the lower I go the more pain I've noticed however this will NOT stop my countdown. I've lived with pain since the age of 4 years with the diagnoses of Leggs~Calves~Perthes disease of the right hip. I've undergone 3 hip replacements and I wear them out. Having had my first replacement at age 35 and being a sorta 'active' kinda gal that just the way it goes. I feel there should be a life time warranty with this artificial joints but not so...lol

 

A career of orthopedic nursing and after going into the retirement mode and taking up horseback riding yep I've been pretty hard on these artificial hips....

 

I will continue to drop one bead per day 'til I'm DONE with Cymbalta, never to take this poison again, ever. It has been a rough road to hell and back but with the help and encouragement from the ppl here I shall make it.

 

I do plan to hang around to give help and hope to others who are on the forum now and those that will come after. That's what it's all about IMO friends helping friends. I am grateful to the forum and whomever it is that maintains it.

 

May God bless all of us and all remain in my daily prayers.

TheEquusWoman

Hi everyone! I haven't posted anything in a very long time, but just wanted to update everyone on my long term progress. I stopped taking Cymbalta on September 6, 2013. I have now been free of that drug for nearly two years. The first several months were really hard, but I think that I have finally reached the point of recovery where we all want to be. My main goal has been to slowly integrate myself back into society again. Because of the side effects of Cymbalta, I had completely isolated myself for years. Social anxiety was a big obstacle for me to overcome. I think getting back into the workforce helped more than anything else. I purposely got a job in a fast paced office environment, surrounded by hundreds of people. It was terrible at first, but over time it got much, much easier. Now, I'm actually loving it! Over the past two years, I also started dieting and have nearly lost all of the weight that I had gained while taking Cymbalta. (I gained 85 pounds and have now lost 70.) I honestly feel like a whole new person! The best thing is my ability to FEEL emotions again. I laugh when something is funny, I cry when something is sad, I feel excitement when good things happen, and I just can't wait for another new day! I have always had a good relationship with my husband, but since recovering from my Cymbalta addiction, our relationship has grown so much! The transformation is amazing. My precious daughter is starting college this fall, and I am so happy and excited for her! It is glorious to FEEL these things! The only long term effect from the drug that I seem to have is mild forgetfulness. Has anyone else had this issue? All in all, I guess it's a small price to pay considering where I was two years ago. Please don't give up hope. This drug CAN be beaten. For the first time in years, I feel like I'm in control of my life. Good luck to everyone battling this drug, And, GOD bless you all. 

Hugs to all!

I am a 5 year Cymbalta Withdrawal Survivor!

It was September of 2010 when I searched the internet for answers as to why I was so devastatingly

ill from having to stop taking the drug Cymbalta due to financial reasons.

I came across this very forum.

Guardian Angels on Earth all of us I tell you.

Selflessly helping each other with our life stories, support, and health tips.

I could go on and on and that is why they call me "Chatty Kathy" but I just want

to thank you for this forum. 

 

Keep believing, never give up and smile every morning and all through the day.

Hugs, Kathy

Sometimes I think the Lord gives use these challenges to remind us we need Him and 'No' we are not in control. Keep praying and being patient.

This post was edited on August 24 @ 1330 ET. I apologize to those who liked the first draft; hopefully you will like this too.

 

 

Mindfulness and C-Rage

 

Rage is a mind state. As with other mind states, we are participants and agents within that state. Therefore, what we do inside that state influences its outcome, and it affects the character of subsequent rage events. Mind states become stronger by repetition, so when we practice rage we become good at it-- so good that rage becomes a default mind state: something triggers us and we will always fly into a rage. 

 

Mindfulness is a mind state too. To be mindful is to be conscious, aware, and awake-- to be present. But how do we get to this mind state, and how do we make Mindfulness the default mind state? And how can Mindfulness stop rage? Mindfulness, like all mind states is learned. You learn it in a classroom, in therapy, or from books and CDs. Then it's practiced until it too becomes a default mind state, and eventually it becomes the foundation mind state-- the overriding mind state-- that supports and influences all others.

 

Mindfulness suggests we accept things we can't alter. It says don't judge, as judging leads to engagement and engagement leads to escalation (within our own minds, and in relations with other people). Mindfulness suggests we pay attention to self-talk because self-talk affects mind state-- therefore, change "I'm stupid." (a fused thought that you can't fix-- it's locked in) to "Sometimes I don't understand things as quickly as I'd like." (a defused thought that you can work with). Also, we don't resist thoughts that appear in consciousness; they're just thoughts.

 

Rage is learned. Of course the emotion is innate, but the drama that follows is learned and reinforced by many rehearsals.  Venting rage by punching and kicking a bag and pretend-killing is a form of practicing rage, so there are better strategies for releasing energy.

 

Mindfulness and C-Rage-- There is a small window of opportunity at the first rise of rage where the condition is threshold, and not fully-launched. This is where rage might be defused. Mindfulness gives us some options to alter the mind state, a toolbox of sorts. We can defuse the emotional volcano-- make it a puff of smoke rather than a catastrophic pyrotechnical blow-out! With practice, mind states are altered.

 

Road Rage Example

 

Somebody changes lanes quickly and cuts you off; there's no serious danger, but you have to brake. You fly into a rage! You honk and drive up behind the other car and tailgate for a while. Then you speed up beside the offender and flip him the bird, roll down the window and scream, "Hey asshole where did you learn to drive!!??" Then you zoom ahead and cut him off and shout, "How do you like that, asshole??!!" Your five-year-old son strapped in the back seat has just learned several valuable lessons that he will use on the road in a few short years, and then he will pass it on to his son.

 

Back up. What if you recognize the car? What if this car belongs to the family down the street and you know they just lost their 5-year-old little girl to cancer? Would you judge them the same? Would you engage and escalate the situation? You might say, "Oh dear. Look son, there's the mom from down the street who just lost her little girl. Let's give her some room." Everything changes!

 

Somebody cuts you off and you say, "Look son, that driver is having a bad day. Let's give him some room." Everything changes, especially your son's future. That's where Mindfulness begins-- non-judgement.

During withdrawal (tapering off, bead-counting etc) symptoms emerge and we naturally recoil. We tolerate what we can and try to reduce the symptoms by slowing down the weaning or by going back up a milligram or two. Sometimes we buy supplements and vitamins to see if that will help reduce the symptoms.

 

The symptom is always the bad guy, the devil at your door. But I think there's another way to look at it-- the symptom is the good guy, the bright angel that appears to help you! The symptom has but one message, and it's meant to guide you-- "You're going too fast!" It's not trying to mess you up, it's simply saying it can't keep up with the repairs at the rate you're removing the drug. And the faster you remove the drug the louder the symptom will shout "You're going too fast!"

 

Therefore, put the symptoms in charge, and adjust the dosage reduction accordingly. When symptoms appear, listen to them. Go slow; if more symptoms appear, go slower. There's less thinking, less planning, less strategizing, and less stress. If just a few symptoms or indeed NO symptoms whatsoever appear, it's an indication that the repairs are going fine.

 

Sometimes somebody has to get off the C right now for a variety of reasons, so this isn't for them. The low-symptom or symptom-free withdrawal is long-term- like a year or more, and the 10% Solution is probably the best strategy for this method (more on this later).

 

Surely a longer, stress-free withdrawal is more healthful and beneficial than a short-and-terrifying, debilitating, and symptom-filled withdrawal.

Well, Amy, when you "update the staff," just turn around, lift your skirt or drop your trousers and show 'em your rug burn.... tell 'em that's how you feel inside, too....

That may even get you some more paid time off! ;-)

Hi Everyone,

 

My name is Zachary Johnson and I've had the pleasure of speaking with quite a few of you over the phone, may be it on unfortunate circumstances. 

 

Our law firm, Knox Ricksen LLP, has been handling claims for individuals who have been suffering from Cymbalta Withdrawal. We have seen the negative effects of Cymbalta first hand after seeing someone very close to our firm's family go through Cymbalta withdrawal. We are committed to doing all that we can do to help people who have had to suffer through withdrawal symptoms. 

 

Please feel free to ask questions or comment here if interested. You may also contact us directly if you have any questions at www.knoxricksen.com . You may also email me directly at zjohnson@knoxricksen.com 

A post from msn on potentially lethal drug combinations:
http://healthyliving...dentally-lethal

This was a terrible point in my life. I had most of the side effects that you all describe but it took forever for me to tie it to Cymbalta because of everything they had me on at the time. I remember going in to the doctor's office complaining about being so tired all the time. For that he put me on 90mg adderall a day. He even told me the pharmacy might not allow it because it was above the recommended daily dose. Well they did allow it. I was given hydrocodone and Valium as well. I went from a kind and patient person to an angry and hostile a-hole. Looking back I can't believe I never hurt anyone. I'm so thankful that my marriage survived it all. I was so angry all the time. The pain killers made me more patient and less angry so for that benefit plus the physical pain the Cymbalta was causing me I would run out of pain killers early. When I felt I may have been dependent on them I got angry of course and quit them cold turkey. The withdrawal wasn't too bad but when I didn't improve I realized it was the Cymbalta. Stopping that brought a far worse withdrawal. Years later I'm left wondering if I'll ever be right again. On a positive note I realized it was the Cymbalta that made me crave alcohol. I used to hide bottles of vodka everywhere and would drink from the bottles all through the day. After quitting Cymbalta I never feel like drinking anymore. I come close to vomiting just thinking about it. My liver test from the VA came back healthy and I have no idea how it withstood such an onslaught of bad drugs and alcohol.

Hi all!   Just had to share....   Have taken no RX's today!!!!   No alprazolam or hydrocodone!   I am thrilled so far...

 

Love, hugs and Prayers to all,

Liz

I will simply list all the effect that I had and not label them as good or bad. I will leave that interpretation to the reader since something like effects on mood swings could be good for one person, while bad for another.

Effects that Cymbalta had on me while taking it:
Nausea (first day only) (confirmed by doctor)
Daytime Fatigue/Sleepiness/Laziness (decreased as the days passed, but never completely went away)
Shortened attention span
Decreased irritability/anxiety/stress
Decrease in periodicity and severity of mood swings
Felt very mellow/sedated most of the time
Decrease in social interactions (I became somewhat shy and reclusive)
Decrease in short-term memory capacity

Effects that Cymbalta had on me after I stopped taking it (the withdrawal effects began about a day or so after my last dose and lasted approximately 6 or 7 days. The peak in the effects occurred days 3 through 5)
Drastic and sudden increase in irritability/anxiety/stress
Increase in periodicity and severity of mood swings
Marked swings in "energy" (very energetic at times/very sleepy at others)
Increased attention span
Nausea
Severe depression
Severe suicidal thoughts/feelings of hopelessness
Time distortion
Audio and Visual hallucinations (only occurred during the most severe time of the withdrawal period)
"Brain Zaps"
Headaches
Paranoia
Became even more reclusive and shy (I spent large amounts of time in my bedroom [we have frequent visitors as I live in a house with two other bachelors] I did not want to be around people)

After about a week, the withdrawal symptoms faded and I returned to my old self (before Cymbalta). I am generally a happy guy, but I am known for my quick and severe temper. Right before I went on Cymbalra, my business was gong through a rough spot and I was having great difficulty in paying bills and keeping the doors open. I had become extremely irritable and severely quick tempered to the point that I was having multiple fits and tirades almost every day. This made the situation worse (of coarse). My employees came to fear me greatly to the point that their productivity feel which put us in an even worse economic situation. I went to my doctor on the advise of my business partner. My doctor prescribed me Cymbalta to help cope with the situation.

Here I will give my feeling of how Cymbalta treated what my doctor described as an anxiety disorder (this is an opinion and subjective in nature):
As far as reducing anxiety, I felt it did that very well. However, along with that my productivity also fell. I was very lethargic and lazy much of the time. I would spend hours in my office just pretending to work, while actually just surfing the internet. I would go to bed early and sleep late (I would often exceed 10 or more hours of sleep). I no longer felt driven and was just "on cruise control" much of the time, not really giving a crap about much of anything. So for me the drug did what it was supposed to, in fact it did it too well. I have said it before and I will continue to say it, I think Cymbalta may work well for some people. It did not work very well for me personally, but that does not mean it does not do so for others.

My problem with Cymbalta was the lack of communication from my doctor, pharmacist, and Eli Lilley about potential side effects THAT ARE LIFE THREATENING. The only thing I was told is that I may have some nausea the first few days. That's it. With side effects or withdrawal symptoms, the warnings should be proportional to the nature of the potential threat. When the drug has a potential to make people suicidal, a strong warning should be given at each of the levels (manufacturer, doctor, and pharmacist). I am not talking about fine print on some form or a tiny sticker on some bottle, but an honest-to-goodness, clear and strong warning. The lack of this type of warnings says one of three things about the doctors, manufacturers, and pharmacists:

1. They are ignorant about the potential threats. Given what I read on this forum, I believe that if they are still ignorant of the issues, then they are at least somewhat incompetent and not keeping up on the mos up-to-date information.

2. They are aware of the potential threats, but are lackadaisical in their approach to giving warnings. This tells me they are definitely incompetent and are not living up to their responsibilities as health care providers.

3. They are fully aware of the potential threats, but purposely cover them up for the purpose of making money or receiving benefits. This would tell me that not only are they incompetent, but they are evil, vile, disgusting human beings who completely place making money over human life. I sure hope this is not the case. But it certainly may very well be.

Thanks for reading my rant.