7 replies to this topic

[jvlouis]

This is my first post on this website, I stumbled upon it just a handful of days ago after I woke up from sleep paralysis and did some googling to see if it could be the fault of any of my medications. I've been on Cymbalta 30mg for about two months and recently got an increase to 60mg. My psychiatrist is absolutely terrible and has twice forgotten to refill my prescription, even after I gave her fair warning of needing a refill. The first time I had a late refill was on 30mg, after two days without it I could notice withdrawal symptoms. I felt extremely anxious and depressed. After getting put on 60mg and having a late refill, on the second day without it as well, I experienced the worst nightmare I have ever had in my life. I typically have bad dreams and I have for the majority of my life, I don't get scared by them because I lucid dream most of the time. This nightmare was something on a different level completely, I took a midday nap and woke up screaming and sobbing, I was in terror for at least an hour. My roommate was there to comfort me, luckily, and when I described my dream to her, she said that it sounded like I experienced sleep paralysis. I've never experienced sleep paralysis before and don't even typically have any difficulty with sleep in general. I was back on my 60mg later that night. I'm now moderately afraid of the dark and of falling asleep. I know nightmares are typical, according to this forum, but has anyone experienced sleep paralysis? 

 

I'm 18 and have been on a few other antidepressant/anti-anxiety medications and have had no luck with them before, so I was overjoyed when I found Cymbalta was working for me and I even had plans to ask for a dosage increase. After reading through these forums, I'm feeling weary about my treatment with duloxetine and extremely nervous about what will happen if I stop, considering I have experienced withdrawal symptoms moderately quickly after absence of the medication. I'm a bit lost as to what I should do.

[invalidusername]

Hi jvlouis and welcome to the forum...

 

Sleep paralysis is something that has been mentioned here on a few occasions. A good start would be the following post;

 

https://www.cymbalta...benzos/?p=79638

 

Are you taking any other medications or supplements that might be interfering with the Duloxetine? Sleep paralysis can be quite a serious condition and very disturbing and it is important to find the root cause of it.

 

Don't overwhelm yourself with the withdrawal at this stage - take one step at a time. But I would say job one would be to lay down the law with your psychiatrist. Given the very short half life of Duloxetine, you are sure to suffer withdrawal from missing a dose. And a jump from 30 to 60mg will bring with it a host of potentials. Whilst some will say that when the drug is in your system, updosing will not cause any side effects - this is unfortunately not to case for all. It can take - in worst cases - the same length of time for the body to adjust as when it did when you first started.. around 6-8 weeks.

 

IUN

[fishinghat]

I really don't have much to add to IUN's post. Just remember that these psych meds have a strong and varied effect on brain and nerve function as well as neurotransmitter actions so changes should be kept to a minimum when possible and all changes done slowly. Patience is a key in dealing with these issues.

[jvlouis]

IUN,

 

That link was much appreciated, as I'm still learning how to navigate this site. It's relieving to hear that other people have experienced similar issues as me. 

 

I'm currently on Trileptal (which I'm trying to get off of, as I believe I was misdiagnosed) and Wellbutrin (which I also don't want to take). I was prescribed the Wellbutrin to "manage" the side effects of my other prescriptions which included foggy memory, trouble concentrating, and extreme fatigue. The Wellbutrin hasn't helped at all, even after doubling the dose. I'm currently in search of a new psychiatrist; trust me, I've written some strongly worded emails to her. 

 

Your help, knowledge, and care is valued.

[invalidusername]

You are more than welcome...

 

Trileptal could very well be the culprit as studies have shown that sleep paralysis to be a common side effect;

 

https://www.ehealthm...leep-paralysis/

 

Duloxetine also gave me seizures and this can interact with meds taken to combat that same condition... such as Trileptal. I still suffer them many months on and am now diagnosed with PNES (pseudo non-epileptic seizures). I live in hope that they will go, but there is no question that the Duloxetine caused this.

 

I don't quite agree with how your meds have been managed, insomuch that a medication should not be used to combat the side effects of another in this case. If a patient is susceptible to such issues, then loading you up with what may cause more (regardless of maybe reducing the side effects of another drug) is simply not good practise. Psych's just love pill pushing in my experience. I want to be careful in what I say as my advice is given only on the basis of my initial observations, but I would very much agree in looking at getting a separate overview and opinion on your current treatment. By all means divulge what you are comfortable with sharing and we will help where we can.

 

Just a heads up.... Hat is also likely to call your psych an idiot and tell you to fire him/her

[fishinghat]

"Just a heads up.... Hat is also likely to call your psych an idiot and tell you to fire him/her  :)"

 

Mind reader!!

[invalidusername]

"Just a heads up.... Hat is also likely to call your psych an idiot and tell you to fire him/her  :)"

 

Mind reader!!

 

[frog]

Hi JV,

Welcome to the forum. Just wanted to also wish you a speedy process to finding a new, responsible psychiatrist. It sounds like your current one should have their license taken away. Messing with people's mental health medication is dangerous and unacceptable. 

 

Only other thing I wanted to add was that while I don't have any experience with sleep paralysis, I had very vivid dreams on Cymbalta. Specifically when I first started it and when I was getting off of it. Not necessarily only nightmares but very detailed, very realistic and often intense dreams. I would also get horrible night sweats and wake up drenched. 

 

Like IUN said don't worry too much about the coming off stage if they're actually working for you. The goal is to feel good and get joy out of life. If Cymbalta is helping you do that then enjoy it Nearly all meds, even supplements have side effects and risks.